Reflections on the “Smart for Life” Program offered in partnership with the Duval County Public Schools and Dr. Capasso.In January of this year, I was on the Duval County website and found that Dr. Capasso was offering the program, “Smart for Life” and his services for a discounted amount to Duval School employees. I called that day! That was the day that things began to change.I met with Dr. Capasso and he reviewed my medical history which included problems with my heart and excess weight which was causing an elevation in my blood pressure along with blood work that was in the pre-diabetic range. Additionally, for the past several years, despite my own personal efforts, my weight was dramatically increasing, to the point that I was over 100 pounds overweight. This additional weight not only made me feel tired, it was causing joint problems, and it was just exhausting to move! It affected everything that I did. I felt trapped in a cycle that I couldn’t break. Finally, I felt a sense that now things may change – and they did!For the past nine months, I was given support, encouragement, and a program that provided me with the resources needed to lose weight. I have lost almost 65 pounds and feel so much better about myself. I can move and now have energy after an exhausting day at work.

Excess weight affects each of us dramatically. The Smart for Life Program, along with the expert advice from Dr. Capasso, made the difference for me! I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for that program. I can’t say enough about how helpful it has been to me. It has been years since I had been able to lose any significant amount of weight.

I am now hopeful that I will obtain my goal weight and with the support of this program – keep it off. I am very grateful to Dr. Capasso for his interest in working with Duval Schools to provide a balanced and supportive weight loss program that can make a difference in the lives of so many teachers. I also am very grateful to Duval Schools for fostering such a wonderful partnership for its employees. This is a program that truly works and is needed by so many.

Many thanks,