Health Partner Pathways
January Edition
Welcome to the HPWP!
Monthly Challenges
Challenge handouts will be sent out in a separate email to all participants. Every challenge you complete enters you for a chance for the grand prize drawing at the end of the year!
LoseWell Program
Wellness in 2015
Featured Condition: Obesity
Over 97 million adults in the United States are overweight or obese. It is a growing health problem and affects many GHS employees. To make significant impact on this issue, assessment and management are integral parts. GHS screenings include height and weight for BMI calculation as well as waist circumference. Aspects of obesity management include weight loss, maintenance, and control of other risk factors.
Overweight and obesity are risk factors for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health problems such as:
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (excess fat and inflammation in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol)
- osteoarthritis (a health problem causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints)
- some types of cancer: breast, colon, endometrial (related to the uterine lining), and kidney
- stroke
Treatments of Obesity:
- Nutrition- modifying caloric intake, eat more whole foods and less processed ones
- Physical Activity- engaging in exercise and activities that burn calories and build muscle
- Behavioral- Stress Management and Sleep Habits
- Pharmacotherapy
- Weight Loss Surgery
See the below chart to figure out your BMI.
HPWP Welcomes Hannah Nichols, RD
Hannah began working for the YMCA in 2007. It was this experience that led her to pursue an education that would enable her to help others optimize their personal health and well-being. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2012. She completed a dietetic internship and a Master’s of Health Sciences degree at Western Carolina University in 2014. While completing graduate school, Hannah worked for North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service to implement nutrition education programs to underserved communities in North Carolina. Hannah is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about helping others become healthier and happier! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running outside, and attending Clemson football games!
Hannah's Healthy Hints
What Can You Do to Manage Your Weight?
Overweight and obesity indicate a weight greater than what is considered healthy. Obesity is considered a chronic condition that increases the risk of developing a number of other chronic diseases. You can help yourself stay healthy if you take action to manage your weight now! Making a weight loss goal can both motivate you and overwhelm you. The best way to reach your goal and maintain your success is to develop and practice healthy habits. Small changes can have a big impact on your weight and health over time. The following tips can help you help you manage your weight and reach your fitness goals.
1. Be a label reader
Do you know how many calories are in the food you eat? Weight loss occurs when calories in are less than calories out. Reading food labels is a great way to compare foods and make healthier choices.
2. Eat your calories instead of drinking them
Eliminating high-calorie beverages from your diet is a great way to reduce your overall calorie and sugar intake.
3. Eat at regular times during the day
Eating planned meals throughout the day helps you control hunger and avoid overeating. Skipping a meal is never a good weight loss strategy.
4. Eat fiber
Fiber helps keep you fuller longer! Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are great sources of dietary fiber.
5. Watch your portions
Large portions of even healthy foods can cause you to consume too many calories, and sabotage your weight loss efforts.
6. Eat slowly without distractions
Avoid mindless eating by carving out time in your schedule for meals. Avoid eating while watching TV or surfing the internet. Focusing on what you are eating will make it easier to listen to your body and know when you are full.
7. Move more
Take extra steps every day by taking the stairs and taking stretch breaks during the work day. Planning time to exercise can help you reach your weight loss goals and manage stress.
8. Eat more meals at home
Eating out less is an excellent way to save calories and money. Meals eaten at restaurants often have larger portions and higher calories than a meal prepared at home.