PROGRAM Weigh To Live A joint program of Chapel Haven and the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center
Shedding Pounds of Flesh A new collaborative program helps adults with disabilities make healthier lifestyle choices
L
iving an independent life means more than having the ability to put a roof over one’s head or clothes on one’s back. It also means being able to make intelligent day-to-day decisions that affect a person’s life and well-being.
That’s what Chapel Haven President Michael Storz had in mind when he introduced “Weigh To Live” to residents. The program teaches good eating choices to help maintain a healthy overall lifestyle. Chapel Haven is a residential facility for adults with developmental and/or social disabilities. “Our goal is to teach adults how to live truly independent lives,” Storz explains. “Within two years a student will graduate and learn how to bank, grocery-shop, live with roommates” and other necessities, he says. “Health and wellness is just as important,” says Storz. “It’s really critical that we each our individuals how to live and maintain an independent lifestyle.” Weigh To Live was developed through a partnership with the Cornell ScottHill Health Center. Jill Meyerhoff, the center’s community-health promotion specialist, designed the program with Storz’ goals in mind. It includes a range of aids and incentives, from weight-loss tips to choosing healthy snacks to weekly weigh-ins. “I wanted to create a program to help Chapel Haven residents maintain healthy weight and healthy lifestyles,” Meyerhoff explains. It worked, according to both Meyerhoff and Storz. “[The program] is showing pretty significant benefits,” Storz says. For example, one student’s triglyceride levels dropped more than 150 points, from 337 to 159, says Storz. Other students experienced notable reductions with triglycerides as well as improvement in other health areas. “Of the 50 students [monitored during the program], 12 lost [a total of ] 52 pounds, 11 had lower blood-pressure readings, six had lowered cholesterol and six lost inches in their waist and hips,” says Meyerhoff.
14
Photo:Dominick Cenotti
From left to right, Margit Comway a student at Chapel Haven, Einera Beauvaif from Chapel Haven. Christine Solimini-Swift from Cornell Scott, Michael Storz from Chapel Haven, Adam Macleod, Jill Meyerhoff and Brianna Foshay from Cornell Scott.
“Pretty much all students in this program have seen significant reductions,” Storz says. The students achieved these health gains largely by making better food choices, Meyerhoff says. “They ate more fruits and vegetables, more [low-fat foods such as] nonfat yogurt.” A continuum labeled Go-Slow-Low aided their choices. Foods in the “Go” category, such as yogurt, were to be generously consumed. Those in the “Slow” category, such as potato chips, were to be eaten only occasionally. And those in the “Low” category, such as fried foods, were to be consumed only occasionally. Chapel Haven was established in 1972 on Chapel Street with the mission of helping people with special needs lead independent and fulfilling lives. The facility moved to Whalley Avenue in 1976, with expanded programs. Today, programs focus on residential education; supported living, community life, employment and
community-centered initiatives; and recreation. Chapel Haven has a sister facility in Tucson, Az., Chapel Haven West. A Weigh To Live program has been established there too..
Storz wanted to incorporate an emphasis on healthy eating into the Chapel Haven independent-living goals. There is, he notes, a correlation between obesity and being disabled.
Weigh To Live was initiated at Chapel Haven after Storz decided to confront his own weight-loss challenge. He joined Weight Watchers to address it.
For example, “Many of our individuals are on medication, and there’s a lot of medication weight gain,” he explains.
“I was a person certainly struggling with weight issues,” Storz recalls. And, he notes, “I was a guy who thought the last thing I would do was enter a Weight Watchers program. [But] when I went there, I felt surprisingly comfortable.” He learned a lot, he says. “I thought I knew what eating healthy was, but I was making poor choices,” he says. “When I saw how easy it was if you followed [the Weight Watchers Program] like a science,” he was convinced of its effectiveness. Storz lost 50 pounds on the program, and has kept the weight off.
The program has had an extended effect, Storz says. “It’s not only teaching students to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it’s changed the entire culture of the staff,” he notes. “It’s truly been an amazing partnership with Cornell Scott and incredible things are happening,” says Storz. Chapel Haven is located at 1040 Whalley Avenue. It will host an open house from 10 a.m. to noon February 28. During that time visitors may find out more about Weigh To Live as well as other Chapel Haven programs. To learn more visit the Chapel Haven website at chapelhaven.org. — Felicia Hunter HEALTHCARE HEROES 2014