Charlotte and Gerald Tripp each have health concerns that motivated them to seek thorough and comprehensive medical checkups at The Center for Preventive Medicine at St. Luke's Hospital. Mrs. Tripp has a family history of heart disease and a tendency toward high blood cholesterol. Mr. Tripp worried that his oldest brother's stroke five years earlier might foreshadow his own health risks. Twenty-five years in the agriculture business have taught the Tripps that troubles never get resolved by ignoring them or wishing them away. When it comes to taking care of themselves, they value an ounce of prevention far beyond its proverbial pound of cure. "We don't know what's going on inside our bodies until we have tests like this, or until a big problem arises or until it's too late," says Charlotte.

"A wonderful experience"
The Tripps' preventive medicine program -- "a wonderful experience," says Gerald -- included extensive blood work, a stress test, CT heart scan, MRI scan of the brain, and in-depth discussions with a physician and a dietician about the state of their health and what they could do to become healthier. As a result of their checkups, both Gerald and Charlotte now take medications, he to treat a diagnosed overactive thyroid and she to help reduce her triglycerides. Her colonoscopy discovered a polyp which was subsequently removed. Laboratory tests revealed that both have reactive proteins in their blood that promote the buildup of plaque in their arteries. As a result, they are careful to follow the Center's recommendations -- including specific recipes and food preparation suggestions -- for a heart-healthy diet and exercise to keep their weights and body chemistries under control. "A few months later," says Charlotte, "my doctor said I was doing so well I should frame my test report and put it up on my wall. I might just do that."

Preventive medicine: A shared priority
The entire Tripp family has come to appreciate the value of preventive medicine. "Our 29-year-old daughter visited us from Florida, and we paid for her to go through the preventive medicine program," says Charlotte. "She was really impressed -- a very comprehensive exam with a friendly staff that made her feel comfortable and relaxed."

Charlotte believes that sharing the preventive medicine experience with her husband has made it easier to be disciplined about their diet and exercise program. "It's easier now for me to cook healthier and eat healthier because he knows how important it is."

The Tripps have a new and compelling reason to make healthy living a priority. "We have a new little granddaughter," says Charlotte, "and we'd like to enjoy her life and have as much time with her as possible." Gerald and Charlotte Tripp value their well-being, and know the best way to preserve their good health is to not take it for granted.

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