Orchard Breeze Neighborhood Association

Weighing Less-Growing Old Gracefully

May 21, 2006

A visit to an assisted living center gave Helen Sustachek a glimpse into her future. "There was my mother, weighing some 90 pounds, still running around, smiling, taking care of herself." Helen says. "But there was this other woman, much younger, diabetic, overwheight, in a wheelchair, looking very unhappy, I asked myself, "which one of these do I want to be as I grow older?"
Helen joined a weight loss support organization and took off 101 ponds!
While losing the unwanted weight was important for Helen's physical health, the social benifits of belonging to a peer-centered weight loss support group are also being identified by psychologists. Along with proper diet and adequate exercise, staying engaged with others is key to optimal longevity, accordingto Jessie C. Gruman, PHD. Gruman is executive director of the Center for the Advancement of Health in Washington D.C. Reading newspapers, books, doing puzzeles, solving problems, anything that challenges us mentally, is worthwhile.
Today Helen Sustacek is taking care of herself. She credits the support of her family and TOPS chapter with her success. "I am so grateful to this wonderful group," Helen says. "After so many years of struggling, yo-yoing and suffering, I am free of all that weight!
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) Club, Inc. is a powerful non profit, noncommercial weight-loss support organization with thousands of chapters in the United States. Members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercse, and more, in weekly meetings. Weigh-ins, group feed-back, and support, help members achieve their goals. To find a chapter near you call Beverly Rummery 316-942-0850 or (800) 932-8677 or visit our website http://www.tops.org