Planning Ahead Means Averting a few Holiday Temptations

The Kirklin Clinic

Reducing the risks that can lead to debilitating chronic disease is hard work, but it doesn't have to be drudgery. Dietary changes are usually in order, and increases in physical activity is necessary more often than not. Motivation can be a problem since many of the factors that lead to elevated risks of disease are steadfast habits and sources of comfort for many people.

The staff of the Risk Reduction Clinic and I are working together to plan and host a seminar for clients of the clinic. It is called "Healthier Holidays: Making Health a Priority During the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." The free, one-hour seminar will feature lifestyle tips that will help clients make choices that can keep them on track throughout the holiday season. We will focus on staying active even while the days are jam-packed with activities, healthier snack and dessert choices, and I will present timely information regarding stress reduction techniques. Snacks, recipes, prizes and take-home tips will be provided to all attendees.  The hour will fly by, I am sure.

As part of my efforts to explore quality improvement in client education, I intend to design a brief survey for the clients to complete. The Risk Reduction Clinic will be able to use the opinions of its clients to design future seminars and programs that promise to engage its clients and better facilitate the clients' transitions into healthier lifestyles.

Reducing Health Risks = Improving Quality of Life
Most people living with chronic disease are required to work diligently to achieve or maintain optimal quality of life. The health issues facing patients living with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and liver disease can be difficult to manage. Prescription drugs and medical care expenses can exert extreme burden on personal budgets. Since people with chronic disease require frequent health care appointments, work and personal schedules can be adversely affected. Severe chronic disease can result in permanent physical and/or emotional disability, which can severely impact quality of life and life span. What often happens is poor management of chronic disease as a result of scheduling conflicts, financial issues, and lack of communication between patient and physician.

In an effort to reduce the risk of the development of chronic disease and to manage chronic disease at the early stages, the Department of Internal Medicine-1 at The Kirklin Clinic (a member of the UAB Health System),  has initiated a Risk Reduction Clinic to specifically provide support to people with risk factors for developing chronic disease.  The Risk Reduction Clinic combines progressive medical care with multifaceted, positive lifestyle adjustments to provide structure, motivation, and accountability. Together, these factors help the participant achieve success in reducing or eliminating risks for chronic disease.

The Kirklin Clinic's Department of Internal Medicine-1 Patient-Centered Medical Home is an innovative approach to patient care that links patients to their doctors and nurse practitioners to facilitate efficiency of care and communication. An online portal allows patients to contact members of their medical team to request an appointment, ask a question, or refill a prescription.

As my experiences at the Risk Reduction Clinic continue, I will update this blog with successes, advice, and information about an upcoming seminar focusing on making healthy choices during the fast-approaching holiday season.

Link to Kirklin Clinic, Internal Medicine-1, Patient-Centered Medical Home

View this video produced by the American Association of Family Physicians for information on Patient-Centered Medical Homes