| On September 1, 2020, we completed our first online course with 28 participants. Many people wondered whether or not we could achieve similar objective and subjective results that we did when we “locked people up” at The Flamingo Resort & Spa. Our California residential programs demonstrated the power of dietary therapy for common medical conditions. During a seven-day interval, participants lost on average 3.1 pounds, reduced their cholesterol by 22 mg/dL (0.6 IU), and saw a reduction in their blood pressure of 18/11 mmHg. Although no changes in blood sugars were found, nearly 90% of participants were able to reduce or stop their diabetic medications. Arthritis symptoms were relieved, painful indigestion stopped and bowel function improved almost overnight. With only a few exceptions, everyone felt more energetic and “healthier” in less than a week’s time. I am pleased to report that participating from home was no detriment to achieving excellent, if not better, outcomes. Over an interval of 11 days, the average weight loss was 3.2 pounds and people who began their “at home transformation” with us with an elevated blood pressure (160/100 mmHg or greater) achieved the same improvements I had seen in over my 34 years of caring for 6,000 patients staying at my live-in programs. In general, people reduced or stopped many of their over-the-counter and physician prescribed medications during one of their appointments with our Medical Director, Anthony Lim, MD, JD. Positive feedback about other aspects of their health (such as arthritis, body aches, constipation and fatigue, just to name a few) were reported to be no less dramatic, nor less common, while living in the comfort of their own homes. The new online McDougall Program: 12-Days to Dynamic Health also eliminated the concern some disbelievers had that the benefits were, at least in part, due to being away from life’s common everyday stressors. In addition to living amongst family members, some people continued to work part-time at their regular job during the online course - and they still lost weight, lowered their blood pressure and felt great! Furthermore, preparing meals in their own kitchen gave them the confidence and real-life experience needed to continue adhering to a starch-based diet with fruits and vegetables and no added oils long after the program ends. Participants were freed from the difficult transition of being served meals in a dining room prepared by kitchen staff, maneuvering through airports to arrive safely home to then having to stock their pantries and finally start making enjoyable food. My conclusion is that even though the California residential programs had advantages (for example: all the meals were prepared, “live” contact with the McDougall Team and an escape from life’s common everyday stressors), online education is a substantial advancement allowing me to help you easily “Make the Change” both effectively and permanently. As with past events that were the catalyst of change in my life, I now look back and ask myself, “Why didn’t I start a Telehealth practice long ago?” I have no doubt you will also feel the same after you spend a short time with us.
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