Clinic Hours and Closings

LifeStyle Weight Loss will be closed on the following days:

• Thursday, November 20, 2008
• Thursday, November 27, 2008
• Friday, November 28, 2008
• Thursday, December 18, 2008

Due to staff changes, clinic hours for LifeStyle Weight Loss during the month of November, will be by appointment only.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Please call 901-522-6999 and we will work with your schedule. 

Published November 5 by - Susan

Countdown to the Holidays Specials

During the month of November, LifeStyle Weight Loss will offer a huge savings on our Jump-Start Program.  You will still have time to slim down for the holidays and get into your little black dress or tuxedo. Call 901-522-6999 to receive your valuable coupon. 

Also, during November, save on all of our OPTIFAST® and HealthWise products.  Receive $20.00 off a $100.00 minimum product order.  (one time only; offer expires 11/30/2008).

Published November 5 by - Susan

Holiday Countdown

With the passing of Halloween, starts our countdown to the Holidays.  For the last 18 months, most of the American population has been focused on the Election.  This has placed the Holidays on the back burner.  However, by the time this is published on the web or you have received this in a newsletter, the election will be behind us and as most Americans will say, we have moved forward.  Depending on the outcome of the election, most of us will have celebrated with wonderful food-laden parties or we will be drowning our disappointments with comfort food.  Which ever the direction, food will be a part of the agenda.  This agenda continues into the Holiday Season.  One interesting piece of information - the economy may be in a downturn and businesses closing but one business reports record sales.  Liquor stores, wine boutiques, and the corner package store are reporting an upswing in their economy. 

Thanksgiving is around the corner which is the only holiday on the calendar completely devoted to food.  We celebrate with massive amounts of food to honor a dinner in our history.  We should actually celebrate the fact that we are blessed to live in a country that honors all faiths, races, and people in our country. 

LifeStyle Weight Loss has designed a plan to help you survive the holidays from lower calorie options to activities incompatible with eating.  Call our office at 901-522-6999 today for your free emailed copy of Countdown to the Holidays.    

Published November 5 by - Susan

Church Health Center

Since 1987, the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee has provided quality, affordable healthcare for working uninsured people and their families. By uniting congregations with the Memphis community at large, the Center has grown into the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the country, caring for more than 55,000 patients of record without relying on government funding.

The Clinic operates much like any doctor's office, providing examinations, x-rays and laboratory tests. They have an on-site staff of board-certified physicians and nurses as well as a network of more than 600 volunteer medical professionals. They can also refer clients to specialists who volunteer with the Center by seeing patients in their own offices. The Church Health Center Clinic does not offer obstetric care or family planning.

On November 18^th there will a first showing of a documentary recently released which highlights the work in healthcare that is being done by Dr. Scott Morris and the Church Health Center.  If you are interested in attending the film showing and reception, please contact our office at 901-522-6999 for more information and an invitation. 

Published November 4 by - Susan

Press Release

While there are many causes of advanced liver diseases, fatty liver, or NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), has become the second leading cause of liver transplant in the United States.  Obesity, along with elevated cholesterol and diabetes, has long been known to cause increased fat stores, which may be injurious to the liver. 

Such was the case in Sonny B., a patient at Atlanta Health Institute.  Sonny had a long history of obesity and had tried many weight loss programs over the years.  As time passed, Sonny developed diabetes, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and sleep apnea.  He was noted to have elevated liver enzymes, and fatty liver, or NASH. Unfortunately, NASH can induce inflammation and scarring in the liver, resulting in cirrhosis and organ failure. 

Sonny’s diagnosis of cirrhosis and the development of some very dangerous complications came despite his best efforts to lose weight.  His liver appeared to be severely compromised and a liver transplant was recommended.  To his dismay, Sonny did not qualify for a transplant due to his excessive weight - 502 pounds.  He needed to lose 150 pounds before he could be considered - a near impossible feat considering his severe medical problems and de-conditioning.

