For Stephen, Care Meant Learning to Think Healthier
July 22, 2025
Stephen was given the tools to rebuild healthy habits
Ten years ago, Stephen lost 180 pounds by making disciplined changes to his lifestyle. But old habits came back, along with the weight. Making his problems worse, he was also struggling with high blood sugar levels due to type 2 diabetes.
Stephen knew he needed to make changes to get his health back on track.
But improving his health would be different this time around. This time, he had the Central Health system
This time, he had the Central Health system on his side
Rather than just focusing on weight loss, Stephen’s providers helped him begin his health journey by getting access to whole-person care. He became a member of MAP, which allowed him to receive primary care services through CommUnityCare.
His providers at CommUnityCare referred him to a Central Health pulmonologist at the Rosewood-Zaragosa Specialty Clinic. While there, he also received assistance getting a CPAP machine through his MAP membership.
If you live in Travis County and are uninsured you might be eligible.
Visit centralhealth.net/map/ or call 512.978.8130 to apply.
At that point, his providers referred him to the Central Health My Health First: Choose to Lose! program to help him manage his overweight and diabetes. Through the program, he has worked with a registered dietitian and a behavioral therapist.
This process has helped him learn to not only eat healthier, but to understand what he calls “the mental aspect” of health: accepting his imperfections, celebrating his victories, and remembering to stop and take a breath every once in a while.
He’s lost 15 pounds so far, but the journey has meant more than that
Ten years after he first started his journey to better health, Stephen is still putting in the work. But this time, he’s not alone. He has the whole Central Health system on his side.