tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9740688428457790212024-03-21T20:39:33.848-07:00QueenAnneMedicalWeightLossA Family Practice serving the Greater Seattle area for over twenty years, Queen Anne Medical Associates, PLLC, announces the addition of its Weight Loss division. Follow our progress as we follow the OPTIFAST Program and discuss issues related to weight and fitness. We are especially committed to addressing Metabolic Syndrome head-on, and living as long and as well as possible.LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-15959148605684992242013-05-22T18:12:00.001-07:002013-05-23T08:35:39.076-07:00QA Medical Weight Loss Donates 4000 Hygiene Items to Seattle's Homeless!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is something remarkable about watching the human spirit conquer adversity. For those living in poverty, adversity is a daily battle. In Seattle, poverty is around every corner; the streets of downtown are full of those the world has cast aside. It's easy to walk past the harsh realities of these people, unaware of the gravity of their situations. Poverty is mentally and physically crippling, and nearly impossible to climb out of without assistance. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67GN5j47ayA4NCEP-Zpl88qF944ZBeTcNRm1Wj2N0ROPRiVOpaV1YLZCoU69tZQwIypSRBdeSwS_8TaJWINXTH8R8aWVJcEFbhb-qgUhNSFoGfsx1Q6JELNzXhWvbnFh-oe6UO5N0KHQ/s1600/Union+Gospel+Drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67GN5j47ayA4NCEP-Zpl88qF944ZBeTcNRm1Wj2N0ROPRiVOpaV1YLZCoU69tZQwIypSRBdeSwS_8TaJWINXTH8R8aWVJcEFbhb-qgUhNSFoGfsx1Q6JELNzXhWvbnFh-oe6UO5N0KHQ/s320/Union+Gospel+Drive.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark Provenzano, Barb Boni, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">and Margaret Provenzano deliver</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">donations to Hope Place.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Weight Loss Program's Medical Director, Linda Gromko MD, volunteers at the Union Gospel Mission - one of many organizations that serve the urban poor.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"I volunteer serving meals at our local Union Gospel Mission about once a month. One night, I rode with UGM's Rescue Van. We delivered blankets and hot beverages to homeless folk under the freeway bridges. Women would come up to us and ask for feminine hygiene products. It was heart-breaking," said Dr. Gromko.</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR0nU1ZfqPBKN61Dxhg6ykQLNwmFtv13iZvkm8DEz38mihsxWw09k2UmesrD6sBTq6xfHkW5I-umni_RR4KShwMRQLAu81gWtWsa-UU1Wsc_nVCfbjpsnwXON1cdHtsX6K9mDQVK_lM8/s1600/UGM+Rescue+Van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR0nU1ZfqPBKN61Dxhg6ykQLNwmFtv13iZvkm8DEz38mihsxWw09k2UmesrD6sBTq6xfHkW5I-umni_RR4KShwMRQLAu81gWtWsa-UU1Wsc_nVCfbjpsnwXON1cdHtsX6K9mDQVK_lM8/s1600/UGM+Rescue+Van.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the Spring of 2013, QA Medical Weight Loss launched the <strong><em>Spring Clean-Up Drive. </em></strong>Along with contributions from our neighbors in the building, we collected <em><strong>4000 hygiene items</strong></em> for the Union Gospel Mission. Items included toothbrushes and hand sanitizer, and a remarkable array of feminine hygiene products. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The staff of Queen Anne Medical Associates, PLLC, and Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss presented the 4000 items to UGM, and took a tour of Hope Place - the Women's Shelter associated with the UGM. Said Weight Loss Program Director, Mark Provenzano,</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">"I felt blessed to see where all our donations were going. Hope Place is state-of-the-art, with programs for women and their children. The residents come from all walks of life. They receive care, but are also members of a community, and are responsible for the care and maintenance of the building. It's a great program."</span></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICHp2j-laeylulhLQsZeXGr5aRFml4Y7Dl-k4nVlnwCrbqkdQZfK_X7oi1Rm2416y2lFVrkNLPEnjPhPyg0UzpgsNHaempGNrtcJ6qp72iTizdicgUwHyPgAzCt0HofZgG-F2izMryWU/s1600/Homeless+Donations.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICHp2j-laeylulhLQsZeXGr5aRFml4Y7Dl-k4nVlnwCrbqkdQZfK_X7oi1Rm2416y2lFVrkNLPEnjPhPyg0UzpgsNHaempGNrtcJ6qp72iTizdicgUwHyPgAzCt0HofZgG-F2izMryWU/s320/Homeless+Donations.png" width="282" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Though our Spring Clean-Up Drive was very successful, there is always a need for additional aid for those in poverty. If you are interested in becoming involved, reach out to either Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss, Union Gospel Mission, or any other organization working to aid those less fortunate. Remember,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><em>"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." </em></strong>-Ghandi</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Special thanks to all the donors and supporters who made the Spring Clean-Up Drive so successful!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Remember, we're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mark Provenzano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Program Director</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-85496826196329204152013-03-22T17:50:00.002-07:002013-03-22T18:10:49.902-07:00Join our Spring Clean-Up Drive!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an effort to give back to the community, Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss has launched a Spring Clean-Up Drive to aid the homeless of Seattle. We are collecting hygiene products that can be distributed by the Union Gospel Mission's Rescue Van or used in their other programs.</span><br />
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<strong><em><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">What are we looking for?</span></u></em></strong><br />
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<ul><ul><ul><ul><ul><ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Soap</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Deodorant</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Dental Floss, Tooth Brushes, Toothpaste</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Shaving Products</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tylenol/Cold medicine/Polysporin</span></li>
<ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">First Aid Kits</span></li>
<ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ace Bandages</span></li>
<ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lip Balm</span></li>
<ul>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tampons/Pads</span></li>
<ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After volunteering with the Rescue Van, our Medical Director, Dr. Gromko, reported back the serious lack of the above listed items - especially feminine hygiene products. Said Dr. Gromko,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">"</span><strong><em>I volunteer serving meals at our local Union Gospel Mission about once a month; it's a grounding experience and reminds me of the fact that I have no real problems. One night, I rode with the Mission's Rescue Van. We delivered blankets and hot beverages to homeless folk under the freeway bridges. Women would come up to us and ask for hygiene products. It struck me that our generous group could do something to help."</em></strong></span></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The individuals who will benefit from our drive live in the most grave conditions of local poverty; thus, anything helps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Please find it in your hearts to donate to our cause. Both hygiene items and monetary donations will be accepted. Those who donate will be entered into a drawing for Starbucks gift cards to be drawn on April 1st.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you for participating!</span></strong><br />
