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To your health!
8/27/2015 12:58:15 PM

Stories of wellness from our community

Jan A.
Age: 69
City: Spokane Valley

My story
I'm a registered nurse, well educated in health and wellness, and for my whole adult life I have been different levels of overweight. I am blessed to have general good health, but the excess poundage on my 5-foot frame caused me to be tired and embarrassed, and my painful knees and hips had me avoiding walking and stairs. I felt like a puffy, overstuffed chair going through life.

Through the years, I have dabbled with different diets but it was always a "someday I'll deal with this" concept. In December, I was having a conversation with my self-development coach, and I really saw what my predictable future looked like, and I didn't like that one bit. I woke up! I hung up the phone and called my friend who has a Take Shape for Life business and enrolled in the program. I got started the next day, and it has been a miraculous journey for me. The food actually tastes good, it is nutritious, I eat every two to three hours so am never hungry, and the food is easily portable with no preparation for my on-the-go lifestyle. I love that I am taking care of my future and honoring myself by what I choose to put into my body.

My results
I am a new me! I have discarded 53 pounds, and for the first time in 30 years my knees don't hurt. I can get on the floor to play with my granddaughter, I enjoy walking and I'm not embarrassed by my body. I have a new sense of personal power and zest for life.

My encouragement
We all have a choice about how we experience and spend our one and only life. I choose health! Take Shape for Life has saved my life. For more info, talk to Melissa Niece. 

• • • 

Everett Arnold
Age: 72
City: Liberty Lake

My story
I moved to Liberty Lake from out of state four years ago and began going to Dr. Casey at Casey Family Dental to continue my regular dental cleaning and check-ups. It soon became apparent that I had sort of "outlived" everything my dentist had done in my previous state. What a shock that was! But Dr. Casey got right on top of the situation. He created a checklist of teeth that would be needing special attention. He explained it all to me. Then he patiently let me, and the dental insurance, set the pace. We started the restorations, and I was happy with them. But then suddenly 2013 turned into a "bad tooth year" for me! First, a small one needed something, and he rightly called it beyond salvage. He referred me to an oral surgeon for an implant. It was evident the oral surgeon had great regard for Dr. Casey and that helped me accept this new experience. But soon and suddenly other predicaments happened. A second oral surgeon and Dr. Casey helped me deal with a severe infection in another tooth, plus a broken off part of a second tooth, and also impending crises in yet a third and fourth - all at the same time! Dr. Casey offered good coaching and effective treatment with great pain control all the way through it.

My results
Now I have a much better set of teeth than I started with. The checklist is finally complete. I'm more confident in my bite than I could be for years. And my teeth are beautifully color-matched.

My encouragement
I'm a fan of regular dental appointments. My dental hygienist is great at spotting special needs and teaching me how to respond to them in my daily tooth care. (I like it that she never keeps me waiting in the waiting room either!) My dentist keeps a watchful eye on everything. And it really feels good to know I'll never have a "bad tooth year" again.

• • • 

Marcus Bresko (aka Ginger Beast)
Age: 42
City: Liberty Lake

My story
I moved to Liberty Lake about a year ago and was looking for ways to meet some new people.  I saw an ad in The Splash for the new Liberty Lake CrossFit gym that had just opened up. One of the owners, Chris, had an awesome beard, so I thought I would check it out. I have always been a runner and have been in and out of the traditional gyms over the years but was tired of the same routines. I have been with Liberty Lake CrossFit now for four months, and it has really rejuvenated me regarding all aspects of fitness and diet. I would say the top reasons why I have enjoyed CrossFit: 

1. The workouts are already set, so I just show up and do the hour-long program. 

2. It's a group workout, so you build good connections with the other members. 

3. Family atmosphere: I've met some great people, and now my three kids have started the CrossFit Kids program and are having a blast.  

My results
My results have been extremely positive in my strength and agility. I have been really impressed with how fast my strength has increased all over. I also enjoy the feeling of wanting to work out again. The diversity of the CrossFit program has me looking forward to the next day's workout.

