NORWICH – Cindy Wier decided to change her lifestyle for the better three years ago after taking a careful look at the family tree, her children and some of the medical issues plaguing her relatives.

In February of 2007, motivated by an American Heart Association pamphlet one of the kids brought home from school, Cindy took positive action immediately and began working out that same day. In just seven months, she lost 84 pounds, going from 229 to 145.

What’s important to understand is Cindy’s story was written by one’s sheer will for change.

A married full-time mother of three, Cindy didn’t have the time or money to spare and made due with what she had.

“The Heart Association was looking for pledges for their Jump Rope for Heart program and with it came a pamphlet. I looked at my mother’s side of the family, which has a strong history of heart-related health issues,” said Cindy.

Cindy said some in her family suffered from diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses that only a healthy lifestyle could ward off. Taking a hard look at how to shape her children’s life habits, she decided it was time for change.