"We say the palm of your hand for protein and a fist-size for your starch." Registered Dietitian, Caitlin Bus demonstrates proper portions from the Healthy Heart kitchen at Renown Health South Meadows. She believes what we put in our bodies is crucial for optimal health. Caitlin also thinks moderation is key. “Obviously, we still have to enjoy life a little bit. The key is not over-indulging. It is no longer a treat if it’s something you’re eating every day.” So Caitlin shares an easy way to monitor portions – by simply dividing her plate. "It includes filling half your plate with vegetables, a quarter from lean proteins and a quarter from your complex, healthy carbohydrates.” Caitlin shares many tips, just like that, with patients at Renown. She is part of the Wellness Network’s Health Improvement Program.
Registered dieticians and Certified Diabetes Nurse Educators make up the Health Improvement Program team which offers nutrition, diabetes nutrition and weight management counseling. Caitlin says changing the way people shop, prepare food and eat can change the trajectory of their health. "When you see their cholesterol come down and their blood pressure come down and they're so excited to be off some of their insulin or blood pressure medicine, it's really great to see." The service is open to anyone, as long as they receive a referral from their primary care physician.
In the same South Meadows building, Renown Family Physician, Dr. Quinn Pauly also works on action plans for patients. Along with running the brand new Intensive Cardiac Rehab Program, Dr. Pauly is also part of Renown's Executive Health Program which is basically a one-stop shop to take a comprehensive snapshot of your body. "It's convenient. They get it all done in one day. They get lab testing, imaging, treadmill, family history and physical exam with me."
Executive Health started as a corporate benefit for employees, but many patients pay out-of-pocket for this thorough analysis which usually takes about a half day to complete. Dr. Pauly runs patients through a host of tests from a basic eye exam - all the way to vascular screenings, mammograms and even genetic testing for cancer markers. With an estimated 80-percent of chronic diseases the result of lifestyle, prevention is the primary goal of this program. Dr. Pauly sends test results to the patient’s primary care physician or analyzes the results himself to help participants make appropriate changes – before it’s too late. "I'm a firm believer in it's better to know than not know."
Thursday, you can check out the Wellness Network during the Grand Opening event at Renown South Meadows. Anyone who attends can enter a drawing to win a $2,000 Executive Physical. It is happening from 4-7 p.m. Professional skier, JT Holmes, who is known for big mountain extreme skiing will be on-hand to meet attendees, too. To RSVP, call (775) 982-5400.
