Success Stories
- Shirley’s story
- Maureen's story
- Your story
Shirley's story
Nine months ago, I became part of a Gateway Study. At that time my blood pressure was high and I was on medication to lower it. I was over weight and feeling it. I had been walking a little bit on my own, but when I jointed the study I became dedicated to exercising every day. It was helpful to record my activities. It encouraged me to become more active.
Due to Fibromyalgia, I was struggling with sleeping at night. Since I started exercising regularly I can now sleep up to five hours straight. This is a huge improvement for me.
I am currently still on a medication for blood pressure, but I know it is only a matter of time that I will be completely off medication. This is great because I had a very severe reaction to one of the blood pressure medications I was prescribed. It is so encouraging to see I’ve made real progress controlling my blood pressure with diet and exercise and that it is back to normal levels.
I have more energy, and agility, so much so, that a year ago I was unable to work and on a disability pension. Now I am able to work again and I have returned to work part time.
~ Shirley B.
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In 2008, my husband and I both decided to be part of the DaTa study at Gateway. I was mildly active already but the two of us turned it into a fun contest to track and monitor our walking steps, blood pressure, weight and blood glucose. Underneath the fun, I had real concern: my Dad died at the age of 41 of a heart attack, so I knew I had to do all I could to get healthier. I had too many risk factors.
The glucose numbers I found every day surprised me. I had no idea how much effect one chocolate milk had on my blood sugar levels until I was monitoring my numbers everyday. They really spiked!
I lost 20 pounds during the study and was able to drop all my medications. My energy really increased. During the study I learned so much. It is the kind of structured preventative care program I wanted and needed but couldn’t get from my family doctor. Now I know I am on the right track and know that it is what I do everyday that makes a real difference in my health.
~ Maureen A.
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Your story
Send us your story and share how you got healthier during a
Gateway health research study!
shelly.leblanc@gatewayresearch.ca