Better health starts with ‘baby steps’ according to James Blandford
Cigarettes and alcohol were part of James Blandford’s life for a very long time.
He started smoking and drinking as a teenager, and eventually those vices turned into habits he relied on to unwind and relieve stress. It was a cycle that lasted 50-plus years — until one day, he was ready to make a change.
“I realized healthy changes were needed,” says 65-year-old James, who works as a CoE Maintenance Manager at GE Appliances in AP4. “I’d been luckier than most already, and I knew that if I didn’t make changes, these bad habits were going to catch up with me.”
He was also determined to be around for his four grandkids, all of whom are still under the age of 3.
Luckily, James says he was “blessed with reasonably good genes,” and he was able to get on a path to better health before experiencing any dire health consequences.
It’s been a year and a half since he gave up alcohol, and about nine months since he quit smoking. It was a gradual process, which James says was key to his success.
“It starts with setting your mind to improving your health. That can take months to nurture, and it starts with baby steps,” he says.
First, James began to gradually reduce alcohol and tobacco use on his own; then he sought help from Pelago, a telehealth substance use clinic that GE Appliances provides free of charge. Pelago is designed to help participants achieve specific goals — whether they’re looking to cut back or quit altogether — and it’s all accessible via a Smartphone app.
“It really works once you’ve set your mind to take your life journey in a new direction,” says James.
In addition to eliminating unhealthy habits, James began a new exercise regimen that includes regular visits to The Y @ Work, the onsite YMCA fitness center at Appliance Park. It’s so convenient that James says he doesn’t have an excuse not to exercise.
“I have more energy and mental clarity,” he says. Now in his free time, he’s less inclined to turn on the TV and much more likely to be active — from playing golf to puttering in the garden. “I might even take up pickleball.”
But what he values most these days is time spent with family, whether enjoying the great outdoors with his four daughters or going on walks with his grandkids. It’s something he is grateful for now more than ever given the unexpected passing of his wife in September.
“Getting healthier was part of the ‘golden years travel’ chapter I wanted to write with her,” he says. And while James is taking some time to comprehend what’s next, he expects his plans will still include travel, along with possibly getting back into flying planes and challenging himself to try new things.
Thanks to improved health, he’ll be moving forward with the “freedom of less physical limitations and improved peace of mind.” And for that he is grateful.
James will be sharing his story in the upcoming “How Alcohol Affects Your Mind & Body” Presentation; Part of the Mental Health Matters Series
Thursday, Nov. 14 Presentation from 10 – 11a
Mocktail Social 11a – 11:30a
Monogram Hall
Save your spot! Register here!