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Mark Provenzano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Program Director</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-90931265745256578472013-02-06T23:51:00.002-08:002013-02-06T23:55:07.354-08:00The Importance of Hydration<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Water is possibly the most important substance needed for the human body to function, yet it receives little credit in most people's weight loss plans. More than half of the body's weight is from water - and every cell, tissue, and organ needs water to work properly.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Loss of water:</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Your body is designed to take in water as well as to expel it. Whenever we sweat, pee, or breathe, we lose water. Fear not, these are good things! When your body expels water it also expels excess waste and nutrients - cleansing your body. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Not all water loss is good. When large volumes of water are lost rapidly without replacement, we can get dehydrated. You might see this with diarrhea, vomiting, or extreme perspiration. If you feel dizzy, have less urine, dark (concentrated) urine, dry mouth, or an unexplained headache, fetch a glass of water and see if your symptoms improve. Often, water can be just what the doctor ordered.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">How much water should you drink?</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">The rule of thumb is <u>eight</u> eight-ounce glasses of water per day. In reality, the amount of water you need varies from person to person. If you work out every day for 45 minutes, you should consume 15-20 ounces more water than someone who is sedentary. If you find yourself with regular dry mouth/dehydration, chances are you need to drink more water. The easiest test for hydration is checking the color or your urine: the clearer it is, the better.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Having trouble staying hydrated? Here are some helpful tips:</span></em><br />
<ul>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drink 8 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of physical activity</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Drink 10-20 ounces of water before and after every workout</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you can't remember how long it's been since you had your last glass of water, drink 8 oz.</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Start tracking your water intake; you may be surprised how little you're consuming</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Try flavoring your water with low-calorie additives like lemon, rosemary, or cucumber slices</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Make large batches of iced tea at home. This is an excellent alternative to soda or coffee.</span></em></li>
<li><em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Carry a water bottle with you throughout your day.</span></em></li>
</ul>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Mark Provenzano, Program Director</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial;">Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss</span></em>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-9126847131392483672013-01-16T22:46:00.001-08:002013-01-16T23:24:00.633-08:00Redefining Goals for the New YearBy Mark Provenzano<br />
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Many people who have struggled with weight, including myself, have done horrible things to themselves mentally and physically just to see a lower number on the scale. We've starved ourselves to fit into specific size clothes for a special occasion and beat outselves up when we eat more than we're supposed to. This is not dieting, nor is it healthy. What if we adjusted our thought process to non-weight loss specific goals? Less fixation on "<em>I'm going to lose X-amount this week," </em>but rather, <em>"I'm going to take a walk at lunch today." </em>Or, <em>"I'm going to eat more vegetables."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Sometimes <em>not</em> focusing on weight loss can actually lead to, well, weight loss. If we adjust our mindset ever so slightly it can make a difference. The Challenge: I want you to pick a non-weight loss goal this week. Don't attach a number to it. Just pick one of these healthy habits as an example to focus on:<br />
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<em><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Move Consciously Every Day</span></u></em><br />
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You don't have to join a gym, take up running, start Olympic lifting or sign up for a group fitness class. This goal is about making the decision to simply move your body more. The more you use your body, the more it will want to be used. Make a conscious decision daily to do something active and the results will follow.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><u>Cook More and Eat Out Less</u></em></span><br />
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Setting a goal to cook more can seem overwhelming at first. There's definitely a learning curve if you are used to eating out on a regular basis, but if you start small it is possible to slowly shift to eating in.<br />
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It starts with meal planning. Find a way that works for you. Some people like to plan their meals on the weekends or even cook and have meals prepared. I personally thrive off a stocked pantry ans supplement with small trips to the store for fresh groceries. Whatever style works best for your current situation (because it will change), plan to eat out for 2 fewer meals per week.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><u>Drink More Water</u></em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 17.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>It's what we as human beings are supposed to drink. Water should be your drink of choice, and it's 100% calorie free. The more water you drink, the less caloric drinks you will consume. Like moving your body, the more you drink water, the more your body will crave it.</o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3.75pt 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 17.3pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><u>Have a Vegetable</u></em></span><br />
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EAT MORE VEGETABLES. Just like drinking more water, the more vegetables you eat, the less diet off-setting stuff you will consume. Set a goal to have at least 2 vegetables per day. For extra credit, go to the supermarket and try a NEW vegetable that you haven't cooked before. To find new veggies I recommend going to Uwajimaya in Seattle's International District. I find wild options there all the time. As a reference, use an online recipe website you trust for cooking instructions! Remember that unadorned veggies are the options that are most nutritious!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><u>Go to Bed Earlier<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></u></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my latest goal. I'm trying to go to bed earlier at least 3 days a week. Sleep is important and most people don't get enough. Setting a sleep related goal may seem like a small step but sometimes it is those little things - like a good night's sleep, that make all the difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><u>The END of Mindless Eating</u></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 17.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
As a weight los program participant, setting a goal to cut out mindless snacking is crucial. My recommended method in reaching this goal is the food journal. I write it down, type it out, some people even photograph the food. A pause helps me decide if this is something I really want to eat or an unconscious nibble I won't even enjoy.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><u>Be Thankful for the Little Things</u></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>You are alive and finding new control over a habit that has likely been a very negative force in your life. Every day that you work closer to your goal is one step towards becoming a healthier, happier you.</o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 17.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Blog Post written by Mark Provenzano, Program Director</o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 17.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p>Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss</o:p></span></div>
LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-50568916969627330972012-11-13T17:29:00.003-08:002012-11-13T17:29:24.662-08:00In a Slump and Need a Kick-Start?
