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Gloria with her grandson, Ara Swiatlowski
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.
SCOTTVILLE — A wellness program through Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital gave Gloria Beckman a wake-up call. As an employee of Smith & Eddy Insurance, she and her colleagues were encouraged to take advantage of a free health screening through Win With Wellness.
“My first time there I was told I was borderline obese,” Gloria said. “That was not a pleasant thing to hear. With that statement and family health issues, I knew I had to do something. I had been watching the progress my daughter was making with her weight and decided to take charge of myself instead of letting my body take charge of me.”
Gloria said she had tried many different ways to lose weight. She starting using a nutritional shake program and then practiced portion control and exercise.
“I was happy with the results and since then have become a Beach Body coach, hoping to help others along the way. Since March I have lost 33 pounds and at least 35 inches overall. My exercise varies with each program I use. Generally they are 30 minutes long and work a different set of muscles with each routine. The best part is, I can do it in the privacy of my own home with no worries of having to miss a workout due to weather issues. A lot of people workout first thing in the morning, I, on the other hand, prefer to workout before going to bed.
“My goal in life is to be as healthy as I can be and to dance with my grandson at his wedding. Since he’s only 3, I have to take the best care of myself and this is what I have found to work for me.”
Gloria has worked as a customer service representative and agent at Smith & Eddy for eight years. She grew up in Ludington and graduated from Ludington High School. In 1980, she and her husband, John, moved to Texas. After three years, they returned to the area and have lived in Scottville since. They have two adult daughters, Erin Swiatlowski of Scottville and Kendra Beckman of Salt Lake City, Utah.
She said she loves her job. “I really enjoy trying to help people obtain the best insurance coverage for their needs. Through my job I have developed many friendships as well. That’s been very rewarding.”
In addition to fitness, Gloria enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and the beach. “I grew up on the beach and I love walking on it,” she said.
She said scrapbooking brings out her creative side while gardening gives her a sense of accomplishment and relaxation. “I love gardening because it looks beautiful when it’s done. Pulling weeds is my way of relaxing.”
For more information on Smith & Eddy: www.smith-eddy.com; Scottville (231-757-4743); Ludington (231-845-1481); Manistee (231-723-3500).
For more information on Win With Wellness, click here.
Win With Wellness will offer more free health screenings this winter:
- Friday, Feb. 19 and Saturday, Feb. 20, Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 16, Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Family Medicine, Hart, 6:30 to 9 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 18, District Health Department #10, Baldwin, 6:30 to 9 a.m.
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