Mayra, a community member, came to Jane Campbell at the Paradise Valley Hospital Center for Health Promotion (CHP) with a simple request, “I want to glow again!” Mayra was approaching middle-age and gained weight over the years. She came to the CHP seeking nutrition counseling and help managing her weight.
Mayra had been dieting over a number of years, but with mixed results. Although she first came to Jane and the CHP in 2019, it wasn’t until the past year that she dedicated herself fully to its weight management program. There is no magic pill, or extreme diet taught by the CHP, but rather a moderate, informed approach to nutrition and exercise. “We educate people about their nutritional choices and help them develop new habits and a more informed approach to food,” explains Jane Campbell. “Achieving a healthy weight and level of fitness requires a lifestyle change, and that requires time and information. But, if you stick with the program, you’ll start to see the results and feel better, and that creates a momentum of its own!”
When Mayra first dedicated herself to losing weight in mid-2023 she weighed over 200 pounds. As of May of this year she weighed 184 pounds, lost 4” off of her waist, and 2” from her hips. She feels happier, more energetic, and now receives compliments from complete strangers. “I no longer have pain in my ankles and joints, and my chronic heartburn stopped,” says Mayra. “And this is all due to the weight loss! I cut out processed food, watch my fats and sugar, and watch my portions. It’s all about properly balancing your carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.” Mayra’s new-found fitness has also inspired her husband to join her, and he is also finding success.
Weight Management is only one of the free programs offered by the Center for Health Promotion. The CHP also offers classes and one-on-one counseling on diabetes management, stress management, hypertension, a fitness class, yoga and Zumba, and CLUB Walk, their mall-walking club that meets weekly at Plaza Bonita mall—all free to the community including employees of Paradise Valley Hospital. For more information visit the CHP page on the hospital’s website at paradisevalleyhospital.net, or speak with Jane at (619) 470-4346.