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes life just gets in the way. Lessons we’ve learned
are ignored and we slip into a slump. Our slump can take a number of forms:
depression, returning to bad habits, and often, we gain weight. No matter what
form your slump takes, it’s never too late to throw on the brakes and get back
into the proper gear! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have found yourself slowly putting on weight over the
last few weeks or months, we at QAMWL have some helpful pointers to break your
cycle: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weigh yourself daily. A 1-2 lb gain can often
mean an increase in water weight that will go away naturally. But if you
find that your weight keeps going up, make extra effort to control your intake
of food. As one of our long-time successful patients says, <strong><em>“The best
way not to put on 10 pounds is to not put on 5.”</em></strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start tracking your calorie consumption: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many wonderful online calorie
calculators that can help you stay engaged with your food consumption. </span><a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-food-calorie-counter"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthtool-food-calorie-counter</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,
is an excellent example. Use your average daily energy expenditure as a guide
for how much you can consume. If you’d like, come in for a
weigh-in on our scale for that information (for existing or former
patients only). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a morning and evening stroll. This is a
beautiful time of year. Get a few extra calories off by taking a walk through
your neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you really feel like you are sliding down a
slippery slope, you can always come in for a kick-start OPTIFAST program at
QAMWL. We offer fully customizable short term programs for former patients who
find themselves slipping into an old rut. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <strong><em>N</em></strong></span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>ever be afraid to get back on the wagon. The best time to
catch and fix a problem is while it is still manageable. If you need a
kick-start, don’t hesitate! Take action now! </em></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark Provenzano, Director; Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss</span></div>
LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-72631862814292801922012-11-02T13:36:00.001-07:002012-11-02T13:47:21.550-07:00Holidays: Making Challenging Times Motivating<div align="center" class="ecxMsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>The holiday season is built around food and drink; there is no secret or illusion about this. The best way to combat a season dedicated to ruining your diet is to treat it no differently than the rest of the year. You need a solid plan, an organizational strategy, and an easy to follow daily routine</em></span>. </strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Let’s start with some coping strategies:</strong></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Start planning early. </strong>T</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">he best way to beat the holiday season is to get the jump on it! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make a workout plan. Get recipes together that are low in cal</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ories but high in satisfaction. Plan outings with friends and fami</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">ly that don't focus on food.</span></li>
<li><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine the holidays as singular days instead of a whole season. </span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "holiday season" really includes four recognized food-rela</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ted holidays; 4 days won’t set you back but 4 months will. </span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Emphasize the non-food joys of the holidays. </strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many people take this time to volunteer, spend time with old friends, work on </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">special projects, read goods books, etc. Holidays are about doing things that make you happy.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong>After establishing a foundation of positive thinking, pull out your calendar and do the following:</strong> </em></span></div>
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<li><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Pick a colored pen and circle holiday parties or dates that </strong></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>could be potential pitfalls for your diet</strong>. Try not to have more than one a week to best ensure success.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>In another color, circle fun activities that don't revolve </strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">around food. </span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try to keep your calendar in a 1:1 ratio or better with challenging diet activities. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Build a daily routine:</em></span></b></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<ol>
<li><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Weigh yourself daily</strong>. Track your weight and take notice of post- holiday party weigh-ins.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Start each day with a healthy breakfast.</strong> If it's not an OPTIFAST product, be sure it is low calorie and nutritionally healthy.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Exercise daily.</strong> The holiday season is the most important time to stay active in the Pacific Northwest. When the weather turns, it is easy to make excuses to stay inside.</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not you, though! Invest in a good rain jacket and continue walks around the neighborhood, or make the trek to the gym. The weather should never be an excuse to quit on your goals!</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mark Provenzano,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Program Director</span><br />
<br /></div>
LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-21247494783341111842012-05-08T15:27:00.001-07:002012-05-08T15:27:10.552-07:00Removing "Can't" From Your Weight Loss Vocabulary<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the most significant barriers to overcome in weight
loss is that of the word “can’t.” “Can’t” limits our ability to trust
ourselves, to meet our goals, and to redefine the person we are. The irony is
that “can’t” has only the power that we allow it to have. In an effort to
remove the word “can’t” from our vocabulary we must find its source and develop
ways to move away from limiting our own long term success. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The big “can’t” statements: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I can’t be a thin person, I will always be big”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t
exercise. Someone my size isn’t able to” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I can’t be on a diet forever” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How to combat these “can’t”
statements: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thin is both physical and psychological state of
existence. It helps to change “thin” into a more measurable concept. If your
goal is to fit into a specific pant size for example, allow “thin” to take the
shape of the waste measurement for those Jeans. “Thin” is too flexible and
allows for too much room to get down on ourselves. If we set tangible,
measurable goals we are less likely to use “can’t”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we think of exercise we usually think of
sweating, glistening folks in spandex doing “impressive” things at the gym.
