It’s more important than ever for our communities to be proactive in finding a partner in wellness. Here at Skagit Regional Health, we have the people, resources and expertise to be that partner in your life. 

There are many ways to incorporate healthy changes into your life. Thank you to Paul Ross, RN, BSN, Trauma Program Manager at Skagit Regional Health for sharing his health journey. 

Why is health a priority for you? 
Health plays a vital role in my life and my career. We have always heard the term "practice what you preach", but I never really did that in my own personal life, until recent years. My father is diabetic. He has had eye issues and a foot and a toe amputated, as well as a 3-way bypass. All these issues are a result of diabetes. I was miserable, unable to tie my shoes at 380 lbs. I saw my provider and my hemoglobin A1C was elevated. I was not going to have a diagnosis of diabetes! I heavily researched diets and real nutrition and decided to become vegan. It was an easy transition for me and even my spouse got on board. I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy in 2018 after years of frustration. It was a personal choice for me and a gift I did not want to squander. I am now in the best shape of my life at the age of 47 and my weight is 178 lbs. My lab work is also now in a healthy range. My goal is to stay away from preservatives, animal fats and I only eat foods that fuel my body. Watching so many people struggle with health issues based on their eating habits over my 29-year career, drove me to my decisions. 

What are ways that you weave healthy activities into your daily life? 
I wake up in the morning and just like brushing my teeth and getting dressed, I made running a daily part of my life. I also walk anywhere I can instead of driving. I am not a grandfather yet, but I want to keep up with my grandkids. I already impress upon my own kids how important exercise is for normal body function. I continue to educate myself daily about nutrition and exercise. I am running half marathons and hope to tuck a full marathon under my belt soon.

Thank you, Paul, for sharing your Be Well story. Congratulations on your success, you are an inspiration to us all. We are cheering you on as your wellness journey continues! 

Skagit Regional Health is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The ideas, opinions and stories shared by the Be Well Staff Profile participants are their own and do not constitute endorsement by Skagit Regional Health. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic as outlined by organizational policy and federal, state or local laws.