My encouragement
Give it a try! The great coaching staff oversees it all. They really take care to make sure the rookies, the kids and even the veterans are using proper form and not doing anything that will cause injury. 
Yes, CrossFit is hard; yes, you will be doing things you have never done before; and yes, we sweat and yell, but we do it all together. Come join the tribe!

• • • 

Dick Cole
Age: 66
City: Liberty Lake

My story
In 2003, I was 54 and weighed 218 pounds. I was living in the Livermore Valley east of Oakland, Calif., at the time. I didn't think of myself as being fat, which just goes to show how self-deceived a person can be.

I was playing tennis once or twice a week but had to stop because my right Achilles tendon would hurt after each outing to the tennis court. I decided I needed to get some kind of exercise, so I started riding a bike. That decision changed my life.

I started out riding 5 miles, then 10, and before long all the way around Livermore (a whopping 27 miles). Before long, I was up to 60 then 70 miles on Saturdays. The following year, I rode 100 miles for the first time - once just with a friend and twice in supported century rides.

My results
By the following year, I had dropped 60 pounds. I never would have believed it possible. It wasn't just all the additional exercise I was getting that led to the weight loss. I practically eliminated fast food, which had been all too large a part of my diet.

My encouragement
Since then I've morphed into more of a runner and have moved to Liberty Lake. What a great place to run and ride. I've been running with the Liberty Lake Running Club the last few years and have really enjoyed getting to meet a bunch of great people who share my passion for exercise.
Liberty Lake: what a great place to live if you like the outdoors!

• • • 

Betsy Frame
Age: 53
City: Liberty Lake

My story
As I aged, I noticed my teeth shifting and changing. I could see more gaps and started feeling self-conscious about my smile. Before my treatment began, I remember smiling for pictures and turning my head so that you would see the "good" side of my teeth. I decided to make a change. My smile transformation began with orthodontia care from Dr. Diane Paxton. I then met with Dr. Sue Weishaar, a dentist who is truly an artist. She suggested a final plan to complete my smile. I was impressed with her meticulous demeanor and ability to completely understand my needs and desires. 

My results
During my restoration, Dr. Sue was able to color match my teeth beautifully and perfect my smile in just one visit. I was amazed at her attention to detail and the exemplary final outcome. Today, my smile has given me more confidence and the freedom to shine without hesitation.

My encouragement
I would encourage anyone who is considering this personal investment to reach out to Dr. Sue Weishaar and take the leap of faith; you could not be in better hands. Thank you, Dr. Sue, for your expertise and for listening to me and fulfilling my desire to have a completely natural and beautiful smile. Going forward, I will now look straight at the camera when someone says, "smile!"

• • • 

LauraLee Johnson
Age: 57   
City: Post Falls

My story
When I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I was told it was too late to correct my pretty severe condition with diet and exercise and was immediately put on bisphosphonate drugs. After a few months of taking the drugs, I started experiencing severe acid reflux and heartburn. After about six months, I could barely eat, felt nauseous and experienced severe stomach pain. I ended up needing esophageal/stomach surgery to correct the damage that I attribute to those medications. It was very depressing, and I felt old and weak. At a health fair, the Exercise Institute's "Women of Strength" program caught my eye, as it specifically listed "osteoporosis prevention and reversal." I couldn't believe that a program of only 15 minutes a day, twice a week, could really make a difference, but I was desperate and did not want to take those medications again, so I began the program and the turnaround of my health! Shaun Johnson (no relation), owner/trainer, along with her staff, have been so encouraging to me through my journey. Shaun truly cares about my health and success in this program. The trainers' interest and encouragement makes me want to attend the workouts.

My results 
After going to the Exercise Institute for 3½ years, I feel so much healthier and stronger. I have gained healthy lean mass and strengthened my entire body. But most significant of all, the osteoporosis completely reversed after about three years of this exercise program! 

My encouragement 
As they say, "A body in motion stays in motion." This program helps keep away the aches and pains so common in the aging process. I have confidence now that I can be a stronger older person, rather than a frail invalid. The Exercise Institute has improved my physical, as well as mental, wellbeing! I refer to this program as my "prescription" for a healthy life.

