Going Green: Nurse Practitioner Collaborates with Colleagues to Launch Plant-Based Health Initiative in San Antonio

Paula Christianson-Silva, a nurse practitioner at UT Health San Antonio’s Wellness 360 clinic, has noticed a concerning trend among her patients with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Despite the increasing number of medications prescribed to them, their health continued to decline. This realization led her to collaborate with two colleagues to establish the Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate, a six-month initiative focused on helping individuals adopt a whole food, plant-based diet.

The program aims to encourage people to shift away from animal products and opt for plant-based protein options. Participants meet weekly in groups for support and guidance throughout the duration of the program. Through this initiative, Christianson-Silva has observed significant improvements in cholesterol levels, inflammatory markers, and hemoglobin A1C in diabetic patients. She also notes a reduction in the need for diabetic medications, which she finds particularly rewarding.

On average, participants in the program experience a five percent weight loss. However, Christianson-Silva emphasizes that the primary goals are improved health and long-term lifestyle changes. The Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate aims to empower individuals to make sustainable choices that benefit their overall wellbeing. For more information about the program, visit the provided link. This joint effort between TPR and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio showcases how scientific discoveries in San Antonio can influence medical practices globally.