Benefits Corner

Lorie Lindenmuth's Journey to Good Health

In 2008, I was discouraged. Approaching 50 years old, I was overweight, felt unattractive, but more importantly, I felt unhealthy. My ankles were always swollen, I had no energy, and I had drug resistant hypertension (high blood pressure.)

At the health screenings at annual conference, my blood pressure was so high that the nurse was scared and didn't want me to leave the room! Especially after I told her I was already taking 3 pills a day for it. My worst fears were confirmed with the blood test results. I also had high cholesterol and was pre-diabetic. I was in the throes of metabolic syndrome, a combination of risk factors that is very dangerous and put me at high risk for cardiovascular disease and other major problems. I was shocked. No one in my family has ever had diabetes! I didn't want to be the first one, in my forties.

With regular calls and encouragement from a coach from the health plan, I enrolled in the Virgin HealthMiles program and strapped on the free pedometer. I wore it every day; I became obsessed with looking at it to see what my step count was, even when I was frustrated because I thought it wasn't counting all my steps. Whether it was counting them all or not, I told myself, my body IS. I was still benefiting from every step. The pounds started to come off very slowly.

Early the next spring I bought a bicycle after not being on one for 25 years. It's true, you don't forget! In a sudden surge of courage, I decided to sign up for the NUMB Ride (Nebraska United Methodist Bike Ride for Hunger), and started to train. I put the pedometer on my shoe to ride. It only gave me one step for every couple of pedal rotations, but that was fine. The ultimate goal is really better health, not just steps.

I was still out of shape; the first day I only rode 2 miles. I felt like a loser. But I knew it could be dangerous health-wise if I pushed too hard, not to mention I would hate it. I worked up to 5 miles, enjoying the beauty of nature on the bike trail through Wilderness Park. At the end of the first 10 days I went 10 miles. The next time I went 12 miles. I was proud of going that far but at the same I thought to myself, "Am I nuts, thinking I could do the NUMB Ride, 265 miles in 4 days?" Everyone pointed out that I didn't gain weight or get out of shape overnight, and I had to be patient to get my health back. It wasn't easy to find time to ride; I had a full time job and a family. I made it my goal to try to do at least a short ride three times a week.

A year later, in June 2009 at the annual conference health screenings, I had lost 22 pounds. All signs of diabetes were gone. At the end of that month I participated in the NUMB Ride. The first day of 80 miles was like a walk in the park! And my pedometer was maxed out on steps! The going got a little tougher each day but I completed the 4 day ride with no problems. I wasn't even ashamed that I was at the back of the pack!

A big part of my motivation was getting to higher levels in the HealthMiles program. I regularly uploaded my steps online. I entered my weight, BMI, and blood pressure readings monthly, and manually entered every activity I did, from table tennis to golf to bowling to stretching in the mornings. I was rewarded with a gift card of $300 (for doing the HealthQuotient online, the health screening at annual conference, and getting to Level 4.) I started out wearing size 12 or 14, I am down to wearing size 8 or 10, and I want to get to size 6…then I can use my $300 HealthMiles gift card to buy a new wardrobe! THANK YOU VIRGIN HEALTHMILES!

By Lorie Lindenmuth
Comptroller
Nebraska Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

Wellness Journey by Eldon Davis

Over the years one does not pay much attention to our physical bodies and the importance of maintaining our healthy eating and exercise. In my journey, I slowly began to gain weight as I became less active in my life and when I began to eat without regard of calories or portions. I remember that 35 years ago I went above 200 pounds and never looked back. At least until recently. By the time that I went to seminary in 2000, I was beginning to have some health concerns. I was 51 years old and was having problems with blood pressure, problems with arthritis in both my knees, and feeling tired most of the time.

After graduation and with beginning to be a full time pastor, I took advantage of the annual physical through Health Flex. At that time my blood sugar numbers were increasing and were borderline Diabetes. The doctor suggested that I needed to become serious about weight loss and I was placed on medication for Diabetes, blood pressure, and for cholesterol. I also took the Health Quotient and found out that I did not rate well with my family history of cancer, heart disease, and blood pressure problems. I began to change my eating habits. At that time I weighed 268 pounds.

When the conference offered the opportunity to join Weight Watchers, both Nancy and I decided that we would do this together. I had lost some weight but was beginning to gain it back prior to joining. We joined last May 2008. Since that time I have lost 73 pounds and weigh 195 for the first time below 200 in the last 35 years. I have yet to reach my goal but I continue to go faithfully to meetings. Nancy has become a life time member.

