CNN.com - Garth: Small sacrifices to improve her health

Name: Sandra Garth

Age: 50

Hometown: Saginaw, Michigan

Profession: Grandmother, former fitness instructor

Issues: Garth is very concerned with her weight. She was a fitness instructor until about two years ago and has developed health problems since then. She has been diagnosed with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, along with fibromyalgia. Recently her physician also prescribed medication for hypertension. She is caring for her 2-year-old grandson, whose parents are both serving in the military in Iraq. She is also helping to take care of a newborn granddaughter.

(CNN) -- Sandra Garth is hoping to be an inspiration -- to her grandson as well as others struggling to control their weight.

A 50-year old grandmother, she wants to lose some pounds and get back in shape. Garth hopes that people just like her can follow along, as she learns how to break bad habits. (Journal)

As for being fit, she's been there.

Sandra was a fitness instructor herself for six years, so she knows the amount of work it takes to get in shape. (E-mail Garth)

But when she started suffering from arthritis, she stopped exercising. And that's when she began gaining weight.

That extra weight contributes to the pain in her joints. She realizes now that any short-term pain from exercise could help her more pervasive pain subside as she peels off the pounds.

Diet is a major part of Garth's plan -- and, until now, her problem.

Her first meal of the day may be a good place to start.

Garth is currently in a pancake phase, which can sometimes include a good bit of bacon and some eggs with cheese. She says she's gone through yogurt and fruit phases as well, but they just don't seem to last as long or taste as good as the pancakes.

While knowledgeable about exercise, Garth also realizes she doesn't know everything -- saying that she looks forward to hearing from people about how best to get and stay healthy.

Her family has played a big part in her drive to get healthier, she says.

Garth's son Casey and his wife, Teresa, both served in the U.S. military. They are stationed in Tikrit in north-central Iraq, hometown of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

While they are in a war zone, Grandma Sandra is raising their son Shannon.

She wants to keep up with the 2-year-old boy in the short term -- as well as set a good example for him, and others in her family, for years to come.

If her son and daughter-in-law can sacrifice to serve their country in Iraq, Garth says, then the least she can do is resist picking up a brownie or a bag of potato chips -- and, ideally, pick up good habits in the process.