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TLC Program

Friday, July 27, 2012

 U.S.  Marine Corps and Army National Guard Veteran William Brown struggled with his weight and blood sugar for years before starting the Telephone Lifestyle Coaching (TLC) program at VA Butler Healthcare. TLC is a telephone-based service to help Veterans work on health goals they have identified as important for them. The program teaches Veterans how to live a healthier lifestyle today and in the future. 

Veterans in the TLC program receive scheduled phone calls from a health coach who checks in with them to see how they are doing with their healthy lifestyle goals. They also receive workbooks to help guide them and provide information to support the coaching calls. 

William completed nine calls with his health coach. “It’s nice talking to someone who’s not judging you,” he said. “It’s nice being able to make plans and go over them—getting that follow up. The coach’s support helped me stay on track because I was accountable to someone besides myself.”

Veterans can focus on any combination of the following six healthy lifestyle goals:

• Strive for a Healthy Weight
• Be Tobacco Free
• Be Physically Active
• Eat Wisely
• Limit Alcohol
• Manage Stress

During the program, William’s goal was to strive for a healthy weight and ultimately lose 10 pounds. He not only met that goal, but also ended up setting two more short term goals of two pounds each, which he also met. Since the program has ended, he has lost a total of 16 pounds, decreased his Body Mass Index (BMI), and dropped is A1C (blood sugar). “I thought I’d need to have medications increased and I wouldn’t lose the weight. Neither of those things happened. I feel more confident now.”

Today William is following a diabetic meal plan, walking daily, and doing strength training to stay healthy. “I feel better. I don’t feel as tired and worn out all the time. I think it (TLC) helps a lot, and I’d recommend it to anyone.”

For more information on TLC, Veterans may call their health care team at VA Butler Healthcare or the Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Program Manager at 724-285-2292.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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