Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Parks Recreation Programs Lead To A Healthy Success Story!

Robert Z., 62, has been a NYC Parks recreation center member since February 2007. At the time, Robert was on diabetic medication for Type 2 diabetes, and had both high cholesterol counts and high blood pressure. When he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Robert was told that he would be on diabetic medication for the rest of his life.

By 2009, after two years of attending various health and fitness programs at Al Oerter Recreation Center in Flushing, Queens, Robert lost 75 pounds; resulting in a reduction of 9 inches from his waistline and 2 inches from his neckline. His cholesterol counts and blood pressure levels are now within the normal range.

Most significantly, since December 7, 2011, Robert is no longer taking prescribed diabetic, cholesterol or high blood pressure medications—an accomplishment that defied all medical expectations and confirms the benefits of a daily active routine.

Having maintained a healthy lifestyle and weight for the past four years, Robert continues to take advantage of not only the extensive network of 33 exercise facilities that NYC Parks recreation centers offer, but also the great outdoors: he currently plays basketball for two hours per day and lifts weights three times per week at Al Oerter Recreation Center, and rides his bicycle through Flushing Meadows Corona Park to and from the center.

“Your programs have certainly given [me] the quality of life I could not have dreamed of five years ago,” Robert wrote in a recent correspondence to NYC Parks. “Your programs have also added to my introduction to individuals of diverse ages, cultures and background I would not have met otherwise.”

Robert attributes much of his accomplishments to the past and present staff members of the Al Oerter Recreation Center who have always welcomed, encouraged and supported him in his fitness and health endeavors.