Unique program approaches wellness from all angles
Written by Brandy Centolanza
Photo by Brian M. Freer
Two years ago during her annual physical exam, Robin Henley’s doctor suggested she lose some weight and lower her cholesterol. Henley had tried a few different weight loss programs without much success until she discovered the local wellness program Strive, run through Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group (TPMG). Now, she is 70 pounds lighter and her cholesterol is down more than 30 points.
Thanks to help and support from a counselor, nutritionist and fitness trainer as well as other patients within the program, Henley has changed her lifestyle and is healthier for it.
“I always knew I was overeating but I didn’t know how to fix my bad habits,” Henley says. “I’ve changed my behaviors. Now, I only eat at the table. I don’t walk around and snack. I’ve also learned to slow down and learned what is enough food for my body. I’ve even started running, which is something that I’ve never dreamed I would do. I think the biggest difference for me with this program was the counseling. I think that has been a huge part of my success.”
The Strive program, the first of its kind in Hampton Roads, was started three years ago by Dr. Michael Potter, who practices orthopaedics and sports medicine with TPMG. Potter’s vision was to use a more holistic approach that aims to heal patients permanently, rather than only in the short-term, through education, guidance and support from a group of physicians working together to aid patients in leading healthier,happier lives.
“I wanted to give patients another option,” Potter says. “This is a healing model based on a patient’s needs. Everyone has different needs.”
The program is individualized, and patients work with a counselor, nutritionist and fitness trainer or all three, depending on their needs. While most patients are recommended by their doctors because of weight concerns, Strive is not just for people looking to lose weight, but to get fit and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
“Strive uses a therapeutic approach to weight management and wellness,” explains Maria Kokolis, the behavioral health counselor for the program. “Most Strive patients will tell you that the behavioral health component to help identify and respond to the negative thinking, negative behaviors and the food and eating issue was instrumental to their success.”
The bulk of patients meet with Kokolis first so that she can help determine what kind of support they need.
“Diet and exercise alone will not be enough for many people,” she says. “In this program, there is a team of professionals to keep you accountable, to educate and guide you and to support you.”
Dietician Gale Pearson works with patients to assess their eating habits.
“I develop a plan of care based on each person’s lifestyle and preferences to help clients achieve weight loss goals,” Pearson says. She also offers advice on reading food labels at the grocery store, ideas for snacks and meals and suggestions for dining out.
Meanwhile, fitness coordinator Tina Keasey sets up patients with an exercise plan, which may include classes such as yoga, bootcamp or Zumba as well as personal training.
“One of the things that makes us different is our ability to work with individuals who have suffered injuries or need guidance as they transition back to full activity,” says Keasey.
“For many who have completed physical therapy, this is a great motivator to stick with a fitness regime. Not only do they not want to get hurt again, but they are encouraged to see how much they can accomplish.”
Becky Molloy has been with Strive since last spring.
“It’s a very comprehensive program,” she says. “I think the individualized attention is what I needed. The discipline that is required to be fit has also helped. I’ve learned a lot about time management. Most people think they are too busy to make time to get fit.”
Molloy didn’t join the program to specifically shed weight, though she is down 12 pounds.
“My weight loss has been wonderful,” she says. “It has enabled me to do other things. I am able to keep up with my grandchildren, I am more energetic and I am overall more fit.”
And that is really the goal of the physicians who work within Strive.
“The progress is not only monitored by the number of pounds lost, but also in emotional and overall physical strength,” Kokolis says. “We have more than 100 patients and success is measured in weight loss, empowerment and change. Individual goals are met. Many of our patients are still with us for continued weekly support.”
Adds Potter: “I think if people find it and follow through with it, they’ll be happier people.”
