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 Health/Safety

Tips for a healthy lifestyle

Posted January 31, 2012

Getting started on the road to a healthier lifestyle can be overwhelming, but when taken in small steps it becomes less intimidating according to many who have made the journey. 

A few areas in which change is required include physical activity, nutrition, and getting a reasonable amount of rest.  Changes in these areas can bring drastic improvement in overall health and well-being.

 

Nutrition

 

Proper nutrition can help protect against obesity, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure, bone loss, and heart disease, but with the pace at which most people live these days, it seems difficult, if not impossible, to eat right.

 

Tips that are easy to incorporate in everyday life include:

 

  • Keep a food journal for help in identifying bad food choices.

  • Choose a variety of foods from each category:  grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meats/beans.

  • Choose fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.

  • Choose low-fat or lean meats, fish, and poultry.

  • Trade processed sugary snacks for fresh, frozen, or dried fruit.

  • To consume more vegetables, add lettuce and tomatoes to sandwiches, designate a day or two each week as vegetarian days, keep pre-cut veggies on hand for quick snacks, enjoy a green salad with dinner, purchase fresh veggies in season for the best flavor.

  • Choose whole-grain cereals, breads, pasta, and crackers.

  • Replace sugar and sodium filled sodas with water.

 

Exercise

 

Finding time for exercise is difficult, but the benefits are worth the effort.  Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, help maintain bone mass, reduce stress, help prevent osteoporosis, improve mood, improve joint stability, and enhance self-esteem.

 

Suggestions for ways to get moving include:

 

  • Check with primary care physician before beginning an exercise program.

  • Turn off the TV and play with the kids.

  • If turning off the TV is too difficult, use the time to do calisthenics, walk in place, stretch, or lift small weights.

  • Take advantage of opportunities to walk more – take a short walk when outside getting the mail, walk the dog twice a day instead of once, pace while talking on the phone.

  • Do yard work such as raking leaves, weeding, and mowing.

  • Find an exercise buddy.

  • Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week – walking, dancing, raking leaves, for example.

  • Perform muscle-strengthening activities twice each week.

 

Get enough rest

 

Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night to perform at their highest level.  Getting the proper amount of sleep can help protect against illness, boost brainpower, lower the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, improve mood, and help with sound decision-making. 

 

A variety of outside influences and behaviors including stress, pain, schedule changes, caffeine, diet, and travel can affect sleep.

 

Tips to ensure a good night’s sleep:

 

  • Keep a regular schedule, going to bed and getting up around the same time every day.

  • Turn off the TV and computer at a pre-determined time every night.

  • Avoid nicotine and consume caffeine and alcohol in limited amounts.

  • Learn stress management techniques and/or seek counseling if necessary.

  • Keep the bedroom cool, quiet, comfortable, and dark.

  • Choose a good quality pillow and mattress.

  • Chamomile tea, warm milk, half a peanut butter or turkey sandwich can help with sleep.

  • Discuss sleep problems with primary care physician.

  • Use sleeping pills only as a last resort.

Health department inspections: January 23-27
Cindy Corley, Garland Health Department | January 30, 2012

 Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET NAME

ACTIVITY DATE

SCORE

A DASH IN GROCERY

2445

GOLDFINCH

1/25/2012

92

ANS FINA

3501

WALNUT

1/26/2012

83

BEAVER ELEMENTARY

3232

MARCH

1/25/2012

94

BLACK-EYED PEA RESTAURANT

3435

BELTLINE

1/26/2012

66

BON TON DONUTS

1225

BELTLINE

1/23/2012

93

CAPRISSI II PIZZA

3443

CAMPBELL

1/23/2012

90

CENTERVILLE ELEMENTARY

600

KINGSLEY

1/26/2012

95

CHINA HARBOR

409

COUNTRY CLUB

1/26/2012

83

CHURCH'S CHICKEN (7288)

2520

WALNUT

1/23/2012

81

CICI'S PIZZA

1037

NORTHWEST

1/26/2012

67

CRAZY CATFISH

1410

BUCKINGHAM

1/23/2012

95

CRISTINA'S FINE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

4170

LAVON

1/23/2012

75

DAVIS ELEMENTARY

1621

MCCALLUM

1/26/2012

96

DONUT PALACE

6024

BROADWAY

1/24/2012

94

DOS BANDERAS TEX-MEX CUISINE (7151)