Recently I received my pedometer from Virgin Health Miles. I have tried to make at least 7000 steps a day though there are days that I have not done that. I track my progress on line and find that it is a motivator to keep me active. I have also joined the YMCA and go there to work out walking and lifting weights.

The journey has been at times exciting and frustrating. I have decided that I like the way I feel with the 73 pounds gone. The doctor has cut my cholesterol medication and my blood pressure medication. My blood sugar has been well maintained.

I encourage all of us to take advantage of the opportunities that we have to become healthy. For if we believe that we are called to serve, we need to care for the body we have so that we can serve longer and be more fruitful.

Ladies, Can You Identify with This?

Just a few days over a year ago, I began a new step toward a healthy lifestyle. All of my life I have struggled with pounds creeping on. I would diet---some crazy diet---loose a few pounds and then gain that plus more. I used to say that I was still carrying that "extra baby" weight from having our children, even though they were well over 20 and adults themselves. I came from a family background of folks that did not like to exercise, and loved to eat--when they were happy, sad or bored. Guess what, so did I. Marriage, family and just plain life got in the way of my taking care of myself. Health issues began to surface, namely blood pressure issues, feeling tired and worn out and out of breath.

I had tried numerous times to take the steps needed toward a healthier life and promised myself that I would stick to it this time. That of course did not happen--until--a chance to join Weight Watchers with the help of the Conference came into my life. Eldon and I both had come to the realization we had to do something. To be honest I made a ton of excuses why not to join--always said "I went kicking and screaming"--but I went. To say I was a bit grumpy about how many "points" I could have would be putting it mildly, but somewhere, something clicked. Eldon and I agreed that for this to work--this new life style we needed to work it together. I wanted him to keep me honest. You see one of the first things I noticed was that I lied to myself--how much I ate, when, and why. My portions and choices were completely out of whack. I got a major wake up call when I attended the meetings--cause after all I was going to go my 13 times get some of my money back and prove that the program would not work for me! How wrong I was!

Well guess what--it did work--one step at a time. I began to weigh and measure food and then saw with my own eyes how out of it I was. I discovered a water exercise program at the YMCA--I liked it. I continued on taking each week as it came. Soon the pounds were leaving and my clothes were getting way to big. Shopping here I come!
I felt good for the first time in a long time. Could walk to get the mail and not become winded up that "Main Street Hill", I walked to work, I walked everywhere--regardless of aches or pains--I just took my time, but I walked!

On December 11, 2008 I became a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. It has been now 5 months that I have maintained my weight loss. This is how I am now. This is my lifestyle and I will not go back to the way it was before. I have a saying--it is just like dishes and laundry--they never go away and neither will my weight issues. I must continue to work at this. I am forever grateful to my husband, the Conference for their push and to Weight Watchers for helping me pave a new path for my life and yes even to myself for taking that first step--even if I did kick a bit!

Nancy W. Davis

Dan Spearow's Success Story

My name is Dan Spearow. Many of you know me through my work as Local Pastor Registrar for the Board of Ordained Ministry. For a number of years I have struggled with some of the health issues many pastors face. I enjoyed all of the potluck dinners and life events that we celebrate in the church, such as weddings, anniversaries, confirmation dinners, and holiday meals.

For the past several years I have participated in the Health Quotient provided by the General Board of Pension and Health. Last year at Annual Conference, I had my blood test as did many of you. This time it showed a number of issues that I considered to be potentially life-threatening. I took the information to my physician, and he prescribed medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. I knew my weight had something to do with these issues as well. My wife, Nancy, and I joined Weight Watchers in August after receiving information about the plan provided to HealthFlex participants.

With the information from the blood screening and regular checks on my blood pressure to guide my doctor, I have been successfully treated for both my blood pressure and high cholesterol. After nearly eight months on Weight Watchers, I achieved my weight loss goal of 27 pounds and became a lifetime member.

The process of harming my health didn't happen overnight. I knew it wouldn't change for the better overnight. I now get more regular exercise. I have changed to much healthier eating habits. With medication I have lowered my blood pressure to the normal range and dropped my cholesterol by thirty points. I feel better, and many members of my congregations have noticed the change in my appearance and energy level. Now I look forward to a much longer and healthier life.

If you have not started to participate in the programs our Conference and denomination offer to help you lead a healthier lifestyle, do it now. Do it for your family and your ministry.

