St. Jude Medical Center - Fall 2018 - 11

Losing Weight to
Gain Back a Life

WEIGHT
LOSS

Loss of mobility, hobbies, and health
-a story that's familiar to anyone carrying
too many pounds. It was Mike Eakle's story
as well, until he rewrote it using an innovative
weight loss program.
Weighing 373 pounds and taking five insulin shots a day to
control his diabetes, Mike couldn't walk more than 20 feet,
suffered from severe neuropathy in his hands and feet,
and was dependent on an electric cart to make it through
the grocery store.
Mike's physician recommended the HMR Program, ranked the #1
Fast Weight Loss Diet by U.S. News & World Report.
In 18 weeks, he has lost 89 pounds-and the insulin shots and high
blood pressure medications are a thing of the past. "I have so much
energy, the neuropathy is gone, and I can actually see my feet,"
explains the 63-year-old, who is back to gardening, playing Frisbee
with his grandchildren, and walking through every aisle of Home
Depot - just for fun-instead of strategizing the shortest distance
to a needed item.
Proven to create substantially more weight loss than standard diets,
HMR provides every element needed for success: nutritionally
complete meals, vitamin supplements, individualized education,
accountability, and if needed, medical supervision.
Jennifer MacDuff, MS, CWC, St. Jude Heritage Healthcare, provides
one-on-one support for Mike and others in the program, giving
her a front row seat to the significant, often dramatic, changes
in participants' quality of life. "The motivation is frequently a
serious medical condition, like diabetes, heart disease or joint
deterioration," explains Jennifer, a certified health coach and
exercise physiologist. "They recognize their future is at stake if they
don't change something."
Designed to help individuals lose anywhere from 20 to 300
pounds, the program's success at creating weight loss is matched
by its success at keeping the pounds off-a rare accomplishment
among weight loss programs.
"Not only is the food good, there is a lot of it," Mike explains, describing
the mushroom risotto as his favorite. "The philosophy is 'more is better'

When Joey first became part of Mike Eakle's life, he was a medicalassistance dog, trained to alert Mike whenever his blood sugar level began
to drop. But after losing over 90 pounds, Mike's diabetes is gone and Joey
transitioned to a different role, that of a faithful companion to his owner's
new life-a life now filled with optimism, confidence, and previouslyabandoned activities, like long walks.

and the emphasis is on learning healthy strategies, not
going without." In fact, Mike recently ran the donut
machine at a community carnival and didn't even feel
tempted. "I've got some more weight to lose, but the
future is exciting and optimistic for the first time in years."
To learn more about HMR or to enroll,
please call (714) 446-5154.
HEALTH MATTERS 1 1

St. Jude Medical Center - Fall 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of St. Jude Medical Center - Fall 2018