Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Health Hero Spotlight - Patricia Mendoza

We are excited to share our new Health Hero Spotlight featuring Patricia Mendoza! She is a registered dietician currently working on “The Century Health Study.

I had a wonderful time speaking with Patricia about how she incorporates the Extend snacks into her research and how her patients truly benefit from exercise, a balanced diet, and the use of Extend snacks, even when given strict dietary guidelines.

Tell me about yourself and your career

I graduated in 2002 from the University of Houston with a Bachelors in Nutrition. Then, I completed the Dietetic Internship and Graduate School at Sam Houston State University in 2004. While in college, I started working at Baylor College of Medicine, primarily in Medical Transcription for the Pulmonary Pathology Department. Then, I transferred to the Department of Pediatrics at the USDA-ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center and started working with Principle Investigators focused on Pediatric Behavioral Nutrition Studies. After I finished Grad School and became a Registered Dietitian, I stayed at Baylor-CNRC coordinating research studies until 2008. At that time, I was hired at UT Medical School (Weatherhead P.E.T Center for Preventing and Reversing Atherosclerosis) because they were in the process of developing a protocol for a large Clinical Trial that looks at lifestyle changes to prevent or reverse Heart Disease.


When did you first become interested in nutrition? What made you decide to make a career out of it?
I always knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. When I started college, I was a Biology major but I had lost interest in school. I had never heard of a degree in Nutrition until I spoke with a school counselor at the end of my sophomore year and changed my major to Nutrition. Once I started taking the Nutrition classes, I knew this was the field I wanted to pursue. I learned how food tied into how you feel and it just made sense!


What types of patients do you work most frequently with? How often do you council diabetics?
I mostly see Research Patients over the age of 40 who either have documented heart disease (have had heart attack, stent, bypass, documented blockage by cath) or those people who have multiple risk factors for heart disease (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, smokers). I would say 80-90% of my patients are either diabetic or have family history of diabetes.


If you could give newly diagnosed diabetics one piece of advice what would that be and why?
In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the key is moderation. Most people don’t understand that concept though. My one piece of advice would be to pay attention to the larger picture of what they eat. Most patients will start discussing the food they eat and they have a long list of items that they only eat “once per week” or “twice per month”. It’s a real eye opener when you take out a monthly calendar and plot all these food items in different days of the week. All these “once per week” foods add up and can really make it difficult to reach goals.


What is the most common myth you hear about diabetes from patients and what do you tell them to debunk the myth?
The most common myth about diabetes would have to be that “as long as it’s sugar-free I can have it”. We just have to remind patients that just because it’s sugar free doesn’t mean it’s calorie free or carbohydrate free. We commonly review food labels with the patients to help them make the best choices. We also compare their food intake patterns and the types of food they eat to their blood sugar logs. We review their eating patterns and have them think about their hunger and fullness cues.


What is the most common nutritional myth you hear from patients?
The common nutritional myths are probably more “wishful thinking”. Patients want to believe in the latest fad diet or latest supplement that came out that will help them lose a large amount of weight without diet and exercise. Patients want to believe in that mythical “magic bullet”. Unfortunately it’s not so easy. Staying healthy is hard work and takes effort. Diet and exercise are the only ways patients are going to be able to lose the weight and keep it off.


When did you first learn about ExtendSnacks and how are you currently recommending them?
Our staff is always bringing in new products and we conduct “taste tests” to see if we should recommend to patients. One of our staff members (who is diabetic) heard about Extend Bars and brought some in. Primarily, we were impressed with the taste. Our patients come in fasting for some of their visits and after we draw blood, we give them a snack. We purchase Extend Bars to hand out as snacks to all patients – whether they were diabetic or not. The feedback from the patients was positive and many started asking where they could buy them. We now have Extend Bars listed on our Grocery Shopping list and have coupons available in our diet consult rooms. Extend bars tend to be a perfect solution for our patients who are not used to consuming breakfast or don’t like to eat a lot in the morning. We also suggest patients keep them available at work in case they feel they need a snack during the day (as opposed to going to a vending machine).


