Gulf Coast Gastroenterology recently debuted the beginning of the 24-Day Health Challenge Wellness Program. Participation is free. Those who are in the Lake Jackson area and beyond are invited to join others from the community who are seeking to learn more about healthy eating, digestion and to gain support.
The program is designed to take new participants every four weeks and guide the group for a month. A new group cycle will begin Thursday. As of now, the groups are tentatively scheduled to continue until August.
William H. Sweatt, MD, is the lead practitioner at Gulf Coast Gastroenterology. He specializes in caring for patients with digestive disorders. Many of his patients at Gulf Coast Gastroenterology have recurring issues that stem from poor lifestyle choices, and he saw the need for a preventative health care initiative. Along with the help of his spouse Ana Sweatt and associate Audra Holt, he began this new endeavor. The program is designed to give participants a comprehensive understanding of diet and promote the Sanare Life challenge.
The Sanare Life 24-day program challenges individuals to integrate raw and cooked meals that focus on cutting out processed food and filling meals with vegetables, fruits and healthy alternatives. It was created by CEO Nyse Collins and Director Nadine H. Joseph, Ph.D.
The doctrine behind Sanare Life is "restoration via education" and it aims to help participants find a higher state of mental health along the journey to physical health. Materials such as books and videos that go along with the Sanare Life program are available to purchase at the weekly meetings, but no purchase is required in order to join the group.
The ultimate goal and focus is on creating lasting healthy habits. "What I like specifically about this program is that it helps you create new habits," Ana Sweatt said. "In 24 days, you create healthy habits that can replace the bad ones you may have already acquired through your life. So I'm very excited about that ... we have already seen that the community is very responsive to the educational program, and I think it will be a blessing for all of us."
Holt begins the Thursday evening meetings by asking participants to tell their name and a little information on their situation. Individuals are invited to share as little or as much about how they came to be at their present level of health and the goals that they hope to accomplish. Holt then provides basic information on how the body processes food, an introduction to a healthy diet and small changes the participants can make in their everyday routines for better health.
At the end of every second, third and fourth group meeting, Ana Sweatt provides samples of healthy alternatives meant to demonstrate ways you can eat tasty food without sacrificing your health. She revamps many dishes that would usually leave you feeling guilty.
The program focuses heavily on ensuring that those who participate eat a balanced and fulfilling diet. "It all comes down to hope," William Sweatt said. "When you get involved with a program like this, hope revives you, and your emotions awaken and brighten. You start to think, 'Maybe there's a chance for me.'"
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Sunday, January 31, 2016
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