In a desperate attempt to save Sonny’s life, his wife encouraged him to enroll in a weight management program in Atlanta.  Dr. William Lyday and Dr. Hitesh Chokshi, both GI/Liver sub specialists at the Atlanta Health Institute were using the OPTIFAST® nutritional products in a planned prescribed program.  Within two weeks, Sonny was off all of his diabetes medications.  After only two months on the prescribed OPTIFAST® he lost close to 100 pounds, stopped all of his blood pressure medications, his activity level skyrocketed and is he a new man with very few obvious symptoms to suggest liver disease.  His liver function may very well continue to improve, making liver transplant unnecessary as he remains with the OPTIFAST® weight program in Atlanta.  He will transition to regular foods and upon reaching his weight loss goals, he will remain in the Atlanta Health Institute’s maintenance program which will utilize OPTIFAST® products and help prevent the recurrence of obesity. 

For our new readers, LifeStyle Weight Loss offers a variety of medically monitored programs utilizing OPTIFAST® meal replacement products as well as HealthWise® products.  We have successfully prepared patients for the rigors of the fast-food society and have continued to help them maintain their desired weight goals with our long-term maintenance programs.  Call 901-522-6999 today for additional information on this article or to sign up for a free consultation and information session.

Published November 4 by - Susan

Fit, Fabulous, and Fifty

LifeStyle Weight Loss is offering some tips for our clients who are around that wonderful age of fifty.  If you are under fifty, please feel free to read the tips - you will benefit too!!

Watch out for:

• Large nachos with cheese at the movies; (40 chips or 4 oz. = about 1100 calories, 1600 mg. of sodium, and 59 grams of fat).  2 quarter pounders with cheese secretly carried in your purse for a snack would be less in fat and calories!
• Large pretzel with 3 oz. cheese = about 650 calories and 3100 mg of sodium.
• Iced Dolce de Leche Latte 16 oz = 420 calories and 16 grams of fat.
• Jumbo Honey Bun = about 600 calories, 30 grams of fat.
• The famous Cinnamon roll = 815 calories and 32 grams of fat.

Look for:

• Foods with carotenoids such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yellow bell pepper, carrots, and mangoes.  (a plain baked sweet potato is delicious)
• Foods with lycopene such as tomatoes, and processed works here such as ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, tomato juice.  Also, lycopene found in pink grapefruits, watermelons, and apricots.
• Foods like blueberries which are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C and help with antioxidant activity.
• Exercises which help with flexibility, help strengthen muscles, and have a low risk of injury to knees, back, and most other body parts which seem to be slower moving after the age of fifty. 
• Exercises which stimulate your brain.  Do a cross word puzzle while standing - helps your brain power and your metabolism.
• Exercises which work for you.  Your exercise activity needs to be fun or you will give it up.  Try a pilates type class like Restore the Core© or an aerobics class like Body Blast, Stroller-Fit© or Zumba (the salsa dancing program, etc.).
• LifeStyle Activities which will help with your long-term weight management such as plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours), stress management techniques for traffic commutes, irritating co-workers, upcoming and ongoing compulsive overeating, and healthful prescribed diet plans.        

Published November 4 by - Susan

Think Pink!!

Clinic Hours:

Monday through Friday - 8:30 - 4:30

And by appointments

Early Bird Appointments available on Tuesdays

Open to 5:30 on Wednesdays

Discounts and Specials during October

During the month of October, a small portion of the product sales will be donated to the Susan G Komen Foundation Race for the Cure®.  Save this month on your product orders* and help the fight for breast cancer.  Mention this article or stop by our table outside our office and pick up a brochure with a valuable coupon inside.  For each $100.00 order, $3.00 will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.  The Race Store is conveniently located in the CARREFOUR downstairs from our office.  (See our article, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month for Race Store hours). You can register for the Race for the Cure® online at the local website komenmemphis.org or you can pick up a registration form in the LifeStyle Weight Loss clinic office.   Think Pink!!  *coupon valid on minimum order of $100.00 of OPTIFAST® products or HealthWise supplements; good one time only; expires 10/31/2008