In Christ's love,
Daniel E. Spearow

Optional Life Insurance Plan Available in 2010

If something happened to you, what would happen to your loved ones? Do you have enough life insurance?

Planning for your financial future means making important decisions about life insurance coverage. The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits is offering a new, optional life insurance benefit.

The Optional Life Insurance Plan will give eligible clergy and lay participants the option to purchase life insurance coverage for themselves, their spouses and dependent children directly from Unum, a leading provider of life insurance benefits. Optional Life coverage is designed to supplement the life insurance already provided through a General Board plan: the Lay Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance Plan (formerly known as BPP), and the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) for clergy.
In addition to comprehensive coverage options, the new plan provides an accelerated death benefit, portability and conversion options, and an accidental death and dismemberment benefit option. You can purchase certain coverage levels during the annual open enrollment period.

An overview of the Optional Life Insurance Plan is available on the General Board website at www.gbophb.org. To view plan details, click on "Health & Welfare," select "Health & Welfare Plans" in the left toolbar and click on "UMLifeOptions." You may also contact Unum's Client Services department at 1-800-985-0242 with any questions regarding this new plan.

Watch for information about the next open enrollment period.

Ernst & Young Services Free in 2010

The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits has arranged to provide Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services free of charge to participants in their retirement plans. Services are available to:
• active participants,
• surviving spouses, and
• terminated and retired participants with an account balance of at least $10,000

Benefits of using the free Ernst & Young program:
1. Unlimited phone time. In the past, this program was sold in three-hour blocks. In 2009, not only is this service free, there's no time limit! You can call as often as you like, and you can spend as much time on the phone as necessary.
2. Unbiased service. You will receive guidance without a sales pitch. Ernst & Young planners never try to sell you investment products or service.
3. Educated in General Board-related matters such as General Board plans, clergy housing allowance, clergy tax issues, etc.
4. Access to a customized retirement strategy. Planners will help you develop a plan to meet your retirement goals.
5. Wide-ranging expertise. In addition to retirement planning, planners can provide advice on many other financial matters such as managing debt, buying a home, understanding tax issues and estate planning.

There is no need to enroll. Simply call Ernst & Young directly at 1-800-360-2539 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. In addition, you have free access to the Ernst & Young Financial Planning web site which offers tips on managing your money and expanding your knowledge of a wide range of financial topics. Visit their web site at http://gbophb.eyfinancialplanner.com (company code: gbophb; company program: gbophb2007).

HealthFlex and the Nebraska Conference Bring You Weight Watchers at Special Prices

HealthFlex has teamed up with Weight Watchers, a leading weight-management services provider, to offer you, your spouse and your covered dependent children (age 15 and older) flexible weight loss options up to 50% less than national corporate rates. In addition the Nebraska Conference Board of Pension will pick the remaining cost upon proof of successful participation resulting in a net cost of $0!
Maintaining an ideal weight can help you enjoy a longer and healthier life and improve your overall physical and emotional well-being. Take the step today toward a healthier lifestyle with this special offer.
If you prefer group support, choose one of the following Weight Watchers options:
1. Local Meeting vouchers -- Attend Weight Watchers meetings in your local community. You benefit from an experienced leader and group support from fellow members.
2. At Work meetings -- Although no United Methodist Church in Nebraska is large enough to host a workplace meeting (15 to 20 participants), there is much potential for At Work meetings in central locations in districts and clusters. You get the experienced guidance of a trained Weight Watchers leader, plus support from other pastors and/or spouses which is already your trusted support group.
If you prefer not to attend Weight Watchers meetings, choose from these two options:
3. Online subscription -- This electronic option allows you to follow Weight Watchers step-by-step online.
4. At Home kit -- Corporate Edition -- This option offers information and resources to follow the Weight Watchers plan step-by-step at home.
To join Weight Watchers, call the Helpline at 1-866-557-6229 and provide the group password "HealthFlex." You will receive vouchers to attend Weight Watcher meetings at half price.
To earn for the Nebraska Conference rebate, print the attendance card from the link below, Take it to your weekly meeting and have you leader sign and date it each week. After 13 weeks send your card to Carole Otto, Conference Benefits Administrator, and the other half of your enrollment cost will be refunded. Credit is based on full-time attendance at meetings, not a specific weight loss. Rebates are also possible with the Online Subscription plan.
What have you been waiting for? Join today!

• Weight Watchers Attendance Card