A newsletter from the Center for Weight and Wellness Strategy, Support, Success, Weight Loss
Our Mission:
To teach patients the skills necessary to make lifestyle changes and to empower patients to implement these changes in their everyday lives. Each patient’s program is personalized based on his/ her current weight, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and personal goals.
The Center for Weight and Wellness provides comprehensive treatment programs designed specifically to treat various levels of overweight and obesity. Treatment staff include physicians, psychologists, social workers, physician assistants, nurses, nutritionists, health educators, and exercise physiologists. Patients can enroll in a free orientation session by calling 401-793-8790. Two locations: 146 West River Street Suite 11A, First Floor Providence, RI 02904
1377 South County Trail, Unit 1A East Greenwich, RI 02818 www.lifespan.org/centers-services/ center-weight-wellness www.facebook.com/Miriamhospital twitter.com/Miriamhospital or @MiriamHospital Instagram.com/lifespanhealth Vincent Pera, MD Medical Director
Volume 5, Issue 2: Spring 2018
Stress, Weight Management, and Social Support: What’s the Connection? There are two main avenues for controlling stress and breaking the Stress/Weight Cycle: • reducing stressors • increasing hardiness, or the ability to manage stress
Everyone experiences stress. Imagine that you are driving on Route 95 in a rain storm and someone cuts you off. Your heart races, your body tenses and you feel your face flush. This is your body’s automatic response to a stressor – the flight or fight response. Stressors can be positive and motivate us to action. However, when we experience an everevolving chain of stressors, we can feel overwhelmed and have a difficult time recovering, leading to stress.
What’s the connection with weight? As indicated in the Stress Cycle and Weight chart below, stress can have an impact on weight.
Stress and Weight Cycle Stressor Stress Reaction Fight or Flight Response Increased Adrenalin and Cortisol Poor blood sugar management Increased appetite Overeating Immediate gratification with readily accessible highly processed foods high in fat and sugar Weight Gain Exclusive provider of
It’s impossible to eliminate all stressors. Therefore, it is important to identify strategies to manage your response to stress. While there are many strategies to manage stress, such as breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in hobbies or exercise, one essential way is having strong, positive social support. Research has found that supportive family, friends, colleagues, and communities are a significant aspect of social support, especially when you share similar life or health goals. The multidisciplinary team of professionals at the Center for Weight and Wellness offer evidenced-based weight management strategies and encourage support amongst group members who share similar goals, challenges and success. You’ll see in our patient success story on page two that personal relationships play a key role.
When actively trying to lose weight, it is beneficial to find a partner or support system that you can rely on: • to be positive and accepting, • to understand your struggle and help you to persist, and • to encourage and celebrate your progress.
Being able to seek unconditional support - when needed, is an essential ingredient for dealing with stress during your weight loss journey.
in Rhode Island
A newsletter from the Center for Weight and Wellness
Coming May 2018!
New Masters Program
Saturdays , 10:00 -11:00 am May 5, 12, 19, June 2, & 9
A new approach to the Master’s program was implemented in 2017. It includes criteria for transitioning and retaining Masters status. The goal is to help patients monitor their progress and intervene early if there is a slip. Masters is free for one year following completion of treatment. Optional extension of the program costs $20 per month. The program offers weekly weight maintenance group sessions, and access to CWW nutrition, exercise, and medical professionals (co-pays apply for medical visits).
Life Balance – A Stress Management Series Cost: $50 for the series
Center For Weight and Wellness East Greenwich 1377 South County Trail To register call: 793-8790
Meet the “Jones Family”
Dave, Katie, Andrew and Ellie are members of the Center for Weight and Wellness (CWW), East Greenwich. They are approaching their weight loss journey as a “family.” Dave and Katie—husband and wife—started the program in February 2017 with their son Andrew. They explained, “we joined the program initially to address Katie’s out of control diabetes.” Daughter, Ellie began noticing positive changes in the rest of the family physical and emotional. She considered her family history of diabetes and decided to tackle her weight problem. She joined the program in September 2017.
The Jones family’s previous attempts at weight loss were unsuccessful. They report that their experience with CWW is different. They explained, “we are experiencing better outcomes, having fun and supporting one another. It is a family effort. When times are rough, we talk. The communication relieves the stress and anxiety.” Katie further explained, “sharing and getting feedback from each other helps to avoid impulsive decisions, and to stick to conscious choices for new behaviors, thinking patterns and practices.” Ellie expanded, “for me, weight was a private issue. I kept my struggle to myself. The CWW gives me the tools to talk
Long-term weight maintenance requires dedication and commitment to lifestyle changes. The Center for Weight & Wellness (CWW) is committed to helping patients not only lose weight, but also achieve long-term success.
If you have any questions about the new Masters program or the new guidelines/ criteria, please feel free to contact Kerri at 401-793-3240 or stop by the front desk.
openly about it.” Dave reports that the family is working together, he adds, “there is no shaming – we don’t accuse each other of breaking the rules.” When one of them feels weak or confused, and tempted to make a poor choice, they gain strength from the other family members and their positive example.
“The idea of mindfulness is what really sets this program apart. It makes you feel different. It’s not about losing 30 pounds in 30 days, it’s about changing your life,” says Ellie. Andrew adds, “we are all invested in our futures.” The family recommends setting manageable goals, relying on each other for support and letting the program lead you.
Dave has lost 67 pounds, Katie has lost 140 pounds, Andrew 134, and Ellie 73 pounds – a family total of 414 pounds. But it is more than just weight loss:
• Dave is no longer insulin dependent, his blood pressure is 124/73. • Katie has decreased her insulin significantly. She no longer requires medication for blood pressure and is more energetic. • Ellie is no longer in the danger zone for pre-diabetes. Her goal is to dance again - her passion. • Andrew’s confidence has increased, he wants to run a 5K and sky dive.
To learn more about the Center for Weight and Wellness, register for a free orientation session. Call 401-793-8790.
Andrew after
Ellie after
Andrew and Ellie before
Katie & David after
Katie before
David before
Katie summarized, “if the excess weight brought us here, to this program, I’m grateful because our relationships have deepened.” The Jones Family agrees “we are the family that we always wanted to be.”
Arianna’s Advice: Spring into exercise
• Take advantage of daylight saving time -move outdoors! • Schedule your exercise. • Find a fitness friend.
• Engage in activities that you enjoy!
• Switch-it-up, try new activities to avoid boredom!