Heart Disease.
Cancer.
Diabetes.
These chronic illnesses are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They’re also major contributors to the nation’s excessive health care costs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that an estimated 129 million people live with a chronic health condition.
Living with a chronic disease can feel overwhelming. But as ThedaCare patient Jay Hoffman proved, simple lifestyle changes can profoundly impact your ability to manage or reverse your condition. Having been diagnosed with multiple chronic diseases, he took his health into his own hands and altered the course of his future for the better.
Here’s a glimpse into his journey and the changes he made to improve his quality of life.
A Series of Troubling News
When Jay Hoffman was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes nearly 30 years ago, he was relatively unfazed.
“It didn’t hit me right away about the long-term effects,” Jay says. “I was young and wasn’t thinking ahead to what it would look like as I became more sedentary.”
It didn’t hit me right away … I was young and wasn’t thinking ahead.
Jay Hoffman, ThedaCare Patient
Over time, he started to understand the seriousness of the condition.
“I was prescribed a blood glucose monitoring device and began to see how varied my levels were throughout the day based on what I ate,” he says. “I knew it would fluctuate, but the variations were extreme.”
Subsequently, he began struggling with hyperlipidemia. The condition leads to high levels of fat particles, or lipids, in the blood. Jay then began taking medications to help regulate his cholesterol levels. He also began to detect notable physical changes.
“I noticed issues with my swallowing,” he says. “My wife noticed changes in my face and a slight difference in my gait when I walked, as well as a tremor in my right hand.”
Jay was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in October of 2020. When it seemed matters couldn’t get any worse, he contracted COVID-19.
Turning Point
Hoffman was lucky and survived his battle with COVID-19. But he didn’t walk away unscathed. He had hit the lowest point in his health and found himself left with two options: give up or seek strength from another source.
“A basket full of medications, worsening depression, and a feeling of being completely overwhelmed caused me to cry out in prayer to God,” he says. “I asked him to either heal me or take me home. He wasn’t ready for me to go home, so he sent people into my life who helped guide me through a process of healing and healthy eating.”
Jay got in touch with a trainer who understood Parkinson’s and found a health coach who helped him modify his diet. He began making small and gradual lifestyle changes. Slowly, things began to improve.
“Limiting certain foods and food groups were key in my journey and still are,” Jay says. “I reached my goal weight and decided to keep going. I not only lost weight, but I was able to dream again. I felt like I was truly living.”
His health improved so significantly, he was able to discontinue medications he had taken for years. Even his doctors were blown away.
With his health back on track, Jay wants to inspire others to do the same. Here are a few tips he says were key to his success.
1. Talk with Your Doctor
Ultimately, you need to take charge of your own health. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor as you go through your journey. They can provide expert guidance, answer any questions you may have, and help you stay accountable as you work toward your goals.
“Chronic health conditions are serious,” Jay says. “I consulted with my doctor before I began this journey. He supported me and my decision to work for health — ultimate health.”
2. Build a Social Support Network
Jay experienced many difficult days along his journey. He says having a solid network of supportive family and friends made all the difference.
“There have been many challenges along the way, but my wonderful wife, Linda, is on this journey with me,” Jay says. “Together, we’ve put a lot of safeguards in place to keep us on track.”
3. Exercise
“I walk about 6 to 8 miles a day with my dog Annie,” Jay says. “I also try to get to the gym and have an intense 30-minute workout two to three times a week.”
It’s no secret that exercise essential to losing weight, lowering cardiovascular risk, and improving sleep. On top of that, Jay says it’s rewarding to see how exercise helps him feel better.
4. Start Small
Its normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re just getting started with a new health or fitness routine. But as Jay shared, even the smallest adjustments can have a big impact.
“Every healthy thing you do today will lead to a healthier tomorrow,” he says. “I could barely walk a block at the start of this year. Now I ride a bike regularly and recently completed two 5Ks.”
Every healthy thing you do today will lead to a healthier tomorrow.
Jay Hoffman, ThedaCare Patient
Remember Your Why
As Jay proved, it doesn’t matter where you are in your health journey. It’s never too late to reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. The key is remembering what you’re fighting for.
“Stay strong in your why,” he says. “My why is retirement with my bride, my family, and the prospect of grandchildren. Every challenging moment I’ve experienced on this journey is worth all the future moments I’ll enjoy with them.”
Ready to make a change? Reach out to your provider to discuss your options, and begin the journey to a healthier you.
