A severe toothache brought Sleita Gilbert through our doors. Once she was introduced to the wealth of Church Health resources available to her as a patient, she joined our MEMPHIS plan.
Sleita struggled with managing her diabetes and her A1c was extremely high. Sleita realized her need for better health decisions to enjoy life playing games, coloring and making music with her children and grandchildren.
As a retired licensed practical nurse, Sleita’s own wealth of caregiving experience gives her insight into the importance of diabetes management and good health.
“My diabetes was out of control, and it was an issue,” Sleita explained. “Early in my diagnosis I was in denial of my diabetes. The classes at Church Health proved my need for better nutrition. The instructors detailed how milligrams, kilograms and carbs affect my diet.”
The challenge of diabetes for Sleita became smaller with Church Health’s cooking classes, Cook Well, Be Well, health coaching and certified nutritionists. With the encouragement and support of her provider, Dr. Veronica Swannigan, Sleita’s diabetes is now under control.
“All this made me realize the questions I should have been asking about my own nutrition,” Sleita said. “That put me on track. It made me want to be happy and keep up with my grandchildren. I wanted to be ‘that’ grandmother.”
Over 65% of our patients, like Sleita, diagnosed with diabetes have brought it under control through health coaching, eating right and nutrition.
“I learned through Church Health that if I don’t take charge of my health, nobody else will,” Sleita added. “Taking classes and working with the doctors, my A1c is presently 7.2 and I am very thrilled about where it is.”
Sleita continues to surprise her family with improved cooking skills learned through Cook Well, Be Well. She proudly prepares food that is healthy and her family enjoys. Sleita remains active with her grandchildren while managing her blood sugar.
Sleita is one of many who have experienced quality, compassionate care at Church Health. With a gift of $500, patients like Sleita can have six months of diabetes treatment to help them live their best life. Donate today:
