NEWS ROOM

DENNISON - On the sunny afternoon of Thursday, May 10, 2012, Trinity Hospital Twin City physicians and staff gathered with community leaders to commemorate the one year anniversary of the sponsorship by Sylvania Franciscan Health, the health and human service ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio.  

Joe Mitchell, President, Trinity Hospital Twin City opened the celebration by welcoming the nearly 150 people in attendance.  “I am reminded of the quotation by the singer and politician Jimmie Davis – ‘Sunshine is a welcome thing.  It brings a lot of brightness.’  Each of you are that sunshine for Trinity Hospital Twin City,” shared Mitchell.  “Thank you for what you have done to make this first year a successful one.”

The service proceeded as Sister Dorothy Jayne Krupp, OSF, Hospital Director of Mission Integration and Pastoral Care, called those in attendance to prayer stating, “This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us be glad and rejoice in it!”  The Immaculate Conception School Choir performed the hymn entitled “All Creatures of Our God and King”.   Judy Garver, MT (ASCP), Senior Laboratory Technician and member of the hospital’s Mission Integration Committee provided a reading from “The Little Flowers of St. Francis” and “How St. Francis Tames the Wild Doves.”

Father Anthony Lonzo of Immaculate Conception Church then offered a blessing of the new statue of St. Francis of Assisi that is placed in a flower bed outside of the hospital’s main entrance.  Father Lonzo was assisted by Robby Donohoe and Nick Love, altar servers of the church.

Other guest speakers included were Jim Pope, President & CEO of Sylvania Franciscan Health (SFH), Sister Nancy Surma, OSF, SFH Vice-President of Mission Integration and Blair Hillyer, President of the Trinity Hospital Twin City Foundation.  Dennison Mayor Tim Still also shared a proclamation from his office that proclaimed “May 10, 2012 to be Trinity Hospital Twin City Day.”

Guests were invited to enjoy light refreshments provided by Trax Diner directly after the ceremony in the St.  Francis Conference Center. 

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DENNISON—Trinity Hospital Twin City is one of 70 rural health providers across the nation that will receive a grant to provide direct health care services to their communities. The funding announced on May 2, 2012, by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will be used to meet a broad range of health care needs in rural areas, from health promotion and disease prevention to expanding oral and mental health services.

“Access to quality and affordable health care should not be determined by where you live,” said Secretary Sebelius. “These grants are a continuation of our effort to ensure that rural providers are able to meet the needs of their communities.”

Trinity Hospital Twin City will receive $375,000 over a 3-year project period to provide an innovative multi-agency approach to reduce the number of overweight and obese adults in Tuscarawas, Carroll, Harrison and Holmes Counties, Ohio.  The project will allow Trinity Hospital Twin City’s Fit for Life promising practice model to be replicated by a consortium of non-profit agencies to demonstrate the viability of the Fit for Life program as a future best practice model. The consortium includes the following agencies: Carroll County Health Department, Harrison Community Hospital, Holmes County General Health District, and Trinity Hospital Twin City (lead agency). The grant funding is distributed through the U.S. Health & Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the primary federal agency for improving health care access for people who are uninsured, isolated or medically vulnerable.

“We feel privileged to have this chance to continue the good work of our Fit for Life program,” noted Dr. Tim McKnight, Fit for Life Program Director and a Board Certified Family Practitioner. “I look forward to working with our partner agencies to help them offer Fit for Life in their communities. Together, we have the potential to positively change the lives of many people in our four-county area.”

Thanks to two previous 3-year grants from HRSA totaling $750,000, the Trinity Hospital Twin City Fit for Life outreach grant project has provided training to more than 1,2000 adults through  wellness classes designed to help participants learn how to lead healthy lifestyles.  In the Fit for Life Program, individual instruction is provided by Dr. McKnight, who is a Board Certified Family Practitioner. The 12-week curriculum emphasizes realistic lifestyle changes, resulting in enhanced levels of health and fitness.

