Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Summer 2018

In early 2018, 23 people committed to living a healthier lifestyle to reverse their prediabetes by joining Bartlett Regional Hospital’s Health Matters program. What is the Health Matters program? Participants in this year-long program attend regular group meetings led by healthy lifestyle coaches at Bartlett. The program teaches healthy food preparation, portion sizes and exercise recommendations and aims for a weight-loss goal of 5 to 7 percent. “Participants are extremely motivated, positive and taking charge of their lives to make healthy lifestyle changes,” says coach Susan Hargis. Classes cover logging calories, choosing healthy foods, problem-solving, overcoming obstacles, increasing activity— both planned and spontaneous—as well as action planning. For example, one session introduced resistance training using exercise bands and other ways to add muscular endurance and strength. Achieve a maintainable, healthy lifestyle As of mid-April, nine of the 23 participants had met the 7 percent weight-loss goal, and overall class weight loss was 278 pounds! All class participants were exercising at least 150 minutes each week, with some even engaging in more than 300 to 400 minutes of activity a week. At least three participants were able to eliminate or adjust their medications. “We are inspired by their efforts and are working hard to support them in healthy lifestyle changes for the long term,” says Hargis. 4 House Calls Summer 2018 “Exercising 45 minutes on the elliptical.” HEALTH MATTERS PROGRAM Overhaul your lifestyle with healthy habits Ready to join? The next Health Matters program will begin in Fall 2018 and is open to persons age 18 or older. Cost is $295 for the year-long program. If you are considering joining this program and need more motivation, contact Cynthia Nickerson, RN, CDE, CMC, at 907-796-8649 . “Ditching 90 percent of packaged food.” “Better restaurant choices.” LIVING HEALTHY