In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview - (Page 7)

Lasting Lessons “They taught me that what I eat isn’t nearly as important as when and how I eat,” Scott says. “I used to think skipping meals was a good way to lose weight, but they showed me it is not. Moderation in everything is the key.” Now when he eats at a truck stop, Scott makes better choices, such as ordering a grilled chicken sandwich with extra tomato, which he cuts up and puts on a side salad. He got a mini refrigerator for his truck, which his wife helps him stock with healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables and turkey. He also parks his truck at the far end of the truck stop parking lot, to get a bit of exercise, and tests his blood sugar four times a day. “Once I started doing what they asked me to do, I started feeling much better,” he says. While his results are wonderful, they are not unexpected. Studies have repeatedly shown that people who get diabetes education have better outcomes, which is why Dr. Borst encourages patients to seek out multidisciplinary care such as is offered at Lakewood Hospital’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center sooner rather than later. Some need to have their medication adjusted, while others just need help with diet and lifestyle. Having a team of experts in one location allows patients to get the maximum benefit in a convenient setting. The most important person on the team, though, is always the patient. “Mr. Scott is thankful to us for helping him, but the one he really needs to thank is himself,” says Gavlak. “We gave him the advice, but he’s the one who took it.” Kevin Borst, DO (right), and Gina Gavlak, RN, BSN (left), from the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center, talk with Jimmy Scott about the importance of maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels. you know? did Diabetes is an epidemic. Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and the numbers continue to rise. In Northeast Ohio, this number translates to one in eight people. in Good HEALTH i7

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview
Contents
Give birth your way-midwives are ready to help
Could you have an irregular heartbeat?
Truck driver steers his heath back on track
Doing it her way
Don't fall for these eight myths about back problems

In Good Health - Winter 2012 - Fairview