Can you tell me a little bit about how you found out about Pack Health and what made you want to sign up?

Initially, I was apart of FUMS, an organization created to empower folks to have an attitude to fight MS. The woman who runs it had been interviewing people who find MS interesting. I then saw an interview that Savvy Coop had done with you all [Pack Health] and I saw you had a program for MS with openings, so I joined immediately.

We’re so happy to have you! How has your experience been so far? How’s it been with Terrell?

It has been great, I love it, I think it’s a fabulous idea! I’ve had MS for a long time – I got sick right out of college and could only work for 3 years. I used to be a motivated person, and because of the MS, I feel as though my motivation and determination to work has been lost. And that’s exactly where Pack Health came into play!

Having a third party is very helpful. It’s one thing if your friends and family tell you to do something, but personally, I don’t want to listen to them. Knowing that I will be talking to Terrell that week helps hold me accountable. I always want to have something positive to say to him. But even if I do slip up, there is no judgment and he’s always there to help me move forward.

Did you two set any specific Tiny Steps you’d like to share?

This was one of my challenges from the beginning because I don’t have any mobility issues, I’m relatively fit, and I fall within the spectrum of a healthy weight for someone my age (I even come in a bit underweight). So there weren’t many areas I felt like I needed much help, but Terrell explained that he’s had members want to focus on happiness etc. and that I didn’t just have to focus on the medical aspects. I’m an artist and realized that I hadn’t been doing my art lately and now I force myself to work on something every day, it just puts me in a better mood.  Also, I live on the third floor, but a few months ago, I noticed that there was a bike downstairs. I hate to exercise, but I have been using that bike every day. I know if I didn’t sign up for Pack Health I wouldn’t be using it, so I’ve got to give Pack Health some credit there!

How has Pack Health helped you change your lifestyle?

I love the Day Tracker. I like writing down what I am eating, it makes me more thoughtful of my choices. I also don’t drink a lot of water and it helps me remember to drink more. Before I started to use the day tracker, I would snack a lot and sometimes it would just be because I was bored, but when I track everything I put in my body, it helps me be more mindful.

Would your recommend Pack Health to anyone?

I would absolutely recommend Pack Health to people, and I have! I think it’s a great resource. Oh gosh, yes! I’m not on any MS drugs anymore, which is amazing. There is something different about this program and being able to actually talk to a person on the phone — it is great. It’s nice to have structure. I’ve been really really happy since I found Pack Health.

Nadine enjoys a tofu bowl, filled with fresh vegetables!