CoxHealth

Health Sense - Summer 2013

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Still going strong Could you be at risk for diabetes? I changed my course. You can, too. Gary Lewis' journey after being diagnosed with diabetes was featured in HealthSense magazine last fall. About 26 percent of Americans are estimated to have prediabetes. In Greene County alone, that translates to roughly 72,000 people. Prediabetes means your blood sugar is higher than it should be. The good news is that lifestyle changes can help you get your blood sugar back to normal and avoid or delay diabetes. To find out if you're at risk, take our quiz at coxhealth.com. Today, he is still riding his road bike and he is eating more of the right foods. "I still am moving in the right direction," he says. Gary has lost a total of 40 pounds since his diagnosis and feels better. His wife, Dana, is supportive and attended diabetes classes and the grocery store tour with Gary. "She has made lifestyle changes, too, so we can do this together," he says. Gary is still in communication with the CoxHealth Diabetes Center through email and phone calls. He knows he can contact them anytime with questions. "It's very, very easy to fall back into bad habits," he says. "You have to always be reminded and refreshed on what you need to do to take care of yourself." Gary Lewis rides his bike on local trails to stay active. These changes haven't been easy, but Gary still remembers when his primary care physician, Dr. W. Russell Detten, told him he had diabetes. "He sat me down and told me if I didn't make some serious changes to my diet and lifestyle I would not be around a lot longer," says Gary. One of the changes Gary made is to just eat what is on his plate, instead of getting seconds or eating off another family member's plate. He credits Dr. Detten and the CoxHealth Diabetes Center with helping him make healthy changes. Be your best! Whether you need to lose weight, quit smoking or just feel better, we're here to help you achieve your health goals. Donna Webb, a registered dietitian at the CoxHealth Diabetes Center, offers quick and simple tips that you can try right away. Sign up to receive a new tip each week at coxhealth.com/52ways. Listen to Gary's story at coxhealth.com/gary. Get educated CoxHealth offers prediabetes and diabetes education for our friends and neighbors. Find out more. Springfield – 417/269-3900 Branson – 417/335-7453 Monett – 417/354-1280 coxhealth.com 9

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