• • • 

Jeremy Keller
Age: 38
City: Spokane Valley

My story
After experiencing severe back and neck pain for months, trying massage therapy, stretching and pain meds, my wife made an appointment with Kim Shiplet. I've always been skeptical of traditional chiropractors but was assured she was different. Upon arrival, I met with Dr. Shiplet and was shocked when she told me that she wasn't going to do anything other than take some measurements and X-rays on the first visit. She didn't want to start manipulating without knowing exactly what was happening. She spent a great deal of time explaining her process, and that really helped to calm my anxiety. 

My results
I arrived to my second visit with apprehension but was quickly amazed by what Dr. Shiplet showed me in my X-rays. My spine and shoulders were way off axis! I was, and still am, a little confused as to how she is able to manipulate my upper cervical spine with no pain, no cracking and just a gentle massaging action with her hand.

I left the office feeling about the same as when I entered, but a few hours later I could really tell that my neck and back were loosening up and my pain level decreased dramatically! After a couple visits I felt wonderful and even noticed that I am standing taller than I did before!

My encouragement
For anyone in need of care, I highly recommend Dr. Shiplet. Take it from a guy who has been very skeptical of the chiropractic community: This is not your typical chiropractor and should not even be put into the same category. Dr. Kim Shiplet is honest, friendly, fair, will take the time necessary to discuss your options, and her gentle manipulation will make you a believer, too.

• • • 

Kyle Kirschner
Age: 29
City: Spokane Valley 

My story
With the birth of our son coming in the fall, I became motivated to evaluate my current health choices and how I could better myself. It had been three years since my last dental exam, and when looking for a new dental office I was referred to Liberty Lake Family Dentistry. Upon meeting Dr. Olmstead and her staff, I was guided towards proper oral hygiene and the many benefits of taking care of my teeth and gums, something not often emphasized as part of living a healthy life. They got me on a program to keep me accountable for my exams and cleanings. 

My results
With the knowledge I gained from Dr. Olmstead and her staff I am able to make better choices when it comes to my diet and oral hygiene, knowledge I can pass on to my growing family. 

My encouragement
Your teeth and gums are not something to be ignored or overlooked. The importance of good oral hygiene extends far beyond your mouth. I learned that the bacteria generated just by gum disease can lead to other health issues like heart disease and other diseases. It is so important to take care of your mouth and teeth; those teeth are the only ones you will ever have. 

• • • 

Jen Mitchell 
Age: 31
City: Liberty Lake 

My story
Before I took my journey on this lifestyle change, I was overweight, exhausted and lacked any form of energy. I had issues with my health, and I just did not feel good. I even got to the point emotionally where I didn't even like myself. I hated doing my hair and makeup because I didn't like looking at myself in the mirror. 

My results
I began my journey in May 2014, and as a result, I have lost 32 pounds and a total of 42 inches, and I have kept it off for a whole year! I have amazing energy and I sleep incredible! I never thought there was this kind of light at the end of my dark tunnel, but I can say that I have seen and improvement in my quality life on so many levels! The best part about this entire journey was the support and one-on-one coaching that I received. I definitely would have not been able to do it without the support that I got. It was so encouraging to just feel like I was a part of something special - a part of a greater cause that helps people transform their lives. 

My encouragement
This was the solution that I was praying for, and I am so thankful that I said yes to a friend. This journey has completely changed my life, and I am forever grateful. Take the chance; take the leap of faith. What do you have to lose? You will never know if you don't try. One thing I learned is that the team of people that I got to do this with was determined not to let me fail. The one-on-one support was something I had never seen before. You can reach my coach at www.sharethehealth.isagenix.com, and she can help you succeed with your health goals as well.

• • • 

Mary Naccarato
Age: 47
City: Spokane Valley

My story
I am a teacher, a mentor, a counselor, a friend, a sister, a daughter and, most importantly, I am a mom to three boys. Life is wonderful and stressful, yet despite events that have challenged me, they will not define who I am; rather, they will push me to be better, faster and stronger. Stronger, yes, I will be strong.

