CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System

After watching his dad manage diabetes and deal with recurring foot wounds, Podiatric Surgeon Dr. David Chandra knew that foot and ankle care was his calling. Shadowing the podiatrist who cared for his father gave him a clear understanding of how foot and ankle conditions can directly affect a patient’s quality of life. He describes his father as very outgoing and welcoming, qualities that align with how he approaches patient interactions today. Following Father’s Day, Dr. Chandra reflects on that influence and encourages patients to focus on day-to-day lifestyle and dietary changes while addressing concerns before they become more serious.

Today, we celebrate fathers everywhere. We are inspired by the selfless care and unwavering faith that so many fathers show their families each day. We honor all fathers, biological, spiritual, and father figures, who show strength and humility in our communities.

May this Father's Day be a time of gratitude, rest, and blessings

During Men's Health Month, Family Medicine Physician’s Assistant Chris Melcher recommends taking simple but important steps to protect your long-term health. According to Melcher, men in their 20s and 30s should watch their weight, get daily exercise, and monitor their alcohol consumption. As men move into their 40s, he recommends adding routine screenings like colonoscopies, especially with a family history of colon cancer, along with baseline blood work, including cholesterol and blood sugar checks. Melcher says colonoscopies are not painful and can detect and remove polyps during the same procedure. If you are over 250 pounds and of average height, you should have your blood sugar checked for diabetes. Other red flags include persistent joint pain, shortness of breath, frequent urination, and gaining or losing 20 pounds over six months without trying.

Diabetes self-management and nutrition therapy differ between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. According to Registered Clinical Dietitian Educator Ariel Mitchael, Type 1 centers on insulin therapy, supported by diet and lifestyle choices that promote blood sugar stability and insulin sensitivity. Type 2 focuses on diet and lifestyle modification to improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin resistance, with oral medications or insulin used when needed. Diabetes Educator Christina Zeledon adds that medical nutrition therapy and diabetes self-management differ because medical nutrition therapy for people with diabetes includes managing complex comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease and high cholesterol, alongside diabetes care.