Puget Sound Surgical Center

According to a Fox News Report, the H1N1 or swine flu poses a bigger threat to obese people.

Researchers in the public health sectors in California analyzed the first 1,088 hospitalized and fatal cases of H1N1 infection. The study found that out of the 268 cased of adults over 20 who weight was known, 58% were obese with a body index of over 30. Of those people, 67% were morbidly obese with a BMI of 40 or greater.

This correlation of infection to H1N1 and obesity requires more research, however, most researchers agree there is definitely something that is standing out as far as an obesity issue is concerned. There is nothing acutely related with the same seasonal flu.

Mark Corrales hadn’t been able to tie his own shoes in 15 years. He suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, severe gout and degenerative joint disease. Add to that a case of GERD and borderline diabetes, and you have a picture of Mark’s physical health: uncomfortable, unhealthy and definitely un-Mark.

Gastric bypass surgery at Puget Sound Surgical Center helped Mark lose 213 pounds and improve his overall health. “The weight loss tool that was given to me changed my life,” he wrote in a testimonial for the center.

Mark’s treatment went beyond the surgery. “They connected me with an excellent nutritionist and people who were able to relate to my needs and cravings,” he said. “I started to eat things that were healthier, and surprisingly, I enjoyed them! I couldn’t believe it!”

Today, he participates in a fitness center cycling program and enjoys hiking. He has received promotions at work and more doors are open to him because he’s taking more challenges.

Mark’s success story revolves around a comprehensive program Puget Sound Surgical Center has set into place. The program begins before the patient’s bariatric surgery and continues one to two years after the surgery. “We don’t want to give a patient new surgery and a new chance of life, then simply send him on his way,” Torie McIntyre, public relations coordinator, explained. “We want to give our patients support for mind, body and spirit.”

That support comes in the form of nutrition therapy, an exercise program, counseling services and support groups that provide interaction with the other weight-loss patients. Puget Sound Surgical Center specializes in minimally invasive bariatric surgery including Lap-Band and Lap Sleeve surgery. The center also provides the latest in aesthetic cosmetic procedures such as SmartLipo, which tightens skin and eliminates fat using laser liposuction technology.

Upcoming surgical weight-loss seminars are scheduled for November 18th in Bellingham and December 10th in Edmonds. For details, contact Torie at the surgical center. She can guide you to educational information, help you sign up for a seminar and introduce you to staff specialists who will influence your success in building a healthier new you.

According to a news report by CNN, a study of human relationships in social network behavior has discovered that people are more likely to be influenced by the people they know.

Social networks influences our likes and dislikes both online and offline. This affects the behavior of people and their friends up to the 4th degree of separation. According to Dr. Nicholas Christakis, a Harvard Professor and James Fowler an associate professor at the University of California, San Diego, this new form of connected behavior has a significant affect on people’s social views, preferences, even to the point of affecting others eating habits. This phenomena is very similar to how patterns of disease spread.

These affects are not small to any degree. In fact they can have a profound impact on a person and the amount of weight that they gain. “If a mutual friend becomes obese, it nearly triples a person’s risk of becoming obese.” It doesn’t matter if the person or friend is over a 1000 miles away, the risk of becoming obese as a result of the social network relationship is increased.

This is an interesting study that has yet to be fully explained. Obesity seems to spread in social networks because of “behavior imitation.” This is where a person copies the behaviors of friends that they are close to. When people see friends gaining weight, they modify their behavior to readjust their own idea of what an acceptable body size is.

People are always going to be susceptible to bad behaviors, even in cyberspace. Being aware of how it affects you is important and being strong enough to quarantine the negative behavior of others is key to preventing it from affecting you.