For Department of Homeland Security employee Melissa Amerman, managing her health has become more challenging as the years go on. “It has become obvious at this age how important it is to eat right and to exercise…I hit a hurdle with my health [in the] last several years and decided it’s time to make a conscious effort before my struggles become unreversible,” she said.
But as luck would have it, she received an email about the Bob Ross 5k the same day she decided to make a healthier change. “I signed up for that 5k, bought a kayak, and finished the course.”
Soon after, she saw the Run the State 5K & Hike series had races coming up and decided to challenge herself. While she loves hiking, a previous knee injury can make it difficult, and she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to finish this pre-set course on land instead of in a kayak. “I signed up and went to Harmonie State Park and finished the race. I was the last one in, but I finished which was my goal. I was so proud of myself,” said Amerman. While she realized future 5ks might not be best for her knee, she joined a gym and has taken up swimming. At first, she could only do 10 laps but has worked her way up to 30 and said “I am feeling better and better about myself. I’m glad I decided to start.”
Great job, Melissa!
Photo caption: Melissa Amerman at her self-guided kayaking 5k on Raccoon Lake.
Cayla Sica is overcoming health challenges and working towards the future she wants
Cayla Sica was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes last April and after being put on insulin, was encouraged to meet with a nutritionist and increase her physical activity. She took their advice and started a journey to eating healthier, despite facing setbacks along the way.
“I became absolutely determined that I was going to do this once and for all. I was going to not only lose weight, but I was going to get healthy first of all for myself, then for my family and for our future,” said Cayla.
She soon found out she also had severely damaged cervical discs and would need surgery. To give her the best recovery possible, her doctors instructed her to walk 30 minutes twice a day. She’s also found support with her coworkers at the BMV, saying “The amazing girls on my team make it a priority to walk on breaks and lunch and have included me.”
Since her initial diagnosis in April, Sica has lost over 100 pounds and has been off insulin for 6 months. She’s motivated to keep improving her health and avoid complications her family members have experienced with diabetes and said, “I assure you that if I can do it, you can too!”
Way to go, Cayla!
Photo caption: Cayla Sica with her family before starting her health journey (left) and after (right).
Ashley Starling is prioritizing exercise as an integral part of everyday life
“Exercise is extremely important to me. Moving my body, proving to myself how tough I am (physically and emotionally), reducing stress, and the social aspect of group exercise are all things that draw me to exercise daily. I teach BodyPump (weight training) at the local YMCA, run with friends (or my dog) at least once a week, and participate in a wide range of group exercise (Pilates, yoga, cycle, organized races, and HIIT) because I love variety. I love teaching group exercise classes because I enjoy motivating others to keep coming back and challenging themselves. Last year, I struggled with my own physical health and was eventually diagnosed with POTS. Prior to the diagnosis, I had to limit what I was doing in fear of fainting. Since receiving the diagnosis, I've been able to manage my chronic illness and get back to doing what I love!”
Keep up the great work, Ashley!
Photo caption: Ashley Starling at a YMCA group fitness class