In collaboration between the Chenango County Healthy Heart Coalition and The Evening Sun, we will be running a monthly series of articles on individuals in our community who exemplify a healthy lifestyle. The Healthy Heart Coalition, whose lead agency is Chenango Memorial Hospital, has compiled a list of individuals who have made the conscious decision to live a healthy life. Whether through diet, exercise, or overcoming health related issues, these people serve as an example to us all that becoming healthy is possible for anyone. If you know someone who you would like to nominate as a Healthy Hero, contact Jessica Lewis at 337-3080 or e-mail jlewis@evesun.com.
Dr. Scott Cohen has an easy way of convincing his patients that making the transition to a healthy lifestyle can be done. He simply shows them a picture of himself from about four years ago.
Today, Dr. Cohen is the picture of health. He stays in shape by doing things he enjoys, like biking, swimming, hiking, skiing and playing racquet ball, but four years ago, Cohen explained things were much different. He remembers weighing just over 240 pounds and thinking “enough is enough.”
Looking back, Cohen said the trigger for him was looking at a picture of himself and his daughter at Saranac Lake. “Someone took a picture of us in a canoe, and I looked terrible,” he remembered. In addition to that, Cohen said there were things that he wanted to do that he couldn’t do. “I couldn’t keep up with my friends when we were biking. I couldn’t play with my daughter,” Cohen said.
It was then that Cohen made the decision to become more healthy. The process wasn’t easy, but by setting small, reasonable goals, he was able to complete his weight loss journey, eventually losing over 80 pounds.
“There are two times when it is really difficult,” Cohen said. “The initial time is the worst. It’s tough to get into a new routine, but once you make it through the first month, it gets better.” The doctor explained that little things like having a buddy to work out with can make the process easier. “It you have someone to work out with, then you can force each other to go,” Cohen said. Setting small goals is another tip to help keep your motivation, he added. “You have to have goals that are reasonable and attainable in a short amount of time,” he said. “If your goal is to lose 80 or 90 pounds like mine was, you’re looking at a year and a half, or two years down the road.” Cohen explained setting a series of simple goals helps keep you motivated and gives you a chance to readjust your goals with every success.
“You also need to find simple, non-food related rewards when you hit those goals,” Cohen said.
