This is Whole Health: Dr. Megan Wesling
“A patient was referred to HSC Health from a community hospital that was indifferent toward his health and well-being. It had been 20 years since his last primary care visit with the perspective that all was stable until he was hospitalized for diabetic foot infections. Ultimately, the hospitalization revealed a new diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.
“We initiated a continuous glucose monitor, provided comprehensive diabetes education and recommended lifestyle modifications. The patient was empowered in personal decision-making and condition management, which led him to achieve blood glucose control.
“This patient is educated and was employed as a skilled worker. Between his work and family time, he lived at a sustained high-stress level with limited personal time. Health literacy was likely a contributing factor to initial health complications, despite his access to resources and overall education. This just proves the importance of whole health for everyone. Once he knew how much of his health he could control, the patient was motivated and took initiative to guide his own care − to the point where his care team was racing to catch up.”
Dr. Megan Wesling
Clinical Pharmacist
HSC Health Family Medicine Clinic
What areas of whole health are part of this story?
- Self-Care
- Community
- Physical Health
- Financial Health
To learn more about HSC’s Whole Health Initiative, go to unthsc.edu/wholehealth. If you have an example of how you have implemented one or more whole health areas and want to be featured in the “This is Whole Health” series, please email news@unthsc.edu.
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