Sandy Kasper took a courageous journey on the road to significant lifestyle changes. After dropping over 60 pounds and regaining balance in her life, the Neenah Joint School District Administrative Assistant has been named the Light of Wellness Healthy Behavior Award winner by the Wellness Council of Wisconsin.
The Healthy Behavior Award is in its third year and presented annually to one individual statewide. The award celebrates the accomplishments of an employee who has made significant lifestyle changes by incorporating healthy behaviors as a result of participation in their employer's wellness program. Kasper, who works in the Department of Instructional Technology at the Administrative Building, was nominated by NJSD wellness coordinator Kelly Kelderman and received her award at the Worksite Wellness Conference in Milwaukee on Sept. 24.
Kasper shut herself down after leaving an emotionally abusive marriage. She enlisted the support of the Christine Ann Center and friends and began to take steps toward a healthy lifestyle, eventually dropping 62 pounds. She uses myfitnesspal to keep track of what she eats and stays busy by gardening or crocheting hats for the homeless.
To stay active, Kasper began by walking four blocks and added a half-block each time. She worked up to exercising one hour per day and added short bouts of running. Last fall, Kasper completed the Fox Cities Half Marathon. She also participates in the NJSD wellness programs to give an extra push to practicing a healthy lifestyle.
Kasper shares her story to others that were in abusive relationships and to prisoners who have abused women to help them understand how it affects their victims. Her advice: “Start slow, set small goals, don’t give up and find support. It’s a journey worth fighting for.”
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