Anne powers: Eat healthier
In January, Munford resident Anne Powers, now 72, made a resolution to “eat healthier and exercise more.” When we checked with her in March, she had continued to lose weight, a total of 30 pounds, and her blood sugar levels were normal. She was pleased with her progress.
Checking in with her in June told a slightly different story. “I’m doing fairly all right,” said Powers. “I haven’t lost any more weight, but haven’t gained any either, and I am keeping my blood sugar down.”
The bad news is she has not been walking because of her “bad” knees. The good news is she started some new exercises, partnering with her wheelchair-bound husband who receives physical therapy each week.
She also admitted to “cheating a little with the sweets.” But she balances that by trying a lot of healthy recipes she finds on the Internet. “I know if I go back to eating like I was, those 30 pounds will pop right back on me, and my sugar will skyrocket,” said Powers.
“I’m a work in progress,” she said with a laugh. “And it’s going to be a lifetime work.”
Norman Williams: Exercise more
When we touched base in March with Anniston resident Norman Williams, 62, he was proud to say he was keeping his January resolution to lose weight. Touching base with him in June elicited different emotions.
“I haven’t lost any more weight and, honestly, I’m a little disgusted with myself,” said Williams.
“I weighed 180 pounds all my life until the last few years,” he said. “I stopped smoking and hurt my foot, and I gained a lot of weight.”
Williams knew he needed to make some lifestyle changes. In March, he started taking yoga, and he was very excited about the new exercise. But by June, he was not going at all.
Williams said he has hit a slump and almost given up trying. “But knowing The Star is going to check on me every few months may be what I need to get going again.”
Williams wants to lose 65 pounds by the end of the year, so he can be at his goal weight of 180. He admits losing weight is hard, but he is still “100 percent sure” he can meet his goal.
“If I gained it, I can lose it,” he said.
Dave DeSpagna: Be a blessing
In January, Dave DeSpagna, now 55, set a resolution to “be a blessing to everyone” he met. Six months later, when asked if he was meeting his goal, his answer was an adamant, “Yes, I am!”
The Anniston resident believes it is God’s will for him to pursue being a blessing, and he is not one to argue with God. “I’m just keeping on keeping on, to see what doors are opened,” he said. “You never know what the Lord might bring your way, that you haven’t thought about before.”
DeSpagna has added more duties to an already crowded calendar. In addition to volunteering at his church, Harvest Church of God, and the American Legion Post 111, he also helps with a food ministry and provides services for Young at Heart, a senior adults group.
DeSpagna admits he gets blessings back in return. “People are very happy, very appreciative when I help them,” he said. “You never know when you might plant a seed to encourage someone else.”
