Partnering to Shed the Pounds

CoreLife puts together the pieces of healthy weight loss.

ATT Ogle, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, was

Moverweight and knew he needed to make a change, but like many others, he struggled to take the first step. He noticed his knee and back pain were more frequent, and everyday movements such as squatting or bending over were difficult. Matt didn’t feel good about himself and wanted to shift toward a healthier lifestyle.

Matt’s physician is Avni Jain, MD, a family medicine physician with Adventist HealthCare and medical director at CoreLife, a health program with locations throughout Maryland. At Matt’s yearly physical, Dr. Jain suggested he try CoreLife to guide his weight loss. CoreLife provides a comprehensive approach to health and weight loss management, utilizing a team of registered dietitians, certified personal trainers and healthcare providers. With them, Matt said, he was able to get the encouragement he needed to get started: “At that point, I didn’t have anything to lose except for weight.”

STEP BY STEP

After an introductory evaluation at CoreLife, the team taught Matt healthy habits such as portion control, what foods to incorporate into his diet or avoid, and how to calculate his daily caloric needs. A food app also gave Matt a better understanding of the nutritional value of the foods he was putting into his body.

“My biggest issue was portion control and sweets,” he said. “I was able to understand and keep track of what I was eating, as well as the amount of sodium, sugar and fat in each item.”

CoreLife also recommends clients like Matt incorporate regular exercise into their routines to ensure long-term success. Members have the option of connecting with a personal trainer and have access to a 24/7 fitness center. For the first couple of months, Matt worked closely with a trainer. Now, his exercise routine includes visits to the CoreLife fitness center and walks at his local park.

Since joining CoreLife in fall 2020, Matt has lost more than 50 pounds and continues to work toward his goal weight. While his journey is far from over, he said when he looks back on what he’s learned so far, the experience seems to be a re-education.

“Having an organization like CoreLife there to help show me how to modify my lifestyle, what steps I need to take and how to achieve my goals makes all the difference,” Matt said. “While it takes a personal commitment, it does work.”

To find a CoreLife location near you and book your appointment, visit AHCYou.com/F21CoreLife.

Your Weight-Loss Surgery Questions, Answered

Weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric or metabolic surgery, can be a lifesaving option for people who have difficulty losing weight or keeping it off or those with health conditions related to obesity. Tuesday F.A. Cook, MD, a bariatric surgeon with Adventist Medical Group, answers common questions about weight-loss surgery. Q: How do I know if I’m a candidate?

Dr. Cook: Bariatric surgery is a great option for those struggling to maintain a healthy weight. You may be a candidate if you: • Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, that is, more than 100 pounds overweight • Have a BMI of 35 or more with weight-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea • Are unable to lose weight and keep it off using diet and exercise

Q: Which surgery is best for me?

Dr. Cook: There are many bariatric surgical options available. The best one for you depends on several factors including your medical history and behavioral patterns. The most frequently performed are: • Sleeve gastrectomy: Approximately 80% of your stomach is removed. There are no alterations to your small intestine. This restricts the amount of food you can eat at once, making you feel full sooner. Hormonal changes also occur that assist in weight loss. • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: This involves dividing the stomach and small intestine. Food will bypass a portion of the stomach and small bowel, causing metabolic changes. Your body will also absorb fewer calories from the food you eat. • Adjustable gastric band: A small, adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach, making you feel full after a small amount of food.

Together, you and your surgeon will decide on the type of operation that’s best for you.

Q: What can I expect after surgery?

Dr. Cook: After the operation, you could spend one to two days in the hospital and will have minimal pain. You must follow a specific, gradually advanced diet and exercise program at home. We teach this before surgery. I form a lifelong relationship with my patients and see them regularly after surgery to ensure that they are doing well. Surgery is the first step of a lifetime journey.

Q: How much weight will I lose?

Dr. Cook: The amount of weight a person loses will vary. Your doctor can help you understand what you can expect depending on your starting weight and the type of surgery performed. It’s important to remember that the operation is only a tool, and a healthy diet and regular exercise are needed to ensure lasting success. Close follow-up with your surgeon is also key.

To learn more about weight-loss surgery options with Adventist HealthCare, visit AHCYou.com/F21WeightLoss.

DOORS OPENING!

Rehabilitation Comes To White Oak Medical Center

2021 has been a big year for Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation and the communities it serves.

DVENTIST Rehabilitation, the only acute-care physical

Arehabilitation hospital in Montgomery County, celebrated its 20th year of providing specialty services rooted in physical, mental and spiritual healing. Now, it is opening the doors to a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital inside of Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center.

Relocating from its previous Takoma Park location allows Adventist Rehabilitation to deliver high-quality services to more patients, improve the continuity of care from acute to post-acute and expand Adventist HealthCare’s hub for convenient, coordinated care on the White Oak campus. PATIENTS COME FIRST

As an expression of Adventist HealthCare’s vision “to provide a world-class patient experience to every person, every time,” Adventist Rehabilitation approached the design of the new twofloor, 42-bed hospital from the patient perspective first. Studies have shown that thoughtful design can reduce hospital-acquired infections and lengths of stay, fall risks and other complications.

