Discrimination Makes Me Angry

As a state employee I volunteered in a Healthy Rewards Pilot Program. I had my first visit last year where they took blood work, did an ekg and gave you goals to work on for a year. This program was run by Cardio-Kinetics, Inc. Yesterday I went for my reavaluation. Let me tell you a year ago I was very depressed and they stopped the ekg at 6 minutes for they were having a problem with my blood pressure. I was on 9 different meds for diabetis, cholesterol, depession , thyroid and high blood pressure. My results yesterday were : BLOOD PRESSURE : Last year 160/78. This year 118/68. I did 8 minutes on the treedmil with no problems. I could of done more but was not given a chance. Was told my ekg was normal. CHOLESTEROL: Last year with meds 196. This year with no meds: 173. HDL CHOLESTEROL: Last Year 45. This year 39. TC/HDL RATIO : 4.4 last year and 4.4 this year. GLUCOSE: Last year with 3 meds, 266. This year with no meds, 88. The big kicker !!! WEIGHT : Last year 345.lbs This year 240lbs. BMI: Last year 56.3 This year 40.0 After all this I was told I did not pass for my BMI was not below 25.0 and my ekg could not be compared to last year because it was stopped early. I really felt I had made so many healthy improvements in the last year and to be told I did not pass, I was speechless. When I left the more I thought about it , the angrier I got. I feel I was driscrimated against and they knew from the start I would not pass in their eyes.So why did they keep me in the program? A co worker ,who is over weight had the same experience. Am I wrong in my thinking? Have others been in this pilot program? I would love to hear from anyone who was. If I'm wrong please tell me!!! Sorry I just had to get this off my chest!!!! Personnally I know I have done great and no one can take that from me. I am so much healthier then a year ago and life is good. I am well on my way to escaping the jail I have been in from obesity. See all lighter. Joanne

Hi Joanne, I don't think you were wrong. Boy that must really suck. Just look at it to say that you have become a much better person now. You may not be in 100% health but you are striving to be. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!! Christie

Joanne, You said the main thing to think about in your last sentence and I quote,"I am so much healthier then a year ago and life is good. I am well on my way to escaping the jail I have been in from obesity." Keep doing what you are doing. You signed up for the program because you know that you are improving your life. Besides that, what I always ask people. IS A ONE QUESTION TEST REALLY FAIR? If a teacher gives a student a one question test on material they have not studied yet, what do you think will happen? LQQK at where you are today and where you are headed. Don't let that get you down. Kevin

Kevin and Christie, A year ago I would of really been hurt by this program. This year it only makes me mad because I realize how much over weight people are discriminated against and it makes me want to fight the cause even more. I refuse to let anyone knock me down so beleive me there is no fear in my heart. I know where I have been and where I am going for once in my life. There is no stopping me now!!!! I have fought obesity all my life and I have lost a many of battles but refuse to lose the war. I will hold my head up high and be proud as we all should do!!!!! I really feel sorry for the ignorance of some people. They are the losers not us! My body may be changing but my heart will always remain the same and I am proud of that!!! Take care guys and thanks for letting me vent. See all lighter. Joanne

Wow, Joanne. Congratulations on a wonderfully healthy year! You summed it up nicely, you don't need their words to tell you that you have had a great year. This is what I really like about the "Moving Women Forward" program that I have joined. They celebrate lost pounds and inches. They make you feel proud of accomplishments, not ashamed that you don't fit the "normal" (BMI of 25) mold. How frustrating, even after all we've been through. Wishing you continued success. Dianne

Dianne, What is this " Moving Women Forward" program that you joined? Thanks for your encouragement !!! It is deeply appriciated. Their loss , not mine . I am holding my head up high and am proud of what I have accomplished in a year. Next year will even be better. Their attitude just helps to make be a stronger beleiver in the fight for obesity. We will all win against this disease. See you lighter. Joanne