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November 4, 2005
TO YOUR HEALTH Local doctor preaches sound nutritionPAHRUMP'S LEVISEUR PART OF UNR MED SCHOOL PROGRAM
By ELLEN H. SAPINI
The National Institute of Health awarded the program a $1.38 million grant. There are approximately 64 community physicians enrolled who serve as preceptors for University of Nevada, Reno medical students. Pahrump's own Dr. Carl R. LeViseur is one of the enrollees. Dr. LeViseur, who is board certified and specializes in family practice and holistic medicine, is a graduate of Texas Tech University and a veteran of the United States Air Force. Upon graduation LeViseur fulfilled a grant requirement by accepting a position in a rural area. He chose Pahrump more than 19 years ago and never left for the big city. LeViseur is also on the University of Nevada medical school's staff. As a preceptor - a teacher in layman's terms - he has received added diet training, which he now utilizes when serving his patients by providing them with immediate nutritional information. LeViseur also mentors the university's medical students for four weeks, who train in his office. The program provides physicians with the following: Preceptor Education in Nutrition (P.E.N.) training; up-to-date nutritional information - as the result of current research and knowledge; access to information via the program's Web site, e-mail, or phone; or brochures. The information available to preceptors includes a vast array of health needs, meal planning for diabetics, and advice on dietary supplements. The brochures, which are printed in English and Spanish include, but are not limited to: the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and the University of Nevada School of Medicine's "An Apple a Day - Are you taking too many vitamins?" The American Heart Association's "Tips for Eating Out and An Eating Plan for Healthy Americans," the Arthritis Foundation's "A Diet and Your Arthritis," and the American Dietetic Association's "Right From the Start - ABC's of Good Nutrition for Young Children." This literature is also provided to patients. In addition, a research team is readily available if physicians request specific information on a nutritional issue. LeViseur added, "The research team will research data and come back with current results based on their findings." The program has provided LeViseur with significant insight into the different nutritional programs available, as well as how easily society can be misled by information made readily available via the Internet. When it comes to medical conditions, Dr. LeViseur said, "Because they are not properly trained, people cannot correctly evaluate what they find on the Internet." When asked how the program has affected the way he treats his patients, in terms of stressing the importance of proper nutrition coupled with the use of prescription medication, Dr. LeViseur said, "I bring up the subject more often." To evaluate the impact the program has on a local area, one week out of every month all participating physicians are required to complete a form listing the number of patients they spoke with about the importance of a better diet for whatever medical condition they have. Poor nutritional education coupled with poor nutritional eating habits contribute to many of the medical conditions that affect society today. Most of these health issues - which places a tremendous burden on health care - can be controlled, including diabetes and heart disease. LeViseur said 60 percent of diabetics could control their disease with a well-balanced diet and exercise. People, he said, must discipline themselves to change their overall lifestyle if they want to live longer and healthier lives. Contrary to rumors, LeViseur is not retiring anytime soon. His clinic, Pahrump Family Medical Center will continue its normal hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as 24-hour on-call services to his growing list of patients. |
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