False! Exercise is NOT a matter of killing yourself or putting your body
through hell! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a matter of finding
activities that require higher levels of energy to complete. Walking around the
neighborhood at pace that causes your body to sweat is exercise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more active you are, the more weight you
will lose so don’t set limits on what form exercise can take! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dieting is a lifelong process no matter if you
are eating horribly or perfectly. Diet means “the sustenance you put in your
body”, thus you WILL diet no matter what! The word “diet” should not be your
enemy. It should instead be a word to describe the control you have over your
own eating habits. Say this to yourself “my diet will reflect the life that I
want to live. If I want to be healthy, I will eat to reflect health.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Mark Provenzano, QAMWL Program Director</span></span></div>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-21773836393254928212012-04-18T15:10:00.002-07:002012-04-18T15:16:33.467-07:00The Importance of Organization in Weight LossC<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ompulsive over- eating is often the result of poor planning, where quick and easy meals take the place of healthy thoughtful options. Very few quick, on-the-go options are healthy and nutritionally satisfying; thus, when we are busy we tend to gain weight. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some helpful hints to stay on track during Maintenence: <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plan during down times to ease the eating stress during busy times! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stash OPTIFAST bars and Ready-to-drink shakes</b> in the car, at work, and in your day bag or briefcase. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When cooking at home</b>: Make leftovers and pack food in single portion containers to avoid over eating. This makes for an easy morning of grab-and-go sack lunches before work.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Plan your meals</b> for the week and keep a calendar of what‘s for dinner on each day. This will curb the indecision at dinner time that often leads to poor food choices. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Always go green!</b> Try to keep 2/3 of your meal plant based, the darker the better. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Don’t shop while you are hungry!</b> Impulse buying is not likely to be based in the vegetable aisle. Bring a list and stick to it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Use a food log!</b> Pick a format that works for you (digital, iPhone, notebook, etc.) and track your habits. Find out what times of the day cause the most temptation. Then use that information to plan better around your problem times.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Make sure to eat breakfast</b>: It’s not called the most important meal of the day for nothing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When should I eat and how much can I eat?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The heaviest meal of the day should be breakfast, then lunch, and dinner lightest. This model is exactly opposite from the diet of the average American. Your metabolism will run faster throughout the day if you eat in the first 30 minutes you are awake, thus burning more calories throughout the remainder of the day. Lunch is a refueling point to get through the afternoon. Dinner is simply to curb hunger; it should not be a “catch-all” meal for the lack of food consumed during the day. Always plan your meals around how you need your energy. If you work 9-5 you should consume the lion’s share of your calories early. If you are a bartender and work late you would consume calories later in the day. Being conscious of your eating habits is half the battle. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mark Provenzano</span></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Program Director</span></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">QA Medical Weight Loss</span></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;"></div>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-3397177361171948872012-04-06T12:13:00.002-07:002012-04-18T11:10:58.941-07:00Mark Provenzano is New Program Director at Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss: Read Mark's Story<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Brian Grev has moved on to pursue work in another field, we thank him for his personable contributions over his years at Queen Anne Medical Associates, PLLC.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><em>We now welcome Mark Provenzano, who brings his own weight loss experiences - and his experience as a professional chef. Read Mark's story, below</em></strong>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span>My name is Mark Provenzano and I am the new Program Director of Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss. Today is my first post on our site though it will certainly not be my last. This is my story:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weight Loss is a loaded issue and can be one of the hardest challenges in our lives. My struggle with weight loss began at 18 years old but should have started closer to 10. I grew up in an Italian household with a family whose primary focus was food and drink. There was always an abundance of delicious treats, savory pasta, cheeses from around the world all in quantities you’d expect to find at a boutique grocery store. This environment was quite literally toxic for a child with a normal metabolism who didn’t have ambitions of being an Olympic athlete. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I was 17 I weighed in at 308 pounds standing at 6’6 with a BMI of 36. I was young, obese, and frankly beyond uncomfortable in my own skin. High school is hard enough with an average body, being a fat giant didn’t help. At first I was able to ignore the problem by doing well in school, being the “nice” guy, and having pretty positive interactions with the popular kids. In retrospect, I was simply trending water waiting for the epiphany moment where I’d realize I wanted more from my life. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I started losing weight when I was a senior in high school. I had a physically demanding job and had an active girlfriend who was very supportive. Though I was losing weight, the results were not dramatic enough and I knew that with college just around the corner I wanted to get my act together. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My freshman year of college I lost almost 40 pounds. My sophomore year another 35. By the end of my junior year I had lost 122 pounds. I went from a 42 inch waist to a 32. My shirt size from XXL to Medium. My heart rate from 98 beats a minutes to close to 35. This was all accomplished by a consistent (very intense) workout schedule and a total revamping of my diet including: the removal of butter, most carbs, sugar, and cheese from my diet. I became a new person, almost as if I stepped into a sci-fi weight loss chamber a fat kid and came out a powerful, fit man. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I purposefully stated the above information simply to emphasize one very important thing about weight loss: after you reach your true goal, you’ll never be the same again. You won’t look back and say “gee I really miss the old me”. I can truly say that I am a much better person today because I lost my weight. My increase in confidence has allowed me to apply for jobs I would never have dreamed of before. I am able to approach social situations without anxiety and meet potential partners who in the past may have looked right through me. I do not mean to imply that people who are obese cannot be social or find life mates that satisfy them fully, I am only suggesting that it seems unfair to me that people are limited socially because of weight. Removing the literal weight off your shoulders will enhance everything in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the old me were to walk into my office today I wouldn’t recognize him but I am now so much more prepared to help people like 18 year old me lose the weight they want. I am passionate about helping people make transformations like my own. If you’re interested in transforming your life please don’t hesitate to meet with me or pick my brain for helpful information."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Reach Mark Provenzano at 206-281-7163x15.</span></em></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-90451371984147622772011-11-26T23:50:00.000-08:002011-11-26T23:50:30.279-08:00Holidays are Upon Us!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a while since I've written a blog entry, but the holidays are here and we need some strategies.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>We think the Holidays begin the moment those bags of Halloween candy appear in local stores. And they</strong> <strong>continue through Valentine's Day - and maybe even Easter! It's not one or two meals that gets us into trouble; it's the continual eating throughout the "season!"</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are some tips that might help you when you approach the Holidays:</span><br />
<br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Think about what a specific holiday means to you. Is it the people you'll be seeing? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">What are the non-food parts of holidays you really like, i.e. specific musical events?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">If it's simply too difficult for you to attend a special meal during your Active Weight Loss Program, why not go for a while - or maybe after folks have eaten?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Be sure to exercise in some way on each holiday - even if it's a short walk.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Take care of yourself in any non-food way you can.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Drink plenty of water. Try a new herbal tea.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Get enough sleep.</span></li>
</ol><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>With busy holidays, we may find ourselves more stressed, irritable: too much on our schedules and too little self-care.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Think about buying yourself a gift this year to celebrate your weight loss victories.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do the very best you can with your Program. Forgive yourself if you have a slip, and get right back on Program. Remember, we are aiming for a lifetime of better health!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-38336506096876353592011-09-19T18:44:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:16:21.169-07:00Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Ventures out on Lake Union Again<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's not to like about kayaking?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We've found kayaking to be a gr</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">eat form of urban exercise - particularly in Seattle, where our whole city centers around Lake Union. It's easy to get out, even for an hour or so. It's a wonderful form of exercise, and the scenery is gorgeous.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We set off on another kayaking event on September 11, 2011 - a somber day for the country. But why not stay active, and focus on life's gifts?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here are some photographs of our most recent urban excursion:</span> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SNETwMi6Xw_-eJuFzSqKRF7YpbzpvPOL_yyF_p-IACqFnLKUL_oouaRdwlDrSgxGMFIS0wIGVOfe5mghRQWBOd_MgIP7bZNVWVu_JbckslJENW-CVN0urVeir-Dj127-2FgmNG3Pc80/s1600/kayaking+parallel+strokes" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SNETwMi6Xw_-eJuFzSqKRF7YpbzpvPOL_yyF_p-IACqFnLKUL_oouaRdwlDrSgxGMFIS0wIGVOfe5mghRQWBOd_MgIP7bZNVWVu_JbckslJENW-CVN0urVeir-Dj127-2FgmNG3Pc80/s1600/kayaking+parallel+strokes" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parallel Strokes in No Time at All!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ1XxaMHJw07h-wu8r2AU8J7sWbQERVA0C4qA0ah77WYmNaZ5Nvn0LRr2nv2OnXyOuvrJ20IMdm7dV5JLebe4DtJGOJ8izaxtqbSVf0Gm6JV4Q1lUeSDOvo4WUQSHRN0BnhoEFQUwQW4/s1600/kayak+excitement" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZ1XxaMHJw07h-wu8r2AU8J7sWbQERVA0C4qA0ah77WYmNaZ5Nvn0LRr2nv2OnXyOuvrJ20IMdm7dV5JLebe4DtJGOJ8izaxtqbSVf0Gm6JV4Q1lUeSDOvo4WUQSHRN0BnhoEFQUwQW4/s1600/kayak+excitement" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect Water!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL9ASVvnFpL0eQfQjRUiWwTzU5rHRQWMIXaL0qdXmkyrfMZi32056n_jBrtXNJKk1X2mYMjNnY7a9jNqAuDPf3PzGfHC5oqfpseI4DUZCarb3Q0e2WeUufVus4A4B7SY99bXQMDlQsHM/s1600/kayak+excursion" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPL9ASVvnFpL0eQfQjRUiWwTzU5rHRQWMIXaL0qdXmkyrfMZi32056n_jBrtXNJKk1X2mYMjNnY7a9jNqAuDPf3PzGfHC5oqfpseI4DUZCarb3Q0e2WeUufVus4A4B7SY99bXQMDlQsHM/s1600/kayak+excursion" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beautiful Smiles</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr95KhbkcMxPuhpnWLNqEoDNXf1AvwvBAU7vdZFfRBcC_7GtGsX1YRpDH4W5x8CApt-pPPr7Fb6EkyOUp_IwAnrbQtziDuosnoGHWT7FZHS-IF9JjcZh4Ws7Em-0TIBNfb6m5kUpvpohA/s1600/kayaking+together" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr95KhbkcMxPuhpnWLNqEoDNXf1AvwvBAU7vdZFfRBcC_7GtGsX1YRpDH4W5x8CApt-pPPr7Fb6EkyOUp_IwAnrbQtziDuosnoGHWT7FZHS-IF9JjcZh4Ws7Em-0TIBNfb6m5kUpvpohA/s1600/kayaking+together" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a Little Break</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdeJY9tvQzbl2hNdDm_0zxyfzJyVwV4dQo7__fNouW23jClk4ffHLm-jps5e7Ew9jlhiiNnrQNJ0XxOJ1-6QC5O7FiQuHQV5DZJx1b0XSvsL0a4WYiSvLppGjTG0oc0eUIW4RqUJVQNU/s1600/kayak+excitement" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdeJY9tvQzbl2hNdDm_0zxyfzJyVwV4dQo7__fNouW23jClk4ffHLm-jps5e7Ew9jlhiiNnrQNJ0XxOJ1-6QC5O7FiQuHQV5DZJx1b0XSvsL0a4WYiSvLppGjTG0oc0eUIW4RqUJVQNU/s1600/kayak+excitement" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photos by T. Tibbs</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLVzNGPGRpzgFjvKfY_fTpW3gjitunMKjxbJgHaaS4lgrgTcBc1wDDafQUvTYSVDobuWygXJkIW-UJICVq1WUfQBYCh05SZg2YGfQ7CYLCEMl5HSrrJhLs9YmVMl-KbxFBmKvNmNmXvk/s1600/kayaking+under+the+bridge" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLVzNGPGRpzgFjvKfY_fTpW3gjitunMKjxbJgHaaS4lgrgTcBc1wDDafQUvTYSVDobuWygXJkIW-UJICVq1WUfQBYCh05SZg2YGfQ7CYLCEMl5HSrrJhLs9YmVMl-KbxFBmKvNmNmXvk/s1600/kayaking+under+the+bridge" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kayaking under the Aurora Bridge</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>We're hoping to join NW Outdoor Center on their holiday carolling event in December! </em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned, and remember: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-70863382163626519062011-07-17T22:09:00.000-07:002011-07-18T10:49:16.990-07:00Thanks to Northwest Outdoor Center for a Great Event!