Name: Armando V.

1. What critical factors of health have you made a change in?

  • Diagnosis of Diabetes; Diabetes Control
  • Hypertension (Blood Pressure) Control
  • Cholesterol Control
  • Weight Loss

2. Related to these factors above, what specific goals did you achieve this past year?

I started going to the clinic on a regular basis, which has helped me get healthier. Identifying that I had diabetes was critical because I now know what I need to do differently to not get worse. I also used to go to the grocery store to buy soft drinks, as well as I would go to fast food places to grab lunch or dinner. I now drink water and bring my lunch to work every day.

3. Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to make a change.

I never went to a primary care doctor before because I never physically felt bad. It wasn’t until I went for my initial visit at the clinic that I found out that I had diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The nurse practitioner and nurse met with me to go over my results from my first visit, and we came up with a plan to get healthier.

4. How did you feel before your health improvements? How do you feel now?

I never really felt bad before, but now that I’ve lost weight, changed my eating and drinking habits, starting exercising, etc., I have more energy.

5. How did Tri State Community Clinics help you to get started?

The staff at the clinic guided me on how to control my blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as how to stay on track with my dieting and exercising.

6. What motivations help you to stay on course?

I’m motivated to stay healthy for my kids and for my family back home in Mexico. I want to continue to go back and visit my parents and brothers and sisters, so living a long healthy life is important to me.

7. What advice do you have for others who are trying to make a similar health improvement?

Listen to your providers and continue to follow up with them. Follow ups hold you accountable, and the staff can help you along the way.

8. What do you think is most beneficial with having access to the Tri State Community Clinics?

The clinic is within walking distance to where I work every day. I can make an appointment and be back on the job in 30 minutes.

Nutrition

9.What is your favorite healthy food to eat?

I like fruit, and I like adding jalapeños to my sandwiches.

10. When it comes to eating well, what are your top 3 recommendations?

  1. Avoid sweets
  2. It’s OK to indulge on special occasions (like my mom’s home-cooked pork and red sauce meal)
  3. Have self-control

Exercise

11.What is your favorite sustainable form of exercise to do and why?

My job position that I have now requires moving less so getting in a good amount of activity during the week is more of a challenge. After work, I go to the gym to get on the cardio equipment (elliptical and the Arc Trainer). I go to the gym about three times a week.

12.What is your best piece of advice for those just starting to exercise?

It’s important to have a support system. I have two buddies who go with me to the gym. On days when I don’t feel like going, they are there to drag me in. It’s easy to talk yourself out of it if you’re the only one holding yourself accountable.

Staying Healthy

13.What are your new goals to achieve?

I want to keep my blood sugar down, and I hope to reduce or remove a few of my maintenance medications.