Man loses weight, gains national attention

Healthyroads, Inc., a personal health improvement company and subsidiary of American Specialty Health of San Diego, has named Brian Walkowski as runner up for the Healthyroads "Get Healthy! National Awards Program."

He was recognized at ASH's annual corporate banquet held March 10 in San Diego. Walkowski, an information specialist with Electronic Data Systems in Amherst, was presented with a $5,000 cash prize for his commitment and participation in the program, which helped him lose almost 40 pounds.

After joining the program, his blood pressure dropped from dangerously high to almost normal, his triglycercides dropped 300 points and his physical stamina increased dramatically.

"I went from walking 3,000 steps a day to almost 12,000 steps a day, increased my biking stamina from two miles a day to 20 miles, and went from never jogging in my life to jogging five miles," Walkowski said.

The winner, a nurse from Miami, Diane Loffredo, was awarded the $25,000 grand prize. She shed 65 pounds, dropped six dress sizes, reduced her cholesterol and blood pressure, and improved her exercise and nutrition habits in just 12 months through the Healthyroads Coaching Program.