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss ventured out on Lake Union in kayaks this morning. We had a group of nine, including Laurel - our guide from Northwest Outdoor Center. We took two double kayaks, and the rest singles. Our group had varying degrees of experience - but we all did great! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even the weather cooperated; it was a overcast and a little drizzly, but very comfortable. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We paddled around the periphery of the lake, gliding by houseboats - including the one from the film "Sleepless in Seattle."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Seaplanes took off and landed around us. But rather than moving toward the shore, one of our members took a picture with her cellphone! We're expanding our horizons as we're becoming more healthy...and brave.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Everyone had a good time. We're even hoping to sign up for NW Outdoor Center's Holiday Caroling event in December - paddling and caroling around the floating homes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a great event - and another excellent example of how we can incorporate more physical activity into our lives!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Remember, we're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-3363441349545446172011-06-13T21:48:00.000-07:002011-06-13T21:50:17.367-07:00Congratulations to Johanna on Winning the National "New You" Award!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seattle's Johanna Moody-Gatlin was one of three national winners in the Second Annual OPTIFAST "New You" Contest. announced May 31, 2011. Having lost nearly 100 pounds as a participant in the Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss program, Johanna's prize includes a luxury weekend trip to New York City, a make-over, and a shopping spree. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Johanna has served as a program advocate, sharing her experiences with participants at the Northwest Women's Show held in Seattle in March, 2011.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For full story, please visit <a href="http://www.optifast.com/">http://www.optifast.com/</a>, and click on the "New You Contest."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Johanna, you've made us all proud! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-533141604294053502011-05-26T20:31:00.000-07:002011-05-26T20:31:09.030-07:00Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Donates 600 Pounds of Food!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, Brian Grev and I went to the Ballard Food Bank to deliver our Program's contribution of 600 pounds of food: cannned vegetables, cereal, soups, and other staples.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We started our Food Drive several months ago. We got the idea from one of our members who had lost over 100 pounds. She had a party in honor of her victory, and asked her neighbors to bring food for the food bank.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">So, we invited our members to bring a pound of food for every pound they had lost through the program. Our goal was 600 pounds of food donations - to celebrate the first 600 pounds we'd lost.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It felt good to contribute to the community - especially since food banks tend to get fewer contributions at this time of year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Read more about Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss' contribution:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.ballardnewstribune.com/2011/05/26/news/local-weight-loss-clinic-donates-600-pounds-balla">http://www.ballardnewstribune.com/2011/05/26/news/local-weight-loss-clinic-donates-600-pounds-balla</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Our plan is to continue the drive - that way, we'll continue to remind ourselves of our victories <u><em>and</em></u> help our community at the same time!</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-5330663894538362052011-05-07T08:06:00.000-07:002011-05-07T08:08:36.022-07:00A Sunny Day for Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Rowing Experience!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Seattle weather being so unpredictable lately, we felt extemely fortunate to have had a sunny day for our "Experience Rowing" event, held at Lake Washington Rowing Club May 1.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Under the guidance of Lake Washington Rowing Club's Mike Rucier and Andy Rees, and the assistance of Kim Biggs, six members of our Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss program set out to tour Lake Union - on the water.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We started with a brief didactic session to learn rowing terminology. Then, we moved to the "Ergs" for practice with on-land rowing machines.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The last half of our three-hour session was spent rowing around Lake Union. It was spectacular!</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Even better, we all found that we all <u>could</u> do it! Nobody fell in; we got back to the dock intact!</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Our boat had lost over 300 pounds total on OPTIFAST before this event - enough weight for two additional rowers!</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Better yet, several members said they would want to pursue rowing as a fitness event; one committed to starting a rowing class with her husband.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Stay tuned for next month's activity: Kayaking at Northwest Outdoor Center on Sunday, June 12.</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Members interested in the Kayak Event are urged to contact Brian Grev, Program Director for further details; refer to Home Page for Contact Information.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-7535074948345988512011-04-17T13:30:00.000-07:002011-04-17T13:30:34.757-07:00Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Announces Rowing Experience<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss participants - past and present - are invited to attend a special "Experience Rowing" event!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 1, 2011. 10 am-1 pm at the Lake Washington Rowing Club.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Participants will attend a class to learn rowing terminology, then practice on the "Ergs," i.e. rowing machines. The session will be capped by an actual row in an "eight" on Lake Union.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Each boat will be crewed by experienced rowers in addition to our "newbie" participants.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fee for the event is $35, but that fee can be applied to later "Learn to Row" classes at Lake Washington Rowing Club. Weight limit for participants is 275 pounds.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Rowing is my favorite activity. It works your whole body, but doesn't put excessive strain on your joints. Plus, it's a great stress management tool. You have to concentrate to keep your balance! </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">And it's great fun.</span></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Join us on Sunday, May 1 for a great introduction to a sport you can do forever!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-31396732137616824372011-03-14T15:01:00.000-07:002011-03-14T15:16:44.981-07:00Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Brings Real Results to NW Women's Show<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We enjoyed an impressive turnout at the NW Women's Show, March 4-6. The event is attended by some 23,000 people, and features a range of topics of interest to women - and everyone, actually.