“Rural areas face unique issues and challenges,” said HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N. “But that makes them ideal for developing innovative solutions and creating models that can be replicated elsewhere. As rural communities forge these systemic improvements, they set an example for the delivery of high quality health care regardless of where one lives across the United States.”

For more information about Fit for Life, visit www.trinitytwincity.org or call (740) 922-7471.

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Trinity Hospital Twin City in Dennison, OH has been selected for recognition at a meeting to be held at the White House on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Dr.

Timothy McKnight, M.D., a board certified family practitioner, will accept the award in Washington, DC and meet with members of the President¹s cabinet to discuss unique health care challenges in rural areas and the role of the Affordable Care Act in addressing those challenges.

The hospital is one of 70 recipients of a federal grant to improve health services in rural areas.  A total of $375,000 from the Rural Health Care Services grant program will be spread out over a three year period to help reduce the number of overweight and obese men, women and children of all ages in Tuscarawas, Carroll, Harrison and Holmes Counties, Ohio.

The White House meeting, hosted by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, is part of ongoing efforts by the White House Rural Council <http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/rural-council>  to focus on the vitality of rural America and enhance the ability of Federal programs to meet the needs of Americans living in small towns.  The meeting includes rural physicians, dentists, nurses, mental health providers and hospital administrators from across the country.

DENNISON – The Trinity Hospital Twin City Employee Auxiliary will be hosting a steak fry Saturday, April 28^h at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 122 Grant Street in Dennison.  This fundraiser will provide something for everyone with a steak dinner to be served from 5:00-7:30 pm, live music provided by the band System beginning at 8 pm until 11 pm, and a Chinese Auction (including themed baskets such as an Italian basket, gardening basket, movie basket) and 50/50 drawing taking place throughout the entire evening.

                 Tickets are being sold at the hospital until Friday, April 27^th and the cost is $16.00 per person.  A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.  There will be a $5.00 cover charge for anyone who would like to attend just to listen to the band.  For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Melinda Rainsberger at (740) 922-7450, extension 2219.

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DENNISON—In an effort to prevent medication abuse and misuse, Trinity Hospital Twin City, The Anti-Drug Coalition of Tuscarawas County and the Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Department have teamed up to hold a Medication Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28 from 10 am to 2 pm.  During that time, area residents are welcome to drop off their unused and/or expired prescription and non-prescription medications at Trinity Hospital Twin City’s front parking lot at 819 North First Street. No questions will be asked.

                The event is part of the 2012 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Trinity Hospital Twin City has agreed to be a drop-off site for the public to safely and legally dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. According to the DEA, Americans participating in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day last year turned in more than 377,086 pounds of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal.

                This event is for the disposal of residential and household medications only. Medications will only be accepted between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Items for disposal cannot be accepted before or after these times. The Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Department will have uniformed officers at the collection location and will have oversight responsibility for the collection process and will handle and store the medications gathered during the event. At the conclusion of the Medication Take-Back Day, the Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Department will transport and oversee the proper disposal of the medications collected.

                “We are pleased to work with the Anti-Drug Coalition and Sherriff’s Department to help prevent prescription drug abuse and misuse and to keep medications from becoming part of our waste system,” explained Joe Mitchell, President of Trinity Hospital Twin City. “We want to do our part to keep our community safe.”

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DENNISON – Trinity Hospital Twin City staff gathered to commemorate Earth Day by planting a native Dogwood tree near the hospital’s front parking lot on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM.  A special Earth Day reading and prayer were offered as part of the brief ceremony.

“The hospital Swing Bed Program staff and I wanted to plant a tree not only to recognize that we are committed to helping our patients get on the road to recovery but also to help recover resources that have been provided to us by Mother Earth,” shared Dr. Galen Durose, II, MD, Director of the Swing Bed Program at Trinity Hospital Twin City.

