Murfreesboro Veteran makes healthy living his hobby
What started as a routine health care visit to VA turned into a life-changing experience for Air Force Veteran Edward Perkowski.
As he walked to his appointment at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, a flyer advertising Whole Health and GeroFit caught his eye.
“I retired in January 2013 and got in this rut of laying around watching TV,” Perkowski said. “I figured why not give it a try.”
At 71 years old, he’s lost 25 pounds and gained a zest for life thanks to tai chi and GeroFit classes.
“I have a better mental frame of mind,” he said. “I don’t get depressed because I’m moving around. I got my energy back and feel stronger. I had something to look forward to when I started GeroFit.”
What he once thought was impossible is now a daily routine.
Perkowski works out four days during the week. He starts his day at 7 a.m. with a fresh cup of coffee. He then goes to the gym, tai chi class or GeroFit for an hour and later cooks himself a hearty breakfast or lunch. By 7 p.m., he’s ready for dinner and calms his mind by reading a book.
“The weight started coming right off,” he said. “I started eating better, learning how to cook, and going to the gym. I figured I’d make my health my hobby. My doctor at VA said my blood work is great, and my Medicare doctor wishes all hospitals had the same approach as the Murfreesboro VA.”
VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System launched its Whole Health services in 2018. Whole Health is a holistic approach to health care that focuses on all aspects of a patient’s life – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The goal is to make health care patient-centric and see health concerns through a wider lens.
Whole Health is incorporated into primary care appointments (called complementary integrative health) and offers classes and services like acupuncture, chiropractic, yoga, recreational therapy, life coaching and more. GeroFit is a referral-only, group workout class for Veterans 65 and older. Staff guide Veterans through their workouts to ensure they’re lifting weights safely and properly.
“The coaches Craig and Tammy make the whole atmosphere fun,” Perkowski said. “GeroFit is like a little club we have. People of all sizes and shapes go to class and they turn into your friends. You have nothing to lose except your weight and depression.”
The Veteran went on to explain his trust in VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and the staff.
“I love it. I always hear people bad mouthing VA and I don’t get it. Every doctor I’ve seen has been excellent and taken great care of me. It’s the best care I’ve gotten.”