As a nurse practitioner at UT Health San Antonio’s Wellness 360 clinic, Paula Christianson-Silva has seen firsthand the challenges that her patients with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity face in managing their health. With over 30 years of experience in primary care, she noticed a common trend among her patients: more medications were being prescribed without stopping the decline in their health.
This realization led Christianson-Silva and two colleagues to develop the Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate, a six-month initiative aimed at helping individuals adopt a whole food, plant-based diet. The program encourages participants to move away from animal products and opt for plant-based protein options, providing them with weekly support and guidance throughout the duration of the program.
Through the program, Christianson-Silva has observed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, inflammatory markers, and hemoglobin A1C in diabetic patients. She also notes a reduction in the need for diabetic medications, which she finds particularly rewarding. On average, participants in the program experience a five percent weight loss, but Christianson-Silva emphasizes that the primary goals are improved health and long-term lifestyle changes.
The Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate aims to empower individuals to make sustainable choices that benefit their overall wellbeing. For more information about the program visit the provided link. Science & Medicine is a joint effort between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio showcasing how scientific discoveries in San Antonio can influence medical practices globally.
