Take Charge of Your Health
Take Charge of Your Health
It’s no secret that, for those who are overweight, losing weight is an important factor in living a longer and healthier life. In fact, weight loss can actually be thought of as a side effect of becoming healthy!
The health risks of being overweight
During the past 20 years, there has been a huge upswing in the number of overweight and obese people in the United States. Today, nearly 70 percent of U.S. adults are overweight and about one-third of them can actually be classified as obese.
Being overweight can lead to the development of major health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, gallbladder disease and more. It can also cause problems like sleep apnea (interrupted breathing during sleep), osteoarthritis (wearing away of the joints) and health complications in pregnant women.
In short, the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have health problems.
Weight loss can help improve the harmful effects of being overweight. Studies show that you can improve your health by losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds. However, many overweight people have difficulty reaching their healthy body weight.
Helping people “Take Charge” of their health and weight
Concord Pharmacy’s “Take Charge Professional Weight Loss/Healthy Lifestyle Strategies” is the first of its kind offered by a pharmacy in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. The Take Charge program isn’t a diet, though – rather, it is a lifestyle strategy targeted toward people who have hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and/or high cholesterol.
With so many weight loss programs on the market today, why choose a program run by a pharmacy? Because pharmacists, like those at Concord, are typically the most accessible and trusted healthcare professional that patients see — they are in an excellent position to handle such a program and make a difference in people’s lives. Plus, it makes sense for pharmacists to administer this type of program because they are very familiar with an individual’s medical history and medications and they can tailor the program to suit each participant.
Program specifics
The “Take Charge Professional Weight Loss/Healthy Lifestyle Strategies” is a 13-week program. It is individualized for each person based on basal metabolic rate, body fat measurements and other factors, including age, weight, specific medical issues and overall health outlook.
Pharmacists determine how much the person needs to eat, as well as how to lose weight healthily for their particular body needs. While there are no supplements in the Take Charge program, participants start out by replacing two meals and two snacks per day with Take Care functional foods — a complete, nutritionally balanced meal. The third meal consists of healthy lean meats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
Weekly consultations set structure for lifestyle changes
During the first Take Charge meeting, the participant and the pharmacist meet for a comprehensive discussion and evaluation of the person’s overall health, including:
- Personal medical history
- Family medical history
- Current lifestyle and daily routine
- Full body analysis, including measurements, blood pressure reading and more
This information enables the pharmacist to personalize the individual’s Take Charge program to meet their specific needs. At the next meeting, the pharmacist provides a comprehensive evaluation of the participant’s current lifestyle and how it is impacting their future health.
Future Take Charge weekly meetings track the participant’s medical information such as blood pressure, weight, body fat composition, heart rate and, sometimes, cholesterol levels. Tracking this information will clearly measure the changes taking place in the participant’s body. In many cases, the Take Charge Pharmacist will work hand-in-hand with the participant’s primary doctor to adjust medications as needed.
Participants will also be provided with a Patient Education Manual each week. These manuals guide them through making necessary changes to their daily habits. The Take Charge Pharmacist will summarize each lesson, helping individuals set realistic goals they can be excited about.
Extended consultation for long-term success
Once participants have completed the 13-week program, they will have learned everything they need to know about living a healthy lifestyle. But the transformation will reach well into the future, as they try new foods and activities and enjoy feeling better.
Participants will continue to experience the benefits that come from making healthy choices each and every day. Take Charge Pharmacists will always be available to share one’s success or provide continued support when needed.
Wendy Cook, PharmD, director of Concord Pharmacy’s Take Charge program, says that the pharmacist’s role is one of the most important keys to success. “The program is clinically designed to help overweight people achieve their weight loss goals, but losing weight is also a very personal and emotional journey,” she explains. “I’m here not only to explain and administer the program, but also to serve as a coach, an encourager and a cheerleader.”
Many participants choose to continue consultation beyond the 13-week program. Others choose periodic consultation. Just as each person’s body is unique, so are his or her needs for guidance and support. Whatever your needs, your Take Charge Pharmacist will be available for you throughout the program and as you continue your lifestyle transformation into the future.
To become a participant in the Take Charge program, contact Concord Pharmacy here. To learn more about the Take Charge weight loss program, visit www.takechargerx.com.
Wendy Cook holds a doctorate in pharmacy and works at Concord Pharmacy's Austell location.