A Journey to Better Health: Reflections on the Health and Lifestyle Management Course

by program participant

These past two months in the Health, Preventive Medicine, and Nutrition Exercise Program have been transformative for me. For the first time, I’ve truly understood how my lifestyle and diet impact my health. Just as I was getting into the rhythm of things, the course wrapped up, leaving me wishing it could go on longer.

Every Tuesday, my mother and I looked forward to our sessions. With the encouragement and guidance of the incredible team, we achieved significant milestones—my cholesterol dropped from 238 to 187, and my mother’s blood pressure stabilized. Both of us shed 2.9–4% of body fat and gained muscle! But it wasn’t just about numbers; we found a sustainable routine, creating a shared passion for health that even began inspiring our friends and family.

Two years ago, I tried to enroll my parents due to concerns about their high cholesterol and blood pressure, but they weren’t ready. This year, after my own thyroid cancer treatment, my mother finally agreed to join me. I am endlessly grateful to Ms. Hsiao-Ling, who never gave up on us, seamlessly coordinating classes while offering warm support along the way. Dr. Lee’s thorough assessments brought peace of mind, especially for my mother’s health. Nurse Specialist Su-Ying not only found resources for my cancer treatment but also helped me manage an old knee injury, giving me clarity on self-care.

Coach Pin-Wen’s lively exercise sessions were a revelation. She inspired my mom to embrace working out, creating joyful memories with games and warm-ups and even designing my first-ever workout plan—so now, for the first time, I’m tracking my own muscle growth! And Chief Dietitian Zhao’s endless nutritional advice filled us with lightbulb moments, like little epiphanies of “Oh, so that’s why!”

Taking care of your health, especially with chronic conditions or after illness, is no short journey. It’s one that requires patience and resolve, which can sometimes feel daunting. But having this incredible team’s guidance and encouragement has made all the difference, bringing comfort and confidence. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of them.