Being a teacher and counselor for the past 24 years has been amazing, but I needed something more, something to release my stress. A friend of mine asked me to attend a yoga class at The Mat. 

"The instructors, Jan Long and Barb Oviatt, are incredible," she said. "This will change your life; I promise."

I remember that evening, quite vividly in fact. After 75 minutes of intense pulling, stretching, reaching, bending and panting, it was over. I climbed into my car and, literally, collapsed. I was so emotionally, physically and spiritually drained, but rather than feel as though I could not think straight, it was the opposite. I felt focused, clear, calm, balanced and centered. This was all new to me, and I was hooked for life.

My results
This was five years ago, and today, not only am I a yoga instructor because of Jan and Barb, but they also set before me a nutritional plan that has balanced my life. Strength is not only physical; rather, one must be mentally and spiritually strong from within, which comes from nutrition. These two elements, yoga and a nutritionally balanced program, have been the key components to my success. I no longer have stomach issues, I sleep better, and I feel incredible. 

My encouragement
Because of The Mat, Jan and Barb's encouragement, and a well-balanced nutritional program, I AM the best I can be, and that, in itself, makes life wonderful.

• • • 

Ceil Orr
Age: 69
City: Liberty Lake

My story
While I've struggled with snoring for over 10 years, over the last five years it's become more than a big problem - even disturbing anyone in the same house with me, let alone the same room. I'd get up in the morning feeling lightheaded, sometimes with a headache, and always almost as tired as when I went to bed. Then in March, I read an item in The Liberty Lake Splash about Dr. Erin Elliott at Post Falls Family Dental Center and her process to test and treat sleep apnea. The information and ease of having the problem addressed (testing in the privacy of my own home) was the motivation I needed to make an appointment to see if the process could help me.

My results
Long story short - the first morning I woke up after using my custom-made mouth guard, it hit me that I was wide awake and clear headed. I also had more energy than usual. I drove to work without being the least bit tired and felt so much better all day. And it's only gotten better from there. 

My encouragement
I'm so grateful for Dr. Elliott and the care she and the professionals at the center showed me in getting my snoring controlled. I only wish I'd found her/them sooner.

• • • 

Luke Richey
Age: 41
City: Liberty Lake

My story
I used to be healthy, having worked on a ranch as a kid bucking bails and cleaning stalls, and somewhere along the way I just wasn't anymore. My metabolism slowed down, and one day about nine years ago my wife and I were out skydiving, and one of my jump buddies said: "Dude, when did you get so fat?" 

I turned to Jen and said: "Am I fat?" 

She replied kindly: "You could go to the gym."

That was it. I was still smoking and drinking a lot, but you could find me riding up and down the South Hill in jeans, smoking my cigarettes with a beer in a holder on my bike. That cut some of the weight. 

I lost 25 pounds on the "drink, smoke and ride a bike" workout routine. I realized soon that I still felt like crap, so I got a trainer. I also had my wife pick out pictures of what she wanted me to look like. I gave these pictures to my trainer, and at first he laughed but morning after morning I was there at 5 a.m., barfing after his workouts. I eventually cut out the drinking and smoking, started eating healthy and at 41 I feel better than I ever did at 21.

So much so that I started a gym in Liberty Lake just so I would have a place to work out the way I wanted to.

My results
What is different about me now than before I started getting healthy? Everything. I have more energy, love, passion, strength, endurance and more fun!

My encouragement
There isn't an excuse; I have used them all and really it is just a choice. Just do it; a few months in you will be addicted.

• • • 

Frank Street
Age: 75
City: Spokane Valley

My story
I spent 40 years as a Spokane Valley resident on 3 acres near Sullivan and Sprague, and it was an ideal place to raise a family. While I worked at URM Stores as a grocery warehouseman, our family raised 250 Suffolk sheep for 17 years and in the fall we commercially drained sprinklers. I have always been a busy person. Upon retirement, Sue and I sold our beloved Valley home and moved to a new cottage home on the Good Samaritan campus in the Valley. We thought we were going to finish out our life there, and we lived there for 10 years.   

