Special Olympics North Carolina athlete Laura Hays shows off her recent weight loss on the pool deck at the 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games, which were held in Ames, Iowa on 2-7 July. [Photos by Robert Signore] What's for Dinner, Coach? When Alice Lenihan, Global Clinical Advisor for Health Promotion, crossed paths with Special Olympics North Carolina (USA) athlete Laura Hays at the 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa, she barely recognized her from their first meeting a few years back. That's because Hays has since lost 35 pounds, thanks to learning how to make "healthy choices." Special Olympics North Carolina coach Sandy McClinton, who was the Head Coach for the Program's aquatics team, explains that five years ago, Hays was diagnosed with diabetes. Weighing 151 pounds at 4 feet 10 inches had put her health at risk. "She was told that if she didn't get her diabetes under control she would need shots — and she definitely didn't want that!" says McClinton. Encouraged by the lessons she learned about nutrition from Lenihan and from visiting the Health Promotion venue at a Healthy Athletes event, 31-year-old Hays started making "healthy choices" by cutting down on excess carbohydrates. At Health Promotion venues, athletes are offered informational guides for healthy eating, lifestyle choices and fun ways to increase physical fitness, empowering and motivating them to make healthy lifestyle choices that will improve their long-term health. Hays talks about her race with a Special Olympics aquatics venue volunteer. Thanks to the efforts she made to change her diet and keep up with her physical exercise, within two years she got her weight under control. But even more significant than the aesthetic value of trimming down, Hays no longer needs medication to control her diabetes. Now, she has a new 'dilemma.' McClinton laughs, "Each time she's weighed in for training, her swimsuit has become baggier and baggier!" Of course, a loose-fitting waistband can actually be a fun predicament for anyone who's put in the hard work to lose excess weight. Laura Hays competing in the 25 Meter Backstroke. "It will be more fun when I win a medal or an award," Hays said at the National Games. "Then I can call my coach at home and say, 'Get your checkbook out, because we're going out to dinner!'" Postscript: Hays finished fourth in both of her events, the 25 Meter Freestyle and 25 Meter Backstroke.