The dog days of summer have arrived, and so has our biggest annual tradition – the Iowa State Fair! This month’s newsletter is fair-centric, plus a few other topics to keep you informed, motivated, and connected to your team at Iowa Weight Loss Specialists. Ahead in the newsletter: | |
⚕ PMOS – what it is, how it relates to weight, and why it was changed from “PCOS”
👩🍳 Looking for a new experience? Try a cooking class!
🚲 An IWLS provider’s triathlon and World Cup adventures!
🍅 5 tips for a health-conscious Iowa State Fair visit.
📱 Learn more about the convenient option for telehealth appointments.
🍗 A high protein recipe (for food on a stick, of course) in “Better Bites”
🎉 The IWLS gang shares their favorite fair finds.
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⁉ Did You Know:
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The Iowa State Fair is August 13-23 at the fairgrounds in Des Moines; this year’s theme is “Fair Spirit.”
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The annual Hinterland Music Festival ran July 30-August 2 in St. Charles – this year’s performer lineup included KATSEYE, Lorde, Mumford & Sons, and Kali Uchis.
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Much like July, August was named after a Caesar (this time Augustus); the month’s original name was “Sextilis” because it was the 6th month in the old Roman calendar.
| | PMOS - New Name, Same Condition | | |
You may have seen the term “PMOS” pop up in the media or healthcare conversations lately. PMOS, or Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome, is the new name for PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). The name was changed because ovarian cysts are often not present in people with PMOS, and the condition affects more than the ovaries.
Common symptoms of PMOS include higher body weight, insulin resistance, irregular menstrual periods, fertility issues, elevated androgen hormones, acne, excess facial or body hair, and thinning scalp hair.
Weight gain is not the cause of PMOS, and not all patients with PMOS are at higher body weights. However, the symptoms of PMOS, such as insulin resistance, can make weight loss more difficult – but not impossible! Our team of specialists at IWLS (including a nurse practitioner, dietitian, and therapists) can help you create a well-rounded, evidence-based action plan to treat PMOS effectively.
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For patients in the Des Moines area, if you're looking to try something new and have a great experience, I highly recommend taking a cooking class with Alessandra in the East Village.
I originally signed up to learn new recipes, cook delicious food, and spend time with friends—but I left feeling like family. Beyond teaching traditional Italian cooking, Alessandra shares an important message that often gets overlooked in today's protein-focused culture.
Her motto is, “Eat carbs, be happy!” At first, that may seem surprising, but it's a reminder that carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet. They fuel workouts, support muscle recovery, help maintain brain function, and prevent fatigue.
The carbohydrates featured in her classes also reflect a clean, wholesome approach to eating. We've made fresh pasta, bread, and calzones using just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. It's a wonderful reminder that homemade foods can be both nourishing and incredibly delicious.
The class is about much more than cooking—it's about sharing a meal, connecting with others, and appreciating the joy of real food made from scratch. It's an experience I'd recommend to anyone looking to learn something new while enjoying great company.
| | Triathlons, Soccer, and Pancha! | | |
DSM clinic provider Javier Lisboa, DNP, ARNP, CPT has had a busy summer, competing in two area triathlons, with more planned in the future. He participated in the Ames Triathlon in June and the Des Moines Triathlon earlier this month. Javier joked, “Feel free to tell everyone I got 3rd place. We don’t have to say it was in my age group, no need to get bogged down in technicalities.”
As a provider who promotes a healthy and active lifestyle to his patients, Javier knows it is important to practice what you preach. “It’s not just about setting goals – you have to put words into action and be out there doing it. We can do hard things.”
Javier also had the chance to attend a World Cup match last month with friends, between Argentina and Switzerland. “I came from Argentina to the U.S. many years ago on a soccer scholarship. [Going to the game] was a once in a lifetime experience.” Fun fact: he was born in the same state in Argentina as Lionel Messi – Santa Fe Province.
| | Pancha (Javier’s Dachshund) on a trip to Milwaukee! | | 5 Tips for a Healthy-ish Fair | | |
Deep-fried Oreos, deep-fried bacon brisket mac and cheese grilled cheese, that giant bucket of chocolate chip cookies! All tempting options at the Iowa State Fair, but they might leave you feeling a little overstuffed. Below we share some tips to help you enjoy the fair.