Do you have a success story about a patient using ExtendSnacks that you would like to share?
Many of our patients are having success and Extend Bars are definitely a part when combined with other healthy diet choices and exercise. I have several patients who use Extend Bars and state that they have better control of their hunger and blood sugar since adding them to their diet. They turn in food diaries for analysis and it’s pretty common to see patients meet their goals when they have Extend Bars listed. A few of our patients are utilizing the automatic shipment program available and it helps them make sure they always have a healthy snack available. I’ve also had a couple patients who have been able to decrease their dosage of glucose medications because their blood sugar is better controlled now.


What do you think you have learned most from your patients that you utilize when doing consultations other patients?
I’ve learned that you can’t change everything at once. It becomes overwhelming for some patients so we try not to discourage them by doing too much at once. We try to only set smaller goals – pick 2-3 things that the patient should modify first. Once they get used to those 2-3 changes, then we look at what they feel comfortable changing next. Change is hard. We try to encourage slowly changing things so that it can be maintained. At times there will be set backs – and I’ve learned that patients really just need some encouragement and support to know that they can do it.


Tell me a little bit about the research you are currently working on.
Enrollment for The Century Health Study started in February of 2009 and we will be enrolling patients for the next few years until we reach 1300 patients. Patients are enrolled for 5 years and we follow them in addition to their cardiologist (they do not change doctors). At each patient visit, they see a nurse, dietitian and a physician. We evaluate their diet and labs, educate them on what their labs mean, encourage lifestyle changes and set short-term and long-term goals. Progress is monitored by stress tests and P.E.T scans over the course of their enrollment in the study and we send reports to their regular physicians.


What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career is when patients realize that they have met their goals – whether it’s meeting a weight goal, improving their lipid panel or having better control of their blood sugar. To see how happy they are after all their hard work and efforts paid off – it’s a great feeling!


Do you know of a colleague who deserves to be in our professional spotlight or do you have an inspirational story you would like to share with us? Email Alexandra to learn about how to be featured as our next Health Hero!

Monday, August 29, 2011

Health Hero Spotlight - Stephania Edwards

We are excited to share our new Health Hero Spotlight featuring Stephania Edwards! She is a registered nurse and a certified diabetes educator with type 1 diabetes. I had a wonderful time talking with Stephanie about her passion for taking care of others as well as her personal experiences with type 1 diabetes.

How/Why did you first become interested in being a nurse?

I have always had a passion for helping people. Even as a kid it was one of my inclinations. I loved to play doctor! I continued helping people through my teenage years as a candy striper. When I saw what the nurses did and how they interacted with the patients I became very interested in starting a career as a nurse!

What inspired you to become a diabetes educator as well?I have type one diabetes and growing up I experienced all of the struggles that other people with diabetes have. For this reason, I can relate to my patients and feel as though they are comfortable opening up to me.

As a diabetes educator do you teach classes and participate in one on one consultations? Tell us a little bit about your way of educating! What do you think helps patients succeed the most?

I do a lot of one on one consultations in the hospital and then when the patients are discharged I follow up with them to make sure they have the support they need. I also participate in monthly classes for newly diagnosed patients where we teach them about nutrition and other aspects of managing diabetes. I share my history to encourage them they CAN manage their diabetes. I especially like to alleviate any fears and myths they may have heard about diabetes. Some of the myths I hear are the patients think they are going to lose their limbs or that diabetes is a death sentence which is not true.


Besides focusing on diabetes what other areas, if any, do you specialize in?

I mainly focus on diabetic and bariatric patients. I like to recommend the Extend Snacks to both groups of patients!

If you had one piece of advice for all diabetics what would that be and why?

My one piece of advice would be to tell the patients to live life and to not let having diabetes discourage them from anything they may want to achieve in life.


How did you first learn about Extend Snacks and what attracted you to utilize them with your patients?

I saw them at a grocery store and decided to try them out to manage my blood sugar and weight. I was then able to eat good snacks without the snacks greatly impacting my blood sugar! Based on my success, I then started recommending the product for my patients.


What is the most popular snack flavor/format your patients like? What’s your favorite for yourself?

A lot of my patients talk about the Extend Peanut Butter Crunch Bar and the Extend Vanilla Shakes. My favorite is the Extend Mixed Berry Bar!

Do you have a specific Extend Snacks success story you would like to share with us?

