Workpartners also sponsors the annual HERO Forum, which honors with the Healthy HERO Award a person who improved their overall health and well-being
Carlo Fontenot never had an issue with his weight until he reached his mid-thirties. He and his wife started a family, and he went from playing sports himself to watching his three kids participate in their many activities. At 38 he was diagnosed with cancer, a challenge that put weight management on the back burner. When Carlo turned 42, he was 120 pounds over his college weight and was diagnosed with prediabetes. He decided to begin a program to improve his overall health.
He focused on limiting his daily caloric intake to 2,200 calories and started walking three miles on the Montour Trail near Pittsburgh at least three times a week. Within two years Carlo lost 80 pounds and decreased his HbA1c to a level where his doctor reversed the prediabetes diagnosis.
But in 2015 Carlo experienced three life-changing moments that caused him to lose focus on healthy habits: His cancer returned, his mother died, and he relocated his family back to Houston from Pittsburgh. He gained 70 pounds over the next eight years and decided to speak to a health coach for advice.
Carlo began a high-protein, low-carb diet and tracked his daily nutritional goals. After an initial weight loss he was able to resume exercising at the gym. He also started taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.
Carlo partnered with a health coach program offered through Workpartners
Since October 2023 Carlo has lost 56 pounds and experienced a boost in energy. He no longer needs to take three of his prescription medications, and his cholesterol, blood pressure, and HbA1c levels have all decreased. The motivation to improve his mobility contributed greatly to his success, as did having helpful resources available to him. He credits encouragement from his employer’s medical department and co-workers as instrumental in making his healthy lifestyle changes.
Carlo’s wife and one of his sons often accompany him to the gym, which has increased their physical activity as well. Carlo’s wife eats healthier now because they share most meals. Several of his co-workers and friends have commented on Carlo’s weight loss, and he has shared the tools that have led to his success. Carlo encourages co-workers to make use of the employee wellness plan. He was adamant about not choosing quicker, more invasive options (like surgical procedures) to lose weight.
Workpartners empowers employees to take charge of their health
Carlo’s work shows that an easy first step is finding simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve your situation. Maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong journey that requires focus and determination. It comes easy for some, harder for others. Regardless, the benefits make it worth taking advantage of the health, wellness, and lifestyle resources that Workpartners and its member organizations offer.
Connect with Workpartners to improve your employees’ overall wellness
Workpartners’ services maximize our clients’ and their employees’ health and well-being, reducing absenteeism, and reducing overall benefit costs—person by person. Learn more about our advocacy programs.