The Medicine Program

How do you admit to yourself, you have a problem that could kill you? I still have not figured that out, but I am doing everything in my power to reduce the risk of the problem.

I never thought of my self as obese. Yeah I was bigger than most of my friends, but that’s who I was. I was just chubbier. Then I gained 40 pounds in a year. I thought there had to be a medical reason for it. I did not think I changed my eating behavior that much. I have been the same weight since senior year of high school until that year.

I went to the doctor and she told me that the reason I am fatter is that I eat too much. If I do not lose the weight, probably that are more serious problems will follow including diabetes. The doctor put me on a low calorie diet and gave me a book to help me count calories.

At first, I thought I would not be able to enjoy the foods I once did. I like eating, when stressed, it calmed me down, it was a very tasty past time and it was fun to bake and eat cookies and cakes. It turns out that I am wrong.

Adapting to a low cal diet is difficult but it does not mean you cannot eat the things you love. It means you enjoy eating in smaller (sometimes much smaller) portions. The most difficult part is to keep the diary. Without writing everything down, I tend to go over the limit I set for myself.

I lost 30lbs and am still losing.

The food I have to watch not to over eat on is bread. I use one slice of bread on sandwiches or use a wrap. If there is a breadbasket at a restaurant, I may take one slice and send the rest back.

Food I eat more of on the diet, red peppers. It is easy to carry slices of red peppers along with you during the day and just munch on them.

The biggest tip that helped me with my diet is drinking more water. Water and tea helped me to curb my cravings. If I drank a cup of water instead of buying a candy bar from the vending machine, I was doing great that day.

Take a test. Count your calorie intake for a week. See if you are in taking more then you should be. It may save your life. Do not cheat. I noticed myself taking 50cal off here and there, but the only person I was lying to was myself.

Bess, New Jersey

When I got diagnosed with post-natal depression, I had no motivation. My doctor didn’t look at any alternatives (to medication). You went in there and it was like - here you are (a prescription). I saw the Community Psychiatric Nurse for a while, but there wasn’t enough support. It was only an hour a week, and there were no facilities. I felt like society had let me down.

I changed doctors earlier this year, and they introduced me to EXCEL. It’s a real positive change for me because it’s a discipline and it changes your lifestyle. It’s given me a new lease of life. There’s the social aspect too. It’s not just people who are 16, it’s people who are 60, who’ve had strokes or heart problems and we help each other. I wouldn’t see anyone otherwise, because I’ve got a child. I used to feel trapped, whereas now I feel like I can get out a bit more. I’ve reduced my medication, and I think that’s got a lot to do with the EXCEL program. There’s a life and a world out there and by going to the gym I’m getting some confidence. It can be fun, and I haven’t had fun for years!

Amanda A. Kansas

My Granddaughter’s Mother recently moved to Florida but Granddaughter (16) wants to stay in Cleveland near friends and family. We took her in, as good grandparents do, but we are on Social Security and need all the help we can get.
Granddaughter needs medicine to help regulate her menstrual, cycle but it cost about $50 a month. As I’m sure you have heard, most people on fixed income, including us, use all of it to cover housing, utilities and food.
John A., Cleveland, Ohio

I have no insurance coverage and this program helped me. I am very thankful that there is a program like this out there. Thank you very much! My Children will also benefit with this program. I will recommend this to all my family members, also. It’s also great that this is offered all over the USA.
Michele, Green Bay

I am employed and I am also a single parent. I have very limited health insurance that I pay for and I am not eligible for Medicaid. My asthma has gotten worse over a short period of time and the prescriptions that I need to take are over $300 a month. I do not know what I will do and I am hoping this program can help me.

Fran G., Florida