Date: April 28, 2012

Time: 8:00am till after lunch

Location: Diabetes and Endocrine Institute

Cost: $20 per person including lunch. Preregistration required. Registration limited to the first 120 paid registrants.

Sakura Matsuri Hanami

It is time again for our Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Matsuri Hanami)!

After Attendance at this Program…

- You will be educated about your diabetes!
- You will be motivated to take charge of your diabetes!
- You will have refreshed your outlook about your health!
- You will have your stomach full!
- You will be licking your lips!
- You will be smiling and laughing!

Program highlights

- Gourmet Japanese luncheon and cooking demonstration by a culinary artist
- Exhibits featuring the latest in diabetes technologies and diabetes management supplies
- Workshops on relaxation
- Special guest speakers
- A fun, stimulating, and highly educational diabetes game show
- Raffle with numerous prizes

Sakura

The sakura flower, also known as cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan. The blooming of these delicate and beautiful blossoms usually occurs around the end of March or beginning of April, triggering a nationwide celebration in Japan. The beauty of a sakura is transitory, as the blooming season of these flowers lasts only about a week. Consequently, the Japanese have associated the sakura’s short blooming season with life’s fleeing presence. For these reasons, in Japan, sakura are held with the highest reverence. Ceremonies are held to pay homage to these blossoms which symbolize an omen of good fortune, love and affection, and the transient nature of life.

The sakura is a symbol of hope because the intensity and exuberance of the blossom bestows us with the license to look forward to things to come with optimism and hope.

The sakura is a symbol of humanity because the briefness of the blooming season serves as a reminder that life is too short to waste away and that we must live life to the fullest!

Let the Sakura Flower Inspire You!

In the same tradition, we hold our 7th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival to pay homage to the sakura flower. Let the delicacy and beauty of these flowers inspire you to renew your commitment to your diabetes and to rejuvenate your human spirit!

For people in a service business, it is important to consider the perspective of the customer. It is not just about the service itself, it is also about the “experience” of the service. From first contact to final payment, your customers are creating impressions about your business. Every customer interaction has the potential to help create a raving fan or fuel a vocal critic. Great service is hard to scale. I often see it successfully done when businesses are small, but much fewer are able to maintain outstanding service as they grow. It takes talented people and precise systems to actually scale world-class service. However, in a competitive marketplace, it can be the difference that makes or breaks your company. Healthcare is one arena that is very challenging, but also filled with great opportunities for outstanding service.

Dr. Wayne Woo, an endocrinologist and founder of The Diabetes and Endocrine Institute, understands what it means to value the perspective of his patients. When you first step into the waiting room, you know something is different. Instead of a cold waiting room with magazines from the 90s, you feel like you have just stepped into someone’s living room. He furnished his waiting area with comfortable furniture, and he decorated the walls with vibrant art. In fact, the waiting room is just the start of what is different about his practice. Dr. Woo filled his office with art and creative decorations. Besides being an endocrinologist specializing in treating diabetes, Dr. Woo is also a diabetes educator. In fact, he was named a finalist for National Diabetes Educator of the Year by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. His building contains a large seating area where regular training workshops are held for patients. In addition, his wife, Pat, has a kitchen on-site where she shows patients how to whip up delicious and healthful meals. Dr. Woo is known for making diet friendly desserts as well.

Dr. Woo and his staff host four large events a year for their patients. In February, they celebrate the Chinese New Year and refocus their patients on living healthfully in the upcoming year. In April, they host a Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate hope and renewal. In August, they hold a Hollywood Star Program complete with a red carpet for the patients to walk down, and in November, they bring everyone in for a Thanksgiving celebration and to remind them how to make smart eating choices during the holidays.

As he stated, “I want this to be a place of hope, healing, and health.” In visiting with Dr. Woo, it was obvious that he was extremely passionate about his patients and his mission. He is a naturally creative person, and he personally designed his practice layout, picked out the décor and even designs his own brochures and marketing materials.

