Before and After
City helps employee change for the better

By SHANNON MCINTIRE
Information Specialist
Rock Beats, October 2001

With determination, dedication and encouragement from the Round Rock City employee fitness initiative, Fireman Doug Nelson has succeeded in losing 88 pounds since February.

“The program has helped me loose weight, feel a lot better about myself, and recover from old injuries,” says Nelson. Safety and Risk Manager Hassan Farhat approached Nelson during counseling sessions to express some occupational health concerns and to offer support. With this initiative and with the support of his department, Nelson was referred to a Lifestyle Consultant Professional.

Good eats, no fads

The city paid for Nelson and his wife to meet with the consultant for 12 weeks to get instruction on proper nutrition, calorie intake and output, and fitness. After the 12 weeks, Nelson and his wife continued to meet with the consultant at their own expense every two weeks. The program started with simply eating better, then moved into walking for exercise.

“The program was not stressful or strenuous at all,” says Nelson. “It was more about education, eating right and knowing what your body needs.

“We are not on a diet; no foods are forbidden. We don’t use any type of diet pills, or any gimmicky, fad weight loss programs like liquid diets,” Nelson says.

Exercise program

“We walk one and half to three miles a day and enjoy it,” Nelson says of himself and his wife. “An Austin Fire Department Physical Fitness Trainer has also set up a weight program for me that develops my strength while avoiding weight lifting and overuse injuries.”

Nelson is still on the program and hopes to lose at least 100 pounds. He believes the instruction and education he received will help him keep the weight off.

“We’ve gotten tips on things to watch out for that can sabotage your weight loss program,” says Nelson. “I think with the good advice we’ve received and our commitment and dedication, my wife and I will be able to maintain our results.” His wife has lost 52 pounds.

Steps in the right direction

Any employee who needs help in this area should contact Hassan Farhat in Human Resources. Nelson’s success has helped him in his job and his life.