Examples of how the design serves patients include: • All private rooms, providing optimum comfort, quiet and privacy. • A ceiling track system in each room helps lead patients safely to their private bathrooms. • Two recovery gyms cater to different therapy needs. One is designed for patients who enjoy a more active environment, and one serves those who require less distraction and lower stimulation during therapy.

• A day room on both floors provides a place of respite and for socializing with patients and visitors. Day rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, a variety of comfortable seating, eating tables, computers and a wide-screen TV.

“Patients who come through our doors have a tough climb ahead,” stated Kirsten Ricci, MD, medical director for Adventist Rehabilitation White Oak. “We respect the hard work they put into recovery so they can go on to live productive and independent lives. We want them to be encouraged and inspired as much as possible, which is the driving force for all we do.”

To honor that hard work and provide real-life inspiration, the hospital design prominently features a painting by Michael Monaco, a local artist who was paralyzed from the neck down in an automobile accident in 1979 and passed away in July 2021.

Michael, who painted by holding a brush in his mouth, has had many exhibitions around the world. His success despite physical limitations has encouraged other patients. He was also a member of the Mouth and Foot Painters Association, an association that raises money for disabled artists who need financial help. Artwork by other members is featured there as well.

The rest of the facility’s artwork features nature scenes from nearby destinations. Without words, the art invites patients to become stronger and more mobile so they can visit these locations in person.

THE HIGHEST-QUALITY PROGRAMS

Adventist Rehabilitation opened its first location in Rockville in January 2001 and quickly became the first acute rehabilitation hospital in a five-state region to earn accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in all four of its specialty areas: amputee, brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke.

In addition to the inpatient and outpatient services at Adventist Rehabilitation’s hospitals in Rockville and White Oak, patients can receive expert outpatient care at locations in Silver Spring and Gaithersburg.

At Adventist Rehabilitation White Oak, patients with a traumatic injury or recovering from cardiac, orthopedic, neurological or a cancer-related condition will receive the highest quality care backed by CARF. Board-certified physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation, certified rehabilitation nurses, therapists and other highly trained specialists work closely together to ensure patients receive care tailored to individual needs.

Activities of daily living (ADL), such as cooking, cleaning and dressing, are at the core of independent living. Adventist Rehabilitation White Oak is equipped with an ADL apartment, in which patients can practice what they’ve learned in a simulated home environment to prepare for living outside of the hospital when they’re ready.

Support is critical to recovery, so patients are encouraged to participate in support groups, both in person and virtually. Additionally, a Peer Visitor Program connects current patients and family members with former patients who can provide guidance, reduce the sense of isolation and offer hope.

COORDINATED, CONTINUOUS CARE

Opening the new inpatient rehab inside of White Oak Medical Center has special advantages.

“Continuous, uninterrupted care for patients as they move from the hospital to rehab ensures they get the care they need, when they need it,” said Anthony Stahl, president of White Oak Medical Center. “Our teams are able to communicate with one another and share information faster and easier.”

“Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation seamlessly complements the services White Oak Medical Center offers, which enables us to offer a continuum of care for patients who require inpatient rehabilitation services,” said Rob Grange, administrator for Adventist Rehabilitation White Oak. “Conveniently, without delay, a patient can continue the next phase in his or her recovery process and healing. We are excited to be here and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community.”

Patients at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation White Oak can enjoy time in day rooms on each floor.

For more information and a virtual tour of Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation’s new White Oak hospital, go to AHCYou.com/F21Rehab.

CLASSES NOW BEING OFFERED ONLINE LIVING healthy

Adventist HealthCare offers classes, events and activities to support a healthy body, mind and spirit. Most in-person classes and events are now offered virtually. For the most up-to-date information about our classes, visit AHCYou.com/F21Calendar.

PRENATAL, FAMILY AND WOMEN’S HEALTH

Adventist HealthCare offers online pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding classes so that you can prepare for baby in the comfort and safety of your own home. Classes include: • Childbirth & Infant Care • Breastfeeding To learn more and register, visit AHCYou.com /F21Birth.

Support Groups

Adventist HealthCare offers several online support groups for parents. To learn more, visit AHCYou.com/FA21Calendar or call 1-800-542-5096.

BEST: Breastfeeding Education, Support and Togetherness When: Wednesdays from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Preregistration is required. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/F21Best for more details.

Discovering Motherhood: Adjusting to Your New Role When: Mondays from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Preregistration is required. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/F21Moms for more details.

Navigating Fatherhood Meets one Saturday a month When: Noon–1:30 p.m. Preregistration is required. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/F21Dads for more details. Perinatal Loss Support This six-week support group for those who have experienced a loss related to pregnancy is run by an experienced perinatal loss specialist. When: 7–8:30 p.m. Preregistration is required. Where: Visit AHCYou.com/F21Support for more details. Info: Call 1-800-542-5096 for dates and more information.

