Irene Carpenter
Referred for Heart Failure
I started the program at Piedmont at age 82 on Jan. 3, 2018 on the recommendation from my physician. At the time, I was experiencing several health issues, as well as a general feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. My inability to participate in the daily activities and functions that I was used to doing was also affecting my emotional well-being. My health issues included shortness of breath, lack of energy, elevated blood pressure, and general malaise. After seeing several doctors, my diagnoses included heart disease, and a build-up of fluid. I was unable to climb a single flight of stairs without being completely out of breath. I was walking with a cane and could barely take the dog out for her walks. I did not want to participate in any social occasions – it was too taxing physically and emotionally. After 6 months on the Exercise Is Medicine program at the Fitness Center of Piedmont Hospital, my symptoms have improved dramatically. My blood pressure is down, BMI is down, body fat is down, and I’ve lost 24 pounds. I can walk a mile on the treadmill in less than 20 minutes, whereas in January I could only walk slowly for a total of 5 minutes before needing to stop. My strength, balance and flexibility measurements have increased dramatically and I rarely need to use my cane to walk anymore. My sleep patterns are much better and my cpap has been lowered accordingly. My emotional well-being is much-improved and I am enjoying activities with family and friends again.
Robert Parker
Referred for Diabetes and Arthritis
My doctor had encouraged me to exercise on a regular basis and to incorporate more healthy eating habits in an effort to lose weight; however, I did not get serious about it until my diabetes diagnosis. I started attending the EIM program at Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center and began working out with the assistance of an exercise physiologist.
The process, at first, was difficult for me, as I was limited at what I could do in terms of exercise; however, the exercise physiologist encouraged me to do my best and developed an exercise program that was individually tailored to me. I really started to enjoy working out. I began feeling better physically, and my overall health conditions started to improve through maintaining a consistent workout routine and diet.
I went from never working out to consistently exercising five days a week at minimum. Since then, I have lost weight, decreased fat, improved muscle mass, and increased my strength, as well as endurance. My diabetes has become more manageable and my HbA1C level has decreased from 9.5 to 5.6. My total cholesterol went down to 125 from 250. Also, I do not receive as much pain from my arthritis and tendonitis. Not only have I seen improvements with my medical conditions, but I have benefitted by becoming more physically fit, which has helped me to become a happier person. I would highly recommend the EIM program at PAFC to anyone that is looking to make improvements in their health and life.
Linda Black
Referred for Hypertension
My physician wanted my lifestyle to include better food choices and an exercise program in order for me to lose weight and eventually no longer need medication for high blood pressure. She referred me to a program called Exercise is Medicine at Piedmont Atlanta Fitness Center. I was introduced to an exercise physiologist whom performed my pre and post assessment and guided me on an exercise plan. She also gave me great tips on improving the quality of my diet. I never realized that a single beverage could significantly contribute to my weight gain. As soon as I took control of my diet and reduced my sugar intake, I started seeing improvements. Because of the great support of the fitness team at Piedmont, I was able to discontinue one of my blood pressure medications and reach my fitness goal! Thank You!
Jim Griffin
Referred for Parkinson's
After being diagnosed with onset Parkinson’s, my neurologist, as well as my psychiatrist, recommended investigating the Exercise Is Medicine (EIM) program. I was given an evaluation by an exercise physiologist who then planned an exercise program specifically for my age, current fitness, and the stage of the disease. After a year of dedication to the program, my neurologist as well as my exercise physiologist were well pleased with the results. At this time, my medication has been reduced and a revised exercise program developed to further my defense against the disease. I am not free of the disease and some symptoms, but overall, I am confident that my progress is good and seems to serve very well for the intermediate future.
