Anyone who has participated in the WellFit for Life and Best Weigh to Go programs knows it requires hard work and dedication to win. Adopting and maintaining the proper exercise and diet regimen is paramount to the achievement of noteworthy results during the 10–week program. For some, though, even more effort is required.

Regina Heatt, a sixth–grade math teacher at Lawrence Middle School, knew her diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) meant that WellFit for Life would be an uphill battle but also an excellent motivator for beginning the necessary trek towards a longer, healthier life. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with PCOS, which causes a woman's hormones to become highly imbalanced, resulting in a variety of health risks. This is because once a woman develops PCOS, it often serves as a catalyst which triggers unhealthy physical changes. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious health–related problems such as obesity, diabetes, infertility and heart disease. In addition, PCOS makes the already challenging prospect of losing excess weight exponentially more difficult due to the irregular behavior of hormones.

Regina and her husband, Jonathon, decided they would fight her PCOS together as a team, and the WellFit for Life program became a weapon in their battle. The couple began by instituting family meal and fitness plans. Since then, they have spent countless hours hiking at Red Rock Canyon, playing basketball and tennis, and walking to places they would have driven to in the past. The hard work, has paid off too. Her team took second place in the 2009 Best Weigh to Go competition by losing a combined 79 pounds. Despite this accomplishment, though, Regina is far from finished. She has set her aim high as she continues the fight against PCOS. She still intends to conquer the difficult Turtlehead Peak Trail at Red Rock Canyon and to complete a 1/2 marathon this year.

Regina credits much of her success to the ongoing love and support she has received from Jonathon, colleagues and, of course, her students. Throughout the competition, they made sure she provided weekly progress reports, encouraged her to keep going and let her know how cool it was that she had taken on the challenge.

Regina knows others can succeed as she has if they "find an activity they love to do and let that be their motivation." The Trust continues to applaud Regina and hopes everyone recognizes why she is another community hero you should know!

Philip DiGiacomo
Contributor

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