614

MAIN

1/23/2012

87

EL RIO GRANDE #4

901

MILLER

1/23/2012

84

EL SABROSO TAQUERIA

3701

WALNUT

1/23/2012

65

GARLAND NURSING & REHABILITATION

321

SHILOH

1/23/2012

87

GOLD MINE RESTAURANT

3127

FIRST

1/26/2012

77

HOLIDAY INN

5110

GEORGE BUSH FRWY

1/25/2012

86

IBEX WHOLESALE

2214

JUPITER

1/24/2012

67

KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN

1430

BUCKINGHAM

1/23/2012

86

KINDER CARE (200)

2885

BELTLINE

1/24/2012

86

KROGER FOOD STORE #557

6850

SHILOH

1/25/2012

96

 

 

 

 

90

LITTLE CAESARS (7024)

1835

GARLAND

1/25/2012

91

MARSHALL'S BBQ

510

WALNUT CIRCLE

1/25/2012

90

MILLENNIUM DONUTS

503

GARLAND

1/23/2012

86

NESTLE TOLLHOUSE CAFE BY CHIP

605

TOWN SQUARE

1/25/2012

94

OLIVE OIL PIZZERIA

552

I-30

1/26/2012

89

ONE STOP FOOD STORE

3805

WALNUT

1/26/2012

85

ONE STOP SHOPPING

3620

WALNUT

1/26/2012

92

 

 

 

1/24/2012

66

ORCHARD HILLS GROCERY

1326

KINGSLEY

1/26/2012

84

PALETERIA LA SUPER #2

3031

FIRST

1/27/2012

85

PIZZA HUT

1449

BUCKINGHAM

1/23/2012

90

PIZZA HUT #744122

5335

BROADWAY

1/24/2012

92

PLAZA DEL SOL

3125

FIRST

1/24/2012

90

QUIKTRIP #909

5825

BROADWAY

1/26/2012

89

SALI'S PIZZA & PASTA

1238

BELTLINE

1/25/2012

67

SONIC DRIVE IN

6130

JUPITER

1/23/2012

95

SONIC DRIVE- IN

3901

FOREST

1/23/2012

84

SONIC DRIVE-IN

1709

BELTLINE

1/26/2012

83

SUBZI MANDI

4550

BUCKINGHAM

1/24/2012

77

SWEET CREAM DONUTS

1546

ROWLETT

1/25/2012

95

TAQUERIA "LA FAJITA"

3805

WALNUT

1/23/2012

64

TEXAS CHICKEN & SEAFOOD

3321

WALNUT

1/25/2012

78

TEXAS KING ZABIHA HALAL MEAT MARKET

4550

BUCKINGHAM

1/24/2012

67

WAFFLE HOUSE

3109

JUPITER

1/26/2012

85

WATSON TECHNOLOGY MATH & SCIENCE

2601

DAIRY

1/26/2012

89

XINXIAN ASIAN FUSION REST.  & SUSHI BAR

5010

JUPITER

1/24/2012

70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garland health officials recognize food service operations

Posted January 25, 2012

Each year, the city’s Health Department recognizes food service operations in Garland for excellence in complying with health and sanitation rules.  The Food Sanitation Excellence Award winners scored in the top five percent of their class on unannounced food service inspections during the previous year.  In addition to receiving an award certificate to display for one year, each establishment will have its annual permit fee (from $200 to $400) waived for 2012.

The awards are based on scores (100 being perfect) from unannounced inspections made between October 1 and September 30.  Eleven classes were established to ensure fair competition among diverse establishments.  The 2010-11 winners and scores are:

 

 Full Service Restaurants

 
   

The Alexander Mansion, 333 W. Avenue D

95

Special Events Center - GISD, 4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard

94

Remington College - Dallas Campus, 1810 Eastgate Drive

92.5

IHOP #1404, 1313 Centerville Road

91.5

Scotty P's Hamburgers, 4280 Lavon Drive Suite 200

91

IHOP #3014, 5175 George Bush Freeway

89.5

A Taste of Italy, 2210 Buckingham Road

89

CiCi's Pizza, 4441 Bass Pro Drive

89

Marshall's BBQ, 510 Walnut Circle

89
   

Fast Food Restaurants

 
   