Dr. Wayne Woo’s lively waiting room

Physicians today are facing the squeeze between large hospital organizations and large practices, so it is rare to see such a successful independent physician practice. I quizzed Dr. Woo about this and he noted, “First and foremost, you have to take care of patients and provide a high level of patient satisfaction.” He also emphasized that you “be cognizant of your overhead” and make sure that you “stay on top of your billing.” In other words, you have to keep a keen eye on your cash flow and bottom line if you want to be successful. These are words of wisdom no matter what your business. My own observation is that Dr. Woo is a great example of the adage “do what you love, and you will love what you do.” He goes the extra mile because he cares about his patients and truly enjoys his practice. He brings his creativity to the practice of medicine in a way that is inspiring and motivational to his patients. Mississippi has many excellent physicians and healthcare systems. My hope is that more and more providers will “go the extra mile” to provide a patient experience that will make Jackson and the state a regional destination for healthcare.
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Up Close With …
Dr. Wayne Woo
Title: Owner, The Diabetes and Endocrine Institute
Favorite Business Book: Walden (Henry David Thoreau)
First Job: “I volunteered in hospital and research laboratories. I also learned how to be a very good typist so I was able to pay my way through college working nights and weekends as a typist.”
Proudest Moment as a Leader: “After I opened my new location, I was featured on the front page of the newspaper, and I realized that I was really living my dream.”

Dr. Wayne Woo, endocrinologist and diabetes educator of the Diabetes and Endocrine Institute in Flowood, creates diabetic-friendly desserts for his patients such as this oreo chocolate fantasy cheesecake. He serves the desserts during nutrition classes at his clinic throughout the year / thinkWEBSTORE.com/Special to The Clarion-Ledger

Controlling blood sugar during the holidays may be a feat for some diabetics, but it doesn’t have to take extraordinary efforts.

Dr. Wayne Woo, an endocrinologist and certified diabetes educator, says some diabetics deal with the holidays all wrong.

Dr. Wayne Woo

“They think it’s a depressing time or ignore it. They think, ‘I can’t eat anything,’ ” says Woo. “We want to teach that’s a myth.”

Throughout the year, Woo holds nutrition classes for his patients teaching and serving them alternatives to high-carb, high-fat and sugary foods from recipes he, along with his wife, Pat, have created.

Just in time for the holidays, a class titled “Celebrate the Holidays with Joe” will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Woo’s clinic – Diabetes and Endocrine Institute in Flowood – and is open to the public. During the event, Woo will serve food and teach participants how to prepare meals healthier.

At past holiday events, Woo has given attendees tips on cooking turkey, serving more vegetables instead of starchy foods and replacing holiday classics such as pumpkin pie and pecan pie with his own recipes for pecan bourbon cheesecake and pecan pound cake.

“The bourbon brings out the flavor,” in the cheesecake, he says.

His diabetic-friendly desserts may include Splenda, low-fat cream cheese and less butter. Instead of a scoop of ice cream on top, he advises patients to try nonfat Cool Whip topping.

Along with alternatives to food, Woo says patients should exercise during the holidays and check blood sugar constantly.

When it comes to holiday parties and other gatherings, always plan ahead. He suggests calling the hostess to find out what’s on the menu so you know what you’re dealing with before you arrive. Once at a party, limit portion sizes, avoid drinks that are often loaded with sugar and say, “No” or “I’m watching my weight” when offered things you know you shouldn’t have.

Having a snack before a meal will help prevent overindulging on a heavy, holiday meal, too. He suggests keeping meals balanced with the right amount of protein and vegetables and limit starchy rice, pasta and butterbeans, for example.

If you just have to have a classic starchy food such as cornbread dressing, seek an alternative. Pat Woo revamped the dish using tofu instead of bread and folks came back for seconds during a class.

Being creative is what Beth Biedenharn of Madison does for her daughter Gracie, 7, who has type 1 diabetes.

They take a tiny apple, peel it, and sprinkle it with cinnamon and Truvia for a sweet treat.

“She loves that,” Biedenharn says.

Gracie was diagnosed in 2008, and her mom admits her new diet has been an adjustment.

“I feel like I had a crash course three years ago. You totally think different about what you’re eating. What’s nice is so much is available now with artificial sweeteners.”

As for the holidays, Biedenharn may tweak some dishes, but they will have the typical holiday menu. The whole family concentrates on eating proper portion size.

“My child loves turkey and vegetables. She has everything just like everybody else. It is actually healthier for everyone.”

Biedenharn says the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is a great resource for how to eat healthy. Mississippi ranks second in the nation with diabetes prevalence.

The advice diabetes educators give for navigating tempting meals during the holidays is advice that can help the masses.

But even with all the information, Woo emphasizes the holidays aren’t really about food.

“I want patients to stay positive and focus on their health. This is a time for family and fun. You can stay on track.”

Source: http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011111150342

Stay tuned for next series of educational pump sessions.