While RVing, we started spending our winters at Sunbeam RV Park near El Centro, Calif., where I learned to play pickleball. Pickleball plain and simply changed my life. It is a form of exercise that any family can do from age 6 to 96. I was asked to be a volunteer ambassador for the United States of America Pickleball Association and have done so for several years. Upon retirement, Sue and I were also heavily involved in the Striders walking group at the mall, so volunteering to improve senior health was a natural. 

My results
To sum it up: Walking is a healthy outlet; pickleball is fun and addictive! 

My encouragement
Liberty Lake and the Spokane Valley are blessed to have a world class pickleball facility, the HUB Sports Center, behind Camping World. I dare you to change your life by stopping by the HUB and talking to Phil or Cassi.

• • • 

Carole Ann Taylor
Age: 55 
City: Veradale

My story
I first heard about the YMCA through my physical therapist, who suggested I attend daily. After consulting with my family physician, I joined the Y through the National MS Society. I have enjoyed making friends and being out in the community. There is always opportunity for laughter, and this membership has provided me with community involvement that is so important to my emotional well-being. I enjoy a number of the Y's group exercise and aquatics classes, and the YMCA staff helps every step of the way. 

My results
With my improved coordination and better balance, I haven't had a "kissing concrete" moment in a long time. As a result of being active at the Y, I also have been able to reduce some of the effects MS has had on my body.

My encouragement
To me, the Y has been a huge help with my self-esteem and allows me to broaden my social circle. It has been a complete blessing in my life.

• • • 

Dirk Vastrick
 
Age: 63
City: Spokane Valley

My story
On July 20, I reached my goal weight of 170 pounds. This all started back in November 2014. I was diabetic, weighed 291 pounds, and got winded by just bending over.  

I always thought I had to give up too much to lose weight. I didn't want to be hungry. I didn't want to eat bland, dull food. It was all about what I had to give up. Then I met with Cindy Esch.

We spoke about what was important to me - wife, work, family. Then I faced what I had already given up for food - health, vitality, independence. And I knew it was time to change.

My results
I lost 120.5 pounds in 226 days and got rid of my diabetes diagnosis. I went from size 52 stretch pants to size 32 skinny. My dog and I walked together into health.

I have changed my understanding of food from reward to fuel … albeit good-tasting fuel. I still enjoy the occasional lean steak, but my overall diet is now much better balanced.  

And through it all, Cindy has been there to encourage and guide me. I not only have a health coach, I now have a friend for life.

My encouragement
My toughest step was the first one … just getting started.  I learned this wasn't about giving things up but instead was all about getting things back.  

I don't have any super willpower or magic potion powder for weight loss. No one does. But if food starts controlling you instead of you controlling it, maybe it's time to sit down with Cindy Esch.  

Building "habits of health" is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. You can have optimal health for yourself … and you just might encourage others to do the same.  So why wait?  Your future is calling.

• • • 

Alaina Zurfluh
Age: 33
City: Liberty Lake

My story
I was active and athletic in high school and college, but over the past 10 years, I let the busyness of life take a toll on my health. Being overweight and out of shape was getting old, and I knew it was time to do something about it. My friends Luke and Jennifer Richey opened CrossFit Liberty Lake last December and invited me to join. I was excited to re-discover my inner athlete, so I went for it. CrossFit has absolutely changed my life! I've gained strength, confidence and mental fortitude. I really started to see my body change when our gym started a Paleo Challenge. Changing my eating habits was absolutely crucial. My body thrives on lean meats, veggies, fruit and nuts.

My results
Over the past seven months, I've lost about 12 pounds and 15 percent body fat, but what I've come to realize is that the numbers really don't matter anymore. I've gained so much more than I will ever lose. I've gained an incredible CrossFit family, support system and coaching staff on top of athletic endurance, muscle tone and strength. It has been amazing to look back and say, "Wow, I couldn't do a pull-up two months ago, and now I can do three different types of pull-ups!"

My encouragement
This life is a journey. Don't worry so much about the numbers and the destination. Find something you enjoy. Find something you love, and do it. Cut out the junk. Your body doesn't need it, and you won't miss it.





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