Charley's Grilled Subs, 635 Town Square Boulevard

97

Wal-Mart Supercenter Deli, 1801 Marketplace Drive

97

Another Southern Maid, 301 Buckingham Road

96.5

Bon Ton Donuts, 1225 Beltline Road

96

Donut Time, 3231 Forest Lane

95

Taco Casa, 6118 Broadway Boulevard

95

Wal-Mart Supercenter #1055 Bakery, 5302 N. Garland Avenue

95

Long John Silver's, 5621 Broadway Boulevard

94.5

Sam's Club Store #4783 - Deli, 5150 N. Garland Avenue

94.5

Vaughan's Donuts, 109A S. First Street

94.5

Wal-Mart Supercenter Bakery, 1801 Marketplace Drive

94.5

Wal-Mart Supercenter #1055 Deli, 5302 N. Garland Avenue

94.5

Little Caesars, 1250 Northwest Highway, Suite J

94

McDonald's, 1404 W. Walnut Street

93.5

Paleteria La Super #2, 3031 S. First Street

93.5

Pizza Hut, 5301 N. Garland Avenue

93.5
   

Deli's & Light Food Menus

 
   

Garland Special Events Center #1, 4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard

100

Garland Special Events Center #2, 4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard

100

Garland Special Events Center #3, 4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard

100

Garland Special Events Center #5, 4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard

99

Garland Special Events Center #4, 4999 Naaman Forest Boulevard

98

Starbuck's Coffee, 909 Northwest Highway

97
   

Convenience Stores

 
   

Family Dollar Store #5500, 1501 First Street

99

Forest Stop & Go, 2613 Forest Lane

99

Walgreens #4340, 2614 Lavon Drive

99

Big Lots #1949, 3178 Lavon Drive

98

Walgreens #4267, 1902 Jupiter Road

98

Walnut Beverage, 2215 W. Walnut Street

98
   

Supermarkets & Meat Markets

 
   

David's Meat Market, 4010 Jupiter Road

95

Albertson's, 5710 Broadway Boulevard

92
   

Food Processors

 
   

Hillary's Sweet Temptations, 2677 Forest Lane

94
   

Licensed Day Care Centers

 
   

Imagination Station, 1966 Arapaho Road

98

New Century Montessori Academy, 1625 Ferris Road

98
   

Public School Cafeterias

 
   

Cooperative Behavior Center, 221 Ninth Street

99

Kimberlin Academy, 1320 Cumberland Drive

99

North Garland High School - Concept Kitchen, 2109 Buckingham Road

99
   

Food Warehouses

 
   

Fundraising Specialists of Texas, 2645 Forest Lane

100

Garland ISD - Backup Freezer, 410 Stadium Drive

100

Hillary's Sweet Temptations Warehouse, 2657 Forest Lane

100
   

Assisted Living Facilities

 
   

Mayberry Gardens, 3260 N. Garland Avenue

98

Mayberry Gardens, 3262 N. Garland Avenue

98

Mayberry Gardens, 3264 N. Garland Avenue

98
   

Hospital/Nursing Facilities

 
   

Autumn Leaves of Garland, 5600 N. Shiloh Road

95.5
   

 

Health department inspections: January 16-20
Cindy Corley, Garland Health Department | January 23, 2012

 Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET NAME

ACTIVITY DATE

SCORE

7-11 #39444

501

INTERSTATE 30

1/20/2012

89

 

 

 

 

88

7-ELEVEN CONVENIENCE STORE #34114

11405

LBJ

1/17/2012

82

BEEF HOUSE

3110

SATURN

1/17/2012

81

BENITO'S BAKERY

3160

SATURN

1/19/2012

86

CHICK-FIL-A

5425

GEORGE BUSH

1/19/2012

93

CHILDREN'S TREEHOUSE BUCKINGHAM

3317

BUCKINGHAM

1/18/2012

95

CHILL ZONE BEER & WINE

3115

FIRST

1/19/2012

95

CORNER FOOD MART #2

4460

WALNUT

1/18/2012

85

CRAWFISH HUT

3212

JUPITER

1/18/2012

82

DESSERTAPALOOZA

615

TOWN SQUARE

1/20/2012

78

DOAN RESTAURANT

3530

WALNUT

1/18/2012

53

DUNKIN DONUTS

803

CENTERVILLE

1/18/2012

72

EASTERN HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

3000

COUNTRY CLUB

1/17/2012

73

EL CHILE RESTAURANT

1201

MILLER

1/18/2012

78

FRANK'S FOOD MART

535

PLANO

1/17/2012

81

GARLAND I.S.D. WAREHOUSE

701

FIRST

1/19/2012

97

GARLAND ISD - BACKUP FREEZER

410

STADIUM

1/19/2012

97

GRAN MACHU PICCHU PERUVIAN REST.

