Linda Artingsall has credited the Re‑Shape programme for helping her improve her health, manage long‑term joint issues, and make meaningful lifestyle changes.
Linda has been living with arthritis in her knees for a long time, following two hip replacements, she found it increasingly difficult to exercise or even stand for extended periods.
After speaking to her GP, she found she also had high blood pressure and was prescribed blood pressure medication and referred to an orthopaedic surgeon.
At the same appointment, her GP suggested she signed up for Re‑Shape, explaining that the programme was not only about weight loss, which she hoped would reduce knee pain, but also about rethinking food choices, eating healthier, and making more informed decisions.
After completing a short questionnaire, Linda was enrolled on One You Cheshire East’s, free, 12‑week Re‑Shape programme at Congleton Leisure Centre with Lindsey.
During this time, she met many people attending for a variety of reasons, and the group took part in regular discussions which Lindsey encouraged with humour, facts, and helpful information.
Information was provided for each session to refer to at home. PowerPoint presentations were used during the sessions to prompt conversation and ideas. She also found the YUKA app useful for checking the nutritional quality of products when shopping, noting that it offered alternatives where needed.
Linda shares “Shopping may take longer by reading labels, but it’s beneficial in the fact you are buying healthy products. Also portion control is important and calorie counting but knowing you have a snack allowance. Also knowing it’s not a crime to treat yourself is great.
“In total I have lost approximately 2 stone, and it hasn’t been a hardship.”
Exercise was also important for her weight loss and recovery, Lindsey referred her to One You Cheshire East’s Active Lives programme, which provides 12-weeks of free physical activity sessions. Linda attended Aquafit, Move to Improve, and Move It or Lose It classes.
Since attending Active Lives, Linda has had a knee replacement. Now six weeks post operation, both her surgeon and physiotherapist have reported that she is doing extremely well.
She attributes much of her progress to Re‑Shape and believes that taking her GP’s advice made a significant difference to her recovery and day‑to‑day comfort.
“If I hadn’t acted on GP advice I may very well still be in pain. I now attend a Re-Shape maintenance session monthly, which really keeps me on track.”
“I thoroughly recommend Re-Shape, not just for weight loss, but to just rethink what goes into the food we chose to eat, which isn’t always as beneficial as we may think.”
If you would like to find out more about Active Lives or Re-Shape, please visit One You Cheshire East.