Member Snapshot: James Marzano

James Marzano (Jim) is the very definition of the "active adult" — nothing slows down this 72-year-old from Union Beach. "I've been disabled all of my life," says James, "but I used to play wheelchair basketball and kept myself in good shape."

Like most people, as James got older, he participated less and less in sports. "My basketball days came to an end after I broke my arm and began using a motorized wheelchair," recalls James. "And unfortunately, I started to gain weight." As a result, James became concerned about his health, realizing he "wasn't young and invincible anymore."

After learning about Meridian Health's Wise & Well Program, James started attending seminars related to diet management , blood pressure, and cholesterol. "My favorites are the nutrition programs," he remarks. "I've learned the importance of reading labels when you are grocery shopping and cooking. In fact, my wife is sick of me telling her to avoid MSG when she cooks!"

James met his wife through his nephew, but wasn't married when he started Wise & Well. "Actually, another reason I joined the program was to meet people — especially women," James admits. "I was newly single after being married for 13 years. I wanted companionship." Now happily married, James doesn't need Wise & Well to meet women, but still attends his favorite programs. "I'd recommend them to anyone. You really get a lot out of them!"