How health screenings changed Manny Guerrero’s life

Last summer, Store Manager Manny Guerrero, #1295, Oviedo, Florida, didn’t feel like himself. His Publix pharmacist suggested he try the free associate health screenings offered through the Life. Inspired. program. A few minutes later, the pharmacist provided Manny his results and advised him to go see his doctor.

Manny discovered his blood sugar level was very high, and his cholesterol was out of control. His doctor diagnosed him with Type 2 diabetes.

Around that time, his wife joined a gym and encouraged him to go with her.

“I thought, ‘What do I have to lose?’” said Manny. “I had everything to gain.”

Manny started working out regularly. He also used the gym’s nutrition program to learn more about eating right and Aprons Better Choice recipes to help change his eating pattern. Within a fairly short amount of time, he felt better and had more energy.

When he went back to the doctor for his three-month checkup, his key wellness numbers had returned to normal.

“This was eye-opening,” said Manny. “Switching my diet and exercising regularly completely changed my life. And it’s all because of what I learned through my free associate health screenings. If I hadn’t done the screenings then, I might have ended up with more serious health problems.

“Before, my life wasn’t very active. When I was done with work, I went home, ate dinner and then it was couch time. I used to feel so sluggish, but now, my energy level alone is worth it all.”

Manny continues to exercise three to four days a week and watch what he’s eating. He’s not always on his plan, but he tries to be more mindful of what he puts in his body.

“If you give it 30 to 60 days, you will see results, and it will change your life for the good,” he said. “You have to make a conscious decision for yourself and your family. For me, I want to be around when I have grandkids and have an enjoyable life.”

Get your free health screenings

All you have to do is ask your Publix pharmacist for your free health screenings and complete a consent form. This Life. Inspired. benefit is offered once per calendar year. And it doesn’t matter if you’re enrolled in our health plan or not.

To learn more about health screenings, visit publix.org.