Like many who choose to enlist, Don Morrell grew up learning about the importance of service from his family. His father was an Army paratrooper during World War II who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and later joined the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot.
Inspired by his father’s service, Don enlisted in the Army on Veterans Day 1980, and would serve 7 years in counterintelligence and operations security. Following his military service, Don embarked on a 25-year law enforcement career – a demanding job that required him to stay fit. After retiring, Don continued to stay active with regular exercise — using his Fitbit Charge 5 to track day-to-day health and wellness.
Imagine Don’s surprise when one night last December, the ECG (electrocardiogram) feature on his device indicated his heart was in a state of atrial fibrillation. A subsequent doctor’s visit for tests revealed he’d had a heart defect since birth and now had a weakened blood vessel that could burst without warning.
“I was shocked,” recounts Don. “Thank goodness for the ECG feature on my Fitbit; otherwise, I’d not have known to see the cardiologist for tests and treatment.”
While the condition is life-threatening, the good news is this: simple modifications and a low dose heart medication mean Don’s prognosis for a long and healthy life is good. And because he doesn’t see his doctor every day, he rests easier knowing he can monitor important health data 24/7 using his Fitbit.
On a mission to make everyone healthier
Inspired by Don’s story and with deep gratitude for the service of all Veterans, active-duty military, and their families, Fitbit is offering special discounted pricing on its latest lineup of devices now through November 25th.
A Fitbit device can help alert you to a physical health issue like a heart condition, as it did for Don. But it also can help those who may be struggling with emotional and mental health issues.
How? With a Fitbit device, you can focus on physical activities that help you cope with stress, or you can set and manage goals around sleep, stress management, heart health, and overall wellbeing.
Plus, insight and content from the Fitbit app helps you connect the dots between what you do and how you feel. Together, these features can all contribute to your overall health and wellbeing journey.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed death and debilitating injuries in many ways — some as a result of stress and mental health issues,” says Don. “I believe any tool to help prevent those losses and help those struggling is a benefit to all of us.”
Start your journey with Fitbit
To get started on your health and wellbeing journey with Fitbit, simply fill out the eligibility form here. Then select up to two Fitbit devices at 35 percent off the retail price. Look for your new Fitbit to arrive in 5 to 7 business days with instructions to download the Fitbit app and activate your new device.
Now, you’re ready to explore your new health and wellbeing companion!
Veterans made it their mission to put their life on the line. Now, let Fitbit’s mission help you live your healthiest life.
“From one vet to another, take advantage of this great deal,” says Don. “I believe that Fitbit can deliver on its mission to help make everyone in the world healthier, and I want it to include you.”
Verify your eligibility today to get started with Fitbit.
