Pat VanWert
Finance and Management
Security Assistant Manager
November 15, 2016 is the day my Grandma VanWert would have been 104. It is also the day that I've been smoke-free for 365 days. I smoked on and off (more on than off) for almost 30 years.
About two years before my dad died, grandma had some harsh words for "Patrick, do you want to be like your dad and be on oxygen for the rest of your life?" Sadly it took four years after he passed for me to wake up with my own health concerns. I think turning the "Big 50" was my other reality check. I've seen my father, both of my grandfathers and my uncles pass away after decades of smoking.
One of the biggest fears of people who quit smoking is weight gain. I had to beat that so I asked for a FitBit last Christmas. I could track my progress and keep accountability for my actions. I started a weight loss program on February 28th. I used the Quit for Life smoking cessation program to track my progress- my stats to date are as follows:
365 days smoke-free.
Saved over $1,700 from buys cigarettes.
Added 41 days to my life.
Down 34 lbs. and don't want to go back up.
Went from size 42 to 38 pants.
Average 13,000 steps a day. That's 6 miles a day.
Blood pressure went from through the roof to 122/68.
I know first hand that to quit smoking is the hardest thing I've ever done. It's also the best thing I've ever done for myself. No matter what your struggle is always remember that you and only you can control your own destiny. Life is a journey. Take it one day at a time. One step at a time.
I've never felt better or healthier.