On many occasions I was hospitalized for long periods of time. Unfortunately, the proper treatment of diabetes was unknown or misunderstood by medical personnel. Eventually, I was introduced to the Insulin Pump. Again, I encountered medical personnel that were completely unaware of the workings of the Pump and consequently could offer no instructions on how to use it. I asked a Pharmaceutical Representative for the name of an Endocrinologist. He was very pleased to provide me with a name, stating that help was on the way.

Eventually, in 2002, I met Dr. Wayne Woo. Immediately, I recognized that this Physician had a thorough understanding of Diabetes. He assessed my condition and rearranged many of my priorities. He also, educated me regarding the importance of Exercise, Glucose Monitoring, Carbohydrates, Grocery Shopping and Cooking.

Today, I can say that my Diabetes is maintained at a highly disciplined level. I know that my current focus and good health is due to Dr. Woo. Often, I say to myself, “what-would-my-state-of-health-be” were it not for his commitment to medical excellence.

Diabetics across the nation are preparing to live the holiday season, and there are life choices to be made. With holidays approaching, people get excited about taking breaks and spending time with loved ones.  Some feel the pressures of preparation.  If you have diabetes, you may have bigger decisions to make than the rest of the population.

As holidays arrive, the homes fill with presents and the table tops fill with sugar.  While some people are deciding between peppermint and chocolate, diabetics are making a more important lifestyle choice.  If you guessed that choice is “do I eat sweets?”, then you are not privy to the entire picture.  The diabetic decision is to not change and ignore their condition, or to choose a path of longer life, and a life with a much higher quality.

The decision of life is what Dr. Wayne Woo preaches to all of his patients.  His passion around this mission has changed the way he interacts with his patients and the diabetic community as a whole.  Dr. Woo volunteers his time to spearhead important programs and events open to the diabetic community.  He hosts several festivals focused on diabetic education and he, his wife Pat Woo, his family and staff join together to cook feasts for his patients and their friends to demonstrate how delicious a healthy life style can be.  Vendors arrive and set up stations to demonstrate the latest technologies, and the banquet room is converted into a conference hall where educational sessions are held for the entire group.

Dr. Woo, who has been nationally recognized as one of three Diabetic Educators of the Year, has also been piloting a combination program for his patients.  It is like a “The Biggest Loser” program, but tailored for diabetics.  It combines diet, exercise and close monitoring, and it has helped a few patients facing the “life style” decision to turn their life around, and with it their quality of living and life expectancy.  Participants have benefited from significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular health in addition to psychological benefits.

The holidays are approaching.  If you know someone with diabetes, and you see them avoiding sweets, know that diet is just one of the smaller choices that are part of the larger choice — choosing life.  We choose to eat healthily, exercise and reduce our stress because we choose to enjoy life, enjoy our families and be with them for as many years to come as our life grants us.  It just doesn’t make life sense to cut our time with loved ones short.

Dr. Wayne Woo is an Endocrinologist, not just a General Practitioner, and is the most recognized Diabetes Educator in the area.  His 10000 square foot facility is used regularly to host events and showcase life style choices for patients with diabetes and other endocrine related diseases and disorders.

The Diabetes and Endocrine Institute is located just off of Lakeland Drive next to The Courthouse gym in Flowood.  New patients can call (601) 932-1223 to set up an appointment or to arrange an initial consultation. You can visit their website at www.diabetesandendocrineinstitute.org or by going to www.drwoo.org.

I first met Dr. Wayne Woo in January, 2002. My husband had been
diagnosed with type 2 diabetes the month before, followed by a heart attack in
January. I asked our primary care physician for a referral to an endocrinologist,
and that’s how we found ourselves in Dr. Woo’s office. As the wife of a diabetic, I
was included in every step of my husband’s education and treatment. Dr. Woo required
his patients to have several sessions with a Certified Diabetes Educator in order
that they might understand their disease and how to manage it. Family members
were strongly encouraged to attend these sessions, as diabetes isn’t simply an
individual’s problem; it involves the family and its life style. Based on the
education sessions we went to and further reading from the numerous booklets
and other printed material that Dr. Woo gave his patients, I felt that I had a fairly
good grasp of diabetes and how it affects the body. I just thought I had a good
grasp of diabetes … there was so much more to learn!

