Central Carolina HEALTH - Winter 2015 - (Page 7)

Catalyst for Change Call DIABETES NUTRITION CLASSES Central Carolina Hospital offers monthly nutrition classes for people with diabetes. To register for a class, call 800-483-6385. Randall Gattis didn't know his health was at risk until he participated in a CCH corporate wellness program T hese days, the little voice nagging you to put down the doughnut and put on your running shoes might be coming from your employer. A growing number of companies are starting or expanding wellness programs. In addition to enhancing the health of employees, the programs can reduce costly medical bills and the need for prescription medications. Central Carolina Hospital offers wellness programs led by Wendy O'Quinn, RN, a community wellness educator who works with companies throughout Lee County to promote good health. Some larger businesses have full corporate wellness programs, while others sponsor occasional health fairs or lunch-and-learn sessions. "The workplace is an ideal space to promote a healthy culture every day," Wendy says. "I talk to people who are so busy. They've put their health on the back burner and only focus on raising their kids, and now they're on blood pressure medicine. I help them take a step back and consider their overall health." For employees, participating in a wellness program can help prevent them from taking sick days and decrease the cost of insurance. For some, the program might provide an important wake-up call. A SCREENING SURPRISE Two years ago, Randall Gattis, a bridge construction engineer, had a health screening through Sanford Contractors. Many employees were hesitant to participate, so Randall's manager suggested that he sign up and be an example for others. At 300 pounds, Randall was overweight but thought his health was ﬁne. "I also had some knee and back pain, but there was nothing wrong," he says. But when Wendy checked Randall's blood sugar levels, he learned he wasn't so healthy. His average blood sugar level (A1C) was 9.3 and his sugar was 320 mg/dL after fasting. Normal levels are considered to be 4.5 to 6 percent and less than 100 mg/dL, respectively. "It really scared me," Randall says. "I didn't know I had type 2 diabetes and how serious it could be if it progressed. I didn't want to reach a point where I needed to have insulin shots." Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body does not properly use insulin, is the most common form of diabetes. When we eat, the body breaks down sugars and starches from food into glucose, the basic fuel for the body's cells. The hormone insulin helps cells absorb sugar from the bloodstream. When glucose isn't properly absorbed, cells can be starved of energy. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart, causing many complications. Randall saw his doctor and was treated with medication. The full blood panel, offered through his employer, showed that he had high blood pressure and cholesterol-which, combined with his high blood sugar levels, put him at risk for a number of potential health issues. A COMMITMENT TO HEALTH Randall began dieting and exercising in an attempt to lose weight. After six months, his sugar levels remained elevated, so the physician doubled his medication dosage. Then, with another A1C measurement, Randall saw his levels decrease to 6.7 percent. His LDL (bad cholesterol) reading was reduced from 250 to 160 mg/dL, and in eight months, he was down to 245 pounds. Every three months, Randall is monitored through the wellness program. Wendy works with him to draw blood, answers his questions and celebrates his progress. Randall's back and knee pain are gone, and he's dropped his pants size from 44 to 40. "Before, I functioned OK," says Randall. "I'd grown to live with my size and the pain. Now that I've lost weight, I don't hurt." Randall lives in Sanford with his wife, Susan. They have two children and four grandchildren. "Now, I think about seeing my grandchildren grow up," says Randall. "Without the wellness program through CCH and my boss encouraging me, I wouldn't have been able to make this much progress." Randall's favorite quote is Gen. George S. Patton's "Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way." He wakes up each day committed to his new healthy lifestyle. "My health matters, and I also care about how I look," says Randall. "After seeing myself in the mirror, I knew I needed to lose weight to help my health." After losing weight, Randall purchased new clothes and donated all of his old shirts and pants to Goodwill. Now, his goal is to reach 225 pounds and have a 38-inch waist. Then, he says, he'll get to buy another wardrobe. C E N T R A LC A R O L I N A H O S P I TA L .C O M | 7 http://www.CENTRALCAROLINAHOSPITAL.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Winter 2015

Contents

Central Carolina HEALTH - Winter 2015