Serving Our Seniors Magazine - July - Sept 2024

Pattie Agee, age 61, used to feel sick, down and defeated. She went to see Dr. Cundiff, at Firelands Center for Coordinated Care. At that time, she could hardly walk and was relying on a wheelchair. When she met Dr. Cundiff, “I could see that getting healthy is very important to him.” She didn’t believe she could lose weight and become healthy. She could not see how this was possible for her. Dr. Cundiff arranged for her to learn how to eat and how to exercise. What she learned about eating was interesting, but didn’t know if she could do it. It was difficult. “Anytime you are used to eating one way, you get stuck in this rut. It is hard to get out of that rut. Sadly, some people don’t make it out, but a small percentage does. That small percentage includes me.” Through supervised exercise at Firelands Health’s cardiac rehabilitation facility, she credits Exercise Physiologist, Ms. Madison Rospert, for her improved fitness. “She was so positive. There was just something about her… She was real serious and adamant about her ability to help me.” She also likes the exercising atmosphere. “I felt good when I walked in the door. I didn’t feel out of place.” She exercises two to three days/week for one hour. She works at her own pace. “I have met so many beautiful people where I exercise. We all want to get the weight down and feel better.” She met a man who started when she started. “He has lost 50lb. He looks amazing. When you see that, you go home and YOU start to do better.” In the last year Pattie lost 27 lb. She confesses that she and the other participants have days when they want to quit. “But we encourage each other and keep one another going.” Personally, Pattie leans on her faith and the promise, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Today, going to the doctor is a positive experience. She is losing weight and she is healthier. If you can identify with Pattie, she wants you to know, “There is help and there is hope.” Call 419-557-6550. She’s Getting Healthier in Later Life Firelands Physician Group Sandusky Orthopedics offers the expertise to diagnose and treat your musculoskeletal conditions including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Care for Every Body Sandusky Orthopedics We offer: • Total hip replacement surgery - anterior approach • Robotic-assisted partial and total knee replacement • Shoulder, hand and trauma surgery • Physical therapy on-site • X-ray on-site Call 419-625-4900 to schedule an appointment. 6