Some people call it “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Others have an “awakening” when they admit they can’t ignore health facts any longer. For Darren Dageforde, manager of engineering services with Facilities Management & Planning, he finally “woke up” after completing his SimplyWell health assessment in 2002.
Dageforde was one of nine members of the Omaha business community to be recognized last week by the Wellness Council of the Midlands for making extraordinary healthy lifestyle changes as a result of their companies’ wellness programs.
Here is his story, in his own words:
My first SimplyWell check-up identified and reminded me that I was overweight, that my cholesterol was 60 points higher than it should be and my blood pressure was too high. Things I already knew or suspected, but didn’t really want to admit. My family health history (which I was well aware of) meant that if I continued on my current health path, there would be negative consequences that I did not want to face.
Although I wasn’t in great shape, I thought I was OK. Like most people I took my health for granted and typically only took action when I got sick or if something happened to me. When I began SimplyWell and completed the assessment and attended the health screening, the information hit home. For me, it was time to make some changes. After taking a hard look at the risks and consequences, the “continue to do nothing option” was not viable any longer.
I realized that I did not get into my health situation overnight, and I wasn’t going to get out of it overnight either. I was going to have to make changes to habits in my “comfort zone” and change the direction of my health.
The SimplyWell program that UNMC instituted presented me with the tools I needed to create a realistic approach to managing my health. With SimplyWell I created my own personal health management plan. It helped me change my attitudes and habits to make positive health changes in my life. I now track my health habits with the built in tools. I take stairs instead of elevators, pay more attention to my eating habits and exercise daily. I also utilize UNMC’s health and wellness services and the online health education and health record found within SimplyWell.
My efforts have slowly paid off. I have maintained my weight loss of 35 pounds, my cholesterol has dropped by 80 points, my blood pressure is lower and I feel better. These lifestyle changes have impacted my life and outlook on health management. I never thought much about my health goals, but with the guidance found within SimplyWell, I have taken active control of my health and make life-long changes that affect my quality of life.
UNMC offers SimplyWell to all employees who work .5 FTE and have UNMC’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield medical insurance. SimplyWell is a fully integrated health management program designed to provide personalized health information and online health management tools.