For part-time Grocery Clerk Pete Wilson, #772, Sebastian, Florida, getting his annual health screenings from Publix was the logical next step in his wellness journey.

About two years ago, Pete, who is now 29 years old, wasn’t in the best shape. His diet consisted mostly of junk food and sodas with very little water, and he wasn’t exercising regularly. But then, he decided to make a change.

“My mindset was, ‘I’m young. I won’t have problems for years,’” said Pete. “But then I saw guys in their early 20s with high blood pressure and diabetes, so I thought, ‘I should do something.’”

With the help and encouragement of a friend who is a personal trainer, Pete began working out. As his body transformed, so did his diet. He grew a passion for exercise science and became a personal trainer himself. In 2016, when his manager began promoting Publix’s annual health screenings, he decided to take the next step and learn his key wellness numbers.

“I was nervous because of my previous bad habits,” Pete said. “No one wants to do bloodwork and get bad news. But my screenings were normal and better than I expected.”

Still, Pete knew he could do better, and the screenings gave him motivation to continue his new lifestyle. He recorded his results in a chart he uses to track his fitness progress. When he had his next annual screenings in 2017, his numbers were even better.

“Publix’s health screenings are an open opportunity to find out if you’re on the right track,” said Pete. “I would definitely encourage everyone to find out what their key wellness numbers are as part of understanding their total health.”

To learn more about the free and confidential annual health screenings available to Publix associates, visit www.publix.org > Life. Inspired. Program.