Success Stories
Reba Diane Thompson
Age 53, Northgate II Resident
Programs: Zumba, Yoga, Chronic Disease Self-Management
“When you get older, it’s hard to lose weight. But anybody can lose weight if they put their mind to it.”
Reba Dianne Thompson goes by the name Lady D. She first became a resident 25 years ago when her mother moved to the building, and today describes Northgate II as “a place of comfort.” Lady D has participated in many wellness program activities, including Zumba and Yoga, but it was the Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop that helped her change her life. “They taught us to eat proper, how to make an action plan. They taught us healthy choices that you can make, what you can do: exercise more, walk more. I put it all into play. The program really motivated and inspired me and helped me to get where I am now.”
Lady D said her doctors had been trying to get her to lose weight because of concerns about her heart, including high blood pressure. “I like food. I like to eat. When you get older, it’s hard to lose weight. But the weight wasn’t good for my heart. My doctors told me I had to do something about it. So I decided I wanted to be healthier, at 53 years old. My doctors are very proud of me. I’m not a size 20 anymore. I sleep better. I wake up feeling better. They’ve asked me to be a spokesperson for weight loss management. Anybody can lose weight if they put their mind to it.”