Trinity Hospital Twin City’s Swing Bed Program provides medical care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, wound care and other services to patients who need skilled rehabilitation services (after a hospital stay and/or surgery) before they transition home.  For more information about the hospital’s Swing Bed Program, call (740) 922-7450, ext. 2239. 

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DENNISON—To accommodate requests from local community members, Trinity Hospital Twin City is inviting area residents to “Wake Up to Better Health” at a free healthy sleep mini seminar from 6 to 7 pm on Wednesday, April 25^th at the hospital’s first floor St. Francis Conference room. Those who attend will receive a free sleep apnea screening, healthy snacks, tour of the hospital’s sleep lab, educational information and the opportunity to hear from Jessica Stolz, a Certified Nurse Practitioner and Sleep Medicine Specialist with the hospital-owned Trinity Medical Group.

                Stolz and Trinity Hospital Twin City’s sleep medicine team consisting of Dr. Jennifer Ney, Board Certified Pulmonologist & Internist; Sara Black, Respiratory Therapist; and Jack Haga, Jr., Respiratory Therapist will all be available to explain why sufficient sleep is vital for good health. Stolz will also share tips for getting a better night’s sleep and describe why sleep apnea is a real problem with real solutions.

                “About 40 people attended this program last March, and we’ve had several calls from area residents requesting us to offer this mini seminar again,” shared Tiffany Poland, Trinity Hospital Twin City Director of Community Outreach. “Insufficient sleep is a problem that affects more than 28% of adults. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep impairment is linked as a contributing factor to motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters, and medical and other occupational errors. In fact, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol statistics, there were 3,403 crashes involving sleepy drivers in Ohio in 2011.”

                Those who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, depression or obesity. Sleep insufficiency and poor sleep quality also can result from sleep disorders such as chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea or narcolepsy. Common symptoms of a sleep disorder can include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, awakenings for uncertain reasons, gasping or choking at night, restless sleep, irritability, poor memory, and/or morning headaches.

                “With sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, what you don’t know could hurt you,” explained Stolz. “We hope everyone will join us for this important event to learn more about healthy sleep since many of us either experience sleep challenges ourselves or know a loved one who does.”

                For more information or to register for the free “Wake Up to Better Health” healthy sleep mini seminar at Trinity Hospital Twin City, call (740) 922-7450, ext. 2219.

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DENNISON—To kick off National Sleep Awareness Week, Trinity Hospital Twin City is inviting area residents to “Wake Up to Better Health” at a free healthy sleep mini seminar from 6 to 7 pm on Wednesday, March 7^th at the hospital’s first floor St. Francis Conference room. Those who attend will receive a free sleep apnea screening, healthy snacks, tour of the hospital’s sleep lab, educational information and the opportunity to hear from Jessica Stolz, a Certified Nurse Practitioner and Sleep Medicine Specialist with the hospital-owned Trinity Medical Group.

                Stolz and Trinity Hospital Twin City’s sleep medicine team consisting of Dr. Jennifer Ney, Board Certified Pulmonologist & Internist; Sara Black, Respiratory Therapist; and Jack Haga, Jr., Respiratory Therapist will all be available to explain why sufficient sleep is vital for good health. Stolz will also share tips for getting a better night’s sleep and describe why sleep apnea is a real problem with real solutions.

                “We wanted to offer the community the opportunity to learn more about a problem that affects more than 28% of adults—insufficient sleep,” shared Tiffany Poland, Trinity Hospital Twin City Director of Community Outreach. “According to the National Sleep Foundation, which recognizes National Sleep Awareness Week from March 7^th through 13^th this year, sleep impairment is linked as a contributing factor to motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters, and medical and other occupational errors. Those who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, depression or obesity.”

                Sleep insufficiency and poor sleep quality also can result from sleep disorders such as chronic insomnia, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea or narcolepsy. Common symptoms of a sleep disorder can include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, awakenings for uncertain reasons, gasping or choking at night, restless sleep, irritability, poor memory, and/or morning headaches.

