Could you be an inspiration to others?
The Decade of Better Health Team are looking for more real life stories from real people who have achieved personal successes by sticking to their pledge.
Please send your photos along with a summary of what change you made and the reasons why plus what results you've had along with any other information you think we will find helpful or interesting to kirstie.gee@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Lynn Barnard, Aged 43 lives in Sneinton.
"I knew immediately what changes I needed to make. I made pledges to eat more healthily, do more exercise and drink less alcohol. But the biggest change was in my mental health. That's the scariest one t o address because no-one likes to admit they're having problems.
"I was temping in office work and my assignment ended. I was unhappy and bored and realised I needed to be doing something inspiring and fulfilling. I knew I needed to change my career, but I was scared of trying something new. Once I'd made the decision though, it felt so much better, and things just started to happen.
"I've found a new job now, working in care, and I'm really excited to be doing it. I'm also doing some volunteering. Most people know what they need to do for their health and the Decade of Better Health is a great way to get inspired, it sets you a challenge so you can actually make that change."
Simon Gledhill, Wollaton, Aged 51
"I'd slowly put on weight since my teens, and it got to the stage where in the last few years it dominated my life. I couldn't get around, I had to use a wheelchair and I couldn't breathe properly. About a year ago I ended up really ill in hospital, and that gave me a kick up the backside to try and lose weight.
"I managed a stone under my own steam, but then in May the GP referred me to Slimming World and since then I've lost another 4 and a half stone. It all comes down to reasonable portions and sensible healthy food, the group support's been great and after a while you get into the mindset of eating differently and develop new habits. Now a treat is a treat, occasional, instead of before when I'd eat what I wanted all the time.
"You've got to want to make a change, but don't let it get to that late stage that I did, before you do something about it."
Scott Martin, Aged 43, lives in Broxtowe
"October 14th was the day I quit smoking, I set a date and stuck to it. What did it was I had to run down the road one day - its only about 40 yards - and it nearly killed me! My heart was racing, I went red faced, was short of breath; I just knew I had to do something about it.
"I'd been smoking since I was about 13 and I was on 20 to 25 a day. I got help from the New Leaf service, and from talking to them I knew that I needed to change my routine. Like in the mornings, instead of having a smoke, I'd make a cup of tea, wash some pots, just keep busy - and when I really wanted a smoke I'd use one of those nicotine inhalers, that really helped.
"I'm not going to pretend it was easy, especially the first few days, but I think nothing that's really worth doing is easy. Now I feel loads better in myself, my food tastes better, and I feel like I've also done it for the sake of my partner and my kids, as well as for me."
