PTHA clients on the healing path
By Karol Matson & Gaynelle Gauthier
For Puyallup Tribal NewsPublished on: March 20, 2008
Nineteen Puyallup Tribal Health Authority clients participated in the diabetes program “Healthy You 2008.” The participants attended ten weeks of education and exercise classes and learned about foot care, diabetic medications, and how often to check their blood sugars. The participants also learned carbohydrate counting, how to read food labels and how to meal plan. They used this information to plan and prepare a meal and served the meal to class participants and guests. The exercise class introduced the participants to chair exercises and when the weather permitted, the walking group got out and walked a few hills.
The Healthy You 2008 program provides the participants with new knowledge and skills to take better care of diabetes. Leomie Harwood, program participant, says, “I have learned so much about diabetes and how my body gets affected by having high blood sugars. I have learned a lot about preventive care and the importance of regular doctor, dental, and feet care appointments.” Ann Laverty, another program participant, says the “nutrition program has taught me a lot about how to read labels, measure, portion control and how to make better choices to eat.”
The exercise classes are developed to encourage everyone to be more active, even those with physical limitations. One program participant said, the “exercise classes are perfect for me because my health has been declining and I know exercise is almost as important as proper nutrition.” Although participants were not sure what to expect from chair exercises, it turned out everyone enjoyed them. Mary Laverty found the chair exercises to be a “workout.”
Family support is an important part of Healthy You 2008. Family members attend classes so they can learn more about diabetes and help their family member. Francine Souza’s sister was recently diagnosed with type two diabetes.
“The class was a blessing for both of us. We did the class together so we could be there for each other. Even though I do not have diabetes, the diet information helped me also,” Francine Souza said.
Healthy You 2008 is a rewarding experience for the participants. Harold Trujillo said, “My benefit out of this group has gone beyond what I expected. My opinion of cooking has been revived by my participation in planning and preparation of a meal and enjoying the others success in their meals. It was a great experience.”
Darlene Reardon says, “If anyone is thinking about making life changes for their benefit – for their health, their well being – this is a program for them and all family members should participate. It is fun. It is informative.”
The next session of Healthy You 2008 begins in April. If interested in participating, contact Gaynelle Gauthier at PTHA (253) 593-0232 ext. 534.
