When I found out that I had to enroll in the Restore Program I was discouraged and a bit insulted. You might say I went into the program kicking and screaming, though not overtly. After disciplining myself to exercise and change my diet, my weight and blood pressure dropped substantially. It has been an emotional adjustment (I was comfortable being unhealthy) but I feel much better and do not want to go back to my old habits. I am grateful I submitted to the Restore Program.
When I first got on the program I was a little defensive, because I had just had a baby and knew that I could lose the weight on my own. I felt that Ron Welsh was the perfect consultant, because his wife has had 3 children in the last 4 years and completely understood where I was at. He was very respectful and very knowledgeable. If I had a question that I emailed to him, he always followed up with a phone call to make sure I got the question answered correctly. I really appreciated his help. Even though I have lost weight on my own in the past after having my first child, I am thrilled to say that this time around, I weigh what I weighed in high school! I don't think I ever would have taken it that far on my own. I probably would have lost just enough to get by and went on my way. Just recently I had to buy all new clothes, because I couldn't fit in to any of my clothes anymore! I am very thankful for that!
My journey with Medi-Share began with a desire to get our health care costs under control and to stop paying for the medical care of people who are un-willing to make healthy lifestyle choices. In order to be accepted in the program, I needed to lower my cholesterol. For years, several physicians have tried to get me on statin drugs but I have always refused and basically just ignored the problem.
My naturopath suggested I try a vegan diet for six weeks. Reluctantly, I did and my total cholesterol dropped from 292 to 219. At this point CCMS was willing to accept me in the sharing program with the provision that I work with an advisor. I wasn't very excited about this either but working with Angela Dodson has been another unexpected blessing in my life! I've been so impressed with the total Christian perspective CCMS espouses; they really look at whole body health, spiritual, mental, relationships, and physical. Angela was very compassionate and caring. I grew to appreciate her praying with me after each one of our phone sessions. She was very knowledgeable and always offered me many resources. We worked together for about 9 months; I learned a lot about choices I can make and things I can do to improve my own health. My total cholesterol is now 198 and dropping! Working with Angela and the Restore program, my total health awareness has been raised. I have reccommended this program to many friends and family. Another benefit is that I have lost 30 lbs. and that alone has caused people to ask what I have been doing. Fortunately, my wife, Cynthia, has been incredibly supportivem in making these dietary changes. My son and daughter-in-law have seen the changes and been inspired to make changes of their own. Dr. Joel Fuhrman's book, Eat To Live, and Lowering your Cholesterol, have been very helpful. What started as a suggestion from my Naturopath has now become a lifestyle. For a Kansas farm boy who grew up on raw milk, butter, and meat three times a day, I have come a long way. I am excited about enjoying all the health benefits from these changes and the diseases I am avoiding in the future! Thanks be to God!
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