On My Journey to Health

I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in October 2020. I worked with the RDPCN family nurse to adopted a completely new lifestyle. I decreased my caloric intake, started carb counting, and started walking daily. At first I would walk for 30 minutes a day and now I am up to one hour per day. At times the winter weather has challenged me but I have persevered. Evenings were always family time but I steal an hour for my walking. Fortunately, my family is supportive and at times my daughter or a friend join me and give me motivation.

I have begun to feel lighter and in better shape. I have lost 30 pounds and I have normal blood glucose and blood pressure now. I am still awaiting results of a liver fibroscan. It has taken me a lot of work and willpower to stay the course and I am not done yet. I really feel that I have dodged the bullet. For me a prospect of serious illness, heart attack, liver failure, losing a limb or my family losing me… was petrifying.

So if I were to give advice to anyone who recently got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, it would be this: first, make sure you understand what is going to happen if you don’t do anything and then think about the consequences it will have on you and your family, those you love the most. For me that was the biggest motivation. And second advice, find your support system: family, friends, medical professionals… anyone that will be able to be there for you, give you advice, challenge you and prop you and push you when needed.

I hope someone finds my story inspiring. After all, for years I had used every excuse in the book, not enough time, I cannot give up this or that… until the prospect of getting seriously ill became all too realistic. It is not easy to change one’s ways, but it is more difficult to live with the consequences of the untreated diabetes, or even worse – to not live at all. My only regret is that I did not set on this journey sooner, before any damage was done.

To learn more about the RDPCN programs, visit www.reddeerpcn.com

Getting My Blood Glucose Back in the Normal Range Gave Me Tears of Joy

Up Next

Health Minister Tyler Shandro replaced by Jason Copping

Don't Miss

More on provincial update to vaccine passports and restrictions at recreation and cultural centres.

Primary Care Network

reddeerpcn.com/Pages/default.aspx

Red Deer Primary Care Network (RDPCN) is a partnership between Family Doctors and Alberta Health Services. Health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, nurses and pharmacists work in clinics alongside family doctors. In addition, programs and groups are offered at the RDPCN central location. This improves access to care, health promotion, chronic disease management and coordination of care. RDPCN is proud of the patient care offered, the effective programs it has designed and the work it does with partners in health care and the community. www.reddeerpcn.com

Follow Author

Health Basics was my Kick Start to a Healthier Weight

City of Red Deer / 5 months ago

Win a free garden plot for the summer courtesy of the City of Red Deer at Red Deer PCN’s Gardening Together Health Cafe

Health / 6 months ago

Red Deer Primary Care Network – Job Opportunity

Community

THE JACKPOT IS OVER $14000 AND THE WINNER WILL TAKE HALF!!!

Published on September 25, 2023

Red Deer Public Schools

GET YOUR 50/50 TICKETSTODAY!!!! Winner could take home up to $25,000!!!

The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools supports programs that have a significant impact on the LIFE CHANCES of students across the Division. By purchasing a ticket to support our 50/50 cash lottery you are giving students opportunities to have better life chances.

From giving kids a Bright Start to school to reconnecting with students so they graduate and cross the Finish Line, the Foundation helps students who face challenges in school and makes things better. We motivate struggling students and inspire them to read and write through Reading College. For students who come to school without basic needs, we give them that needed Step Up.

With the support from the Foundations 50/50 Life Chances Raffle, you are providing a student with opportunities that will improve their life. They can’t always control the situations they’re in but with your help students will continue to have these chances.

Don’t miss your chance, CLICK HERE to buy your tickets today – Draw will be held on October 5! Good luck!

NOTE: This raffle is open to all community members in Alberta and over the age of 18.

Community

Shelly Flint Appointed as New CEO of Westerner Park

Published on September 23, 2023

Westerner Park

Westerner Park, a distinguished agricultural society and premier exhibition venue in the heart of Central Alberta, is pleased to announce Shelly Flint as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision culminates a thorough and extensive search process, with the Board of Directors expressing their enthusiasm for the promising journey ahead under Shelly’s leadership.

Tyler Nightingale, President of the Board of Directors, shared his excitement about the appointment, stating, “After a comprehensive search, we are thrilled to welcome Shelly. Her extensive experience, skill set, and knowledge align seamlessly with the strategic direction of Westerner Park, ensuring a positive and enduring impact on both the organization and the community at large.”

Tara Lodewyk, Red Deer City Manager, added, “Shelly immediately connected with the mission of Westerner Park and the value it brings to the culture of our city and region. We are looking forward to working together and are confident in her leadership of Westerner Park.”

For the past two decades, Shelly has served as a senior executive, spearheading diverse teams within Alberta’s dynamic entertainment and finance sectors. Her tenure as the former CFO at the Calgary Stampede equips her with a distinctive insight into the intricacies of Westerner Park, enabling her to adeptly navigate its challenges and leverage its opportunities. Coupled with her roots in Central Alberta, Shelly is poised to steer the Park towards growth and long-term sustainability.

Shelly expressed her eagerness to join Westerner Park, saying, “I was thrilled at the opportunity to return to Central Alberta, where I grew up! Leading this purpose-driven organization will allow me to contribute to my community and affect meaningful change.”

Shelly Flint’s robust leadership, commitment to community, and extensive experience makes her an exceptional choice to lead Westerner Park into the future. The entire Westerner Park team eagerly anticipates the positive impact she will bring to this renowned institution.

About Westerner Park

Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s largest tradeshow, agricultural, sports, entertainment, and convention facility. A not-for-profit organization and agricultural society, Westerner Park typically generates $150 million annually in economic activity, hosting over 1,500 events and 1.5 million visitors each year.