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Our booth was flanked by the Microsoft Research Group and a bra-fitting booth ("Stop Your Sagging; Start Your Bragging").</span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Our booth was staffed by Program Director Brian Grev and myself - plus three wonderful volunteers who shared their before and after pictures to show our vistors that OPTIFAST brings real results.</span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We gave out dozens of samples of OPTIFAST Meal Replacement bars, and plenty of brochures. We also offered one free week of OPTIFAST food upon enrollment in one of our Programs - either a full 18-week program, or a 7-week Kick-Start. (We'll honor that offer for anyone who mentions this blog post through the end of April 2011, by the way!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was gratifying to hear from many of our visitors that they had used the Program themselves, and found it very helpful. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We all understand that word-of-mouth advertising is the best there is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After all, we're all in this together.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-86563374430668413122011-02-24T12:19:00.000-08:002011-02-24T12:22:16.240-08:00Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Goes to the Northwest Women's Show!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss will be participating in the 23rd Northwest Women's Show coming up Friday-Sunday, March 4-6!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The event features all sorts of exhibits of interest to women - actually, of interest to everybody. Free samples are abundant, and there are numerous stage presentations. Check out the show's website, <a href="http://www.nwwomenshow.com/">http://www.nwwomenshow.com/</a> for details.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>You are bound to find something of interest to you, provided that you have a pulse(!).</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Located in the Qwest Field Exhibition Center, the NW Women's Show is open the following hours:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Friday 10-5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Saturday 10-6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Sunday 10-5</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Admission is $15 at the door, but check <a href="http://www.nwwomenshow.com/">http://www.nwwomenshow.com/</a> for information about discounted and online ticket availability. Children under 6 are admitted free.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss is offering a Northwest Women's Show special: one week of OPTIFAST Meal Replacements FREE upon enrollment in a Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Program!</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Come and see us at the Show. We'll have several of our Program Participants ready and willing to share their stories and answer questions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Remember, we're all in this together!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-7922578619089730562011-02-14T09:43:00.000-08:002011-02-14T09:45:27.925-08:00Creating our own Happy Valentine's Day<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does Valentine's Day bring challenges for you? Have you had it up to HERE with flower bouquets, cards, jewelry advertisements - the whole Madison Avenue message that if we were only beautiful enough, thin enough, tall enough, smart enough, and - dare I say it, BLONDE enough - that that knight in shining armour would be arriving - well, by midnight at least?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>How many of us have purchased Valentine's Day candy, even half-priced the day after, just for the sake of having it?</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">How many of us have comforted ourselves - for whatever troubles we are suffering - by eating out of one of those heart-shaped boxes, or unwrapping calorie dense candies from red foil wrappers?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let's put the brakes on! Take a breath. Valentine's Day is a day of sadness for many people! Just as with the Christmas season, Valentine's Day announces to the world when we are without partners, when we don't "qualify" to have a partner, etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The expectations can be staggering. What if you do have a partner and he/she doesn't acknowledge Valentine's Day at all? How should <em><u>you</u></em> acknowledge the day?</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We recommend that you take a page from our Holiday Program advice: buy your own Valentine - the one you really want. (Provided it's not damaging food, and provided that your kids are taken care of!)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Find a non-food reward to celebrate the meaning of Valentine's Day as a day of love, including love of yourself! (If you have no ideas, think "spa.") Humph.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Be alert to the invitations for sabotage that swirl around us in this season. Take a breath, and thank yourself for the outstanding efforts you extend on your own behalf.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy Valentine's Day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-2676670995721686982011-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:002011-01-31T21:45:03.590-08:00Announcing our February "Pound-for-Pound" Food Drive<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our members has lost approximately one hundred pounds! She's planning to celebrate by having a neighborhood party where guests bring food donations - the goal being to collect one hundred pounds of food for the food bank.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">What a wonderful way to celebrate! Not only did our Superstar lose her weight, but she's passing that benefit on to her community.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We thought the idea was so great, we decided to launch our own project: the February "Pound-for-Pound" Food Drive! Our goal is to collect 600 cans of food in honor of the 600 pounds of weight lost by our Program Participants. </span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We'll invite our other patients to participate also - and we'll sweeten the pot with a few Gift Card drawings just to keep it interesting.</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6zHlwKVaQemIoRb6VfgbtnPSzZ6-6xqEl-6wUBxYRLapwJC4ApYDEHv3Yw1jb4JGwWFDgz-qpb8qorqjaQr16A4e32yLpGKwJNxLjV50zgCblag5hAHRO1Cq-eLIw14Jnm0xscN_wCA/s1600/ButterflyBG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6zHlwKVaQemIoRb6VfgbtnPSzZ6-6xqEl-6wUBxYRLapwJC4ApYDEHv3Yw1jb4JGwWFDgz-qpb8qorqjaQr16A4e32yLpGKwJNxLjV50zgCblag5hAHRO1Cq-eLIw14Jnm0xscN_wCA/s320/ButterflyBG.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a special group of people we have! We realize that any weight loss program is challenging, but we are delighted by our progress. Lives are changing at Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss! And this group is sharing its victories with our larger community.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">After all, we're all in this together!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span></div>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-23741735462262595882011-01-06T10:29:00.000-08:002011-01-06T10:29:36.312-08:00Clothing Give-and-Take<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we are shrinking, we are emptying our closets of our old standby garments - and making room for new, smaller things.