Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
A recently retired gentleman stopped by the Webster County Extension Office about a year and a half ago. He said that his doctor told him he needed a healthier diet and to lose some weight or he was headed for serious health problems. He had high cholesterol, blood glucose levels that had him labeled as a Type II Diabetic, he was on medication for high blood pressure and overweight. He had questions about how to eat in a healthy way and lose some weight.

Response:
I explained the new food pyramid to him, using the MyPyramid mini-poster and MyPyramid Reference chart to help him know how much he should be eating from each food group. I described and showed him examples of reasonable serving sizes.

Later, he called for some more information – especially related to reading food labels and heart healthy eating. We talked by phone and I sent him the appropriate publications to help answer his questions. He stopped in again several months later – to show me the progress he had made in losing weight and to tell me that he felt so much better. I answered a few more of his questions. We also talked about the value of physical activity and he was doing some walking.

Impact:
Our Extension office moved in December. A month later, the retired gentleman came to visit our new location and to tell me about his success. He had lost 75 pounds over a 14 month period. He had gone from a 48 inch belt to a 34 inch belt that was loose! His blood glucose level was now at ‘88’ below the level to be labeled diabetic. His cholesterol level is now at 156. And best of all, he no longer needed to take his blood pressure medication which was saving him $200/month. He said that he tried to help other people because he noticed so many men in his age group are suffering with similar health concerns. He said that some are interested and others don’t want to know about it.

This proves the bottom line -- in that the person has to see their own need to make changes and take action. Though I gave this man helpful resources and advice for which he has expressed much thankfulness – it is still up to the individual to make the change. His lifestyle changes also prove that a healthy diet can have a great affect on our health status and save us health care costs.

Contact:
Paulelda Gilbert
Webster County Extension
217 South 25th Street, Suite C-12
Fort dodge, IA 50501
515-576-2119
pgilbert@iastate.edu