Lt. Col. Theresa Saville, deputy chief of the Patient Administration Division (PAD) with the Office of the Surgeon General (OTSG), U.S. Army in Falls Church, Va., has been implementing the principles of the Performance Triad into her daily routine.
Saville also introduced the Performance Triad principles to her husband and daughter. She bought them, along with herself, a personal readiness device to help track calories consumed, calories burned and steps walked. She not only juggles her duties between work and home, but is also currently enrolled in school working on an advanced degree. While these are all major obligations, she is equally committed to staying on course with the Performance Triad.
In January 2014, with the desire to improve her health by shedding a few pounds and perfecting her shape, Saville thought she would put the Performance Triad into practice after hearing rave reviews from her colleagues. So far she has met her initial health goals of losing weight and has even reduced her cholesterol level. The Performance Triad targets have helped her to set new health goals and she is determined to reach those as well.
Although she finds the sleep element to be the most challenging because of occasional wakefulness throughout the night, Saville usually is able to get the recommended minimum of seven hours. She attributes eating better and exercising regularly with having little trouble falling asleep.
Saville recently joined a local running group, participates within a yoga class offered at OTSG and occasionally performs a popular workout regimen. She has also increased her activity level by walking her dog more and utilizing the gymnasium at her job. She also takes about "13,000" steps daily, exceeding the Performance Triad recommendation of 10,000 steps per day.
Typically a healthy eater, Saville has increased her fish intake and prefers leaner cuts of white meat, and she rarely eats fried foods and red meat. She drinks close to eight cups of water daily. When shopping, she purchases more fresh vegetables and fruits for her family and opts for items with reduced calories, carbohydrates and sodium, along with high-fiber and whole grain foods. Having tried popular diet fads in the past, she knows that a lifestyle change is the key to maintaining long-term results. She sometimes allows herself to eat one 'cheat' item per week, and will either work-out more or eat healthier the next day.
The visible success and the urge to maintain her success is what drives Saville to stay on track. She adds that others must want to improve their health for themselves, and when they do, the positive feedback from others is encouraging. Lastly, when asked why others should embrace the principles of the Performance Triad, she responds, "Because it works. You feel better, you look better and your endurance increases."
For more information on the Performance Triad, and to consider submitting your health chronicle at "My Health Stories", please visit www.ArmyMedicine.mil.
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