I have heard a lot of the bariatric patients say they now eat a breakfast, an Extend Bar or an Extend Shake. Sometimes patients don’t always eat breakfast when they should and grabbing a bar makes a pretty quick and easy breakfast!


What aspect of your career do you enjoy most?

I enjoy my day to day interactions with the patients most. I like to give them comfort and share my personal experiences to let them know that they can manage their diabetes!


What would you like to see in healthcare in the future to have more effective diabetes education?

In the future I would like to see healthcare cost in general go down. I would like healthcare to be more accessible to patients of a lower economic status. I would like to see patients have better coverage for diabetes education classes so that patients would be more willing to attend classes without worrying about the cost so much.


Do you know of a colleague who deserves to be in our professional spotlight or do you have an inspirational story you would like to share with us? Email Alexandra at asantacroce@extendsnacks.com to learn about how to be featured as our next Health Hero!



Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Health Hero Spotlight - Brooke Benlifer


We are excited to share our new Health Hero Spotlight featuring Brooke Benlifer! It was such a pleasure getting to know her and discussing our common passions for running as well as food and wellness. Brooke is a registered dietician, freelance writer, local and long distance nutrition coach, and nutrition expert in media. She has written for Men’s Fitness, Mandy Ingber, (Jennifer Aniston’s trainer), and Dr. Andrew Weil. Brooke has also appeared on Fox and CBS news.

How/Why did you first become interested in nutrition?

In ninth grade honors biology class, I completed a yearlong project on changing nutrition theories. I was always interested in medicine, anatomy & physiology and that year became more educated about fitness. I was running cross country and track and realized that health is a combination of fitness, nutrition and lifestyle. Total wellness is the focus of my practice.

What is your overall nutrition philosophy?

Celebrate food! I love food and I believe it should taste good. I enjoy creating meals from simple, whole foods such as fruits, veggies, grains, proteins, nuts, seeds and oils. I advise people to let food be their medicine, at least to some extent, rather than overusing an endless array of supplements.

What are some of your specialty areas?

Emotional Eating, Glycemic Control, Endocrine Disorders, Cardiac Health, On- the-Go Nutrition, Anti-Inflammatory Diet, Sports Nutrition, Corporate Wellness & Flat Abs Foods are some areas of expertise. I do one-on-one personalized grocery shopping, and am a personal chef for some of my clients. I love to help people prepare quick, easy meals and am currently working on a cookbook.

What is your advice for newly diagnosed Diabetics?

I would say to relax as much as possible, as stress can exacerbate blood sugar issues. In general, the more whole foods with a naturally low glycemic load that one eats, the more blood sugar levels will be controlled. Don’t be afraid of fats such as coconut, olive, canola and flax oils, avocado, nuts and seeds, and fatty fish. Incorporating good fats (and whole grains) into your diet can be liberating and an asset!

What is the most common myth about diabetes you hear from patients?

The most common myth about diabetes I hear would have to be that consuming sugar makes a person diabetic. “Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetic and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle and factors. Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.” (American Diabetes Association)

What is the most common myth about nutrition that you hear?

The most common myth about nutrition I hear is that if you eat after a certain time in the evening, the calories will be stored as fat. In reality, the body can’t tell time in the sense of its utilization of food for energy. If you eat at night, your body will be able to tap into unused energy the next day to fuel activity and metabolic processes. The issue with eating late at night is more about the choices people make--tending to consume less healthy meals in the late evening. If you’re hungry, the best choice is to opt for a healthy snack versus empty calories.

How did you learn about Extend Snacks and how are you currently recommending them?

I heard about Extend Snacks when I was studying resistant starches. I am constantly studying, reading, and doing research. I love learning about new food items on the shelves and write many product reviews. Many of my clients tell me that they always feel hungry and Extend products can often be recommend for these people. The shakes are really filling and can be added to oatmeal or a smoothie.

What is the most popular snack flavor/format your patients like? What’s your favorite for yourself?

Some people love crispy things, others enjoy shakes; still others prefer bars. My favorite Extend Snacks are the vanilla and chocolate ExtendShakes. I recommend the shakes in terms of satiety. The more water and air in a given food or meal, the more filling it tends to be. Smoothies incorporate air and water content needed to help people feel full. A bar may be a better choice for people on-the-go. Bars can even be stashed in the glove compartment. I recommend always having a snack with you if you're out and about for several hours, so you’re not caught empty handed and feeling ravenous. At that point, almost ANY food looks appealing!