                “With sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, what you don’t know could hurt you,” explained Stolz. “We hope everyone will join us for this important event to learn more about healthy sleep since many of us either experience sleep challenges ourselves or know a loved one who does.”

                For more information or to register for the free “Wake Up to Better Health” healthy sleep mini seminar at Trinity Hospital Twin City, call (740) 922-7450, ext. 2219.

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DENNISON—Trinity Hospital Twin City recently expanded the outpatient services of its Cardiopulmonary Department to better serve patients with heart and lung conditions. The department now offers diagnostic tilt table testing and cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation.

            “Tilt table testing is used to evaluate patients who have experienced a loss of consciousness,” explained Jerod Roth, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services at Trinity Hospital Twin City. “In a tilt table study, the patient is secured to a table which is then mechanically tilted to an upright position. We monitor the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, electrocardiogram and blood oxygen saturation while the patient is left in a motionless standing position for 20 to 30 minutes. If the patient loses consciousness, a positive tilt table study has occurred which could indicate a cardiovascular disorder.”

            Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation is also now being offered at Trinity Hospital Twin City. Those who have a doctor’s order are encouraged to call the hospital’s central scheduling phone line at 740-922-7405 to sign up for rehabilitation.  The hospital’s cardiopulmonary staff offers supervised rehab programs to help people with chronic breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to help patients recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. The rehab programming provides education to help patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms and breathing problems, improve health, and reduce the risk of future problems, including heart attack.

            “Our cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs are setting tailored to the patient’s needs, and we monitor heart rate and blood pressure during physical activity,” noted Roth. “Later, patients are able to work up to more intense aerobic activity on a treadmill or exercise bike. We provide patients with the support and training they need to return to work or their normal activities and to manage their heart or breathing condition.”

            Trinity Hospital Twin City President, Joseph Mitchell, stated, “We want the community to know that we are committed to providing quality healthcare services locally. We are pleased to see our cardiopulmonary services expand to help those with heart or chronic breathing problems improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of experiencing further health problems.”

            For more information about cardiopulmonary services at Trinity Hospital Twin City, call (740) 922-2800.

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DENNISON—In recognition of February as American Heart Month, Trinity Hospital Twin City is hosting a free “Love Your Heart” event for area residents from 5 to 6 pm on Thursday, February 23^rd at the hospital’s first floor St. Francis Conference room. Those who attend will receive free blood pressure checks, heart healthy snacks, educational information and the opportunity to hear from Dr. Mohammad A. Jan, a Board Certified Cardiologist with the hospital-owned Trinity Medical Group.

                “We wanted to offer the community the chance to learn more about heart health,” shared Tiffany Poland, Trinity Hospital Twin City Director of Community Outreach. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our region, and we feel it is our hospital’s responsibility to educate the public and help save lives. We are also excited to provide the opportunity for people to meet and talk with our cardiologist.”

                Dr. Jan has over 35 years experience in providing heart care, and he specializes in EKGs, stress testing, echocardiography, holter monitoring and tilt table testing. He has earned distinction as a Fellow in the American College of Cardiologists. He has office locations within Trinity Hospital Twin City at 819 N. First Street, Dennison and at 232 Cross Street, Newcomerstown.

                For more information or to register for the free “Love Your Heart” event at Trinity Hospital Twin City, call (740) 922-7450, ext. 2219.

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NEWCOMERSTOWN—Trinity Medical Group, a physician practice that is owned and operated by Trinity Hospital Twin City of Dennison, recently opened a Newcomerstown office location at 232 Cross Street. The new location will make cardiology and general surgery services easily available to Newcomerstown area residents.