1) Avoid the “all in” binge mindset: There is nothing wrong with indulging – after all, the fair only comes around once a year! But remember you’ll probably enjoy it more if you pace yourself and practice moderation to avoid that uncomfortable post-meal feeling. Don’t arrive hungry (eat a balanced breakfast beforehand) and split items with friends/family.
2) Remember to hydrate: Stay well-hydrated with water or other non-sugary beverages – more than likely it’s going to get toasty out there!
3) Check out the healthier food finds: Options include BLT on a stick, caprese salad on a stick, corn on the cob, fruit cups and fruit on a stick, grilled shrimp, pork chops, and salad on a stick.
4) Set a step goal: The fair includes about 275 acres of walkable space – that’s equal to over 200 football fields. Try setting a step goal for the day. Can you do 10,000 steps? 15,000? Make it a game with your fellow fairgoers. Remember to wear comfy shoes!
5) Explore non-food attractions: We know the food tends to be the biggest attention grabber. Make your visit to the fair well-rounded by taking in other sights and experiences like free shows, animals, displays, live contests, rides, games, and vendors. The Butter Cow awaits!
| | Try Telehealth for a More Convenient Visit | | |
Is a busy schedule keeping you from checking in with the team at IWLS as regularly as you’d like? In addition to in-clinic visits, IWLS offers telehealth* appointments for our patients to see prescribing providers, dietitians, and therapists. These virtual visits can help keep your health goals on track with less travel time, more scheduling flexibility, and easier access for your convenience.
*Telehealth may not be appropriate for all visits. Your provider may require an in-person appointment depending on individual needs.
| | Better Bites: Chicken Kabobs | | |
In the spirit of celebrating foods-on-sticks, this month we’re sharing a recipe from Wholesome Yum for grilled chicken kabobs with vegetables. This easy option has simple ingredients and a good balance of lean protein, healthy fat, and non-starchy veggies in a flavorful Mediterranean marinade.
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Fun Facts:
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Kabobs – or cooking meat on skewers – is an ancient tradition. Examples include the shish kabob from Turkey, yakitori in Japan, and satay in Southeast Asia.
- Along with meat and vegetables, you can also grill some fruits on skewers including pineapple and peaches.
- The OG food on a stick: the almighty corn dog was popularized in the 1930s and 40s and has been a staple of state fairs ever since.
| | Staff Picks - Favorite Fair Finds | | We asked the team, "What’s your favorite thing at the Iowa State Fair?" | | |
“Pineapple whip ice cream and a gizmo [loose-meat sandwich with ground beef, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese on a hoagie]”
DeeDee Eilbert, Medical Secretary, DSM Clinic
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“The free concerts!”
Lynzy DeVary, Provider, DSM Clinic
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“I love the sky glider and the cinnamon donut holes!”
Sidneigh O’Leary, Dietitian, DSM Clinic
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“I love the animal barns, and seeing the big cow and big pig.”
Lisa Rhinehart, CMA, DSM Clinic
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“Sky ride and chainsaw carvings”
Kathryn Flynn, Dietitian, DSM Clinic
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“The quilt show of course! This year, I have 5 quilts entered (big personal victory for completing 5 projects this last year!). It is exciting to get the feedback from the judges, AND that part of the fair is air-conditioned.”
LeAnn Hindman, Provider, DSM Clinic
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🎉 Congratulations to Jolene Bahling, ARNP for earning the Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine! This OMA (Obesity Medicine Association) certification is awarded to practitioners for expanding their expertise in evidence-based obesity treatment. Jolene is available to see patients in the Belmond and Garner clinics.
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💻 Connect with peers and dietitian Kathryn Flynn RDN in our virtual support group. Email connections@iowaweightloss.com to sign up. Upcoming sessions via Zoom:
🎙 Check out the latest episodes of the Well-ISH Podcast below. Available via YouTube or your favorite podcast app.
| | Want to catch up on the latest topics on weight loss, nutrition, exercise, and more? Visit our website and read our blogs for even more helpful tips and information. | | |
IowaWeightLoss.com
515-327-2000
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