Mahaska Health Partnership Celebrates Healthy Weight Week
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Many New Year’s resolutions include something about losing weight or getting in shape. The desire to lose weight plagues many individuals, and Mahaska Health Partnership Family Nurse Practitioner Eva Sietsema understands.
“I developed gestational diabetes during my pregnancy which turned into type 2 diabetes,” Sietsema explained. “I tried every new diet under the sun, so I know how frustrating it can be to struggle with weight loss.”
January 19 through 25 is Healthy Weight week, a time when the public is encouraged to focus on making healthy choices that are right for their body, not based on convenience, weight loss trends or cultural demands.
During her struggle, Sietsema turned to her primary care provider and a dietitian, which helped her shed 60 pounds. “They made me realize it wasn’t about depriving myself or completely eliminating certain foods, it was all about moderation and making healthy choices.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people who have gradual weight loss (about one to two pounds per week) are shown to more successfully maintain their weight loss on a long term basis. The CDC stresses that healthy weight loss isn’t just about a diet, but includes making changes in daily eating and exercise habits.
“I think as a society we place too much emphasis on a specific number or size, instead of overall health,” Sietsema said. “A balanced diet and being active are the keys to living a healthy and long life, but you must go about it the right way. Having a support system and focusing on what your healthcare provider suggest, rather than a number, will lead to long-term success.
“I want patients to know that I understand the struggles they are facing when trying to lose weight. They do not have to go through it alone. I have personally experienced the same issues and I want to support them,” Sietsema shared.
Family Nurse Practitioner Eva Sietsema is available Mondays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Tuesdays from 11 am to 7 pm, Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Thursdays from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm and Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For an appointment, call 641.672.3360.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
