February is Heart Health Awareness Month – Paul’s Story
When Paul first noticed something wasn’t right, he was simply trying to return to an old passion—running. A lifelong athlete, he had always been in tune with his body, so when his legs didn’t respond the way they used to, he knew he needed medical attention.
“I have a bit of a cardiac history, but it was something I first noticed about 20 years ago. Since I was a runner when I was younger, I could really tell something was off when I tried to start up again,” he shared.
20 years ago, Paul happened to find the Clinic through an internet search. After becoming a patient, he was diagnosed with atherosclerosis in both legs—a condition where plaque buildup in the arteries restricts blood flow. Left unchecked, this could lead to serious complications, including the need for stents, bypass surgery, or even limb loss.
Now, under the care of Dr. Fred Lenz, a cardiologist at Clearwater Free Clinic, and with ongoing support from the Clinic’s dedicated team of nurse practitioners, Paul is managing his condition through a combination of medications, physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet.
“The key is keeping my activity going,” Paul said. “Medications help, but the best thing I can do is stay active and follow the recommendations. It’s the difference between maintaining my health and facing major surgeries down the road.”
Paul also lives with diabetes, another condition that requires careful monitoring to prevent serious complications. Thanks to the Clinic’s integrated approach to healthcare, Paul can meet with our Healthy Living Coach who assists him with managing his diabetes with effective lifestyle changes and coaching.
“[The clinicians] watch everything—my numbers, my eyesight, and my circulation,” Paul said. “The nurses and specialists all work together, making recommendations so I can stay on top of my health. It’s kind of like a one-stop shop.”
Prior to becoming a patient, Paul had private insurance. But he finds Clearwater Free Clinic to be more convenient and accessible than many traditional healthcare options—especially as he also helps care for his aging mother. Paul expressed that wait times for his ailing mother are twice as long as wait times for him to see specialists.
“This is a great resource for people in the community who don’t have insurance,” Paul said. “I have family members who haven’t been to a doctor in years, and a place like this could really save their life. But they have to be willing to listen and make some changes.”
While Paul’s journey with heart disease and diabetes isn’t over, he’s grateful for the guidance and care that have helped him maintain his health and continue his active lifestyle.
“If I hadn’t picked up on the circulatory problems early, and if I didn’t have access to medical advice, medications, and the right guidance from people here, I could’ve been in serious trouble.” Paul said. “But because of the Clearwater Free Clinic, I’m still able to work, walk, and enjoy life.”