Lydia Lerma is a petite woman who, like too many people, ate poorly and rarely exercised. Her body paid the price for poor nutrition and lack of exercise. By the time she was 80 years old, she was taking 12 pills a day for her heart and blood, was a constant visitor at her doctor's office, and though petite, weighed 154 pounds.
According to an article in The Monitor, she wasn't even able to travel the way she wanted to, because she required at least weekly check ups with her doctor.
For her 50th wedding anniversary in 1994, her children wanted to throw her a party and hire a band. They asked her doctor if dancing would be good for her, and he said it would be the best thing she could do for her body.
Lerma's life turned around when she met dance instructor Orlando Perez eight years later. Though concerned that strenuous activity could cause her to have a heart attack, Perez took on this overweight woman, taught her to eat better and dance.
Lerma is now petite again, at 115 pounds, she has changed her eating habits by reducing her meal and snack portions, and dances 5 times a week. The first step, according to Perez, was to change her diet, to give her more energy, the dancing followed.
Recently, Lerma was able to take a trip, and don the 3 inch heels in the attached video. This woman CAN salsa.
As the video demonstrates better than words, it is never too late to turn your life around.
If you enjoy this story and video, you might also like to read:
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Written by Shelby Bateson
Posted October 24th, 2009 by Shelby Bateson