Brazos Vacíos Grupo de apoyo para el duelo de perder un bebé o embarazo, para ayudarte a navegar tu pérdida. Cuándo: Martes as las 7 p.m. por Zoom. Para mas información o, para confirmar tu asistencia, favor de llamar al: 240-637-5265

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUPS

Virtual support groups are offered by the Outpatient Wellness Clinic at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Visit AHCYou.com/F21Support or call 301-838-4912 with questions or for more information.

Coping with Stress, Anxiety & Depression This 5-session workshop will teach selfcare skills for individuals experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. Ages 18+ When: 11 a.m.–noon on the following Tuesdays: Nov. 23 and 30; Dec. 7 and 14.

NUTRITION, FITNESS AND WEIGHT LOSS

Weight Loss Program

CoreLife and Adventist HealthCare’s unique program combines medical expertise, nutrition, fitness and behavior modification all under one roof to empower our patients to live healthier lives. Schedule your first appointment by calling 800-905-3261 and learn more by visiting us at AHCYou.com/F21CoreLife or on Facebook @CoreLife.

Weight-Loss Surgery Informational Seminars

Learn about the life-changing weightloss surgery options offered at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Info: Ongoing series, open to all; call 240-826-5278 for information.

Post-Op Weight-Loss Surgery Support Group

This group provides ongoing support for those who have had weight-loss surgery. Registration is not required. Info: Call 240-826-5278 for more information.

CPR CLASSES

Adventist HealthCare Life Support partners with the American Heart Association to provide convenient CPR and First Aid courses. Visit AHCYou.com/ F21Calendar for course schedules, locations and registration. Classes are held at 14915 Broschart Road, Suite 100,

in Rockville unless otherwise noted. Call 240-826-2673 or email LifeSupport@ AdventistHealthCare.com for more information.

AHA Heartsaver CPR/AED and First Aid (NEW for 2021!)

The AHA’s Heartsaver course is designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs first aid and CPR training for job, regulatory or other requirements. This 5-hour combined program is for teens and adults who want to be prepared to act in an emergency. This class meets in person. A completion eCard, good for two years, will be issued when the course is completed. Cost: $115 for one attendee, discounts for multiple registrants. When: Monthly; details online.

American Heart Association: Infant Safety & CPR

This class teaches safety, choking management and CPR for newborns through age 1. The association’s Family & Friends CPR attendance card will be given to each participant at completion. Grandparents welcome. NO BABIES PLEASE. Cost: $55 for main registrant, $15 for each additional guest (maximum 4 people) When: Monthly; details online.

American Heart Association: BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP

We offer the full suite of American Heart Association clinical courses. If you are a healthcare professional needing basic or advanced CPR certification, please contact us for details about class schedules and pricing. This course teaches you about the importance of learning CPR and acting quickly in an emergency. Become trained, equipped and empowered to act before professional help arrives. Not intended for healthcare workers. Cost: $60/individual When: Monthly; details online.

American Heart Association: Family & Friends CPR

Our Family & Friends CPR Course teaches the lifesaving skills of CPR for adults, children and infants, as well as how to address mild and severe airway blocks. Family & Friends CPR is for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement. This course is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others interested in learning how to save a life. Not intended for healthcare workers. Cost: $60/individual When: Monthly; details online.

Home Alone Class

Adventist HealthCare’s Home Alone Program provides children with the skills and knowledge to be safe and responsible when home alone for short periods of time. This course is intended for children ages 8–12 who are ready to take their first steps toward independence and being without adult supervision. Cost: $50/individual, discounts available for multiple registrants. When: Monthly; details online.

Child and Babysitting Safety

Child & Babysitting Safety is an education program from the American Safety & Health Institute for children ages 12 and up who are planning to provide babysitting services for young children and infants. This 4-hour course will help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively supervise and manage children in their care. Cost: $75/individual, discounts available for multiple registrants. When: Monthly; details online. Class locations and more info are online at AHCYou.com/F21Calendar.

Let’s Talk Blood Pressure Series: Exercise Join us as we cover the links between exercise and blood pressure. During this session, we will review adaptable exercises you can do regardless of your physical ability and environment. When: Nov. 8 from 1–2 p.m. AHC Health Talks: The Benefits of Being Kind Join us as we discuss the practice of being kind and examine the science behind it and the possible health impacts it has on us. When: Nov. 9 from 1–2 p.m. Act in Time: Heart Attack Signs By the end of this session, group members will learn: • What a heart attack is • Why it is important to seek treatment immediately • Warning signs of heart attack & why people delay in seeking help • The benefits of early intervention • How to plan ahead When: Nov. 16 from 1–2 p.m. Let’s Talk Blood Pressure Series: Stress Reduction This session will cover how stress reduction methods can lower blood pressure. Join us as we discuss stress, the effect it has on our blood pressure and how to have healthy blood pressure ranges. When: Dec. 13 from 1–2 p.m. Take Heart: Say YES to Physical Activity In this session, group members will know: • Why physical activity is good for the heart and overall health • How physical activity duration may vary for adults, adolescents and children • The benefits of brisk walking • How to fit physical activity into a busy schedule When: Dec. 14 from 1–2 p.m.