POWERGRAMS

6 Three years ago, Carolyn Parkin saw the handwriting on the wall and turned her life around 180 degrees. Parkin realized she was following in the footsteps of family members who had heart disease and other chronic, debilitating illnesses. Since then, she has lost nearly 50 pounds, walks more than 5 miles a day and has improved her overall health. "I was gaining 5 pounds a year and was tired all the time," said the staff accounting assistant as she reflected on her motivation. "I tried all kinds of diets, but I kept gaining weight. I had also developed high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and had to start taking medicine for asthma. I knew I had to do certain things if I wanted to be healthy." Parkin's family history was riddled with disease. Her mother was morbidly obese and died after a heart attack. A series of strokes took her father's life at age 64, while both grandmothers were victims of heart disease. She lost two siblings to cancer and another is fighting the disease. Parkin has improved her eating habits and made exercise a part of her daily routine. She starts her day at 4:30 a.m. by joining her husband, Lee, for a walk through their neighborhood. Later, she walks 3 miles on a treadmill and at every opportunity takes stairs instead of elevators. To remain focused on her goal, Parkin joined Weight Watchers and began eating grilled vegetables and fruits, cutting her portion sizes and drinking tea and coffee without sweeteners. Because of her improved health and fitness, Parkin no longer suffers from asthma, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. She received the Lifestyle Change Award at the annual Heart Walk at Birmingham's new Uptown District on June 28. Parkin was among 200 Alabama Power and Southern Company employees who turned out for the annual walk benefiting the American Heart Association. "When I finished the walk, I wasn't exhausted and didn't have to hit the couch," Parkin said. "I have never been so tickled in my life to realize that I still had energy after the walk and I wasn't dragging back at the dead end of the pack when it was over." The Alabama Power team raised nearly $4,000 during the event, which supports research and education to prevent heart disease and stroke. Heart disease causes 30 percent of all deaths in Birmingham each year. A brisk walking program can be the first step to prevent heart disease. Walking as little as 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. "Alabama Power has a long-standing relationship with the American Heart Association," said Brad Hilsmier, health and wellness manager, Human Resources. "We know that cardiovascular disease affects many of our employees and their families. That's why we believe it makes sense to support the heart association, whose mission is to improve overall health and wipe out heart disease." The half-day event featured a 5,000-meter route and a 1-mile survivor walk. There were free health screenings, educational exhibits and a kids zone with face painting and balloon art. Like Parkin, Billy Stewart, local operations lineman, Gardendale Crew Headquarters, had a special reason for walking in the event. He joined 35 friends and family who walked in memory of Debbie Latham, who died of a heart attack at age 56. "It means a lot to me that the heart association has not forgotten people like Debbie and is working to find a cure for heart attacks and strokes," said Stewart, who walked with his entire family, including his wife, Vickie, three sons, three daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. "I had never participated in anything like this before, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to do it again next year." Janna Rutland, who was born with a congenital heart condition, donned her walking shoes to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease can strike at any age. As an infant, she was diagnosed with a heart defect that decreases oxygen in the bloodstream. At age 2, Rutland underwent her first open heart surgery to patch a hole in her heart and remove an obstruction in a pulmonary artery. Despite frequent bouts of fatigue, she exercised regularly and led an active life until 2011 when her right heart ventricle became enlarged, signaling the need to replace a dysfunctional valve. During her second open heart surgery, she received a bovine valve. "Going to doctors my whole life taught me at a young age that I need to eat healthy and take care of my body," said Rutland, budget analyst in Finance, Corporate Planning and Treasury, and a member of the American Heart Association's Passion Committee. "Even though my new valve will not last forever, the Heart Walk means for me that I am prolonging the need for a third surgery by staying active. Having the support of others keeps me motivated." By Carla Davis Matters of the Heart HEALTH & WELLNESS Alabama Power employees raised nearly $4,000 during annual Heart Walk in Birmingham. MORE THAN 200 EMPLOYEES JOIN WALK FOR HEALTH RESEARCH

• Cover