A Happy Healthy Thanksgiving: holiday tips for diabetic patients

Don’t skip meals or snacks to save calories for Thanksgiving, because it may be harder to manage your blood sugar. Be sure to eat breakfast and small snacks throughout the holiday, so that your blood sugar levels will remain more stable.

These are just a couple of the tips Becky Dobosy has shared with diabetic patients this week by offering the “Diabetes Friendly Guide to a Healthy Thanksgiving Plate,” written by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Becky Dobosy is Alliance’s new Nutrition Intern from North Carolina State University who is working with Dr. Joyner. Commenting on the information she has shared, Becky stated that “It fits well with the upcoming holidays and builds off of the plate method guidelines we use.”

Because Thanksgiving is all about sharing food with the ones we love, it is important for diabetic patients to be careful about which foods they choose from their smorgasbord of options on the Thanksgiving table.

The American Association of Diabetes Education advises that people with diabetes fill ½ of their plates with vegetables, while avoiding creamy vegetable casseroles which are heavy in butter.  If the table is low on healthy vegetable options, fruits such as cranberries and baked apples can be substituted.

For the other ½ of the plate, the guide recommends to fill up ¼ of the plate with starches such as stuffing and sweet potatoes, and ¼ of the plate with lean turkey slices (no dark meat!). Instead of gravy, a fruit based relish is a healthier option which still provides a kick of flavor.

Dr. Joyner is very excited that Becky has shared these tips, and she feels it is important for diabetic patients to be aware of this information during the holidays. “The plate method is what we use for all of our diabetic patients, but it’s nice to have a special guide for a time like Thanksgiving when the meal isn’t really the standard patients are used to.”

The holidays are an easy time to ‘fall off of the wagon’ and stray away from a healthy diet, so for many diabetic patients, Becky’s tips are a helpful reminder to stay on track when presented with gravy, buttered potatoes, and apple pie. “So far the guide has been really well received by patients,” says Dr. Joyner. We at Alliance hope that all of our patients and friends will have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Deborah's Story: "Alliance Makes it Work."

Deborah did not intend to find Alliance, but it was so important that she did.  In 2011 she was hospitalized for abnormal heart rhythms and heart attack, but had no insurance to cover the costs of her care. It was a hospital social worker that helped her find Alliance. She says, “I didn’t have health coverage and I hated doctor’s visits. I only went when I absolutely had to go.”

Since then Deborah has become a regular patient at Alliance, and her outlook on healthcare has changed. “Now I have Dr. Lewis, and she makes me feel really comfortable about everything.”After a year and a half with Alliance Medical Ministry, Deborah says that what she appreciates most is the friendliness and dedication of the staff. “It’s been a wonderful experience. Everyone is just so caring and helpful!”

It’s clear when speaking to Deborah that she is grateful to have found Alliance when she did.  “I’ve always been self-sufficient, so it was really hard for me to ask for help. Alliance finds a way to make it work for you, they make it work for you and they really help.”

If you would like to provide a medical home for a neighbor like Deborah, please follow the link below to learn more about how you can help sponsor a patient visit.

http://www.razoo.com/story/Alliance-Medical-Ministry

“Downtown Comes to Midtown” brings in crowd to celebrate Alliance and fine art

Last Friday, November 8^th, The Mahler Fine Art, Adam Cave Fine Art, and Midtown Art Consultants teamed up to host “Downtown Comes to Midtown,” an art show and sale benefiting Alliance Medical Ministry. The show was held at North Hills Renaissance Hotel, and featured artwork by over 20 artists, jewelers, and craftspeople.

More than 200 people attended to view the wide variety of artwork featured at “Downtown Comes to Midtown,” and with each contribution made to Alliance, attendees received a 10% discount off of the affordably priced art offered for sale.

With such a high number of attendees, and donations to Alliance exceeding $4,000, the event was considered a great success. “Downtown Comes to Midtown” celebrated the 10^th Anniversary of Alliance Medical Ministry working to provide medical care for working uninsured adults in Wake County. On behalf of the Alliance community, we would like to thank all of those who offered donations on Friday, especially Kane Realty Corporation who matched gifts made by attendees of the event.

