Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/379081
S T- J O S E P H . O R G 2 BEST BETS FOR LOCAL FARE Look for the SJ Heart logo on participating Brazos Valley restaurant menus and grocery store shelves to find nutritious and delicious food that can help you stay healthy. Whether you're trying to gain healthy muscle, lose a few extra pounds, lower your blood pressure or maintain blood sugar levels, planning ahead with St.Joseph Best Bets can help your diet support your overall health plan. ❱❱ To identify participating grocery stores and restaurants—or plan your next healthy meal—visit www.st-joseph.org/bestbets. NOT PREGNANT YET? You aren't alone. Share a meal with St. Joseph obstetricians Betty Acker, M.D., Cari Cowling, M.D., and Jamie South, D.O., to discuss your concerns and options. Monday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m. $25 per couple Christopher's World Grille, 5001 Boonville Road in Bryan ❱❱ To register, call (979) 731-1231. "Be conscious of your food and diet," said Kuy Houser, M.D., family medicine physician with St. Joseph. "Create an ongoing weekly meal plan with your physician, and tailor it to your health needs." Quick tip: Between physician visits, consider an interactive tool to help keep your meal plans fresh. Diabetes scholars recommend dLife Diabetes Companion and Carb Counting with Lenny. "Exercising with a partner makes fitness fun," Dr. Houser said. "Recruit a walking buddy, tennis partner or gym friend who motivates you to stay active, manage your weight and control your blood sugar." Did you know? Psychologists find that health habits spread in social groups. If your friends tend to be active, you'll likely follow the same pattern. So spend time with buddies who share your health goals—especially when it's time to eat or take a walk. "You don't have to rely on your own knowledge," Dr. Houser said. "Talk with your physician or take a diabetes education course— you'll learn what professionals have to say and get to talk with others with diabetes for tips and strategies." Help is here: Research shows that structured educational programs, delivered by a team of professionals, are effective in improving outcomes for people with diabetes, especially when the programs are long-lasting. St. Joseph offers classes to help you start and maintain a plan to keep your diabetes under control. As you read through these tips, take note: None of them are do-it-alone. Draw on physicians, friends—even online tools—to create a circle of caring around your condition. M A K E T H E M O S T O F M E A L S A C T I VAT E YO U R S O C I A L L I F E GET EDUCATED ❱❱ To register for the Diabetes Wellness Course at St. Joseph, visit www.st-joseph.org or call (979) 731-1231. Carefully managing diabetes, especially blood sugar levels, is key to keeping healthy. Here are some tips for staying on top of this health condition. 3 T I P S F O R Living Well With Diabetes