Texas hospital program focuses on healthy eating to manage chronic diseases

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman is strengthening community wellness through its Healthy Education Lifestyles Program (HELP), an initiative designed to give patients both clinical support and practical health education. While the program focuses on chronic disease management, a core element of HELP is teaching participants how healthy eating can transform their long‑term outcomes, such as understanding how food choices affect conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. “I tell patients, ‘You’re here for the journey to get better,’” said Aida Fares Massaad, M.S.N., FNP-BC, who treats patients at Texas Health Kaufman’s HELP clinic. “This is not a visit where I give patients medication and send them away. They actively engage in their care.”

Through individualized visits, group education and ongoing coaching, HELP has supported residents in achieving significant improvements by building knowledge, confidence and community support around healthier habits. Participants in the program often attribute their progress to the resources and guidance they receive, including nutritional education that helps them make informed decisions about food. “HELP gave me the resources I needed to improve my health. I feel great now,” said HELP participant Ollie Moore.

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