Achieving Personal Health is a Lifestyle Choice

“Anything the mind can conceive; the body can achieve,” was a quote ingrained in Michelle Hedberg’s mind since her freshman year of high school. Eager to earn a varsity letter, she began working hard. Keeping the quote in mind, Hedberg achieved success on the high school track team and earned that varsity letter. 
 
The mindset and desire to achieve physical goals through effort that she learned in high school has stayed with Hedberg her whole life. 
 

Hedberg began incorporating aerobics and other group exercise into her daily regimen. Eventually she added weightlifting during lunchtime workouts in an employee fitness center.

“As a busy working wife and mom, stress naturally crept in,” said Hedberg. “I looked to exercise to help manage the stress that came with working full time and raising two sons.”

Hedberg was creative in how she intentionally incorporated exercise into her daily routine. She chose to walk to her sons’ ball games, walk the dog, and found activities such as bike riding that could be enjoyed with her family. 

Hereditary health issues, including fibromyalgia and migraines started to emerge with age. Hedberg adopted a gluten free diet to keep symptoms at bay and maintain her active lifestyle.

“I could still treat myself with a gluten free donut from time to time, while maintaining a healthy life balance,” stated Hedberg.

The small choices Hedberg makes daily have made a vast difference in her personal health. Now that her sons are grown, she has more time to participate in group exercise and weightlifting at the Orrville YMCA, to research healthy recipes and functional medicine alternatives to support her body and control her autoimmune disease.  

Hedberg saw an opportunity to incorporate health and wellness within the local business community and helped to launch the Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Workplace Wellness Initiatives. NetWalk with the Chamber launched in 2021. This initiative held in partnership with Growing Healthy Habits Community Coalition (GHH), provides an opportunity for Chamber members to build business relationships while benefiting from an improved sense of well-being associated with walking. 

“It’s always fun to see our members outside of their workspace at the Netwalks.  It just feels good to be in nature socializing and networking. The Chamber’s free Netwalks and Wellness Seminars are already coordinated for members, no setup by the employer is needed. Healthy, happy employees increase productivity and can lead to decreased absenteeism. A win-win for employer and employee. 

Hedberg serves as the Chamber’s liaison to the GHH, participates in group exercise classes at the Orrville YMCA, continues to walk her dog and as a former Zumba instructor, dances with her three granddaughters.

“Our body has the amazing ability to heal itself from many conditions by fueling it with healthy food, managing stress and staying active,” said Hedberg. “Some people say life is short, eat the donut. I say, it’s all about balance and making choices that give us a long healthy life enjoying the people and activities we love.”

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce has identified wellness as one of the organization’s top priorities for 2022. This Wellness Spotlight is part of the Chamber’s Wellness Initiatives. One business leader will be spotlighted each month to raise awareness about the impact wellness in the workplace can have on an individual’s overall health and the steps taken towards a healthier work life balance. Would you like to share your wellness journey? Please contact chamberoffice@orrvillechamber.com to express interest in the Wellness Spotlight.