                Board Certified Cardiologist, Dr. Mohammad A. Jan, and Board Certified General Surgeon, Dr. Matthew W. Phillips, are now welcoming new patients. Dr. Jan has over 35 years experience in providing heart care, and he specializes in EKGs, stress testing, echocardiography, holter monitoring and tilt table testing. Dr. Phillips has more than 25 years experience in providing surgical care. His general surgical services include specializations in colonoscopy, hernia, breast disease, gall bladder and skin lesions.

                “We are excited to open this office at Newcomerstown to make cardiac and surgical care more convenient for area residents,” explained Eric Lundin, Trinity Medical Group Physician Practice Administrator. “Dr. Jan and Dr. Phillips are excellent physicians, and they are looking forward to meeting the healthcare needs in Newcomerstown.”

                Most insurances are accepted by Trinity Medical Group. To make an appointment to see Dr. Jan, call 740-922-0000. To make an appointment to see Dr. Phillips, call 330-364-8011.

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DENNISON—Trinity Hospital Twin City is pleased to announce the addition of three medical professionals to its active medical staff. Two nurse practitioners and one physician assistant are now helping to meet patient needs as part of the hospital-owned Trinity Medical Group.  The group provides primary medical care through its physician offices in Dennison, Dover, Gnadenhutten, Newcomerstown, and Uhrichsville.

                Holly Miller-Eshleman is a Certified Nurse Practitioner who specializes in family practice and has over 22 years experience as a registered nurse prior to completing her studies to become a nurse practitioner. Miller-Eshleman earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana, and her Master of Science Degree in Nursing at Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is currently welcoming new patients to the Trinity Medical Group offices located within the  hospital at 819 N. First Street in Dennison, and she resides at Dover with her husband and three children.

                Molly Pfeiffer is a Certified Physician Assistant who earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at Grove City College in Pennsylvania and her Master Degree as a physician assistant at Chatham University at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  Pfeiffer welcomes new patients to the Trinity Medical Group offices located at Suite 220 in the Oxford Medical Building at 340 Oxford Street in Dover. She resides at Stone Creek with her husband.

                Jessica Stolz is a Certified Nurse Practitioner who specializes in pulmonary and sleep medicine and has more than 12 years experience in the nursing field. She earned her Bachelor Degree from Fairmont State University in West Virginia and her Master of Science Degree in Nursing at Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing at Case Western Reserve University at Cleveland. Stolz is a member of the American Sleep Association, Ohio Association of Advance Practice Nurses, Northeast Ohio Nurse Practitioners, COPD/Emphysema National Association and the Academy of Sleep Medicine. She resides at St. Clairsville. Stolz welcomes new patients to the Trinity Medical Group offices within the hospital at Dennison.

                “The demand for primary medical care has increased in the area, and we are pleased to add these skilled professionals to our team of caregivers,” remarked Joseph J. Mitchell, Trinity Hospital Twin City President. “With their knowledge and commitment to providing compassionate care, they will be an asset to the Trinity Medical Group and help our hospital continue to meet patient needs.”

                Trinity Medical Group accepts most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Trinity Medical Group at 740-922-0000.

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DENNISON—Board Certified Gynecologist, Dr. Walter Randolph, MD, is now offering women’s health services at Trinity Hospital Twin City’s first floor specialty clinic. Women’s health services have not been available in the Twin City area since 2010.

                “Our hospital is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of area residents, and making women’s health services available locally is critical for us to meet the needs of the women who are living in our community,” explained Joseph J. Mitchell, Trinity Hospital Twin City President. “Dr. Randolph is a welcome addition to our active medical staff.”

                Dr. Randolph has more than 17 years experience in women’s health. He is a Fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is also on the active teaching staff for the Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine (NEOUCOM). Dr. Randolph welcomes new patients, and appointments can be made by calling (740) 922-7480.

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DENNISON—Trinity Hospital Twin City recently added three leaders to its management team. Jerod Roth and Debra Wilden were selected to fill open leadership positions in patient care departments, and Sister Dorothy Jayne Krupp was selected to assume the newly created position of Director of Mission Integration/Spiritual Care.

