“Think Health, Act Now!”
Vivian decided years ago that it was time to take control of her mind, body and soul by making a lifestyle change. She wanted to prevent herself from developing health problems associated with being overweight or obese by keeping her weight in check. Her family had a history of obesity and bad eating habits.

Her time is a premium due to her hectic and busy schedule as the Health Opeations Director for the City of Milwaukee Health Department. However, she finds the time to be active. Being overweight or obese is not an option for her. She identifies ways to reduce weight through daily exercise, proper rest and reduction in caloric intake.

When available, she partners up with a girlfriend to start a program schedule for the day or she seeks the assistance of a personal trainer on a more regualr schedule throughout the week. This will ensure a healthy outcome.

Vivian explains that if you want to take control of your life, start today. She knew that she didn’t need to have special skills or training to be physically active. She enjoys walking because it’s a great way to start the process of a regular routine. She notes the physical activity should be initiated slowly, and the intensity should be increased gradually, e.g., start with a 10-minute walk three times a week and work your way up to 30 minutes of brisk walking or other form of moderate activity five times a week. Her activities are split into several short periods (e.g., 10 minutes 3 times a day) instead of one longer period (e.g., 30 minutes once a day.

She selects activities that she enjoys that fit into her daily life. She may take time to incorporate more activity into her life as she gets more comfortable with her daily exercise routine. It’s tough and sometimes she gets discouraged, but Vivian knows that the more she makes it a regular part of her life the easier it becomes for her to make the commitment to herself.

She constantly asks for support from friends and family; likewise, the support people in her life are also trying to be physically active. Many forms of physical activity can be social, allowing you to converse and spend time with family and friends or to develop new relationships. Vivian makes fitness (and healthy eating) a priority. Being a vegatarion…she is committed to it. “Think Health, Act Now!” is what she lives by.

By Vivian Chen Photography by Gideon Verdin-Williams