Stay tuned for upcoming events at Alliance by continuing to keep up with our blog, and following us on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alliance-Medical-Ministry/102367708227

Betsy Rankin Allan and Sally Plyler

Mendi Nieters, Kelly Bachman and Harriet Wilson with Alliance Medical Ministry

Rory Parnell and Shawn Brewster with The Mahler Fine Art

Sally Plyler with Midtown Art Consultants, Winston and Sandy Page, and artist Bob Rankin

Adam Cave of Adam Cave Fine Art and friends

Emily McNair, Janet Rose and Shawn Brewster

Harriet and David Wilson

Volunteers from NCSU!

Amy Laport Gant and Sally Plyler of Midtown Art Consultants and Megg Rader (middle) with Alliance Medical Ministry

2014 Healthcare Coverage Gap

As the song goes, “the times, they are a changin’ ” and that is certainly true at Alliance!  About 40% of our patients are now eligible to get affordable insurance through the new health insurance marketplace, which opened October 1^st.    Their lives will change as they gain insurance that covers doctor visits, preventive care, emergency rooms visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and more.   At Alliance, we have always been about change in order to efficiently and effectively address the myriad of issues and challenges that our patients face.  We grew and changed locations.  We saw the need for integrated comprehensive care and changed our model to include specialty clinics, pastoral counseling, and a community garden.  Now, we are helping many of our patients make a change to leave Alliance.

To help our patients make this important change, our staff is educating patients about the health insurance marketplace, how to enroll, and affirming their continued care with new providers.  We are providing computer access assisting patients to enroll at Alliance, and providing one-on-one appointments with enrollment experts.  We have staff and volunteers who are trained to work collaboratively with the other safety net organizations to ensure that changes for patients go as smooth as possible.

Even with the benefit of access to insurance, some things will not change.  There are still approximately 75,000 adults in Wake County that need our care.  With out Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, these people do not qualify for Medicaid (not blind, aged or disabled) and are not eligible for the health insurance marketplace (those eligible are above 100% of the Federal Poverty Guideline).  In other words, a family of four with an income below $23,550 per year will still be uninsured, and Alliance will still be here to help.  Alliance was founded ten years ago to help fill our healthcare gap, and we continue to meet these needs TODAY.

As we help our patients make appropriate healthcare changes, and open our doors to meet new patients that need our care, Alliance needs your support now more than ever!  We have always been blessed with passionate and caring supporters that give their time, talent and treasurers to help make our patients’ lives better.  Our staff and volunteers work selfishly and with giving hearts to provide uncompromised care.  We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you, and ask you to support our annual Love thy Neighbor campaign TODAY and in the years to come.

We are counting on you!

Susan’s Story: “Take Charge of Your Health”

When Susan sought out Alliance Medical Ministry, it had been a few years since she had seen a doctor. “I didn’t know I had high blood pressure or any other problems, because it has been eight years since I received care through my husband’s company.” Susan realized that she needed to take charge of her health, and Alliance helped her do just that.

For Susan and her husband, their first few visits to Alliance came with shocking news. “They discovered melanoma on my husband’s hand, and referred us to a dermatologist, who then recommended a surgeon. The surgery was expensive, and it just wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Alliance.”

The support also extends beyond the referrals; it starts with a personal relationship. “Dr. Lewis is the best. She gives me advice, and gives me constructive criticism without making me feel like I’m doing it all wrong. And whenever I do something good for my health, she’s reassuring and encouraging.”

In addition to her visits with Dr. Lewis, Susan is also grateful for the pastoral counseling services at Alliance. “I get advice about my health, like walking. I learned that it’s not just good for my physical health, but it’s important for my spiritual health too. I’ve been walking a lot, and I feel better.” After making a personal goal while at Alliance to exercise more, Susan and her daughter recently completed their first 5K and take Zumba classes together! Susan’s advice for others is to be honest with doctors, and to listen to their advice. “Realize that no one else can take charge of our health but ourselves, and don’t put off taking care of yourself. I am thankful that there is a service like Alliance which allows me to take charge of my health.”

Susan is used to taking care of others, but now with the support of the Alliance Community she can take care of herself.

Loretta’s Story: “They gave me a chance!”

