Brenda Leigh, director of Lifestyle Medicine at ECU Health, leads a team of experts, including dietitians, coaches, and nurses. They focus on six key areas of lifestyle medicine: eating more plant-based foods, staying active, getting sufficient sleep, avoiding unhealthy substances, nurturing relationships, and managing stress.
Scott began his transformation with Lindsay Luschwitz, a clinical dietitian. He confessed he didn’t smoke or drink alcohol, but did consume several soft drinks each day and ate fast food regularly. Instead of judging him, Lindsay offered practical tips and choices. Initially, Scott was reluctant to pack his lunch. However, after a year of working together, he now brings lunch most days.
Scott has made significant changes. He switched from sugary drinks to water or Sprite Zero and opted for smaller portions. “I eat more fruit now than I ever have,” he said. Lindsay also introduced Scott to an app called Yuka, helping him make better food choices. “I love ice cream. I used this app to find healthier options,” Scott shared. Lindsay guided him to a Greek yogurt he really enjoys.
These changes produced results. At his 2024 doctor’s appointment, Scott proudly revealed he had lost 25 pounds and improved his blood sugar levels. He no longer relies on daily medications, taking only one weekly. “I’m feeling better every day. My joints hurt less, and my vision improved,” he said. His coworkers began noticing his changes, especially when he stopped dining out for lunch daily.
Scott also inspired his team to adopt healthier practices. He learned about the Wellness Center’s teaching kitchen from Lindsay and decided to bring his coworkers to a hands-on cooking session. During this session called Dining with a Doc, they prepared meals and discussed nutrition.
These classes, offered free to the community, provide a way for people to learn about healthy cooking and lifestyle choices. After the session, several of Scott’s coworkers started making positive health changes.
Though changing habits can be challenging, Scott believes it’s worthwhile. “Sometimes, life gets busy, but I choose to stand up instead of sitting all day. The clinic provides reliable information which has helped me immensely,” he shared. He began this journey shocked by his initial blood sugar levels and has maintained a commitment to making better choices.
Lindsay emphasizes understanding your motivation for change is crucial. “We’re here to support and educate you, but the decisions are ultimately yours,” she explained. Scott plans to continue using the skills he gained over the past year. “Lifestyle Medicine has an excellent program. Asking for support made all the difference for me,” he noted.
Both Scott and Lindsay hope others will take the first step toward better health. “Getting started was straightforward. I just called, and there’s no complicated process involved,” Scott said. Lindsay added that supporting team members is essential because healthier individuals lead to a more productive workforce. They accept different insurance plans, and team members on the medical plan can have up to six free visits with a dietitian.
For those interested in the Lifestyle Medicine clinic, they can find more information on the clinic’s website or by calling 252-847-5590.
Check out this related article: Discover How Lifestyle, Mental Health, and Environmental Factors Impact Your Cancer Risk
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