"Julie – Age 40.

I have been married to my husband, Darin, for 19 years. We have a 17 year old daughter, and 16 year old son. I grew up in ND and have lived in Bismarck the past 16 years. My husband and I own America’s Home Loans and I teach special education at Century High School. This summer, a few weeks before my 40th birthday, I was told I have Type II diabetes. It was the wake - up call I needed to get motivated to make a lasting life style change for myself. I worked hard at eating healthy and exercising regularly and in turn was rewarded with losing several pounds over the summer. The long term effects are great, because I have made a dedication to myself to get healthier and not just go on another “diet”."