Keirstead’s current interests include amateur radio, old cars, camping, gold prospecting and traveling. He continues to “fill” his time as a member of the 555^th Honors Detachment, a group that performs military rites at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery and other cemeteries throughout the area.

When Keirstead began having some health issues and his weight crept up to 250 pounds, he decided he needed to get healthy if he wanted to continue his active lifestyle.

Keirstead became a member of the Aultman Weight Management program. “It’s more than just losing weight. The program focuses on improving your overall health, utilizing a team approach that begins with the individual and includes physicians, licensed dietitians and exercise specialists.”

Keirstead’s weight management plan includes working out three to four days a week. The workout consists mainly of strength training. His plan also includes eating healthy. “This program not only discusses what to eat, but also addresses portion sizes,” he explained. “It helps me take a balanced approach in eating ‘regular’ foods.”

He credited his wife Pat as being an integral member of the team. “We changed the way we cooked and ate, and that helped me stick with the program,” Keirstead noted.

Keirstead explained that it takes will power and admits that there has been a few times that he has slipped back into his old habits. In fact, after he had completed the program and lost approximately 50 pounds, he began noticing an increase in his weight. He was on the maintenance program but had found himself making bad choices. He did not hesitate to increase support from the team to get back on track.

“Health and nutrition is a life-long journey,” said Keirstead. “It just doesn’t end with losing weight.”

Aultman Orrville Weight Management is located in the Aultman Orrville Sports & Wellness facility at 365 Crown Hill Road in Orrville. To learn more, sign up to attend a free orientation session by calling 330-684-4733.