UnitedHealthcare presents Heart Assn Lifestyle Achievement Award

Photos (L to R): James Moore, strategic account executive for UnitedHealthcare, announces the eight finalists for the Lifestyle Change Award. Moore joins his daughter Alexa Moore (far left), Maria Tracey (center), Lifestyle Change Award winner, Mike Trim, Heart Walk Emcee and news anchor and reporter for WPTV/Ch. 5, and Bill Perry, 2017 Palm Beach County Heart Walk Chairman and Managing Stakeholder of Gunster Law Firm.

UnitedHealthcare announced the 2017 American Heart Association’s Lifestyle Change Award recipient, Maria Tracey, who was recently honored among seven other finalists for their dramatic lifestyle and weight loss improvements. The award was presented at the annual Palm Beach County Heart Walk on November 18.

The inaugural award is a partnership between UnitedHealthcare and the American Heart Association to help promote healthier lifestyles and recognize individuals who have made a commitment to improving their diet, adding in exercise and losing weight. Improvements in these areas are proven to help reduce the risk of heart disease, still the number one leading cause of death.

“UnitedHealthcare is honored to be part of this inaugural award to recognize individuals for their commitment to improving their health and reducing health risks,” said Nicholas Zaffiris, CEO of UnitedHealthcare South Florida.

“Having UnitedHealthcare work with the Palm Beach County Heart Walk team embodies both organizations’ commitment to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” said Bill Perry, Managing Shareholder of Gunster Law Firm and Chairman of the 2017 Palm Beach County Heart Walk.

About the Lifestyle Change Award Winner and Honorees

Maria Tracey, Winner -- Having spent most of her life struggling to manage her weight and getting to the point where it was hard to simply catch her breath while walking, she knew it was time for a lifestyle change. Through improvements to her diet and starting a regular exercise program, including doing boot camp on a regular basis, Tracey has lost over 100 pounds and has now participated in four 5k races.

Miguel Alonso, Finalist -- When his weight reached 380 pounds, Alonso realized he had to make a drastic change to save his life. At the age of 40, he embarked on a 13-month weight loss journey that included portion control and running 2-3 miles several days a week. To-date, he has lost more than 150 pounds, regained control of his body and is healthier and more active than in his 20s.

Karen Kravig, Finalist -- After undergoing a challenging medical diagnosis in September 2015, Kravig decided it was time for a change of lifestyle. She started working out daily and eating healthier foods. To-date, she has lost 115 pounds.

Jonathan Poole, Finalist -- At the age of 46 and weighing 329 pounds, Poole suffered a heart attack. From no activity to walking four to six miles on weekdays and up to 10 miles on the weekends, Poole has lost 93 pounds.

Kelly Bates, Finalist – Bates began her weight loss journey in October 2015 and lost 60 pounds in seven months. She states that her lifestyle change improved her self-image and also changed her outlook on life. She currently walks several times a week and has lost an additional 30 pounds in 2017 for a total weight loss of 90 pounds.

Shelly Rodgers, Finalist -- Within the past 12 months, Rodgers made the shift to incorporate healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, lifting weights and stretching daily. She also focused on eating healthy meals and smaller portions, contributing to her more than 25-pound weight loss. She has also become an advocate for healthy living and encouraging others to take better care of their bodies.

Lyn Shurger, Finalist -- Shurger had not been to a gym or exercised in more than 20 years. In April 2017 she started to become more active via cardio and strength training while also focusing on healthier eating. To-date, she has lost more than 25 pounds and has improved her energy levels as well as emotional wellbeing.

Tonya Dobzyuski, Finalist -- Known for skipping meals and sometimes only eating once a day, Dobzyuski made the lifestyle change to eating three healthy meals a day and has lost more than 20 pounds. With improved energy, she is better able to manager stress and is committed to not letting any obstacles stand in her way of being the healthiest she can be.

About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www.heart.org.