A couple from Oxford have seen remarkable improvements in their health, lifestyle, and finances after participating in the Swim 2 Slim Programme being offered by county-wide healthy lifestyle provider, Achieve Oxfordshire.
Beverley, 60, is a carer for her husband Greg. She has faced several health challenges, including high blood pressure and obesity, whilst Greg struggles with dementia, obesity, and arthritis, health conditions which have significantly impacted both of their lives. But, earlier this year, the couple decided to enrol in ‘Swim 2 Slim’, a comprehensive lifestyle program aimed at promoting weight loss and overall well-being.
With the support of Achieve Oxfordshire, Beverley and Greg have both met significant weight loss targets, with Beverley losing 5% and Greg 7% of their starting weights. Beverley has also experienced a notable reduction in her high blood pressure, with her initial reading of 144/90 dropping to 130/84 between in less than three months, a reduction that is crucial for her overall health and well-being, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
“I have also seen big improvements in my sleep quality and have increased the number of hours I am able to sleep from a mere four hours a night to seven hours,” says Beverley.
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and vitality, and this improvement has reflected positively on her daily life.
“I have more energy and vitality for life, and I am sure that these improvements have enhanced my ability to care for Greg as well as engage in other daily activities.”
In addition, Greg has reported having less pain in his hands, a significant benefit for someone with arthritis. His increased hand function is demonstrated by his ability to open a can of tuna unassisted, displaying improved independence and quality of life.
Moreover, Beverley and Greg have reported saving £350 per month, which are a result of reducing their corner shop treats and adopting a meal planning approach. This financial improvement has added another dimension to their overall wellbeing, reducing financial stress and allowing for other investments and activities.
Swim 2 Slim is an innovative 12-week programme, fully funded by Oxfordshire County Council, which combines all the benefits of swimming with a supported digital weight loss programme that works around busy schedules. Participants receive ten, one hour swimming sessions with a swimming coach. Swimming is a great all-around activity. This low impact exercise keeps the heart rate up while taking some of the impact stress off the body. Participants build endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness.
But the Swim 2 Slim programme is about more than just weight loss. Every week topics covered include making and breaking habits, food labels, marketing tactics, self-compassion, and nutrition.
The Swim 2 Slim program has had a transformative impact on Beverley and Greg's lives. Their achievements in weight loss, health improvements, increased vitality, and financial savings demonstrate the positive influence of comprehensive lifestyle programs. Beverley's reduction in high blood pressure is particularly noteworthy, given its long-term implications for her health. Greg's increased independence and reduced pain further enhance their quality of life.
“Beverley and Greg’s success underscores the importance of holistic health and lifestyle interventions and their potential to bring about meaningful changes in individuals' lives, even in challenging circumstances,” explains Lizzie Martin, Healthy Lifestyle Practitioner with Achieve Oxfordshire.
Further Swim 2 Slim programmes are starting in the new year across the county, in Witney, Oxford, Banbury, Thame, Didcot and Carterton.
To qualify for the programme, you need to be an Oxfordshire resident, working in Oxfordshire, studying in Oxfordshire or registered to an Oxfordshire GP surgery, over the age of 18 and with a BMI greater than 30 or greater than 27.5 with a comorbidity or greater 27.5 if you are from a Black, Asian and Minority (BAME) community or greater than 23 if you are from a BAME community and have a comorbidity.
Further information is available at achieveoxfordshire.org.uk/services/swim-2-slim