When I had my annual physical in December, 2005, I was somewhat
concerned by my marginally elevated fasting blood glucose and Hemoglobin A1c
as well as my very high LDL and Triglycerides, so I took a copy of my lab work
with me to Dale’s next appointment for Dr. Woo to see. He felt I showed signs of
pre-diabetes, so I became his patient, too. This made it truly a family affair!
Soon after that, I had lumbar surgery, which pushed me over the line into full type
2 diabetes. Dale and I became regular attendees of Dr. Woo’s twice-a-month
evening education sessions, taught with the help of a series of PowerPoint
presentations developed by Dr. Woo, based on a fictitious character named
Diabetic Joe, the average Mississippi diabetic. Dr. Woo had become certified in
Diabetes Education himself! The PowerPoint presentations were supplemented
by patient participation in quizzes and games, and Mrs. Woo’s demonstrations of
how to prepare foods in a diabetic-friendly manner without sacrificing flavor and
eye-appeal. Each education session included our evening meal, so we wouldn’t
get our meals off-schedule through the two-hour session. I had placed my health
in capable hands.

Four times a year, Dr. Woo has a special event, including a special dinner.
These events are Chinese New Year, Cherry Blossom Festival (when diabetic
supply vendors show us their products), Be a Star (tips on how to be your best
with diabetes), and the end-of-year holiday banquet. Each of these occasions
includes a sumptuous feast of diabetic-friendly foods, along with a cooking
demonstration. Dr. Woo himself prepares dessert from one of the many recipes
he has developed himself. When has one of your doctors cooked for you? This
is just one small indication of how dedicated to his patients Dr. Woo is. I would
truly not like to think I had to deal with my diabetes without Dr. Woo’s help.

With deepest gratitude,

Dorothy W.

It is surprising in today’s world of advanced medicine that so many patients with diabetes, thyroid disease and other endocrine disorders don’t understand their disease or their treatment.  While a family physician or OB/GYN is knowledgeable and capable of managing these conditions, patients can better benefit from more specialized attention beyond that offered from a comprehensive, routine exam.  Many of these conditions are life long and require a more focused approach that incorporates the ever-changing world of medicine and treatment options.  Thus, while primary care providers are highly trained in all areas of medicine, many refer patients to endocrinologists.

Many disorders associated with the endocrine system involve other systems in your body. In addition to diabetes and thyroid problems, endocrinologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions such as metabolic disorders, hypertension, osteoporosis and the over or underproduction of hormones.  Having a more in-depth knowledge of the pathophysiology and treatment modalities, endocrinologists can optimize patient outcomes, as they are well versed in the most recent clinical data and medication options.  A treatment schedule and regular follow-ups are necessary to efficiently monitor blood work, physical changes, the effects of the medications and evaluate the risks for potential adverse side effects.  Additionally, an endocrinologist is able to offer lifestyle recommendations which result in a more balanced and enhanced quality of life.

By seeing an endocrinologist, patients may avoid spending thousands of dollars in doctor visits and hospitalizations.  There is no doubt, that if mismanaged or left untreated, endocrine disorders can cause many problems such as chronic fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, weight changes and generalized aches and pains.  There is no reason that anyone should suffer from these or any other problems associated with the endocrine system.

If you are ready to take charge of your health and life, you owe it to yourself to ask your family doctor about an endocrinology referral.

Dr. Wayne Woo, of the Diabetes and Endocrine Institute, is a board certified endocrinologist, a certified clinical densitometrist, a certified diabetes educator, a thyroid sonographer and is wound care certified.  In addition to being a nationally recognized ADA provider, Dr. Woo is being presented with an award as one of the top three diabetic educators in the United States for 2010 by the American Association of Diabetes Educators.  He has devoted his life to helping patients overcome the challenges of diabetes and endocrine disorders.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Woo, please contact the Diabetes and Endocrine Institute
at (601) 932-1223. You can also visit the website at www.diabetesandendocrineinstitute.org or by
going to www.drwoo.org.

Thirty-five years with the Jackson Police Department left Robert Graham with an unexpected health burden – Type 2 diabetes.

Graham, now a reserve officer and current president of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, was also commander of the 911 Dispatch Center for 10 years while at the department.

That experience on both sides of the radio contributed to the onset of the chronic condition which affects millions of people in the nation.

Sitting in patrol cars for 10-12 hours, not exercising, eating fried foods and high-carb foods day and night and handling high-stress calls at a moment’s notice led to what Graham calls “the perfect storm” to cause Type 2 diabetes.

But what really weighs heavy on his mind is that other officers, or those in any type of emergency response career, may not admit to having a problem.

