Volume 13, Number 5: August 2005
CHP Voices: Kathy Stump
Who are Capital Health Plan members? They're friends, neighbors, and strangers; mature and young; women and men; and engaged in every walk of life. One thing they have in common is wanting to be healthy and needing a health plan that can help. Member Kathy Stump recently spoke with us about how CHP fits into her life. Kathy is a 50-year-old single mom who works full-time while raising 11-year-old Rose and 15-year-old Nat. She is one busy woman andas you'll hearnot slowing down.
"I joined CHP when I went back to work five years ago after being a stay-at-home mom. We all love itmy kids love their doctors.
"I enjoy the articles in HealthLine, especially the ones encouraging people to exercise and the profiles of other CHP members. I didn't always have an exercise regimen, I was busy raising my kids. As they got older, I started walking my neighborhood . . . mostly just to get some time to myself. I found I really enjoyed it and then gradually built up to running. A knee injury sidelined me and I looked for something else, which is when I joined a gym."
"I never would have believed what a difference exercise could make. I have more energy, I sleep better, and it's a great stress-reducer. I encourage Rose and Nat to come with me on bike rides or walks around the neighborhood. (Most times with Nat, the computer wins out, but I'm working on him.) I've also been known to join them on giant water slides in amusement parks.
"You know, I didn't join a gym until I was 46. I tell friends: If I can do it, you can do it. I want to keep up with my kids and enjoy my life. Being in good health and in shape keeps people young.
"I like to think I'm a proactive about my health. And I like that CHP encourages the same with its members. I know that taking care of myself is a good example for my kidsand it will keep me around longer to enjoy them."