Senior Fitness Story at Fit For Life

A Preventive Health & Fitness Company
"Keep Active and Have Fun!"

Walking Cures Diabetes!

Meet Hazel Willie. She is 81 years old and believes exercise has changed her life. It all started about 2 years ago, when Hazel was diagnosed with diabetes. Her husband had died of a combination of cancer and diabetes, and Hazel, who is a six-year survivor of breast cancer, said the diagnosis shocked her.

She began taking pills, but wasn't able to control her blood sugar level. So, in August 1998, she turned to exercise. She chose walking as the type of exercise because it seemed to be the easiest and most convenient. Every morning around 8:00, Hazel walks a mile at the local mall (which opens early for walkers only). She walks at a brisk pace, normally taking about 14 minutes to walk one mile.

Since she began walking and controlling her diet, Hazel hasn't taken a single pill for her diabetes. Her blood sugar level, which was once as high as 400, has remained within acceptable limits, under 125. "Besides controlling my diabetes, I really feel good" says Hazel who can't imagine her day now without a walk. "It gets me going and I'm ready for the rest of the day."

Hazel wants to let other diabetics know how much simple exercise has helped her."I hope and pray that all diabetics will read about this," she says forcefully, with tears in her eyes, "and I hope they get off their butts and start walking. If this makes just one person with diabetes get up and start walking then praise the Lord. I have a purpose on this Earth."

Hazel's doctor, Chris Parker, agrees that exercise would benefit anyone with the problem. She cautioned though, that people with diabetes shouldn't stop taking their medication without speaking to a doctor first, even if they do begin exercising. "Some people really need to be on medication," she explains. But Parker admits that for Hazel, walking seems to be working.