Type 2 Diabetes - by Courtney Bowen, MD

Dr. Courtney Bowen

My first week at Medical Associates of the Shoals has been rewarding in so many

ways. First, it has been my privilege and honor to begin caring for so many wonderful

people. I hope these relationships will grow and my new patients will come to think of

me as, not only their physician, but their friend as well. Plus, my patients are a wealth

of information. I have learned where to go to hear live music, lots of information about

the river, what events to look forward to, who loves Alabama, and who loves Auburn.

On a medical note, many patients are struggling with type 2 diabetes. While there isn’t

enough space here for lots of details, I do want to mention a couple of points. As you

probably know, type 2 diabetes is when your body makes some insulin but not enough.

Or, the insulin you have is not working correctly, allowing too much sugar to stay in

your blood. Some warning signs of Type 2 diabetes are thirsty all the time, blurry vision,

need to urinate often, weak or tired, dry skin, and often hungry. Some complications of

Type 2 diabetes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, eye damage, kidney

damage, and neuropathy. Although there is no cure for diabetes, you can control it by

watching what you eat, exercising and taking your medications correctly. Equally

important is that Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or greatly delayed by

maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, not smoking,

and limiting alcohol.

If you are experiencing the symptoms previously listed and aren’t currently under the

care of a physician, please call our office and schedule a time to come in. We will run a few simple tests to determine what’s going on and the level of care you may need. My

goal is to help you to achieve the best quality of life possible.

To schedule an appointment, just call our new patient line at 256-383-4447 ext. 124,

visit www.medshoals.com and click on New Patients, or email us at

talktous@medshoals.com. We’ll get you scheduled as quickly as possible.

AtLast Medical Weight Loss Participants are Experiencing Success!

Patients are Succeeding with AtLast Medical Weight Loss

The AtLast Medical Weight Loss program is helping men and women across Northwest

Alabama achieve their health and weight management goals. Since launching AtLast in

April of 2018, participants have lost a combined total of more than 1,200 pounds. The

simple to follow program utilizes energy-boosting injections; appetite control

medication; and counseling in calorie reduction, nutrition, and exercise.

While losing weight is good for self-esteem, it also reduces the many health risks

associated with extra pounds. By maintaining a healthy weight you avoid higher risks

of many chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood

pressure, osteoarthritis, and some forms of cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a healthy lifestyle involves many choices.

Among them, choosing a balanced diet or healthy eating plan. The Dietary Guidelines

for Americans, 2015-2020, recommends a healthy eating plan that includes the

following components:

• Emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products

• Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts

• Foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars

• An assessment of daily calorie needs

Eat Healthfully and Enjoy It!

A healthy eating plan that helps you manage your weight includes a variety of foods

you many not have considered. If “healthy eating” makes you think about the foods

you can’t have, try refocusing on all the new foods you can eat:

Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits - One caution about canned fruits is that they may

contain added sugars or syrups. Be sure and choose canned varieties of fruit packed

in water or their own juice.

Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables - You may find that you love grilled or steamed

vegetables with an herb you haven’t tried. When trying canned vegetables, look for

vegetables without added salt, butter, or cream sauce. Commit to going to the produce

department and trying a new vegetable each week.

With a little planning and creativity you can include almost any food in your healthy

eating plan. Remember, its not about what you can’t have, but rather the endless

number of healthy, delicious foods you can have.

A New Chapter - by Courtney Bowen, MD

First Day at Medical Associates of the Shoals

Starting a new chapter in the Shoals is so exciting. Although I grew up in Alexander

City, Alabama, and my husband, Corey, grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, we already

knew of the area’s rich music history, outdoor opportunities, and the reputation of the

people for being warm and welcoming.

While my interests tend to run more toward the indoors; such as reading, watching

Netflix and spinning on my Peloton bike, Corey loves to golf, hunt, and mountain bike.

One thing we totally have in common is that we are both in love with the beauty and

quality of life in the Shoals. In a relatively short time, we have purchased a home in

Muscle Shoals and started to feel like part of the North Alabama community.

Medicine has given me the perfect platform for combining my love of the science of the

human body with my love for caring for patients. Even though I am new to Medical

Associates of the Shoals, I am not new to direct patient care. The experience I

obtained through the UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency Program really gave

me the skills to feel confident in leading the charge for the health of my patients.

I am definitely welcoming new patients and would be honored to care for you. To

schedule an appointment, just call our new patient line at 256-383-4447 ext. 124, visit

www.medshoals.com and click on New Patients, or email us at

talktous@medshoals.com. We’ll get you scheduled as quickly as possible. I can’t wait

to meet you!