Pair Up

New Year’s resolutions abound this time of year. For some, they are forgotten before leaves begin to appear on the trees. For others, resolutions can spark substantial changes.

Eight years ago, Angela Hobart, a City of New Albany zoning officer, resolved to change her life. Due to hectic schedules, kid activities and many meals on the run,

Officer

Hobart was overweight and knew she needed to take control of her life by beginning to exercise again and changing her diet. When she first started walking in 2003, she got winded after less than five minutes, but she stayed with it. She also joined Weight Watchers, and began taking her son, Drake, with her when he was 4 years old.

After some time had passed, Angela’s friend and co-worker Jill VanDeventer was inspired to lose weight, too.

Today, after losing a combined 150 pounds, Angela and Jill emphasize that their story is about overall wellness and not just weight loss. “The weight loss goal was an important component of why we feel so much better and it served as our impetus,” notes Hobart. “But the bigger story is that our weight loss was a result of lifestyle changes that we made, changes that continue to make our lives so much better on a daily basis.”

To lose weight and get into better shape, Angela and Jill decided to create their own internal buddy system for support. "We realized there would be difficult times when we needed to support each other through the process,” Hobart says. “We also realized that while we could support each other in our exercise habits, we needed to have good diet habits, too. So we decided to join Weight Watchers together. Finally, we needed to convey to our families how important this was to us, and how their lives would be impacted, too.”

Health and wellness professionals encourage this multi-pronged approach. “Health and wellness isn’t just about exercise. It’s about diet, exercise and proper support,” says Dr. Phil Heit, Professor Emeritus of Health Education at The Ohio State University. “These components all feed off each other, particularly when the goal is long-term sustainability. We need to look at the food we eat as fuel that allows us to exercise properly, which can lead to healthy weight loss. And as with other components of our lives, building support networks helps us stay on track. Being healthy is best accomplished as a lifestyle.”

Today, it’s hard to believe these two women ever had trouble getting through a five-minute walk. They’ve completed two half-marathons, and they walk a 5K four days during the work week at lunchtime. On inclement days, they move inside to treadmills at the New Albany Police Department workout facility. “The buddy system holds us accountable to each other,” VanDeventer says. “There are definitely days when I’ve says to Angie, ‘If you weren’t here today, I wouldn’t be here, either.’ But it’s not just about me, it’s about us.”

Both women speak glowingly about New Albany’s trail system and its safety, beauty and accessibility. They also rave about the summer New Albany Farmers Market created by Healthy New Albany, as well as the New Albany Walking Classic.

“We’re over 40 and we’re not athletes; we’re just working women who wanted to be healthier and stuck with it,” VanDeventer says. “During the New Albany Walking Classic the past few years, I’ve talked to people throughout the United States and Canada who came to participate in the New Albany Walking Classic. … They couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful our community is. They’re right. It’s a great place for us to get our daily exercise.”

Hobart and VanDeventer hope that their story shows that just about anyone can begin to lose weight and work toward a healthier lifestyle. “We’re proof that just about anyone can lead a healthier and fuller life with the right attitude and proper support network,” adds Hobart. “It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worthwhile. I feel great personally, and it’s gratifying to know that my entire family is healthier today because of personal actions I took.”

Jenny R. Maple, dds, ms Orthodontic Specialist

We’ve carefully chosen every detail with our patients in mind – the best equipment, the most sophisticated technology and just the right appointments. But we also offer special services to keep you relaxed and comfortable – music, video and even a patient lounge.

For over 25 years, Dr. Jeffrey Angart has pioneered ways to take dental care to a whole new level. Now it’s all coming together at the Center for Dental Health, right here in New Albany.

By Kristina Jenny