Encouraging Supported Living residents to eat a balanced and healthy diet in addition to getting daily exercise can sometimes be a challenge. So the staff at site 108 decided to invite residents to make exercise and healthy eating part of their daily routines. Residents could earn stickers for eating healthy meals and/or completing a certain amount of exercise and the person with the most amount of stickers after a designated time were rewarded with a special day trip to somewhere of his or her choosing.

“Tony remembered Union Station and parts of St. Louis that he spent time at as a kid and immediately voiced that he wanted to win the exercise challenge to return to St. Louis for a day,” said site supervisor, Kim Cearlock. “Tony kept his eye on the prize as he worked hard to become more fit and active.”

Tony won the challenge by walking for at least 15 minutes a day on the trails or on the treadmill and has done some stretching and lifting weights.remembered Union Station and parts of St. Louis that he spent time at as a kid and immediately voiced that he wanted to win the exercise challenge to return to St. Louis for a day,” said site supervisor, Kim Cearlock. “Tony kept his eye on the prize as he worked hard to become more fit and active.”

To say he is excited about winning the day trip is an understatement. “Union Station was a train station and they have displays and pictures of trains there,” says Tony with a grin. “There are also nice restaurants and shops and a place that makes candy.” Tony’s a bit of a train aficionado so he said going to Union Station was the perfect place for him. Even though he won’t get to ride on any trains during his trip, Tony knows he’s going to have a good time. “I have ridden on the Amtrack train to Hermann before. It was very nice on the inside and the chairs were comfortable. At Union Station, I am looking forward to the displays.”

“Exercising is not something Tony naturally likes to do, but he has done well making it part of his routine,” says Kim. “He has kept up with his exercise routine and healthy eating and continues to lose weight.”

“I like to walk and stretch. It makes me feel good,” says Tony.