Tell us a little bit about your freelance writing?

I have done freelance writing for Men’s Fitness and Dr. Andrew Weil, MD's website, www.drweil.com. I write product reviews for food companies and fitness DVDs, including Gorgeous Core, by Suzanne Bowen, and Yogalosophy, by Mandy Ingber (Jennifer Anniston’s Trainer). I serve on the SENSA Advisory Panel and do segments for Fox 5 News in San Diego. I also collaborate with Metromint water.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

I absolutely love seeing people feel better as a result of dietary changes. I especially enjoy when I see people utilize the information I have given them and it contributes to their overall good health. Working in media (TV, print, fit modeling) and being hands on (vs a desk job) allows me to be very creative and utilize my knowledge to positively impact others.



To learn more about Brooke Benlifer go to the links below:

www.brookejoannanutrition.com

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/videobeta/ebfce9b8-2717-4cad-8e3a-d9a56171a797/News/Volumetrics-Weight-Control-Plan

http://www.sheerbalance.com/review/yogalosophy-a-challenging-workout-at-home/

http://www.sheerbalance.com/nutrition/6-ways-to-take-the-hype-out-of-your-water/

Do you know of a colleague who deserves to be in our professional spotlight or do you have an inspirational story you would like to share with us? Email Alexandra at asantacroce@extendsnacks.com to learn about how to be featured as our next Health Hero!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Diabetes drugs pulled from market

http://blogs.webmd.com/breaking-news/2011/05/diabetes-drugs-avandia-avandamet-and-avandaryl-to-exit-retail-pharmacies.html?ecd=wnl_dia_051911

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Special Walgreens Offer!

1,400 Walgreens in the United States are currently offering daily testing for total cholesterol, blood glucose and A1C levels. Click on the link below for more information and find a Walgreens near you!

Also, don't don't forget to pick up your ExtendSnacks as they are located in the diabetes section in Walgreens!

http://drugstorenews.com/article/walgreens-offer-daily-testing-cholesterol-blood-glucose-and-a1c

Thursday, March 24, 2011

ExtendSnacks Health Hero Spotlight

ExtendSnacks’ Health Hero:
Nicole Harrison
Founder, “Get Down, Get Down
Author,
HourGlassHonesty Blog

Greetings from the ExtendSnacks team!

It is my pleasure to introduce ExtendSnacks’ latest Health Hero, Nicole Harrison.

Recently, she took time out of her day to meet with Kensey and me to share her heartwarming and inspirational story. Nicole (pictured below) is a great role model and a shining example for people who have struggled with weight loss and/or diabetes. I hope you enjoy learning more about her journey!


Q: How did your incredible weight-loss journey begin?

NH: I’ve always been considered overweight since age 10, ranging from 150-200 lbs, maxed out at 401 lbs. I had a major car accident in 2007, and that was when the world as I knew it, unraveled.

I was immobilized; bed reddened for 6 months, and ballooned up to 401 lbs. My main concern was 2 things: what will people bring me to eat, and who would see me in my real world.

Depression set in, the negative feelings of why me, and why did I let myself get likes this. It was a hard reality to face. I had to make a decision to get worse or drastically change my life and get healthy. My doctors warned me about the strong possibility of developing heart disease and diabetes. I was also told that, because of my severe foot break and weight, I would never be able to walk again.

For two years, I researched weight loss and found lap band. It fit more in my family lifestyle and my beliefs. You have to continue to make better choices with lap band. January 20, 2009, I decided to go in. This was the same day president Obama was inaugurated. The world changed but it really changed for me!

Q: At what point did you start using your success to help others?

NH: People kept telling me how knowledgeable I was and how I should be sharing this! I didn’t think there was a need being met- not to take away from the doctors, dietitians, gym teachers etc, they give you those resources as well. However, people also need continuous support when dealing with real life. This lifestyle is essential for long-term success and support is KEY. That’s when I started to make a platform to motivate others and say ‘you can do it.’ I decided to start a support group called “Get Down, Get Down.”

