Living Well at Robson Ranch: Congratulations Workshop Graduates

Eboni Palmer and Laurie Long M.D.

Eboni Palmer and Laurie Long M.D.

Marie R Milleage

Kudos to thirteen residents who graduated from a recent six-weeks Diabetes Maintenance Workshop, led by Dr. Laurie Long and Ms. Eboni Palmer. The Living Well Committee and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton collaborated to bring this important event to Robson Ranch.

The Stanford University designed program meets the approval of many health professionals as it reviews and intensifies the advice given to patients. Participant Birdie Kasner said, ìMy doctors are very pleased with my current test results and actions being taken to improve my health. I have taken classes before, but this time it finally clicked for me.î

Jill and Gary San Miguel learned a lot of valuable and helpful information and Tom Waltrak discovered a few new things he feels will help him do a better job of keeping his diabetes in check. Action plan homework assignments helped participants to identify approaches and personal strategies in managing their diabetes and developing meal plans, reviewing food ingredients and additives, and deciding when and what to eat.

The program included techniques to deal with frustration, fatigue, and pain, prevent low blood sugar, and eat healthy foods in order to maintain a healthy existence. Studies show that calorie restriction and exercise together increase the bodyís ability to respond to glucose by producing insulin. After a participant commented that walking resulted in a better glucose level than when playing pickleball, Dr. Long encouraged exercise, according to each personís ability.

A review of appropriate medication usage, effective communicate with health professionals, and identification of other areas of concern created lengthy classroom discussions. Julie Kacines commented, ìThis was an enjoyable and comprehensive coverage of diabetes management, which included an excellent book for reference.î The facilitators encouraged group interaction that inspired learning from each other.î Dr. Long observed, ìevery participant expressed an aha moment either in the course of class discussions or during completing assignments.î

Martha Harrell gave an overall summation of the program by saying, ìI really gained a lot from attending this very informative workshop. I have been a controlled diabetic for about ten years so it has become a part of my life and I do not give it much thought. Taking this class really made me stop and look at what and how I am doing and it reminded me and the other participants how important it is to keep our health first.î

Refreshments were provided by Good Samaritan, RSVP, Carriage House of Denton, and Home Instead Care. Additional program information is available from Marie Milleage at [email protected] or view www.rrlwc.com.

All content within presentations sponsored by the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee is intended for general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of a professional health care provider. Neither the Living Well at Robson Ranch Committee, Robson Ranch Denton HOA, nor Robson Communities is responsible or liable for the content and do not endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised in any presentation.