To address the issue, Graham is writing a book he plans to title Dispatching with Diabetes, The Perfect Storm.

“It’s nothing to play with. Don’t hide it. Come out of the closet. Nobody’s gonna think any worse of you,” Graham says. As officers, “We don’t want anyone to think that we are not in control.”

Dr. Wayne Woo, of the Diabetes & Endocrine Institute in Flowood, is familiar with officers’ battle with diabetes.

“Unfortunately, I manage a lot of police officers,” says Woo, who teaches an Eating on the Go class to his patients.

“It’s a matter of choices and some don’t want to make that choice.”

Some won’t take medications, and Woo knows one person who refuses to wear a prescribed insulin pump.

“It’s like they don’t want to own it,” Woo says.

Jackson Police Department Assistant Chief Lee Vance says he doesn’t know how many of the 430 officers in the department may have the condition, but, “The department encourages healthy living and things to promote wellness within our ranks.”

As for officers intentionally not revealing their diabetic status because of concern of appearing inferior, Vance says, “I’ve never heard that notion.”

But Graham says he knows it’s a valid concern because he lived it. “I did not want anyone to know. I didn’t let anyone know.” He’d purposely schedule appointments with his endocrinologist early in the morning or late in the evening to ensure no one saw him.

“I have a lot of good friends on the Highway Patrol, the sheriff’s office and everything, and I know they’re hiding it.”

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin has lived with Type 2 diabetes for many years. He’s never felt inferior about revealing his status.

“That wouldn’t apply to me. I’ve got an ego as big as this building,” he said, laughing.

“I think that some people probably do think that that would be a sign of weakness. There probably are people who would be sensitive about it.”

McMillin, who has been sheriff 20 years and worked at JPD 14, does share Graham’s concerns about how the condition affects those in law enforcement. There are about 500 employees in the Sheriff’s Department.

He says “there’s no question” some officers start off their career healthy and the nature of the job ruins their health.

“I’ve lost officers as a result of diabetes complications, kidney disease, having to go on dialysis, amputations. Diabetes has had an impact on the department and officers individually.”

McMillin takes insulin twice daily, but admits to not checking his blood glucose like he should and not adhering to a proper diet.

“It takes discipline in order to control it. I manage. I could do a lot better,” he says.

Though officers train to be physically fit to join the police force, once their careers begin there’s no incentive to stay fit to meet certain standards for promotion.

“I’d like to see that change,” McMillin says. “I’d like to be required to have to do that same thing to give me a little incentive.”

To save the county and insurance company money, McMillin says a wellness program is needed.

According to Graham, such a program is on the way because the county has a new insurance carrier – Cigna – and a certain amount of money will go toward a wellness program and health fair.

But one program city employees and their families can immediately take advantage of is free fitness wellness classes held at the Jackson Police Department Training Academy Monday through Thursday.

Officer Caesar Hamilton is one of the instructors who teaches exercise and nutrition. He’s heard of programs in Chicago and New York that require officers to maintain fitness but that’s not the case at JPD.

New officers are excited in the beginning and like the way the uniform looks but after two or three years they slack off, Hamilton says.

But he does get calls from those frantic to lose weight after a bad report from a doctor. As for being an officer with diabetes, “You can keep it under control, even heart problems,” Hamilton says.

For the past year, Graham has been a model patient. He lost 30 pounds by eating from a 9-inch plate instead of a 15-inch one, and his wife only cooks one serving of food now, no seconds.

Graham is certain he had diabetes long before he was diagnosed five years ago. His mood was often irritable whenever he hadn’t eaten. He’d hurriedly leave crime scenes because his blood glucose was low, and he was using the restroom up to five times an hour.

“I thought it was part of the aging process. I thought it was because I drank a lot of water,” he says.

Four years after the diagnosis, he started feeling weird and went to his doctor. His glucose was 300.

He got serious about managing the condition and his blood sugar hasn’t been higher than 150. He works with the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi to raise awareness.

Undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to blindness and other damage to eyes; numbness to legs; increase risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

But having the condition doesn’t mean a career in law enforcement is impossible.

“You can be a good officer or deputy sheriff or detention officer and have this disease and maintain and control this yourself,” McMillin says.

No one is saying release your medical history, says Graham, but just know it’s OK to tell others.

“It’s a condition you can live with. Nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not a death sentence.”

To comment on this story, call Shanderia K. Posey at (601) 961-7264.