Cheering on Wellness
Cheering on Wellness:
The Healthy Living Journey with Michelle Snover
If someone asked you, “What is diabetes?” what would you say? You might think diabetes is just about high blood sugar, right? Well, it’s actually much more complicated than that. It’s a complex condition that can feel confusing and even overwhelming, especially when understanding it feels like a challenge. At Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, this is where Healthy Living Coach Michelle Snover steps in.
Thanks to a partnership with BayCare, LVIM created the Healthy Living Coach position to help patients with pre-diabetes and diabetes. Over the past year, Michelle has become a source of support and encouragement for her patients. She meets them where they are and helps them take small steps toward better health.
“My job is to make things simple,” Michelle explains. “I want my patients to understand what diabetes is and what their A1c means. When they understand the ‘why’, they feel empowered to try.”
From breaking down complex medical terminology to discussing realistic changes in diet and exercise, Michelle’s approach is practical and patient-centered. Rather than expecting her patients to overhaul their lifestyles overnight, she focuses on small, meaningful changes that lead to sustainable progress.
Creative Motivation: Swiss Rolls and Raffles
Michelle’s creativity makes a big difference in motivating her patients. One day, a patient called her and confessed, “I have Swiss Rolls in my house, and I know you wouldn’t want me to eat them. I’m bringing them to your office so you can get rid of them for me.” Inspired by this interaction, Michelle started the Healthy Living Raffle, sponsored by Window World of Polk County and D.O.C. Electric, Inc.
Patients can earn raffle tickets by taking steps toward better health. They can get tickets for attending appointments, lowering their A1c by half a point, and even turning in junk food like those Swiss Rolls. Every quarter, two patients win a $50 Walmart gift card, and at the end of the year, one lucky patient wins a $500 Walmart gift card. “The first winner asked me to give her gift card to someone who needed it more,” Michelle shares. “It was so touching and really speaks volumes about who our patients are.”
Celebrating Success: The Way to Go Wellness Wall
Michelle’s commitment to celebrating her patients’ progress goes beyond words. At first, she filled her office with balloons to milestones, but she wanted something more lasting. So, she had an idea to create the “Way to Go Wellness Wall,” a colorful display of patient achievements that has grown to include all LVIM patients.
“I’ve never had a patient say no to having their name on the wall,” Michelle says. “And the more exclamation marks I use, the bigger their smiles. It’s a big deal, and they deserve to feel proud.”
Results That Matter
Michelle currently works with 167 patients, and the results are inspiring. On average, diabetic patients have lowered their A1c levels from 9.2 to 8.1. One of her biggest success stories is a patient who dropped her A1c from 12.6 to an impressive 5.9 in just five months.
“Diabetes has become an epidemic,” Michelle says, “and having a dedicated role to help patients manage it is a game changer.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next in 2025
In 2025, Michelle wants to turn her role into a full-fledged program with bi-monthly events. She’s planning things like:
- Cooking Classes focused on making healthy meals on a budget.
- Diabetes Fact & Fiction Panels where LVIM providers answer patient questions.
- Mindful Exercise Classes to help reduce stress, which can raise blood sugar levels.
“As long as you’re not quitting, you’re not losing,” Michelle tells her patients. This mantra, combined with her support and positive attitude, helps her patients push through setbacks and celebrate every step forward.
The Heart of LVIM
Michelle’s work reflects the heart of LVIM: meeting the needs of hardworking people who often are doing everything they can to make ends meet. “Many of our patients work seven days a week for the bare minimum,” Michelle says. “They are really trying, and they deserve to be celebrated.”
Through her role as LVIM’s Healthy Living Coach, Michelle is changing lives one step at a time. LVIM’s partnership with BayCare shows the power of collaboration in creating a healthier community. The journey is far from over, but LVIM patients are now learning how to take control of their health and their futures.