Skip to content

COVID-19 vaccines available in all regions, click here to view the current clinic schedule. Offering Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson.
Information About COVID-19

For Appointments Call 833-350-1113
EnglishSpanish
Patient Portal
Pay My Bill
COVID Vaccine Appointments
Search
Close
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Family Medicine Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Virtual Visits & Telehealth
    • Family Dental Services
    • Family Physical Therapy Services
    • Pharmacy
  • Special Programs
    • Nurse Family Partnership
    • Case Management and Care Coordination
    • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
    • Community Engagement Programs
    • Reach Out & Read
    • Alamosa Rural Training Track
  • For Patients
    • Coronavirus Updates
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient FAQ’s
    • Patient Rights and Responsibilities
    • Insurance and Financial Assistance Program Information
    • Compliance
    • CIIS Registry
    • Transparency in Health Care Prices Act
    • Patient Education
  • Providers
  • Careers
  • Locations
  • Employee Resources
  • Transportation
  • News
  • Contact Us
Menu
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Family Medicine Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Virtual Visits & Telehealth
    • Family Dental Services
    • Family Physical Therapy Services
    • Pharmacy
  • Special Programs
    • Nurse Family Partnership
    • Case Management and Care Coordination
    • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
    • Community Engagement Programs
    • Reach Out & Read
    • Alamosa Rural Training Track
  • For Patients
    • Coronavirus Updates
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient FAQ’s
    • Patient Rights and Responsibilities
    • Insurance and Financial Assistance Program Information
    • Compliance
    • CIIS Registry
    • Transparency in Health Care Prices Act
    • Patient Education
  • Providers
  • Careers
  • Locations
  • Employee Resources
  • Transportation
  • News
  • Contact Us

News

Paula Jiron-Finn, FNP-BC works at our La Junta Clinic.

Many people struggle with their weight. In the article below, Family Nurse Practitioner Paula Jiron-Finn educates us on the effects of obesity, and how committing to living a healthy lifestyle is one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself.

Obesity is defined as excessive weight that may impair health.  One common way to measure this is by body mass index (BMI).  A BMI over 24.9 is considered overweight , 30 or greater is defined as obesity.

Obesity is a chronic disease and therefore the treatment of obesity must be an ongoing lifelong process. Obesity treatment must acknowledge that even modest weight loss can be beneficial. For example, a modest weight loss of 5%-10% of the initial weight, and long-term maintenance of that weight loss can bring significant health gains, including

  • lowered blood pressure
  • reduced blood levels of cholesterol
  • reduced risk of type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes (In the Nurses Health Study, women who lost 5 kilograms [11 pounds] of weight reduced their risk of diabetes by 50% or more.);
  • decreased chance of stroke
  • decreased complications of heart disease
  • decreased overall mortality

The emphasis of treatment should be to commit to the process of lifelong healthy living, including eating more wisely and increasing physical activity.  Eating too much or not being physically active enough will make you overweight. To maintain your weight, the calories you eat must equal the energy you burn. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat. A weight-control strategy might include

  • Choosing low-fat, low-calorie foods
  • Eating smaller portions
  • Drinking water instead of sugary drinks
  • Being physically active-cardiovascular exercise 3-5x/wk x ~ 30-45 min-find a physical activity you you love and do it often!!

Medical science has established that eating proper foods and consistent exercise can positively influence health for all age groups.   The kinds and amounts of food you eat affect your ability to maintain your ideal weight and to lose weight.  You are what you eat.   It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it!

Valley-Wide Health Systems is committed to providing information conducive to a healthy active lifestyle. For more information and to discuss your wellness journey with a provider visit us at valley-widehealth.org.

Google Translate
EnglishSpanish

This post is also available in: English

Patient Portal
Pay My Bill
Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Family Medicine Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Virtual Visits & Telehealth
    • Family Dental Services
    • Family Physical Therapy Services
    • Pharmacy
  • Special Programs
    • Nurse Family Partnership
    • Case Management and Care Coordination
    • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
    • Community Engagement Programs
    • Reach Out & Read
    • Alamosa Rural Training Track
  • For Patients
    • Coronavirus Updates
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient FAQ’s
    • Patient Rights and Responsibilities
    • Insurance and Financial Assistance Program Information
    • Compliance
    • CIIS Registry
    • Transparency in Health Care Prices Act
    • Patient Education
  • Providers
  • Careers
  • Locations
  • Employee Resources
  • Transportation
  • News
  • Contact Us
Menu
  • About Us
  • Services
    • Family Medicine Services
    • Behavioral Health Services
    • Virtual Visits & Telehealth
    • Family Dental Services
    • Family Physical Therapy Services
    • Pharmacy
  • Special Programs
    • Nurse Family Partnership
    • Case Management and Care Coordination
    • Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
    • Community Engagement Programs
    • Reach Out & Read
    • Alamosa Rural Training Track
  • For Patients
    • Coronavirus Updates
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient FAQ’s
    • Patient Rights and Responsibilities
    • Insurance and Financial Assistance Program Information
    • Compliance
    • CIIS Registry
    • Transparency in Health Care Prices Act
    • Patient Education
  • Providers
  • Careers
  • Locations
  • Employee Resources
  • Transportation
  • News
  • Contact Us

Main Office: 128 Market Street, Alamosa, CO 81101 | 719-587-1001
© Valley-Wide Heath Systems, Inc. | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Built by Infront Webworks

Recognized by the American Heart Association (2020)

Accredited/Certified by
HRSA Health Center Program Operational Site Visit

HRSA Recognition: Advancing HIT for Quality

HRSA Recognition: COVID-19 Data Reporter

AAAHC Accreditation

HRSA Recognition: Patient Centered Medical Home

Linkedin-in Twitter Facebook-f Instagram