Michele’s First Stop Health Journey

For Michele Sites, improving her health was about finding an approach that worked for her.

Michele had struggled with her weight for years when she first connected with First Stop Health through her husband’s employer. After completing blood work and blood pressure readings, she met Heather, who would become her health coach.

Having a clearer picture of her health gave Michele the motivation to get started. Being able to continue that care virtually made it easier to keep going.

Finding an Approach She Could Stick With

What stood out to Michele was how personal the experience felt. She had tried programs in the past that came with a predetermined approach: follow the program, complete it and move on. Sticking with those changes afterward was harder.

This time, Michele was able to be upfront about what would and wouldn’t work for her.

There were foods she knew she wasn’t going to eat. Running wasn’t going to become her new hobby. Joining a gym wasn’t realistic either.

Instead of forcing those things into the plan, her care team listened.

Together, they focused on goals Michele could realistically incorporate into her life and maintain over time. Nearly two years later, that personalized approach has helped her stay engaged even when she gets a little off track.

“Finding out what will work and what I will stick with, and then getting the motivation and the little pep talks and support every couple weeks, has been helpful.”

Small Changes, One at a Time

Rather than trying to change everything at once, Michele has focused on making smaller changes and turning them into routines before moving on to the next goal.

That might mean making a healthier food choice or simply finding ways to move more that feel realistic for her.

Her health coach, Heather, and dietitian, Marjorie, have been there throughout the process. Michele meets with them on alternating weeks, giving her regular opportunities to ask questions, talk through challenges and decide what to focus on next.

The support doesn’t end when the video call does.

Michele says she finds herself thinking about their conversations between appointments, even remembering their advice while walking through the grocery store and deciding what to buy.

It’s an approach that makes healthy choices part of everyday life instead of another temporary program.

Care That Works Around Her Schedule

Convenience has also made it easier for Michele to stay engaged.

She works part-time from home, so virtual appointments eliminate the time it would take to travel to and from an office. She can compare a provider’s availability with her own schedule online and often find an appointment much sooner than she could with traditional in-person care.

When Michele tried to schedule a checkup with a primary care physician she hadn’t seen recently, she was considered a new patient and faced a wait of a couple of months. She also finds calling offices and going back and forth over available appointment times stressful.

Being able to see availability online and choose what works for her removes some of that friction.

Progress Worth Celebrating

Over time, those manageable changes have added up.

Michele has lost about 50 pounds since starting her journey. She has also been able to reduce the dosage of her cholesterol medication under the guidance of her healthcare provider.

But some of the progress she values most isn’t captured by a number.

It’s sticking with her goals. Getting back on track after a detour. Asking questions when she’s unsure. And having people in her corner to remind her that progress doesn’t have to happen all at once.

Michele calls Heather and Marjorie her “little cheering section.”

Every couple of weeks, she knows she’ll have someone there to answer questions, offer a pep talk when she’s discouraged and help her figure out the next achievable step.

Start With What Works for You

For someone considering First Stop Health, Michele’s advice is simple: understand where your health stands today, explore the support available and find what fits you.

That might begin with blood work to identify areas that need attention. From there, it could mean connecting with a doctor, health coach or dietitian based on your individual needs and goals.

Michele’s experience is a reminder that meaningful health changes don’t always require completely changing your life.

Sometimes, they start with care that takes the time to understand it.

See what personalized care can make possible.

Explore more First Stop Health patient stories and see how accessible, connected support is helping people make meaningful progress toward their health goals.

Small Changes, Nutrition Support and the Power of Connected Care

Kevin Capps, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Education Specialist

Clinician Perspective