Meet Gershon “Gersh” Blumstein

Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist
DTE Energy Employee for 4 years

Like many of us, Gershon Blumstein found that as his age went up, so did his weight. He noticed he would get winded walking up a flight of stairs. His doctor also told him his blood pressure was creeping up and unless Gershon lost weight, he’d have to start taking medication. At that point, Gershon decided to do something about it. He knew he needed added support, so he turned to RedBrick Health (RBH)—EYL’s wellness partner.

The Results

Through RBH’s programs, Gershon lost 28 pounds—now fitting into clothes he couldn’t wear for years (including his wedding day suit)! He also reduced his blood pressure, allowing him to avoid taking medications. Some of the other benefits have been improved mood, more fulfilling work life and better sleep. So how did he do it?

Gershon’s Steps to Success

• Teamed with a RBH Phone Coach through the Weight Management coaching program for added support and accountability. This was a great way to get him started and to help make weight management a habit.
• Participated in RBH’s Winter Warm-Up Challenge.
• Completed Asset Health’s online courses.
• Boosted his mental and spiritual health by participating in the Meals on Wheels Care Corp activity and teaching martial arts at the Friendship Circle for special needs children.
• Continues to track his daily physical activity through Boost™—RBH’s online tracking tool.

Congratulations, Gershon, for remaining curious, challenged and open to new experiences along your health journey. You are an inspiration to us all!

Meet Steve Roberts

Journeyman Lineman
Distribution—Newport Service Center
DTE Energy Employee for 14 years

We all experience setbacks now and again. But what matters is how you choose to respond to those setbacks. Steve worked hard and lost about 50 pounds through Weight Watchers® and achieved Gold Key Status—only to gain it all back after eleven months. Instead of getting upset and giving up, Steve used this setback as motivation and chose to keep a positive outlook, stating, “It worked in the past, so why not try it again”. Steve learned about a number of helpful techniques and tools through Weight Watchers®, but this time around he decided to look more inward and uncover what would personally work for him.

Here are some tips Steve is passing along based on what he found worked the best for him:

• Eat nutrient-dense foods every two to three hours—i.e., yogurt and nuts instead of chips and soda
• Keep a workout bag in the car so you can workout at a moment’s notice
• Set small realistic goals
• Exercise with a buddy for added support and enjoyment
• Carry water around —can’t drink it if you don’t have it with you
• Celebrate milestones with non-food rewards—you’ve earned it
• Make food on Sunday night for the week
• Keep on track by writing your goals on sticky notes and placing them in key areas as constant reminders
• Take 10 minutes a day for just you—this dedicated time may help you determine if your hunger may, in fact, be something else you are wanting

In the past, Steve kept Weight Watchers® hush hush as it wasn’t a perceived ‘guy’ thing to do.

Now, he realizes that reaching out for added support and encouragement is far from a sign of weakness. Instead, it means gaining strength and the power to change anything! Steve’s outlook on life improved as his physical, emotional and mental self improved. He exclaims that while his environment stayed the same, it was his internal changes that made the difference.

Way to go, Steve!

Sometimes It Takes a Community

A Team of DTE Energy Employees Decide: “It’s Time to Lighten the Load at Allen Road”

A team of employees at DTE Energy’s Allen Road Center have lost over 300 pounds collectively over the past 10 months through the Weight Watchers At Work Program. It all started with one person—Cheryl Holden. As a supervisor and an EYL Ambassador, Cheryl was eager to share the success she personally was experiencing through the program so as to help others. Soon the Allen Road facility’s Weight Watchers At Work group grew to nine people (and is currently at 20 members and counting)! They all shared the desire to make a positive change in their lives, yet each has their own story. See why they chose Weight Watchers At Work, what they like best about the program and how it’s working for them.

• Cheryl Holden

DTE Energy Employee for 25 years
Supervisor- Gas Operations

Cheryl lost 25 lbs!

“Helping others in the program allowed me to stay motivated.”

Before: I wasn’t eating well, was inactive and felt my life was out of balance.

After: My eating habits improved,

I now sit on a yoga ball at my desk to develop my core muscles; tennis and hula-hooping are my activities of choice and I removed stressors and bad influences from my life.

Results: I lost weight, have more strength, no longer feel the pain associated with my disease and stopped needing daily pain pills.

• Lena Hoskins

DTE Energy Employee for 34 years
Metering Technician

Lena lost over 49 lbs.!

