Program offers 'healthy solutions' to weight management

More than 300 men and women have discovered healthy solutions to their problems with blood pressure, cholesterol and weight by committing themselves to making a healthier lifestyle change, with the help of professionals at the Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center and the Healthy Solutions® program.

Healthy Solutions® is a program developed more than 20 years ago by Health Management Resources® (HMR). The program stresses making healthy lifestyle choices regarding food, environment and exercise to achieve health goals.

"Our goal is to improve their health, and weight loss is a positive side effect of the program," explained Beverly Games, assistant director of the Healthy Solutions® program at the Wellness Center.

The first 13 weeks of the program is dedicated to weight loss and weekly lifestyle education through classes held at the center. Attendance is mandatory.

"Before the classes begin, all of the participants go through a free orientation class where we talk about what we expect from them, and what they can expect from us as their coaches. Many of our clients have tried other programs to lose weight and have not been successful. Healthy Solutions is very structured and there is a lot of accountability. Attendance is the number one commitment participants must make to be successful," Games said.

The second commitment is record-keeping. Participants are given a log to track the amount of food they eat each day and their activity levels. During the weight loss phase of the program, participants are strongly encouraged to follow the Healthy Solutions® diet, which consists of HMR entrees, shakes, soups and fresh fruits and vegetables.  A minimum of three shakes/soups, two entrees and five one-cup servings of fruits and vegetables is required daily.

"The food that they are eating is lower in calories than they would normally eat, especially the fruits and vegetables, so they can eat a little more and still lose weight. The longer we can keep people on the diet, the more successful they will be long-term in maintaining a healthy lifestyle," she said.

Restaurants are a no-no during the first phase of the program, but if it is absolutely necessary, Games said making smarter choices when eating out can keep participants on track.

"We can sit down with clients and plan ahead on what they should order. You should never go out to eat in a restaurant when you’re really hungry. Decision-making is totally different when you’re hungry, and you’re more likely to overeat or make bad choices," she said.

Another important component of the first phase of the program is exercise. "We work with people where they already are in terms of physical activity. Some people are very sedentary while others are already exercising. Generally we tell people to add 10 more minutes to whatever they do and make exercise a part of their daily routine. Exercise is really the glue that holds all of the program together. When they get to the maintenance part of the program, they can eat more calories, so it’s important to keep exercising to burn those calories," Games said.

During weekly classes, participants report their progress, share success stories and offer support for each other as they learn healthy tips from educators. At the end of the 13-week weight loss phase of the program, individuals either move into the maintenance phase or continue the weight loss program.

Games said that with any weight loss program, consulting with your physician is important. HMR requires that physicians sign a communication form that explains the diet and exercise program, and encourages follow-up with patients, especially those on medication for blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes. In many cases, medication is either reduced or eliminated as a result of adapting a healthier lifestyle.

Individuals interested in participating in the Healthy Solutions® program can attend a free orientation session. Log on to www.baptistmilestone.com to find out when the next sessions will be offered. There is a fee to participate in the program, as well as fees for meal supplements. Employees of Baptist East may join the Wellness Center and participate in the Healthy Solutions® program at a substantial discount. For information on membership, call the Wellness Center at (502) 896-3900, ext. 302.

The HMR program will grow when the Baptist East/Milestone Wellness Center completes its expansion in December 2004. A medically supervised program, for men and women more than 30 pounds overweight, will be offered. A physician will be on-site to offer support and supervision for participants.

Games said there are many success stories as a result of the Healthy Solutions® program. "We know the program works. No one has ever left Healthy Solutions because it didn’t work. That’s not true for other weight loss programs. If you are committed to the program, you will see results," she said.

For more information, call the Wellness Center at 896-3900, ext. 144 or go to their Web site at www.baptistmilestone.com.