Balancing act
Retail manager Jaimie Thomas from Ashford, is back on track, with a little help from One You Kent, after a fall at work left him struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Jaimie, 31, said: “I had a fall at work in an industrial freezer and damaged a ligament in my knee. I knew something was wrong, there was this sharp, sudden pain and my knee felt unsteady, like I couldn’t trust my leg to hold me up. It was a pretty difficult time dealing with the pain and worry of being unable to work. This all led to my weight creeping up to around 100kg.”
While he was waiting for surgery, the One You shop in Ashford town centre became a regular stop for Jaimie, to take advantage of the low-cost Fareshare fruit and vegetables scheme.
Fareshare collects surplus food from supermarkets and sells it on for a small donation at local venues. It was there Jaimie discussed his concerns regarding his lifestyle and weight gain after his accident, with Donna Wilks, a One You Kent Project Officer.
Recognising that Jaimie needed support, Donna referred him to Ketki Jape, a One You Kent Lifestyle Adviser. “I didn’t know what to expect,” said Jaimie, “but the sessions with Ketki were so helpful.”
They worked together to plan some changes, including drinking more water, going for a daily walk and starting a food diary. They also worked on other lifestyle changes like swapping to healthier snack options with less sugar and saturated fats, and cutting down the cups of coffee Jaimie had in a day.
“I was surprised that small changes like drinking more water could make a big difference. It was tricky to start with,” Jaimie admitted. “Following the plan we set and seeing Ketki regularly really helped. I managed to lose two stones and get back to my pre-accident weight. I’m still following that plan and have maintained that weight throughout recovery from my surgery.”
Though surgery has improved his knee, Jaimie is now dealing with osteoarthritis in his hips, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, making it even more crucial to maintain a healthy weight.
Jaimie said: “My knee is now fixed and stable but my hips are quite painful. Carrying less weight makes this more manageable and means I can still go for a walk, which helps me stay mentally fit.”
Reflecting on his journey, Jaimie is grateful for the support he received. “I couldn’t have done it without Ketki’s help.”
For those looking for help to start a healthier lifestyle, Ketki emphasised the value of small steps. She said: “Jaimie’s success was his willingness to make behaviour changes and his commitment to healthy eating and being active two-to-three times per week.
“We’re so proud of Jaimie and everything he’s achieved. We know that small changes can make a big difference, and we offer a free service to help you take those first steps.”
