The Incredible Shrinking Hess Employee
John Greco loses 100 lbs.,
Credits Weight Watchers and Hess
John Greco has been working hard and the results of his efforts show. He has lost 100 pounds since joining Weight Watchers in September 2008.
An assistant manager at a Hess store in Palm Harbor, Fla., John has followed the program and attended meetings weekly. Changing his eating habits and exercising regularly have completely transformed his body — and his life.
“I’ve got tons of energy,” John said. “I painted my house the other day, which would have been a lot harder with that extra 100 pounds on me. And I haven’t gotten sick, even when everyone else at work was getting colds, because I’m eating healthier and exercising.”
Before he lost the weight, John had diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and was taking medications to control these conditions. He no longer takes insulin nor does he need medicine to control his blood pressure. His cholesterol levels have improved, his blood pressure is normal and his latest blood glucose readings were those of a person without diabetes, according to his doctor.
If it’s hard to imagine the difference losing 100 pounds can make, consider this: John used to wear 4X shirts and trousers with a 52-inch waist. Today, he’s wearing M/L shirts and 34- or 36-inch pants.
John works in the food department at his store, where he serves up Blimpie’s, Godfather’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts day after day. He admits the temptation to overeat can be a challenge, but he has also found healthy options. “I’ll eat a Blimpie’s veggie sandwich on whole wheat bread or a spinach wrap,” he said.
Through Weight Watchers, he has learned to cook healthy meals at home and how to navigate restaurant dining. Instead of a big meal, John orders a salad and an appetizer. Because Weight Watchers is a program — not a diet — he can save up “points” for indulgences, like going out with friends for a couple of beers.
John walks on the treadmill or rides a stationary bike three days a week, and sometimes adds in some weight-training. To help the time pass quickly, he’ll make phone calls from the bike. “By the time you get off the phone, your cardio is done,” he said.
With the support of Hess, which reimburses him for half the cost of his Weight Watchers meetings, and the people he works with, John is almost to his goal weight of 200 pounds. He says his manager, Roxann Klein, makes sure his schedule allows him to get to meetings, and John Judy, his territory manager “says he’s proud of me and my efforts. That kind of support has been very helpful to me.
“When I weighed 318 pounds, I did a lot of eating — there’s really nothing I haven’t eaten, so it is not like I’m missing anything,” John said. “My health is the most important thing. I want to be here for my family, and if I had stayed on the track I was on I wasn’t going to make it. I’m really thankful to Hess for giving me the opportunity to improve my life.”
To learn more about the special Weight Watchers pricing available to eligible Hess, HETCO and HOVENSA employees and family members in the United States, call 1-866-237-6032. RedBrick Health also offers resources to help U.S. employees and family members who want to lead a healthier lifestyle. For more information, visit www.redbrickhealth.com or call 877-445-9355, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
To read the original story we published on John in December 2008, click here.
Be Well, Stay Well
Men need regular screenings to stay healthy and to prevent or head off certain conditions. Ask your doctor for specific recommendations based on your age, health and family history, which may mean being screened more frequently or starting earlier. Here are the general recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, American Cancer Society and other care organizations:
· Complete well-person exam: once a year
· Blood pressure check: at least every two years (most doctors check it at every well exam)
· Cholesterol screening: Every five years starting at age 20, check regularly starting at 35 and usually once a year starting at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors
· Blood glucose, to check for diabetes: typically done at your regular well-person exam, especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or other risk factors
· Colonoscopy or another screening for colon cancer: starting at age 50; frequency varies based on the test recommended by your doctor. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer may need to be tested earlier.
· PSA or other prostate cancer screening: the PSA test is considered the most sensitive screening for prostate cancer, but some experts question the benefits of testing every man; the recommendation is that men discuss their options with their doctor, especially if they have a family history or risk factors.
· Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have smoked 100 or more cigarettes during their lifetime need to be screened once for an abnormally large or swollen blood vessel in their abdomen.
In the United States, those enrolled in the corporate Medical Plan receive In-Network preventive care and services, such as regular physical exams, at no cost to them.
Published: July 16, 2010