"CHOICES" gives Philadelphia residents a healthy alternative
POSTED: Sept. 6, 2007
By Staci Dennis
Stephanie DaCosta is the director of CHOICES, a nutritional-based course that offers health screenings and exercise advice.
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PHILADELPHIA - Michelle didn't realize every bite she took was bringing her closer to death.
Each morning, the 38-year-old would eat a sausage biscuit and a soda. Her weight started to get out of control and her glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure were sky-rocketing. In addition, she was diabetic and didn't take her medication. Her health was spinning out of control.
Working two jobs and not leaving enough time for exercise left Michelle tired and not feeling well.
All that changed, however, when she got a flyer in the mail about CHOICES, a nutritional-based course that offers health screenings, food preparation training and exercise advice. The Operation Blessing-sponsored program is free and geared toward low-income areas.
"It's a very unique program," said program director, Stephanie DaCosta. "We have helped a lot of people."
DaCosta said more than 100 people go through the classes each year. The eight-week OBI-sponsored course is offered through local area churches.
"I was feeling so tired," Michelle said before she started the program. "I changed my eating habits and now I have more energy."
Michelle is working on getting her cholesterol down by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and has dropped 40 pounds. Her blood pressure is within normal range and her glucose levels have also dropped, enabling Michelle to reduce the number of medications she needs to treat her diabetes.
"Because of this screening program, I am changed," Michelle said. "This is a great program."
How You Can Help
You can be a part of Operation Blessing's ongoing work by helping to support these and other life-changing projects. Through monthly donations, people such as Michelle are given a chance to succeed and bring positive change to their community.
Click here to make an online donation today.
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