Q: We hear you’ve helped a lot of people through your group “Get Down, Get Down”, how do you do it?

NH: It’s funny when people ask where I get the time to do this group?! I say all I’m really doing is what I do in my life anyway- just now including others. Other people have the same desire and need to be healthy. For every me, there’s a whole lot more out there.

Not everyone can get on the biggest loser. And some people just need to lose just 20 or 30 lbs. Everyone’s goal can be different, but I know they all need support too! I just want to connect these people with each other through the Get Down, Get Down and my blog Hourglasshonesty.

Q: What have you been doing to help make your group a success?

NH: First, I don’t’ use the word diet; I use the word eating plan! You can adjust and change an eating plan, versus with a diet people feel restricted as to what they can and cannot eat. I don’t ever want people to feel like they can’t eat their favorite foods, just enjoy them in moderation.

Q: How did you learn about ExtendSnacks?

NH: I came across ExtendBar at Walgreens and the “9 hours of glucose control” message on the bottom shelf caught my eye. After I read the box, I thought, I finally found it! Out of necessity, I was looking for something to help both my diabetic mother and a support group member who is insulin resistant and reverting back to her old lifestyle where she was addicted to sweets and sugars.

Q: How are you using ExtendSnacks in your daily life?

NH:
I maintain a balanced diet that includes two healthy snacks that are a low carb, high protein, and control hunger. I couldn’t find that all in one with anything else and when I further researched how ExtendSnacks work with the slow burning carbohydrates, I found out how beneficial they are. I’ve incorporated them as a daily part of my lifestyle and eating program.

Q: What have your group members said about ExtendSnacks?

NH: Well, taste is really the true test, and when the group members tasted, they absolutely loved it! I did an initial survey with my group members, here’s what they said:
  • “Wow!”
  • "Can we really eat this?!”
  • “I’m hooked.”
  • “I could eat these all day.”

Q: How do you teach others to utilize ExtendSnacks in their daily lives?

NH:
I teach others how to use extend throughout the day to curb hunger, manage diabetes, feel full and sustain energy. I tell my group that ExtendSnacks are the only products that have extended glucose control and no other product can do this for them. Anyone can use ExtendSnacks and make it work. For example: If you have cravings at night, reach for an ExtendSnack.

One of my support group members said now, she won’t grab for anything else at night except ExtendSnacks. I tell my group members to be prepared and stay in control! Bring your ExtendSnacks everywhere, have them in your cars, in your purse, at work, and anywhere else you may feel you need them!

Q: What is your favorite ExtendSnack?

NH: My favorite-favorite is a bag of White Cheddar ExtendCrisps! I love the Peanut Butter Chocolate Delight Bar too!

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As you can see, Nicole is on a mission to encourage others to live a healthier, happier lifestyle! It was a delight meeting her and hearing her incredible story. We’re very glad to work with such great people.

Check back soon for more wonderful health heroes.

If you are interested in being featured as a health hero or would like to nominate a health hero, please send an email to: asantacroce@extendsnacks.com.

Thank you!
Alexandra Santacroce
HealthCare Program Coordinator

Monday, March 7, 2011

NEW: ExtendDrizzles are now on sale!


New, ExtendDrizzles are now on sale at www.extendsnacks.com/ !

Imagine... a sinfully delicious way to help manage blood sugar for up to 9 hours...

Introducing... Caramel Bliss and Chocolate Dream ExtendDrizzles.

Indulge yourself with the taste of rich, dreamy chocolate or creamy, sweet caramel, drizzled over crunchy, delightful crisps.

New ExtendDrizzles are the guilt-free way to satisfy your deepest cravings for sweets while controlling your blood sugar for up to 9 hours!

These tantalizingly sweet Drizzles are packaged in individual servings, so you get just the right amount to help keep your blood sugar stable for up to 9 hours!

Each bag has only 130 calories and:

• No Added Sugar
• High in Protein and a Good Source of Fiber
• Only 6g Net Carbs
• Cholesterol-Free and No Trans-Fats
• Low Glycemic Index and Low Glycemic Load

Check the ExtendSnacks Facebook Page for more details. Or email info@extendsnacks.com.