November 15, 2006
William Nicholas
William Nicholas: "With the right information,I can do almost anything."
YKHC Healthy Hearts Program
When many of us are just starting our workday, William Nicholas is finishing up his night shift as the Housekeeping Assistant Supervisor at YKHC. Instead of heading home for some well-deserved sleep, William is gearing up for his 30-minute workout at YKHC's Wellness Center, something he does five times a week. Since starting this workout schedule two months ago, he's seen several positive changes. He's sleeping better, his blood pressure is improving, and he's even lost some weight. William tracks his progress frequently.
"With the right information, I can do almost anything"
William reads this mantra at least twice a day. It's from an advertisement for a blood glucose meter, written on the front of his blood sugar log. "I read that all the time when I log my sugar--when I wake up and when I go to sleep." For William, knowing the right information has gotten him a long way. Knowing his blood sugar, when to take insulin, and healthy food choices are the result of his efforts to make a difference in his health. The path towards better health began even before he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, when William just wasn't feeling good.
The signs of a problem
"I kept passing out and getting sick," said William, "I passed out right in front of the doctor. The next thing I knew I was in a wheelchair and they were giving me insulin. That's when I found out I had this thing for life." William's blood sugar was out of control. "After that, I started reading about diabetes and changing my diet. I just wanted to be informed, I got it for life."
Since then, William is feeling much better. His A1C, which measures an average of a person's blood sugar level over three months, has gone down substantially, but it has taken a lot of effort.
Gaining control
A big part of reaching the A1C goal and controlling his blood sugar levels was for William the hardest part about having diabetes - taking insulin or "dealing with the pins and needles." When he first was diagnosed in 2004, he was testing his blood sugar many times a day to make sure his body was reacting appropriately to the level of insulin. Now he only needs to check it two times a day.
Reasons for change
After experiencing the hardship of losing his brother to alcoholism, William decided to make a positive change in his own life, not only for himself, but also for his two young grandkids. "I never would have thought I would have grandkids, but that's what happens when you have kids." And being a grandpa means that he's setting an example for his future generations.
Feeling better
"Since I started exercising I don't need the muscle relaxers or sleeping pills and I started sleeping better." Since his regular exercise routine, he has cut out the muscle relaxers and the sleeping pills. He has them available if he needs them, but so far, he's feeling pretty good.
The Healthy Hearts Program congratulates William on his progress!
William works hard and sets a great example. He still has goals to reach and areas to work on, but he's at a great place, working every day. He even talks about taking up running again; the last time he did that was in college. As William says, "It's got to do with attitude, change, and courage. Those three are the big ones. Exercise and trying to get healthier and keep going down that path."
Healthy Hearts membership is open for those wanting to make changes in their health. It is available for Alaska Natives over 18 diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Please call Healthy Hearts at 543-6999or 1-800-478-4471 ext. 6999 for more information.