LAP-BAND: The New Alternative in Bariatric Surgery
Each year, millions of Americans will exercise and diet in an attempt to lose weight. But for patients who are more than 100 pounds overweight, bariatric (or weight loss) surgery can be a life-saving procedure.

In July, Martin Memorial began utilizing a new bariatric procedure called the LAP-BAND system, in addition to the Roux-en Y gastric bypass procedure already in use by Martin Memorial surgeons. Read more about these two weight-loss surgery procedures.

Martin Memorial Offers a Number of Weight Loss Solutions
Visit the Martin Memorial Center for Health and Healing Web page to learn about private and group weight loss programs.

Get in shape at a Martin Memorial Health and Fitness Center--locations, rates and class schedules are available online.

Or, check out the Martin Memorial Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Web page for information on weight loss surgery and bariatric support groups.

Tues., July 22, 6:30 p.m.
Weight Loss Surgery Educational Session

Thurs., July 24, 12-1 p.m.
Kids' Sports Conditioning Class

Sat., July 26, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Kids' Weight Training Program

Sat., Aug. 9, 7-9 a.m.
Cholesterol Screening in Jensen Beach

Tues., Aug. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Weight Loss Surgery Educational Session

Wed., Aug. 20, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Smoking Cessation Program Begins

For more events,
see the complete calendar.

July's Health-E Recipe

July's recipe is for red, white and blue berry tarts, a patriotic treat!

Learn about nutrition counseling services.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the most recently analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002) showed that 65 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese. Being obese or overweight puts you at increased risk for high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, stroke, dementia, some forms of cancer, and many other health problems.

Because people come in a variety of shapes and sizes, weight isn't always the best predictor of whether a person will develop chronic disease. Instead, doctors look at a number of different factors to identify those who may be at risk for health problems.

Weight Matters: When Willpower Isn't Enough
When you're significantly overweight, nobody has to tell you that you'd probably be happier and healthier without the extra pounds. But what if the weight won't come off, no matter how hard you try?

Willpower alone might not be enough for people who are significantly overweight. If you've honestly tried to lose weight and failed, medications or surgery could be helpful under certain conditions.

Most medical weight-loss programs first try to help you make the long-term behavioral changes necessary to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This includes exercising regularly and eating healthy food.

If you still remain seriously overweight, you and your health care provider might discuss other weight-loss options.

Obese Parents Influence Children's Weight
Obesity is the most common health problem facing children, child health experts say. Twenty-two percent of children and teens are overweight, and 11 percent are obese.

Children whose parents are overweight or obese are at higher risk for becoming obese themselves, studies have shown. One study, in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that for a child under 10, having an obese parent more than doubled the child's risk for becoming an obese adult.

Read more about childhood obesity.