Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Program
The HPDP program provides opportunities for IHCRC clients of all ages to make small lifestyle changes for the prevention of disease and improvement of health and quality of life. If you would like to learn ways to lose weight, control high blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol, or take steps to prevent diabetes, registered dietitian Kay Meek can help you develop an individualized plan for healthy, lasting results. Families are also welcome to meet with Kay to help make a plan to improve the health of the entire family.
Meeting our Dietitians and read about National Dietitian Day.
Deanna Douthit, Activity Specialist, offers individual and group exercise classes on a weekly basis. She helps educate and motivate clients to move more for better overall health. One of the best aspects of the HPDP program is that clients can receive a well-rounded program of nutrition, counseling and fitness all in one location. This provides both individuals and families with the necessary tools to succeed and improve their health status.
Group activities are also available. “Families in Motion” is offered as an after school program for kids and their parents and/or guardians. Each week of the 12 week course kids enjoy fun physical activities. They also learn why physical activity is good for them. Parents learn ways to help their families make healthier choices. Parents also share ideas with each other to help their children eat healthier foods and be more active. At home, kids and parents teach each other what they learned in class. The take home activities help families share new ideas with each other. Prizes are given at each session and special awards are given to families who work together to make healthy choices.
The brand new IHCRC Health and Wellness Department demonstration kitchen is the site for regular cooking class. Participants have a hands-on opportunity to learn how simple and easy it can be to make meals healthier while still keeping them tasting good.
Group weight loss classes are offered for individuals who would benefit from the support and encouragement they get from a group setting.
If you are interested in learning more about the HPDP programs offered, please call Kay Meek at 382-2226. You can also find current information of all IHCRC Health Education and Wellness Department activities and programs posted on the bulletin boards in the medical department exam rooms. There you will also find "Your Choice for Change: Honoring the Gift of Heart Health for American Indians" brochures that provide information about making healthy lifestyle changes.
New Activity Specialist, Deanna Douthit
Hello! I am Deanna Douthit, the new Activity Specialist within the HPDP Department and I wanted to take some time to introduce myself to everyone! First and foremost, I am honored to have been chosen for this position and I'm excited to work with such wonderful people.
I earned my B.S. in Health Promotion from Oklahoma State University, emphasizing heavily on Exercise Science. This career path is one that is very near and dear to my heart as I have witnessed first-hand the devastating consequences of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure - all due to poor eating habits and inactive lifestyles. So I made the decision to move into a career that would allow me the opportunity to not only help my family and myself live healthier lives, but also help others change their lives for the better! I currently operate my own Personal Training and Wellness business and teach Group Exercise classes for the YMCA on the side. I previously worked as a Healthy Lifestyles Educator, teaching companies about the importance of regular physical activity, proper nutrition, and stress management. I jump at any chance to update my knowledge and experience of the latest researched findings within my field so that I can offer top-notch service to all of those who come to me for help.
As the Activity Specialist, I conduct individual and group exercise classes on a weekly basis within the HPDP Department. My role is to help educate and motivate our patients to move more for better overall health. One of the best aspects of the programming offered to the patients is that the HPDP Department also has a phenomenal staff of Registered Dietitians and Licensed Counselors that give the patients a well-rounded program of nutrition, counseling and fitness all in one location. This gives the patients the necessary tools to succeed and improve their health status. In addition, I also participate in a Children's Fitness group once a week and will be an integral part of Employee Wellness Programs to come!
I've already met many of you in the past few weeks, but I do look forward to meeting everyone and spending more time getting to know all of you! If you have any fitness related questions, feel free to contact me at (918) 382-2226. If you would like more information about the services and programs offered within the HPDP Department, please contact Kay Meek at (918) 382-2226.