Hospital District Begins First Health & Wellness Program for HIV/AIDS Patients

A constant clank of dumbbells and the soft buzz of a treadmill accentuate two minigyms at Thomas Street Clinic as Robert Sandoval, physical therapist; Tony Waguespack, physical therapist assistant; and Tammy Zednick, physical therapist technician, put patients through the motions toward wellness.

The three are coordinating the Harris County Hospital District's first Health and Wellness Program for HIV/AIDS patients. Since its start two months ago, 20 patients have begun the health and wellness program that combines weight training and health education. Annually, nearly 3,500 county residents use Thomas Street Clinic for its outpatient services and programs.

"Promoting wellness in our HIV/AIDS patients is important because it has a direct correlation to their survival," Sandoval said. "In addition, the healthier they are, the less health care they'll need from Thomas Street or any other hospital district facility. The ultimate goal is to instill healthier living and reduce the utilization of health care resources."

Thomas Street Clinic's Health and Wellness Program is available to current hospital district patients over the age of 18 who are diagnosed as HIV-positive. They must sign a release of liability form and have physician approval to participate.

In addition to weights and a treadmill, the minigyms are equipped with exercise equipment including a donated Universal weight center, a pulley-weight system, two exercise bikes and a Total Gym exercise machine.

"We have a lot of support from the community," Zednick said.

Once admitted into the program, patients are given an initial interview and then placed on a three-month regimen. They must also attend monthly one-hour sessions on a variety of health topics. The clinic's nutritionist will be involved by counseling patients on sound eating habits.

The program can accommodate up to six patients an hour from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., five days a week. Expert advice on technique is provided by Sandoval and Waguespack, who are both certified trainers by the International Weightlifting Association.

"We know that by helping our patients maintain and improve the amount of lean body mass, they can prevent the recurrence of some infections and illnesses," Waguespack said. "Our goal is to make them know-ledgeable about wellness and help them develop healthy habits and behaviors that they can incorporate into their daily lives."

For more information call (713) 793-4090.

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