1425

NORTHWEST

1/18/2012

72

HEARTHSTONE AT GARLAND

1246

COLONEL

1/17/2012

92

I-30 TRUCK STOP

801

INTERSTATE 30

1/20/2012

82

JIMMY JOHNS GOURMET SANDWICH SHOP

909

CENTERVILLE

1/18/2012

90

KFC

5836

BROADWAY

1/20/2012

95

KROGER FOOD STORE #559

1406

WALNUT

1/17/2012

91

 

 

 

 

84

LITTLE CAESAR'S (7558)

6018

BROADWAY

1/20/2012

88

MAGIC FOOD MART

3249

FOREST

1/19/2012

82

MATT'S RANCHO MARTINEZ

5085

GEORGE BUSH

1/18/2012

77

MCDONALD'S

509

INTERSTATE 30

1/20/2012

88

ONE STAR FOOD MART

1102

LAVON

1/18/2012

91

ONE STAR FOOD MART #5

345

COUNTRY CLUB

1/17/2012

79

POP'S PUB & GRUB

1933

NORTHWEST

1/19/2012

55

RACETRAC

4214

FOREST

1/20/2012

79

RANCHO LA SANDIA

999

CENTERVILLE

1/17/2012

85

RESTAURANTE TRES PAISES

149

KINGSLEY

1/18/2012

72

RIO CAFE

2218

JUPITER

1/19/2012

89

SKILLMAN WOK

565

OATES

1/18/2012

69

SONIC DRIVE IN (7103)

4530

BASS PRO

1/19/2012

84

SOPRANO'S PIZZA, SUBS & MORE

5148

JUPITER

1/17/2012

80

SPECIAL EVENTS CENTER - GISD

4999

NAAMAN FOREST

1/17/2012

97

SPRING CREEK BBQ

3335

GEORGE BUSH

1/18/2012

83

STOP N GO #2171

829

MILLER

1/18/2012

92

SUBWAY

3243

FOREST

1/19/2012

84

TAQUERIA TOCUMBO

2431

WALNUT

1/18/2012

85

TEXACO FOOD MART (7173)

3501

FOREST

1/20/2012

85

THE ATRIUM @ PATTY GRANVILLE

300

FIFTH

1/19/2012

95

TIENDA HONDURAS MAYA- TAQUERIA

2602

WALNUT

1/18/2012

81

TOM THUMB #2561

925

NORTHWEST

1/18/2012

62

TORTERIA INSURGENTES #3

3114

SATURN

1/17/2012

80

TRAK 10

3420

WALNUT

1/17/2012

84

WALMART SUPER CENTER

1801

MARKET PLACE

1/19/2012

68

WHATABURGER (7178)

4500

BASS PRO

1/18/2012

84

 

Health department inspections: January 9-13
Cindy Corley, Garland Health Department | January 17, 2012

 Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET NAME

ACTIVITY DATE

SCORE

ADVANCED HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS

505

CENTERVILLE

1/10/2012

70

B & B FOOD STORE

1141

WALNUT

1/10/2012

67

BIG SPRINGS ELEMENTARY

3001

CAMPBELL

1/12/2012

96

BRAUM'S ICE CREAM #62

2802

LAVON

1/10/2012

83

CAFE LAS BRISAS

1002

MARION

1/12/2012

93

CAMBIANDO VIDAS

4310

SATURN

1/11/2012

69

CARMEN'S TACOS AND GORDITAS

1311

MARKETPLACE

1/12/2012

56

CHUCK E. CHEESE

1340

CENTERVILLE

1/11/2012

75

CVS PHARMACY

1372

BELTLINE

1/9/2012

98

EUREST DINING SERVICES -RAYTHEON

1200

JUPITER

1/11/2012

83

GENERATOR COFFEE HOUSE & BAKERY

107

SIXTH

1/10/2012

81

HARVEY'S

3301

BROADWAY

1/10/2012

77

HIGH PETROLENIM IN GATEWAY 13

2002

STATE HIGHWAY 66

1/12/2012

91

HIGH PETROLENIM IN GATEWAY 13 - DELI

2002

STATE HIGHWAY 66

1/12/2012

86

I HEART CAFE

3112

JUPITER

1/11/2012

80

LUPILLO'S TAQUERIA

100

AVENUE D

1/10/2012

76

MAIN STREET CAFE

627

MAIN

1/11/2012

74

MAIN STREET DELI

608

MAIN

1/10/2012

90

MCDONALD'S

7201

GEORGE BUSH

1/11/2012

82

MRS. BAIRD'S BAKERY OUTLET

939

CENTERVILLE

1/13/2012

86

MY THO RESTAURANT

3325

WALNUT

1/12/2012

74

NEW MINUTE MART

3626

SATURN

1/10/2012

73

NORMA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

3420

BROADWAY

1/12/2012

86

ONE STOP SHOP

730

WALNUT

1/12/2012

53

POPEYE'S #8564

3040

BROADWAY

1/9/2012

85

SAFEWAY MART CHEVRON

2020

HIGHWAY 66

1/9/2012

95

 

 

 

 

79

SENIOR CARE BELTLINE

106

BELTLINE

1/12/2012

77

SINAI TAQUERIA Y PANADERIA LLC

813

CASTLE

1/9/2012

57

SNOWCONE & DISCOUNT CIGARETTES

3353

BROADWAY

1/12/2012

89

SONIC DRIVE-IN

313

CASTLE

1/11/2012

75

SOULMAN'S BBQ

3410

BROADWAY

1/10/2012

81

SUPER PLAZA

2441

WALNUT

1/11/2012

86

THE SALVATION ARMY

451

AVENUE D

1/13/2012

89

THIEN HONG RESTAURANT

3465

WALNUT

1/11/2012

44

TOM THUMB #2561

925

NORTHWEST

1/12/2012

81

WALMART SUPER CENTER

1801

MARKET PLACE

1/11/2012

78

WHATABURGER #762

2545

FIREWHEEL

1/12/2012

88

WRIGHT'S CATFISH & MORE

1918

MILLER

1/11/2012

81

 

Health department inspections: January 2-6
Cindy Corley, Garland Health Department | January 11, 2012

 Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET NAME

ACTIVITY DATE

SCORE

ART BAKERY

3112

JUPITER

1/3/2012

87

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS, INC.

190

CEDAR SAGE

1/5/2012

94

BRAUM'S ICE CREAM #55

5435

BROADWAY

1/6/2012

86

BRAUM'S ICE CREAM #61

1815

NORTHWEST

1/5/2012

76

BURGER ISLAND

3460

WALNUT

1/5/2012

65

CARNITAS LA COTORRA RESTAURANT II

3031

FIRST

1/3/2012

73

CHARLEY'S GRILLED SUBS

635

TOWN SQUARE

1/3/2012

90

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL

4170

LAVON

1/5/2012

96

DOLLAR GENERAL STORE #1896

1464

BUCKINGHAM

1/6/2012

92

DONUT PLAZA

1745

COUNTRY CLUB

1/3/2012

75

DONUT TIME (7014)

3231

FOREST

1/5/2012

98

FAMILY DONUTS

833

MILLER

1/3/2012

93

GOAL FOOD MARKET- CONV. STORE

717

FIFTH

1/6/2012

92

GOAL FOOD MARKET-DELI

717

FIFTH

1/6/2012

63

GRANDY'S (7102)

145

GARLAND

1/5/2012

81

HONEY DONUT

1949

CENTERVILLE

1/6/2012

91

IMAGINATION STATION

1966

ARAPAHO

1/6/2012

97

JACK IN THE BOX #785 (7049)

1001

CENTERVILLE

1/3/2012

68

K.E.A. IMPORTS FOOD

580

CASTLE GLEN

1/5/2012

91

LA CEIBA HONDURAS RESTAURANT

1901

JUPITER

1/3/2012

72

LAVON BEER/WINE & FOOD STORE

2376

LAVON

1/5/2012

84

OAK PARK SCHOOL

2402

FIREWHEEL

1/3/2012

95

PIZZA HUT

3725

WALNUT

1/5/2012

72

PURA VIDA

3460

WALNUT

1/6/2012

94

REGALO DE VIDA Y SALUD

318

BARNES

1/5/2012

92

SATURN FOOD MART

5013

SATURN

1/3/2012

71

SONIC (6949)

625

TOWN SQUARE

1/5/2012

95

TEXAN DONUTS (7080)

1913

JUPITER

1/3/2012

95

VAUGHAN'S DONUTS

109A

FIRST

1/6/2012

86

WALGREENS #4267

1902

JUPITER

1/6/2012

92

ZEKE'S KITCHEN

2714

KINGSLEY

1/5/2012

86

 

Garland resident transforms life through weight loss

 

Kim Everett | January 4, 2012

 

Armstrong Elementary School Assistant Principal Edwin Hood started a life-altering journey in January 2010 that would bring about more positive changes than he could have imagined.  To date, he has lost 107 pounds using the Weight Watchers Points Plus System. 

