LORRAINE Lord isn’t afraid to tell people to shape up and take care of themselves.
Lorraine is a City of Greater Dandenong health champion, and is relishing being able to officially spread the healthy lifestyle message.
The 63-year-old Endeavour Hills resident had her own wake-up call when she was diagnosed with breast cancer after detecting a lump under her arm.
She had a lumpectomy and underwent chemotherapy and radiation.
After beating cancer, Lorraine decided her health needed an overhaul.
She started water aerobic classes at Dandenong Oasis and also joined Beat It, a mixed excercise class also offered at Oasis.
“When I was disagnosed with cancer I was totally unfit and untoned. I was unfit, I was never one who liked exercise.
“I lost weight during chemo and knew I needed to get back into shape.
“Beat It was a wake-up call. The fitness test revealed had a moderate chance of diabetes, cancer and suffering a heart condition. I thought ‘Oh no, I’ve had one of those already’.”
Now Lorraine is active most days of the week, exercising with a walking group on Tuesdays and, when she’s not exercising at Oasis, her three grandchildren keep her on her toes.
Lorraine and the other health champions underwent training on how to promote their health and well-being message.
“People need to know that if you sit still all day on the couch stuffing your face with chips, you are a candidate for illness. We have an obesity epidemic that we have to tackle,” Lorraine said.
“This scheme is all about encouraging someone to get off the couch, get up and exercise.”
Ranging in age from 16 to 81, Greater Dandenong has 37 health champions.
Mayor Jim Memeti said the program had given a voice to people who were keen to make a positive difference.
“The program supports local people to improve their own health and to influence the health of their family and friends.
“From surviving breast cancer to losing 50 kilograms, our health champions are the perfect people to inspire our community to lead healthier and happier lifestyles.”
