Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Winter 2017

4 LIVE smart | Winter 2017 How a The joy of working on his car motivatedTony Ford to learn about LivingWell By Valerie Franklin, Program Coordinator for the Living Well programs, Freedom From Smoking facilitator, and adjunct professor for Health and Wellness at Klamath Community College Finding joy in each day and continuing to learn more about living a healthier life motivates Tony Ford. The Klamath Falls man is among the participants of the Living Well programs that are offered locally to help participants improve their health and add vitality to their lives. Having joy and feeling healthy was not always Ford’s life story. Since getting clean and sober 22 years ago, he says he has learned to value each day and to try to spread joy wherever he can. “I love people, and I want to bring positivity to every situation. I also want to live the healthiest life possible so I can stick around for a while.” One of Ford’s biggest joys in life is working on his red 1975 Camaro. “I’ve had this car for 20 years, and it is one of my most prized possessions. When I’m driving my ‘75, I feel alive. I love my car because it represents my success over drugs and alcohol, and it provides a way for me to meet people and share the joy and love I have for hot-rod cars. “I know that if I don’t stay both physically and mentally healthy, I won’t be able to do what I love: driving my ‘75.” Chevy Ford saved a Time for a tune-up During a recent doctor visit, Ford’s primary care physician, Chin Hee Jun, MD, at the Sky Lakes Adult Medicine Clinic, suggested he take a Living Well With Chronic Conditions class. Living Well is a workshop series delivered in six 2½-hour weekly sessions at different settings in the community. Sessions are highly participative—mutual support and success build confidence in participants’ ability to manage their health and maintain active, fulfilling lives. “Dr. Jun thought I might learn something from the Living Well class and that I might make some strides to improve my health, as I suffer from type 2 diabetes and neuropathy,” Ford says. “I had never heard of the classes but thought, ‘Sure, why not? I might be able to learn something new and the class is free,’ so I enrolled.” Tony Ford