WEEK 1 - CASE STUDY

This past week was an exciting week because of the Case Study I am conducting with two individuals. I met with each of the ladies and we dicussed where to begin. After the interview I put together a document with their personalized information and presented it to them. The document will be important in tracking their success and improving health. 

The first participant--I will call her Mandy--had more health issues than I was aware and it will be wonderful to see how her health improves. She will motivate me!  Mandy is age 57 and has been at a loss as to how to deal with her health issues. Some of the problems she has includes Chron’s disease, hiadel hernia, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and a leaky mitro heart valve. This morning I received a text from her telling me that she had gone to the grocery store and had bought grapes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and two kinds of whole-wheat pasta. I love it!!  Of the two Mandy is the one that seems most willing to comply to the program. Already she has given up dairy & cheese! I’m impressed!

Here is a great article written by Dr. Michael Greger on how to treat Crohns Disease. Check it out!

http://nutritionfacts.org/2012/09/13/dietary-treatment-for-crohns-disease/

The second participant--I will call her Sherry--has the beginning of some serious health issues. She is 26 and is experiencing symptoms with her hormones and monthly cycle. Sherry recently had an aunt pass away from cervical cancer. She has found herself experiencing the same type of symptoms her aunt experienced prior to her being diagnosed with cancer. Sherry’s family of origin also has a history of diabetes and immune disorders. Being from the South, Sherry grew up on soul food and rarely ate vegetables or fruit. Along with that type of diet she experienced bowel problems and the inability to have a regular bowel movement. Everyday this week she has had fruit for breakfast, and a salad for lunch. Dinner has been whole-wheat pasta or salad. I was excited to find out that after following the program for the first week Sherry has lost 2 pounds! She is still eating cheese but has made the switch over to soy milk. She is moving in the right direction and will make more changes as we progress. The next step will be to have her stop eating cheese. 

I found an interesting article written by Ayinde Howell called "400 Years Later and Still Slaves to Soul Food" which talks about health issues of eating this cultural tradition. 

http://girliegirlarmy.com/nosh/20110606/400-years-later-and-still-slaves-to-soul-food/

Both of my ladies have unique health issues and want to prevent any further issues. They will do the work and I will simply guide them to what I know has worked for me. We are off to a great start!