PATHS beat their own record this year!  In 2013, 30 patients lost a total of 1,100 lbs. In 2014, 35 patients (with the coaching help of their Provider, Elizabeth Hagan, NP-C) lost 1,402 lbs.  That’s almost ¾ of a ton!

This group of patients is proudly called, “PATHS Biggest Winners.”  The weight year ended on September 7, 2014.  Many gathered at PATHS’ Danville office for a final weigh in and a group photo that will be placed on display.

Obesity is a major health problem worldwide. In the US alone, roughly 300,000 deaths are related to obesity.

It is estimated that 29 million Americans have diabetes. This disease is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. While some speak of “diets”, Elizabeth Hagan prefers to stress “lifestyle change.” The addition of exercise and smart food choices is the “lifestyle change” which leads to health improvements that last a lifetime.

This year, PATHS’ staff demonstrated preparation of vegetable pasta using a spiralizer. Pasta is loaded with carbohydrates. Replacing pasta with vegetables is a healthier choice. Joanie Littleton, Director of Human Resources, was the chef for the day.  She used olive oil to stir fry garlic and fresh tomatoes. She then added zucchini and squash that were spiralized to look like pasta. The dish was garnished with parmesan cheese. Everyone agreed it was delicious and were surprised how closely the texture of the vegetables resembled real pasta!

Pictured below is Mary (lost 83 lbs) practicing with the spiralizer, Amanda (lost 52 lbs), and Joanie (lost 30lbs) who is stir frying.

Mary Frith is our winner this year with the most weight lost. She is a spry 73 years old and lost 83 lbs. In the remote past she had several hospital admissions due to Congestive Heart Failure. After changing her diet and losing 83 lbs, she has not had another hospital admission for Congestive Heart Failure. Mary shared with the group how much better she feels physically and emotionally. The male winner this year is Michael Harris, Jr., who is a spry 24 year old. His secret; he replaced sodas with water. He has lost an amazing 61lbs!

One patient lost weight in order to join the U. S. Military.  Meet, Amanda Collins who is 26 years old.  During her initial visit to PATHS she weighed 217 lbs.  Today, she down to 165 lbs. With this new weight, she now meets the U.S. Air Force’s weight requirement and is pursuing a career with the Air Force. PATHS is very proud of her for her and wishes her well in this noble endeavor to serve.

Have you ever heard of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NALFD)? This is the accumulation of abnormal amounts of fat within the liver due to obesity. It can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. The most promising treatment for this disease is weight loss and exercise.  Meet Dorothy Hairston who lost 43 pounds after learning her liver enzymes were five times the normal range.  After her weight loss, her liver enzymes have returned to normal. Dorothy joined a local gym and now works out faithfully.

PATHS’ congratulates the 2014 biggest winners, thanks them for participating and looks forward to a whole new set of contestants who will join in for next year’s weigh in.

At PATHS, we truly do strive to LIVE LIFE AND BE HEATHY!