Feb. 15-Johnny McClendon, a Hurley employee, is a powerful example of someone who took charge of his own health after he became winded playing with his 4-year-old son. “My children mean the world to me. And the thought that I was struggling to run and play with my children was something that hit me hard.”

Hurley Employee Wellness screening was the beginning of his weight loss

Johnny went through the Hurley Employee Wellness screening in 2010 when he realized what bad shape he was in. Shortly after the screening he received a call from a Wellness Coach asking if she could help him with his health and fitness goals. “I was eager to get involved,” said Johnny. But when he found out he would be on a 2,600 calorie daily diet, Johnny said, “I didn’t think I’d be able to stick with it because I had a hectic schedule and I thought there had to be an easier way for me.”

A healthy diet was the key

Johnny began by cutting out all fast food and sugars, started eating more fruits and vegetables, changed his beef/pork choices to strictly chicken/fish, and began precooking my lunches and dinners. Johnny said his family has been very supportive of his lifestyle change.

110 lbs. lighter now

After a year of consistent strength training and moderate nutrition changes, Johnny has gone from 349 pounds to 239 pounds, decreased his waist size from 50” to 38”, and has gone from a 5XLT to a 1XLT shirt size.

“Even if the scale shows no weight loss, you can still be losing inches, so it’s best to track them both, as this may help you keep your motivation by seeing the positive changes,” he said. “I had a passion for playing football. I used that same passion to focus on becoming healthier and I had great results.”

Gained a new life

After a year of consistent strength training and nutrition changes, McClendon has lost 110 pounds, has decreased his waist size by 12 inches, and has gone from a 5XLT to a 1XLT shirt size. Johnny recently commented, “This is a new way of life, and I am so thankful to Hurley and their resources which enabled me the opportunity to have and maintain this new and healthier way of life. I encourage all men to do the same.”

As a young man, McClendon was told that "it was all about being tough. But today I realize that if I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be around to take care of my family and my home,” he said.

Hurley Men's Health Iniative

Hurley Medical Center is determined to raise awareness of the silent men's health crisis by implementing an innovative Men’s Health Initiative designed to educate men and their families on the importance of men taking charge of their own health. Established in February 2012, the Men’s Health Initiative consists of FREE physician seminars, health screenings, an annual men’s health expo held each June, and websites devoted solely to men’s health. For complete information, click here.