James Prevatte

Uses diet and exercise to manage his cholesterol

James "Billy" Prevatte had never had serious health problems, but like many people, at 57, he had begun to "let his weight slip." Fortunately, James has always been disciplined about getting his preventive care screenings. "Blue Cross and Blue Shield encourages you to get a physical," he explains. "And, every year, I take one of those physicals."

When James got his cholesterol checked recently, he says, it was a real "wake–up call." His cholesterol was too high, and the doctor recommended medicine. Never a fan of taking pills, James asked his doctor about alternatives. The answer: if he wanted to avoid medication, his best bet was to get serious about fitness and nutrition.

So, James got started with physical activity—and picked something simple. Walking. He walked three miles a day and used our Blue Points program to stay motivated. And then he adjusted his diet. He reduced his calorie intake, ate "no fried foods whatsoever" and added healthy foods like oatmeal to his diet. His efforts paid off.

"After about three months of walking and everything, I went back to the doctor," James explains. His cholesterol had dropped 88 points. He was stunned. "It had dropped that much in those three months!" Even his doctor was impressed. Encouraged by the positive impacts on his health, James kept on walking. "Now I walk four miles a day," he says, "still eat my oatmeal, still no fried foods—and I've lost 42 pounds."

James has also improved his quality of life. "I really enjoy walking," he says. "And I've got all kinds of energy. I've got more spunk now than I had when I was probably 17." He's even got enough energy to keep up with his grandkids—his real motivation. "I want to be around here for my wife, my kids, and the rest of my family, for as long as I can, and that's why I did it."