Health

By Jean Ruzicka Reprinted with permission from the Park Rapids Enterprise Setting an example of healthy eating is important A human’s most rapid growth is experienced within the first year of life. From birth to six months, a baby’s weight doubles, tripling by the time the child reaches a year. Once children begin eating table [...]

The data is in. Weight-loss surgery, in combination with behavioral modifications, can be a “powerful tool” in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for obese patients. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention said as much in a position statement released recently. The taskforce substantiates evidence backing bariatric surgery as a cost-effective [...]

Eydie Garcelon lost her best friend the day she had weight-loss surgery. The food. The junk food. Chips, candy and soda pop at one time brought her comfort, day or night, without judgment: all gone. “When I was happy, food was there to help me celebrate. If I was sad and woke up at three [...]

Melanie Stauty of Fergus Falls sits in a clinic chair during a follow-up bariatric appointment at Essentia Health Park Rapids. On her lap sits a bouncing baby boy, Seth Alexander and, gosh, his smile is infectious. “He was a miracle,” Melanie says. “I didn’t think I would have any more children.” In fact, when she [...]

It is generally recommended that women avoid pregnancy the first 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery because of the dramatic weight loss. Once pregnant, patients should be monitored to be sure appropriate weight gain is occurring. Prenatal care is coordinated with the obstetrician, the bariatric surgeon and dietitian (1). Energy needs You will need [...]

April Earley of Fargo was told at age 18 that she would probably never conceive a child due to her weight and health issues. That wasn’t quite accurate. It did take more than two years for her and her husband to get pregnant with their first child, Carter. So she really wasn’t expecting to learn [...]

St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management sponsors a non-surgical weight-loss program for anyone who is committed to losing weight and ready to take ownership of their lifestyle habits. This 15-week course is designed to incorporate medically-supervised, comprehensive weight management for motivated patients with a physician referral. Classes are facilitated by a registered dietitian, social worker, [...]

The primary concern of overweight and obesity is one of health and not appearance. PREMATURE DEATH An estimated 300,000 deaths per year may be attributable to obesity. The risk of death rises with increasing weight. Even moderate weight excess (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly [...]