Loretta was in her 50s, working toward her bachelor’s degree, a mother of seven children, a grandmother to six, and attempting to balance a full-time job when she found Alliance Medical Ministry. “I wasn’t making a lot of money at the time, I wasn’t emotionally well, and I was sick. I went to a health center that suggested several clinics. Alliance was one of them, and the one that stood out to me. It’s just a place where you can go if you need help.”

When she called Alliance, Loretta was immediately impressed with the level of responsiveness she received. “They were friendlier than others, they had the information I needed, they didn’t make me wait, and they were able to see me in a month. But most importantly, they made it affordable. I didn’t realize that was possible for me, and I was shocked.”

When Loretta became a patient at Alliance, she was diagnosed with diabetes. Loretta was surprised by the amount of attention she received from her doctor. “I was shocked at the level of care. I know she’s a very busy woman, but she always found the time to return my calls, and a patient really appreciates that. She was always there and patient with me. She has been with me through all of my ups and downs, and has shown me a way to deal with everything from my diabetes, to school, and work.”

Loretta is now 60 years old and working toward her masters’ degree in health administration at Strayer University. “It wouldn’t have been possible for me without Dr. Lewis. She’s helped me in ways that she’s not even aware of, believing in me when no one else did, and showing me that I can do it.”

When comparing Alliance to other clinics, Loretta noted that what separates Alliance apart, is the total care they provide. “They’re here to help you as a complete person. Not just medically, but mentally too. Dr. Lewis has helped me with my diabetes, but she’s also helped me with depression, confidence, and working through school.”

“When you come to see Alliance, they give you a chance. They don’t say ‘you don’t have the money so you can’t see the doctor.’ Not everyone gives you that chance, considering your personal life and what you have going on. That means a lot.” As Loretta works toward her masters’ degree, she hopes that one day she can work in health administration at a center like Alliance. “I started from the bottom and I’m slowly coming up-I think I’m going to be alright now, and I have Dr. Lewis to thank for a lot of that.”

2013 Program Update

This year we are celebrating 10 years serving our community! As a public recognition of our work, Alliance received the Community Outreach Healthcare Hero Award from the Triangle Business Journal. While honored, we know our work is not done and in some ways just beginning

Five, sometimes six days a week, we are seeing patients. We conduct more than 940 patient visits a month. If you add to that education programs, counseling, lab appointments, and nurse visits, that number rises to 1,400 interactions. That tells us we are not only seeing patients, but also treating the whole person. As medical needs are uncovered, we are able to make many referrals to in-house specialty clinics provided by our volunteer doctors: Cardiology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Physical Therapy, and Sports Medicine. We are their medical home and our patient’s first stop to receive care.

Our goal is to “dig deep” with our patients so that their overall health will improve. Typical Alliance patients have three individuals in their home with a household income of $19,900. They not only have to learn how to overcome their health challenges, but manage them with limited resources and added stress. That is why we have developed creative health education programs over the years.

This year we have completed the first full year of our Diabetes Group Visit Program that combines a typical doctor visit with group health education. Results from phase one will be ready later this fall, but initial reports show decreased A1c (sugar) levels and weight loss. This summer we added our first all Hispanic group to the program as well as a nutrition class that occurs in the grocery store where patients learn to shop and read labels.

The health education continues to expand outside of Alliance too! When we say we dig deep, we mean literally too! We continue to till the soil outside of Alliance in our community garden. Patients receive fresh produce directly from the hands of their doctor or nurse with a healthy recipe and information about accessing fresh foods in our community. We have launched a series of yoga classes where doctors are “prescribing” the classes to patients. In addition, we are starting nutrition and cooking classes for patients who have been through the Group Visit program. Addressing weight and nutrition issues is the first step in addressing many chronic diseases.

We are also here to listen. Over the past three years, we have launched and expanded our Pastoral Care and Counseling program. As a result, we have increased hours, volunteer support and are on track to nearly double our counseling sessions this year.

As we prepare for coming healthcare changes, our job is not complete. While we can acknowledge the good work we have accomplished, there will still be 75,000 people in our community who won’t have access to affordable healthcare options in 2014. In the coming year, our responsibility is to “dig deep,” provide care, expand our reach, and help patients transition to healthcare exchanges. I hope we can depend on your support! There are many ways to engage.  Sign up for our regular emails to learn more: http://www.alliancemedicalministry.org/register/