Osteoporosis diagnosis leads to life-changing health plan

When Lynn Riordan got a diagnosis of osteoporosis after breaking her leg, the 75-year-old decided to take steps to prevent more serious fractures. The twice-widowed Barrington resident knows how hard it is to go it alone, however, so she enlisted some support. Sometimes it takes a village to make positive lifestyle changes … and two well-trained 30-somethings to help.

With the aid of Chris Czolek, personal trainer at Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center, and Erin Bailey, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef, Riordan lost 25 pounds and gained two young friends who have helped her keep fitness commitments for two years.

"I know some very motivated people can do this on their own. But I need that incentive and support. I need that appointment with a trainer, otherwise I'd never exercise, and I need healthy food that tastes good and is convenient," Riordan explained. "When the weight began to come off and I found myself looking and feeling better, well, that's self-motivating -- the beginning of a healthy cycle."

Step one came when she discovered La Pomme de Pin, a specialty food store in Barrington owned by Bailey, 35. Specializing in organic gourmet food and catering, the shop features made-from-scratch take-out meals for everyday, as well as appetizers, salads and meats for special events.

But don't think of La Pomme fare as diet food. Think fancy French gourmet, instead. Paris-trained at Le Cordon Bleu, completing Le Grand Diplome with honors and going on to train around the world with renowned chefs like Alice Waters in Berkeley, Calif. and Neil Perry at Rockpool in Sydney, Australia, Bailey offers house-made cuisine that pleases palates and waistlines.

There's no sugar in the salad dressing, no extra salt in the sauces, no shortening -- not even cooking oil, nothing artificial, no trans fats. Just butter and olive oil in scones, carmelized onion tarts with goat cheese and thyme, creamy roasted mushroom soup with tarragon, fresh pea and almond soup, wild salmon or tilapia, beef burgundy with organic fingerling potatoes.

One scone led to another, then to a lamb chop, then to complete meals. Riordan would ring up Bailey and ask, "What are we having for dinner tonight?" Before long, La Pomme de Pin had become a most pleasant, healthy habit.

"Lynn likes to cook and appreciates good food made from scratch. She's not going to buy a Lean Cuisine and feel satisfied. But cooking for yourself can be overwhelming and inconvenient," observed Bailey. "Since this is my place of business and also my home, it's just me in my house making things for you to come and pick up."

Next, Riordan decided to hire a personal trainer. While she had long been a member of Advocate Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Center in Barrington, she saw only minor improvements until 33-year-old Chris Czolek stepped in to guide her workout. Working out three times a week with Czolek, Riordan focuses on strengthening her core, arms and legs, most often with freestanding weights, bands and medicine ball, which helps with balance and coordination.

"In the beginning, Lynn needed information on what type of exercise she needed to see real results. For clients of any age, it's important to establish a sense of trust and motivation," explained Czolek, whose oldest client is 86 and youngest is 16. "We began to build momentum: Lynn lost weight, improved balance and coordination, became stronger. She's still surprised at what she's able to do."

Today Riordan is down two dress sizes and feels healthier and stronger than ever. Carving out true friendships with both Czolek and Bailey, she's grateful for their skills and support with the changes she's made in her life.

"I've attempted thousands, thousands of exercise and diet programs but they're not realistic," said Riordan. "This is something I enjoy living with…an exercise program that keeps me strong, food I really enjoy. I'm not depriving myself -- this is a treat I give myself."