Sandra Mendez Made Dramatic Lifestyle Changes to Get Healthy

When Sandra Mendez of La Mirada, Calif. became very sick in 2010, she sought help at Kaiser Permanente La Palma Medical Center where Diane Pham, MD, diagnosed her as pre-diabetic. Sandra was determined not to become dependent on medicine to manage her health and instead made dramatic lifestyle changes. Exercise is now a mainstay in her life, and she has swapped fried chicken and burritos for fish, salad, veggies and fruit. "It just takes one step to start eating right and get exercising," said Mendez who has shed nearly 200 pounds since her illness.

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