“I like the supportive conversations, helping each other plan meals and the hands-on practical tips.”

Before: As a stress eater I ate a lot of processed foods, which were full of calories, fats and unhealthy additives.

After: I walk to relieve stress, which also keeps me away from snacking. I traded fast food lunches for balanced meals with veggies, and I keep a water bottle handy at all times.

Results: I lost weight, which led to decreased blood pressure and I was able to reduce my diabetes medicine. I became a role model to my granddaughter, who now eats healthier too.

• Terry Nelson

DTE Energy Employee for 33 years
General Metering Technician

Terry lost 63lbs.!

“The Weight Watcher’s® Point System really helped me put my eating choices in perspective.”

Before: I lived on fried foods and soda.

After: I cut back on the fast food, chose to make “eating better” a lifestyle rather than a diet and started running, which helps me get over the weight plateaus.

Results: I lost weight and increased my energy level.

• Joe Watkins

DTE Energy Employee for 37 years
Meter Reading Clerk

Joe lost 25 lbs.!

“I joined Weight Watchers® as a result of a recent onsite health screening, which showed my blood pressure was very high—a condition that ran in my family and was life-threatening for some. By trying to lose weight with others, I found the added accountability kept me on track.”

Before: Ate out of habit or social pressure, not hunger and drank a liter of soda a day.

After: I gradually improved my eating habits for permanent results and stopped feeling the need to eat whenever I socialized—I focused on the people rather than the food.

Results: I lost weight and decreased my blood pressure from 275/150 to normal range (about 120/80).

Meet Barb Gillis

Strategist—Communications
DTE Energy Employee for 10 years

Barb refers to herself as a historic couch potato, or rather a recliner potato. She would spend most of her day sitting—at her job, at home and even when doing hobbies. Her health began to deteriorate, with her weight and blood pressure both increasing tothe point where she was struggling to stay mobile. But in 2000, after knee surgery, Barb made acommitment to become healthier.

Her journey started with nutrition. After trying countless fad diets with poor results, Barb focused on changing her eating habits rather than “dieting.” Over ten years she brought her weight down about 50 pounds, yet she knew she needed to increase her activity level before she’d really get the results she needed. In 2010, Barb watched a close friend, who also lived a sedentary lifestyle, be forced into early retirement and a state of semi-disability because of her poor health and lack of mobility. “I realized I was sitting my way down that same path. I didn’t want to do that…I still had too many things I wanted to do that required mobility. This was a big wake up call for me,” Barb shares. That pushed her to TAKE CHARGE and begin exercising.

The Results

Barb’s Steps to Success

• Focused on eating healthier—more fruits/vegetables, switching to low-fat dairy and using healthier food preparation techniques like steaming and baking.
• Joined a wellness center using EYL’s membership discount program and works out 2-3 times a week.
• Uses EYL’s Boost™ program to track her activity.
• Routinely reviews the EYL website for ongoing ideas and fun ways to get moving.

A great example of determination, Barb! Congratulations and thanks for sharing your story to inspire others to Spring into Action!

Meet Dave Roose

Supervisor-Reliability
River Rouge Power Plant
DTE Energy Employee for 5 years

Inspired by Barb Gillis’s story, Dave Roose decided to come forward and share his story.

“I’m only 27, but I felt so much older—I was overweight, lacked energy and was having a hard time keeping up with my kids. I wanted to set a good example for them. I wanted to show them that you have a CHOICE in how you live your life… so I decided to TAKE CHARGE and gain back control of my health.”

The Results

• Has more energy
• Lost 25 pounds—and counting
• His soccer game has improved, thanks to increased endurance!

Dave’s Steps to Success

• Changed eating habits—starts his day with a healthy breakfast, cut down on junk food and sweets (now gives away most of the baked goods his wife makes), packs healthy foods for lunch rather than getting fast food, eats more fruits and veggies, cut his soda intake from two cans a day to one every couple weeks, watches his portions and helps with meal planning and grocery shopping.
• Started moving more—runs consistently and has increased his overall time/speed and distance. He also plays soccer regularly.
• Made working out a priority—wakes up early to work out at the Plant rather than waiting until he gets home when kids and family commitments may come first.
• Set goals along the way—such as running the Detroit Marathon Relay in October and planning to run a half marathon in 2013.
• Created accountability and set up a support system—sharing his goals with co-workers who help keep him on track and motivate him to do his personal best.

You’re an inspiration Dave, congratulations!