Bay Oral Surgery & Implant Center Employee, Kendra Vanark, met several healthy lifestyle goals, thanks to Bellin Health's Total Health program.
As the premiere local business and community health partner of Northeastern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Bellin Health helps businesses improve the health of their employees while making the cost of care more affordable.
Kendra Vanark is part of the team at Bay Oral Surgery & Implant Center. Her journey to improved health is a direct result of her employer's Total Health partnership with Bellin Health.
Company: Bay Oral Surgery & Implant Center
Employee: Kendra Vanark
Achievements: I have met many small goals of making sure to drink enough water in a day and weight loss, to big goals of maintaining good mental health, stress levels and guidance on finding a primary care doctor in the Bellin Health system who I connect with.
Life impact: The biggest thing in choosing to have a healthier lifestyle is small steps. One step at a time is my motto. Focusing on one goal at a time and checking it off once satisfied, then proceed to the next while maintaining the previous goals checked off.
Kendra’s story, in her own words.
My overall health, since working with a coaching nurse, has improved for the better. I have met many small goals of making sure to drink enough water in a day and weight loss, to big goals of maintaining good mental health, stress levels and guidance on finding a primary care doctor in the Bellin system who I connect with.
The biggest thing I noticed since working with an on-site nurse and my new provider (specifically in maintaining a better healthy lifestyle) is, it is okay to not be perfect. I do not have to follow a strict diet; it is making better choices, choosing better options, portioning and drinking water. I do not have to be stress-free; but knowing coping mechanisms when I am stressed. For example, something as easy as counting to 10 and back to 0, walking and painting, anything that helps me deal with a stressful day or event. Making choices for a long-term effect.
The biggest thing to take-away from choosing to have a healthier lifestyle is “small steps.” This is something I learned while starting this process and it has helped me maintain my goals. I have been working on my healthier lifestyle for a few years now (through many steps forwards and backwards) and “one step at a time” is my motto. To get to your desired location, you climb one step at a time, you will fall back down if you try to take a giant leap. At least I did. Focusing on one goal at a time and checking it off once satisfied, then proceed to the next while maintaining the previous goals checked off.