It took a lot for Maria Carranza to convince her husband Julio to join her, but he eventually relented. Maria was referred to the Diabetes Education program at Paradise Valley Hospital’s Center for Health Promotion by a friend because of Julio’s ongoing diabetes-related aches and pains. Maria attended a class and was impressed, and began to bring Julio with her. He was resistant, at first. “I used to hide,” he confessed.
Julio was skeptical, but Maria was surprised by what she learned from the diabetes educator, Elizabeth Lucero. Prior to taking the classes, she had thought that both she and Julio were eating healthfully. But Elizabeth helped her learn about the role that carbohydrates and sugars have on our nutrition, and what should be considered healthy portions. She also learned the importance of exercise and adequate sleep. Julio confessed that, in the past, he would eat an average of 15 tortillas a day with two liters of soda. “I always used to have two dinners a day!” he said, incredulously. With the help of Elizabeth and the Center for Health Promotion, Maria and Julio have learned to cut down their carbohydrate and sugar intake, reduce the amount of fried and processed foods, and eat more healthful portions. “Elizabeth is an angel in our lives,” said Maria. “She showed us the way!”
They have also learned to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. Maria and Julio take a daily walk together in the park, and Julio rides his bicycle whenever he can. Julio, who used to suffer from swelling and pain in his feet, says those symptoms have gone away. “Every pain has gone!”
This has been a lifestyle change for them; it may have been difficult at first, but they are both enjoying the results of their efforts. “We feel lighter, with more energy,” said Julio. “And we look good!” Maria added. “Can’t you tell?”
In addition to the diabetes education classes, Paradise Valley Hospital’s Center for Health Promotion offers individual counseling with licensed dietitians, health screenings, and other health-related classes, all free of charge. These services are available to the public and to PVH employees. Learn more by speaking with CHP director Jane Campbell at (619) 470-4346, or visiting us at ParadiseValleyHospital.net and searching for the Center for Health Promotion.