Published October 1 by - Susan

On a Personal Note

October is always an emotional time for me.  Five years ago, I discovered a lump and went to my doctor.  Since I am the optimist in the family (my glass is always full), I figured this was just an annoying cyst.  I made the appointment with the surgeon after my doctor’s referral.  I kept the November appointment and met with one of the most understanding surgeons and his nurse in the Memphis area.  He reviewed and discussed all possible scenarios and I was scheduled for a lumpectomy the week of Thanksgiving.  As it turned out, the lump was malignant and a mastectomy was scheduled following Thanksgiving.  I did not have a family history of breast cancer and I thought I was in good health.  To make this article short, I was put in contact with an outstanding oncologist and basically a year of chemo and radiation followed.  I tried not to lose my spirit or will to live.  By this time I had grandchildren on the way and I was going to hold those babies.  (Stop by our office sometime and I will show you a picture of my absolutely wonderful family).  Reconstructive surgery followed and I follow-up as directed by my oncologist for cat scans, lab work, and appointments.  I will celebrate this October five years post cancer diagnosis and free of cancer.  So each of you, do something in October and celebrate the research for breast cancer. Walk or run in one of the premier events, donate your time as a volunteer, or give in honor or memory of a friend or loved one.  You can make a difference!!

Published October 1 by - Susan

From the Dietitian’s Corner

Your diet is thought to be in part responsible for 30% to 40% of all cancers.  Additional studies need to be completed on the relationship between a person’s diet and breast cancer. However, it has been found that physical activity, a healthy diet (one that is low in fat and high in vegetable choices, and fiber), and maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce your risk of breast cancer or in the cancer recurring.  Researchers found that women who gained weight after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment had an increased risk of the cancer returning.  The following are just a few tips that will help with providing a healthy lifestyle.  As always, contact a Registered Dietitian to help you work on the right plan for you:

• Five or more cups of fresh fruits and vegetables
• 6 servings of whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, and beans
• Avoid fried foods and trans fats
• Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
• Avoid diets high in red meats
• Avoid diets high in charred or smoked meats
• Encourage fresh foods rather than processed foods

Your registered dietitian will thoroughly evaluate your medical and weight history as well as your diet history to place you on the most appropriate plan to meet all of your goals. 

Published October 1 by - Evelyn

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  And in the Memphis area, there are abundant activities available for everyone.  On October 11^th, Making Strides Again Breast Cancer will hold its annual 5 mile walk at the Cancer Survivor Park.  Located on the east side of Audubon Park at the corner of Perkins, Ext. and Southern Avenue, the walk begins at 9:00. While there is no pre-registration or registration fee for this event, Making Strides depends on donations and sponsorships of local businesses.  You can contact the local American Cancer Society at 901-278-2000 or Christine Freeman, event chair, at 901-729-3586 for additional details.

On October 25^th, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® begins at 7:00 a.m. with a Survivor Breakfast followed by the Survivor Photo at 7:30.  The 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 with the 1 mile family fun walk at 8:40.  The action packed morning continues with entertainment by the Bouffants and awards ceremony capping the event at 10:15.  The local website for this event is komenmemphis.org and you can register online.  Registration fee is $25.00 for a timed adult (includes timing chip).  The Race Store will be open at the CARREFOUR Shopping Center at the corner of Poplar Avenue and Kirby Parkway (6645 Poplar Ave., Suite 101) on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., October 18^th.  Additional days are Wednesday, October 22^nd, Thursday, October 23^rd and Friday, October 24^th.  Hours those days are from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Both of these events offer a place for you to walk or run in honor or memory of a loved one.  Several articles in this month’s newsletter will highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Published October 1 by - Susan

Fall Specials

Fall into a healthier you and imagine the difference a healthy LifeStyle can make is our theme for September.  The fall is a time for football games, tailgating get-togethers, and other obstacles that might sabotage your weight management endeavors.  LifeStyle Weight Loss can help you with a plan to stay healthier during the fall festivals and football games, and help you make appropriate game day food choices. Call our office at 901-522-6999 for a free evaluation and consultation.  We will send you a flyer outlining our discounts and specials during the month of September.  Or you can drop by our table outside the office and pick up a brochure.  All of our programs and services are discounted during September.  See you at the game!!

Published September 3 by - Susan