"Believe In Yourself" Jessica G. Shares Her Journey to Weight Loss

"My life has changed so much and I feel amazing! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey and for all the wonderful support!"

I wanted to make a change in my life in reference to my weight. Since elementary school I have struggled with my weight. There are many reasons why I made the choice to change my life. One reason is, I have had many loved ones who have struggled with major health issues. Unfortunately, I have seen many of them pass away from these issues. When you see people you care about lying in a hospital bed with a tube down their throat, you stop and tell yourself things need to change. The second reason is, I wanted to better my health and appearance. The third reason is, I wanted to prove to people and more importantly myself that I was strong enough to make a change. Always believe in yourself and set life goals! I have started paying more attention to what foods I put into my body to help with my journey. When I shop for food now I look for more veggies and fruits. I also buy sugar free, no salt, non GMO, gluten free and organic foods. 

 I joined a gym nine months ago for the first time in my life. I go to the gym two times a week, but I do some kind of exercise every day at home. I love country music so three times a week I turn on my radio and dance it's a great exercise! I started going for walks in the morning or the evening. I also do DDPY everyday I am able to keep track of all numbers that are important. I like to see and know

what my blood sugar is and blood pressure. I can see month to month what my measurements are from my chest to waist. I have only been doing DDPY for a eight months, but I can see and feel a big difference. My back would hurt me a lot but now I can move and bend and my back feels amazing! DDPY helped me rehab my own back at home. I have reduced my asthma medication and I had sever plantar fasciitis but, with all the stretching with DDPY it's gone!! My flexibility is awesome and so is my balance. Also, I really enjoy the live workouts with DDP, it’s like he is right there. Yes, it’s true you can make DDPY your own and OWN IT. I can see muscles in my legs, stomach, and arms becoming stronger every day. Sometimes I need a little motivation, well with the DDPY app there are motivational Mondays.The app also has a cooking show, there are so many great recipes. I recommend this to everyone any shape, size and age. Make it your own and OWN IT, BANG!! I didn't want to lose weight to buy new clothes or to be center of attention, I did it because I wanted to better my health. I'm happy to say that I am down 108lbs. My life has changed so much and I feel amazing! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey and for all the wonderful support!

How Doctors are using digital photography in rural healthcare

Researchers at the University of British Columbia are using digital photography to track patients' healthcare in rural communities. Professor Kathy Rush of the UBC Okanagan School of Nursing conducted a study with senior atrial fibrillation, or AF, patients living independently in rural communities of less than 7,000 people.

AF is a chronic condition that causes an irregular heartbeat, fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. For the study, 10 participants of varying stages of health were given digital cameras and were asked to take daily photos and mail them back every two weeks for six months.

"You don't always get the full story or picture of what is really going on in their lives," Rush said in a press release. "These photos gave us considerable information about the environmental context of living with an illness in rural communities, where there is limited access to services."

The photos showed people waiting for or traveling to appointments along with their living environment and mental outlook. "The photos gave us access to their days, to things that wouldn't be reported in a doctor's office, or on a medical chart, but were an important part of their day-to-day care," Rush said. "The images brought to life their social supports and the gaps in service." Photos ranged from images taken in places in the community or outside when patients felt well to images of pills, reminders of doctor appointments or people sitting in chairs when they felt ill. One patient took a series of...

Read More...