                Roth of Uhrichsville has been an active part of Trinity Hospital Twin City’s Cardiopulmonary Services staff for ten years and was recently named Director of Cardiopulmonary Services. Roth completed training at Jefferson Community College and is a Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT). As Director of Cardiopulmonary Services, he will oversee department staff, provide patient care and manage the department’s many services including sleep lab studies, stress tests, pulmonary function tests, and more.

                Wilden of Freeport has more than 23 years experience and was recently named Manager of Emergency Services. Wilden is a Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), and an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-A) who earned her Associate’s Degree from Belmont Technical College and her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Phoenix. Before joining Trinity Hospital Twin City’s management team, Wilden worked as a nursing supervisor at another regional hospital. As Manager of Emergency Services, Wilden will work closely with patients and emergency physicians, nurses and other emergency personnel to assure all emergency patients receive quality, compassionate care.

                Sister Dorothy of The Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania Ohio recently joined Trinity Hospital Twin City to become the Director of Mission Integration/Spiritual Care, a new leadership position at the Catholic, not-for-profit hospital. Sister Dorothy has more than 50 years of ministry experience and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Mary Manse College and her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. Most recently, she served as a Pastoral Associate at St. Michael Parish in Monroe, Michigan. Sister Dorothy now resides at Dennison, and in her new role at the hospital, she will lead the hospital in fulfilling Sylvania Franciscan Health’s core values of reverence, service and stewardship as the values apply to personal attitudes and actions, to relationships and co-workers, and to the services rendered to patients and others.

                “We are excited to add this qualified group of leaders to our hospital’s management team,” shared Joseph J. Mitchell, Trinity Hospital Twin City President. “Having strong leaders will allow our hospital to continue to grow and achieve success by meeting the healthcare needs of the communities we serve.”

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DENNISON – Registration is now taking place for Trinity Hospital Twin City’s popular Fit for Life classes.  There is a limited amount of space available in the class which begins on Tuesday, January 17^th, in the hospital’s first floor St. Francis Conference Center, located at 819 N. First Street.  Fit for Life is a 12 week session of classes that meets weekly for an hour, and classes will meet on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 P.M.

    The Fit for Life classes consist of in-depth nutrition and fitness information with a focus on behavioral change.  Some of the topics covered during the 12 week session include the following: The Wellness Choice, Nutrition & Your Health, Eat to Live, Flexibility Fitness, Stress Management, and Disease Prevention & Healthy Aging.  Participants enjoy a hands-on learning experience that includes learning to read food labels, viewing and understanding correct portion sizes, holding a replica of 5 pounds of fat, trying on a 20 pound fat vest and more. 

    Dr. Timothy McKnight, Board Certified Family Practitioner and Project Director of Trinity Hospital Twin City’s Fit for Life program, is the primary instructor throughout the class session which is supplemented with professional guest speakers that include the following:  Coach Dick Hartzell, founder of JumpStretch, Inc.; Dr. Nina Kucyk, Psychologist, Trauma & Loss Counseling; Dr. Mike Jakubowski, Chiropractor, Twin City Chiropractic; and other members of the Healthy Community Outreach team.

    Registration for Fit for Life is open to any adult who resides in Tuscarawas, Carroll, Harrison or Guernsey Counties.  The cost to join Fit for Life is $79.00 per person (less than $7.00 a week) and covers blood work to be completed before and after the class and a binder full of information.  Thanks to a grant from the US Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Rural Health Policy, Fit for Life classes can also be offered in a worksite setting for a nominal fee per employee. 

    To register for the Fit for Life session that begins on January 17^th or for more information, please call (740) 922-7471.  Over 1,000 community residents have “graduated” from Fit for Life over the past five years.  Many participants who have completed the program have lost weight and lowered their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels and have reduced or eliminated medications. 

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