Willett Watch

Keeping abundance in check

It happens. Sitting at a desk, working mentally but not physically. Grabbing a fast burger and fries so that we can rush back to that desk. Coming home and watching TV. Waking up, we get back to that desk, starting the cycle all over again.

Here in Brant County we are privileged to have abundance at our fingertips. Statistics from the population health study bears that out. We have been identified as having higher rates of obesity and physical inactivity than the Ontario average.

This has led to a generation at risk for many of today's common health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and problems with knees and hips. Thanks to modern medical science, we do a good job of fixing these problems as they occur, but many people are now realizing that surgery and medications are only temporary fixes; they don't get at the root of the problem.

At the Willett a number of these brave souls have taken on the challenge and enrolled in one of the new programs designed to aid in a quest for a healthier lifestyle. “Active At Any Size” is an education and fitness program for obese individuals around 50 years of age. A kinesiologist, dietitian and occupational therapist provide customized physical activity plus nutritional, leisure and psycho-social education.

Obesity is usually defined as those who have a Body Mass Index over 30. If you are not sure about your BMI just ask your physician to determine yours the next time you visit.

For Susan Cloke, interim coordinator of Rehabilitation Services at the Willett, the key word is safety. Many people can lose weight quickly but then are frustrated when the weight reappears despite all that they do. Susan says that rapid weight loss can be dangerous, “especially if it causes a loss of muscle tone, since the muscles support the joints.”

For that reason, the work of the dietitian in the program, Anne Taylor, often focuses on finding a nutritional balance without having to resort to a strict diet. “I try to get people to be happy with losing their excess weight slowly,” says Anne.

The gradual pace of the program is deliberate according to kinesiologist, Brea Corbet, who runs the twice a week fitness classes at the Willett. “Comfort level is a huge component of the program because these people often wouldn't feel comfortable working out in a regular gym at first,” points out Brea .

All that is required to join the twelve week program is permission from your doctor and the desire to improve your health. The sessions can then help to make lifestyle adjustments that continue after the program.

A wonderful part of the program is a camaraderie that quickly develops among the participants. Because of common goals and struggling with similar issues, they quickly learn to support one another and feed off each other's motivation.

As a recognized nutritional expert, Anne is often called upon to address concerns that go far beyond just counting calories. By the time people enroll in the program, many are contending with health issues that have arisen due to their condition. Anne then focuses on healthy eating patterns and strategies to deal with cravings and high-risk situations such as an “all-you-can-eat” buffet.

The aim of the team at the Willett is mainly to help people “get off on the right foot,” so that they can bring their changes back home and continue to get healthier. So if you think this program might help you, give the Willett a call at 442-2251, ext. 6404. The next session is scheduled to begin July 5 th , a perfect day to begin changing your life.

Peter Muir is a communications specialist with Community Relations at the Brant Community Healthcare System. Brantford General is a regional health centre providing primary, emergency and specialized services. The Willett provides urgent care, primary and community outreach services.