Finding Heart Disease Earlier
Small Steps Add Up to Big Weight Loss
Every journey starts with one step. For Rebecca Burton, her goal is to take a journey totaling 55,000 steps – something that was unthinkable before she lost 100 pounds.
A photograph and a high cholesterol report in 2024 made Burton, 48, of South Shore, Ky., realize it was time to do something about her weight. Ultimately though, she wanted to make sure she was healthy enough to care for her son, Charles Shaffer, who has special needs.
“I went to a wedding and when I saw the photos, I didn’t recognize myself,” she said. “Then, I found out my cholesterol was so high that I could end up in the hospital or worse. That was it. I decided that I didn’t want my son left without his mom.” Burton has a family history of heart disease and has been diagnosed with an enlarged heart.
With renewed focus and expert advice from UK King’s Daughters cardiologist Michele Friday, M.D., Burton began making lifestyle changes to lose weight. Dr. Friday, a strong advocate for healthy living and women’s heart health, encouraged Burton to eat healthier and exercise more.
“Dr. Friday is amazing,” Burton said. “She understands my heart issues and keeps me on track with information on staying healthy.”
Burton made a clean break, no more junk food. The sweets – candy, cookies, cakes – were gone. She cut back on sodium and limited fried foods, choosing baked options. Instead of soda, she drank water.
Next came exercise. She knew being active was crucial. As the main caregiver for her son, she didn’t have time to go to a gym, but there was plenty of time to get outdoors for both her and her son to enjoy walks.
“If I was going to do it, then we were going to do it together,” Burton said. The pair began daily outings and when the weather didn’t cooperate, Burton busied herself with household chores or walking inside her house. Soon, mother and son were participating in local 5K races. They became a mainstay at charitable races organized by O Such Tri-State Race Planners and in the process, found a community.
“They were so welcome, open and friendly,” Burton added. “It’s great to be in a healthy environment and have a whole team of people to back you up. My son is so loved in the group.”
Burton is pleased with how far she’s come, particularly her improved cholesterol numbers. She’s determined to stick with it. While she does have limitations with her heart, she continues to push herself. She’s already walked in three half marathons (13.1 miles or 26,200 steps) and plans on participating in her first full marathon (26.2 miles or 55,000 steps) in June.
“For me, the hardest part is staying on a set schedule,” Burton noted. “In the past, I would get bored or stressed, then I would eat. I don’t want to do that again. You have to make yourself do what you’re supposed to do.”
Burton said when she feels overwhelmed, she turns to exercise or doing something creative; and when she craves food, she reaches for flavored water. It’s paid off.
“There are so many benefits to losing weight,” she added. “I’m more confident. I can move better. Do more. I’m not depressed. My mental health has improved. I love myself and feel good.”
Feeling inspired by Burton’s weight loss journey and ready to take the next step? Consult your primary care provider for expert guidance on leading a healthier lifestyle. For help finding a provider, call the UK King’s Daughters Care 24/7 hotline at (606) 408-8999.
Do you need help getting started with a heart specialist? Appointments are available in various locations and can be made the same day. Call UK King’s Daughters Cardiology Same Day Care at (606) 324-4745.