Northwestern Medicine - Empower Health

Empower Health - Fall 2013

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2 PICTURED ON COVER: JO CESSNA + KATHY OVERBY Better Together DURING THE SUMMER OF 2012, CAROL ACOX SOUGHT ANSWERS TO A SERIES OF ACOX QUESTIONS ABOUT HER HEALTH. "I WANTED TO KNOW WHY I had Type 2 diabetes, why I was anemic— basically, why I was sick," recalls the 65-year-old grandmother from Sandwich, who also suffered from congestive heart failure and sleep apnea. "I became fatigued so easily that I could only make up half of my bed before having to rest." Carol saw an advertisement in a newspaper for Jamie Broekhuizen, DO, family practice physician on staff at Valley West Community Hospital, and made an appointment. Dr. Broekhuizen's humility and willingness to listen quickly convinced Carol she was in good hands. The physician prescribed a different medication for Carol's depression and B12 replacement therapy to address her low energy levels. Most impressive to Carol was Dr. Broekhuizen's willingness to act as a sounding board as Carol learned about proper nutrition and incorporated healthful foods into her diet. The collaborative relationship paid off: Carol lost 20 pounds and no longer has to inject insulin. "Your primary care physician should be someone with whom you feel comfortable sitting down and having a conversation," says Dr. Broekhuizen. "The relationship between physician and patient should be a partnership—not a dictatorship. If the physician empowers the patient to take control of his or her health, the patient is more likely to experience positive results, as Carol has." Carol, who uses her newfound energy to swim and travel, can't wait to find out how much more she and Dr. Broekhuizen can accomplish together. To find a primary care physician near you, visit www.kpgcares.org or call 815.748.8300 or 815.786.3980. MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAKE A DIFFERENCE ININ YOUR HEALTH YOUR HEALTH The obesity epidemic continues to hit close to home. The 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment found that almost 64 percent of DeKalb County adults are carrying enough extra weight to be defined as overweight or obese. Do your part to improve your health, whether by adding an extra fruit or vegetable serving to your meals, switching soda for sparkling water, or finding a new exercise buddy to keep you accountable at the gym. Nutrition and fitness programs are available through KishHealth System. Visit www.kishhealthprograms.org to find an upcoming program to help you stay on track. YOUR GUIDE TO CLASSES AND PROGRAMS As you look through the magazine, you will find listings of classes and other events. Some appear along the bottom of the page, and are selected to coordinate with the content on the page. Additional listings are grouped by category on pages 8 and 9. DOCTOR DISCUSSION Most classes are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally cancelled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at www.kishhealthprograms.org MEAL PROVIDED

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