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We've invited our members to bring their old, but well-loved items to our Clothing Give-and-Take Bin. As other members shrink into new, smaller sizes, they're welcome to help themselves.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">After about a month, if unclaimed by our OPTIFAST Group members, these items will be given to the ICU Family Liason Office at Harborview Medical Center. In the midst of crises, families come with their loved ones to stay at the bedside for weeks on end. Many arrive in pajamas in the chaos of trauma.</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">These family members often need clothing - jeans, sweaters, etc. - as they often arrive with no personal items at all!</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What a pleasure it is to know that our "cast-offs" can help not only our members, but families in crisis. The Director mentioned that clothing in "S-M-L" sizes are easier to come by than larger sizes, so our donations can be of great benefit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-44980714042060624152011-01-05T10:10:00.000-08:002011-01-05T10:14:15.068-08:00New Year Brings New Group Schedule<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess it's predictable. The holidays have passed, and it's time to get serious about fitness and weight management. The health clubs are full, with new members making good on their New Year's resolutions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>And for many people struggling with weight management, New Year's is the time to start - or start again.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To that end, our membership is up, and we now have instituted two Group Sessions per week. You may come to one or both. The curriculum content will be repeated. But with any group, the same content can change dramatically given the dynamics of the specific grorup.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Group times are as follows:</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> Mondays 12 noon - l pm</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> Wednesdays 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Groups are held in the Second Floor Conference Room at 200 W. Mercer, just upstairs from our office at Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So welcome. If you haven't tried the Groups, give them a try. We know that weight loss is maximal in folks who attend Groups regularly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We promise never to "call you out." You can particiate as vocally or as quietly as you wish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Plus, you might learn even one small thing that makes a difference in your own Program, in your own life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">See you in Group!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-90868317231274027662010-12-13T08:39:00.000-08:002010-12-13T08:39:31.496-08:00Join Our Google Group!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are happy to announce that we have started a Google Group for more intimate on-line support. Please contact Program Director Brian Grev for more information (<a href="mailto:brian@queenannemedicalweightloss.com">brian@queenannemedicalweightloss.com</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>Even though we have only recently started our program, our members have lost a total of over FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our members are working very hard, exploring tough issues such as stress management, personal responsibility, and time management. We are all learning....</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">"It's not just about the weight!"</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our members consistently report that they feel better and have more energy. They are able to do more physical activity than they were able to do before joining the Program. We're able to reduce medications for blood pressure control and diabetes. And they are getting wonderful validation by following their improving lab tests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">For our members, we are forecasting a brighter 2011.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Remember, we're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-61798879196709506692010-10-28T13:20:00.000-07:002010-10-28T13:22:45.696-07:00Holiday Strategies<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you secretly dread the holidays? That season beginning with mega-bags of Halloween candy, and extending through a plentiful Thanksgiving meal, holiday banquets, and ending with New Year's appetizers and cocktails? The days when we:</span></strong><br />
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<ul><li><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Eat too much </span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Drink too much</span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Overload our already-crowded schedules</span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Exercise too little</span></strong></li>
<li><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Spend high-pressure time with people we'd otherwise not even see?</span></strong></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Arial;">This Wednesday's Group session: 5:15 - 6:15 on Wednesday, November 3rd will be devoted to examining this "festive" time of year. How can we strategize to continue and maintain our weight management? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>Join our Wednesday Group this week as we plan to take control of our holidays and make them joyful and productive for us all.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-974068842845779021.post-19869515578346293942010-10-13T08:15:00.000-07:002010-10-13T08:17:38.713-07:00Queen Anne Medical Weight Loss Graduates its First Group<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations to our very first group of winners who began our program in June 2010!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We've seen remarkable weight loss achievements. We've embraced physical activity - with nearly everyone tackling exercise with a new zeal.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've learned that you can go through a personal crisis without scones, muffins, or those giant hospital cookies! Who knew?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our group participants have been very conscious: working hard at understanding their own patterns of weight challenge. Most of us have gained and lost before. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">We raise the slightly scary and ever-present question: why should we be able to maintain our weight loss more effectively <u>now</u>?</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">In my opinion, it's because <u>we</u> truly are different: with new tools and a better understanding of our own underlying truths.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Plus, we have the opportunity to continue to meet as a group for that exceptional group support. </span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">So, congratulations to our Winners. Keep it up.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We're all in this together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Linda Gromko, MD</span>LindaGromkoMDTransgenderBooks.blogspothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18075274561545354491noreply@blogger.com0