Mr. Kopnisky was born with according to him, a “serious mix” of heart defects that have resulted in numerous open heart surgeries since he was 7 months old. “I wasn’t even expected to survive. One thing the doctors did say was the less I weigh, the less work my heart will have to do,” Kopnisky said. Gerard Kopnisky, now 41 years old, is a chef and acknowledges that in his profession maintaining a healthy weight is a struggle. At his highest, he weighed 258lbs. His motivation to lose the weight and live a healthy and active life comes from his wife and two sons.
“I’ve been blessed with the gift of life,” Kopnisky said. He changed the types of food that he eats – focusing on whole foods, fruits and vegetables and eliminating all pre-made, processed foods. Every day, regardless of the weather, Kopnisky walks two miles in 22 minutes. Since losing weight he has improved cardiac function and feels more upbeat. He now weighs 198lbs. Kopnisky offered these words of encouragement, “Anyone can lose weight. Focus on quality foods and stay away from boxed, bagged and convenience food items. Exercise and enjoy the life God has given you. If I can do it with all that I’ve been through, you can too. Just put your mind and feet forward.”
The Wicomico County Executive’s Council on Fitness and Healthy Living is committed to its mission to promote and encourage citizens of all ages throughout Wicomico County to adopt a personal goal of physical activity and responsible living habits to ensure a healthy quality of life.
To nominate someone who has made a positive difference by improving their health, email their story totleebrooks@wicomicocounty.org.
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