One Woman’s Journey Towards Better Health

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

The Garrett County Health Department, Health Education and Outreach division has assisted local businesses and organizations develop worksite wellness initiatives for many years. The Health Education division has a team of Community Outreach Workers who partner with select groups each year to support worksite wellness activities that promote physical activity, healthy eating, timely cancer screening, and discourage tobacco and drug use and the misuse of alcohol and prescription drugs. 

One of the worksites that Community Outreach Worker, Katie Lucas, is assisting this year is HUBZone, where she met Cheryl who was struggling with several health issues. Cheryl felt like she was on a roller coaster. She was battling high blood pressure, weight gain, and poor mental health. But all that was about to change.

“I want to let people know about my health journey,” Cheryl said. “Katie from the Health Department was brought into our workplace. Monthly she came and took our blood pressures and encouraged us. She would bring us tips and suggestions to help improve our health. She provided information on health topics, and she also provided challenges.” 

“I read everything and took part in the challenges,” Cheryl continued. “I started to see a change in the way that I was eating. I contacted my primary health provider and started looking at ways that I could start improving my health in every aspect. Every month when Katie came in to take our blood pressures, I saw my blood pressure going down, and she would encourage me, made suggestions, and cheered me on.”

Cheryl’s weight started going down, too, but she was still struggling with her mental health.

“Katie took time to talk with me and really was concerned,” Cheryl said. “She became a listening ear, and she provided suggestions on how to improve my mental health. Because of her encouragement, I have started to go to counseling and speak to my health care provider regarding my anxiety level and depression.”

“Katie cares about people, not just their physical health but also their mental health,” Cheryl added. “She has become a close friend and I know that I can reach out to her if I have any questions or concerns and need her help.”

To date, Cheryl has lost more than 60 pounds, and her most recent blood pressure was right on target. 

“I attribute the improvement in my health to Katie,” Cheryl said, “and I am grateful for her coming to our workplace.” 

“Working with Cheryl has brought me such joy,” said Katie. “She lights up every time that I come into the worksite for our monthly blood pressure and prevention messaging. She has been a wonderful person to sit and talk with and help her through things that she is facing that day, week, or month. She is an inspiration to others and to me in her journey to better health.”

“We never know how much of an impact we can have on someone else,” Katie added. “There’s a famous quote that says, ‘Today is your opportunity to build the tomorrow you want.’ Let’s twist that around to say, ‘Today is your opportunity to HELP SOMEONE ELSE build the tomorrow THAT THEY NEED.’”

For more information on the Workplace Wellness Program, call the Health Department at 301-334-7730.

Cutline: Picture left to right are Cheryl and Katie.