 

He not only eats healthier and drinks more water than ever before, he now goes to the gym five or six days every week.  In addition, he was recently notified that his story was one of 100 nationwide first place winners in the Weight Watchers Inspiring Story Contest.

 

His weight has always been an issue and has been as high as 401 pounds.  His body mass index has been higher than 43%.  He moved from New Jersey to Texas in 2006.  While in New Jersey, the 35-year-old managed to lose 70 pounds through Weight Watchers and exercise, but gained most of the weight back before rejoining in 2010.

 

Among the things that bothered him included that he had to have a window seat on airplanes because he was afraid that people beside him would be uncomfortable and that he had to use a seat belt extension.  He couldn’t go on some amusement park rides because he was too large for the safety restraints.  He also didn’t like having to pay higher prices for clothes at specialty shops.  “It just got to a point where I decided that I didn’t want to be heavy forever,” Hood said.

 

He decided that the time was right when he found out during a doctor visit that he didn’t yet have any of the medical conditions that obesity often causes. 

 

Wood credits Weight Watchers for the transformation.  “It made me accountable for me, and it gave me my life back,” he said.  “It taught me that I have to make healthier choices, and I have to get up and move.  I also learned to gage my hunger and not to eat out of boredom.”

 

He also learned the importance of setting small goals.  The program encourages this by having members concentrate on losing five percent of their body weight, then ten percent, and not thinking about the total number of pounds they need to lose.    

 

A support system is a must according to Hood as well.  He is grateful for the support of his family, friends, and co-workers.  “It’s great to have someone in your corner that supports what you are doing,” Hood said.  He also stressed the importance of tracking food points.  “Track, track, track,” he said.  “It takes about three weeks to truly learn how to track points.”

 

Hood’s advice to people that have a problem staying with it includes not expecting to lose the weight in a short time.  “It was hard at first because people expect it to happen sooner than what is possible,” he said.  “It takes a while to get used to doing the program.  If you lose 2-3 pounds per month, that’s great... You can’t give up in the first few weeks, because you aren’t giving it enough of a chance. 

 

Hood concentrated on following the program at first and added exercise a few months into it.  He then began to use the “Get Moving” part of the Weight Watchers program, which allows extra food points for exercise.  His five or six days per week at the gym now include swimming, spinning, kick boxing, and Zumba, and he has a personal trainer.  He participated in a 6.5 mile run in October and is currently training for the 2012 Toyota U.S. Triathlon. 

 

He said that he now has more energy; he’s happier; and he has more self-confidence.  “I challenge myself more now,” he said.  “It’s a transformation, but you have to stick with it.”

 

“The biggest aha moment for me was when I went to Phoenix in April.  I was nervous.  I knew I was going to need a seat belt extension,” he said.  “I sat down, put the belt on, and had about six inches of slack left.  That was a huge moment for me.”

 

Hood said that the Weight Watchers meetings are key to his success because they hold him accountable.  He also enjoys the meetings because the members are like family and hopes that people hearing what he has gone through will help them.

 

The best changes according to Hood include his increased activity level and the fact that he wears large and extra-large clothing that he can buy anywhere at lower prices.  “I don’t have to spend $75-$80 on a pair of shorts now because they use more material,” he said.  “I don’t wear a size 56 anymore.” 

Health department inspections: December 27-31
Cindy Corley, Garland Health Department | January 3, 2012

 Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET
NAME
 

ACTIVITY DATE

SCORE

BURGER ISLAND

1529

BUCKINGHAM

12/27/2011

65

CHAN'S II CHINESE RESTAURANT

6318

BROADWAY

12/29/2011

68

CONOCO #2706594 (5427)

3321

GARLAND

12/29/2011

92

COOKIES BY DESIGN #32

1101-B

NORTHWEST

12/28/2011

72

DAYS INN - LEON

3645

LEON

12/29/2011

85

EL RIO GRANDE #4

901

MILLER

12/28/2011

87

FAMILY DOLLAR STORE #6313

1920

NORTHWEST

12/30/2011

85