Sep, 2022 Reporting from Niles, MI
Accessible services improve health - Wilma Enix
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/lakeland-diabetes/our-patients-say-it-best/Detail/Accessible-services-improve-health/abd79d6c-5e5d-47eb-ac51-4e396e0ac072/
Sep, 2022
Sep, 2022
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Thirty years ago, Wilma “Willie” Enix was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At the time, she did not take the diagnosis seriously. But when Willie experienced issues with her eyesight and a neurologist found a tumor around the optic nerve o
Accessible services improve health - Wilma Enix
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/ResourcePackages/SpectrumHealth/assets/img/sh_white_logo.png
Accessible services improve health
Wilma Enix
Sep, 2022
Thirty years ago, Wilma “Willie” Enix was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At the time, she did not take the diagnosis seriously. But when Willie experienced issues with her eyesight and a neurologist found a tumor around the optic nerve of her left eye, she started a journey toward taking her medications regularly and changing her eating habits.
Now at age 75, Willie seeks out opportunities to take care of her health and wellbeing. She recently found those opportunities at the Center for Better Health and Wellness. Willie heard about the center’s nearby location in Benton Harbor and helpful services from other residents in her Lake View Terrace building. She decided to see for herself how the center could help her manage diabetes. Willie connected with staff right away.
“They scheduled a free virtual appointment for me to meet with a primary care provider. They also helped to arrange pick up times for my medications filled at the Lakeland Pharmacy Shoppe located inside Lakeland’s Center for Outpatient Services,” said Willie. “They even provided bus tokens so I could travel for free. Otherwise, it costs three dollars each way.”
In addition to assisting her with a checkup and transportation, Mary Harris, RN, BSN and Michael Rushlow, RN performed health screenings to test Willie’s cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and glucose, and A1C levels. With this monitoring, Willie continues to make better choices by decreasing her sugar intake and checking her blood sugar level more often.
“The services are wonderful, and I’ve really been able to get my blood sugar under control. It feels good to know that I’m making healthier decisions that will improve my health,” said Willie.
When she first visited the center, her A1C was 8%, which is 1.5% higher than the recommended 6.5%. Now she has lowered it to 6.3%.
Willie encourages other people in her building to visit the center, especially those who have diabetes.
“I think everyone should try the services Spectrum Health Lakeland provides in downtown Benton Harbor because they can assist with many different needs. The online doctor visits are also convenient,” said Willie.
To learn more about services at the Center for Better Health and Wellness, call 269.408.2258 or visit shlcenterforbetterhealth.org