As a pharmacy technician at CVS, Donna Grundy has many customers who take medication for diabetes. "I've seen a lot of people have to increase their medication because they don't change their diet and exercise habits," she says. So when Donna was told that she had pre-diabetes last June, she decided to do all she could to turn her health around. She called Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and connected with Cathy O'Horo, a BCBSRI Dietitian Care Coordinator, to help her do it. Cathy sent Donna a kit with diabetes information and talked to Donna regularly over the phone to help her meet her health goals.
How did you improve your health?
"I cut out white flour and started eating whole grains and lots of fruits and vegetables. I also started walking and lifting two- or three-pound weights. I've lost over 50 pounds and my blood sugar is normal."
How did your Care Coordinator help?
"Cathy explained where my blood sugar should be, what foods I should be eating, and how to keep logs of what I ate. She also talked to me about ways to reduce stress, which can affect blood sugar. Now I relax by doing crossword puzzles or going to the beach."
How would you encourage others to make lifestyle changes?
I'd say that if they really want to improve their health, they can do it. I feel a lot better now, and I don't want to ever turn back.
Cathy O'Horo
BCBSRI Dietitian Care Coordinator
Cathy has a master's degree in Public Health and has been a registered dietitian since 1994. A BCBSRI employee for eight years, Cathy says her favorite part of the job is helping people improve their overall quality of life by improving their eating habits and exercise routines. She says, "I get to know our members as individuals—their daily work and home routines, whether they have children—so we can set realistic goals. My ultimate goal is to not only improve the member's health, but also impact the health of the whole family."
