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Author: Changwoo Lee, Director, Holy Name Asian Diabetes Center
Photo Credit: Provided by Holy Name Medical Center
What is the secret to leading a healthy life? To liberate ourselves from diseases that diminish our quality of life, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dementia, depression, osteoporosis, and various geriatric disorders, it is crucial to maintain basic lifestyle rules alongside medical tests and treatments. We sought advice from Dr. Changwoo Lee, an internal medicine specialist at the Holy Name Asian Diabetes Center.
Compiled and Edited by the Editorial Team
Dr. Changwoo Lee plays a pivotal role as Co-Chair at the Holy Name Medical Center's KMP Health Festival, actively discussing and deciding on healthcare subjects and examinations alongside engaging with the Korean community's medical services.
Could you please introduce the medical services of your department and provide guidance on when one should visit?
Internal medicine specialists primarily treat adults, focusing on those 18 years and older, though services are available from the age of 12. As a primary care physician, we are involved in all patient treatments and aim to offer same-day visits for those in need. Our treatment areas encompass a wide array of adult diseases, excluding surgeries, including hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergies, dementia, depression, arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, brain and neurological disorders, insomnia, thyroid, prostate and bladder diseases, rhinitis, sinusitis, smoking cessation, colds, and obesity. Additionally, we conduct health check-ups and routine vaccinations. In-office tests include cholesterol tests, glycated hemoglobin tests (for diabetes), flu tests, urinalysis, ABI tests, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), electrocardiograms, and pulmonary function tests, facilitating comprehensive disease management through preventive medicine.
You have been actively involved as a leader in the diverse community healthcare services conducted by Holy Name Hospital KMP. Could you share your experience and achievements?
Every year, I participate as the Director of Internal Medicine and Asian Diabetes Center at the Holy Name Hospital/KMP Health Festival. I am responsible for discussing and deciding on the medical services and examinations conducted at the festival, ensuring smooth proceedings. I encourage participants to first consult with an internist or family doctor and strive for greater participation from such physicians. As Director of the Asian Diabetes Center, I organize diabetes education events and seminars, collaborating with local internists and family physicians to ensure more patients receive assistance.
What do you think of the current health and prevention status among the Korean community as you conduct various health programs at Holy Name KMP?
The Korean community is experiencing a troubling increase in adult diseases like diabetes—particularly pre-diabetes and obesity—and heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol. The prevalence and the age of onset are also declining. Geriatric diseases are similarly concerning, with issues such as dementia, depression, osteoporosis, and hip fractures rising due to factors like economic instability and loneliness. Seniors often take multiple medications, complicating their management, highlighting the need for daily care and meaningful engagement—solutions that are challenging to find.
Dr. Changwoo Lee is particularly attentive to elderly patients who require multiple medications, noting the difficulty in finding realistic solutions for their daily oversight and meaningful activities.
As an internal medicine specialist, could you provide advice on managing health during transitional seasons like early spring?
The current season is predisposed to allergies, asthma, acute sinusitis, and colds. It is crucial to start treating seasonal allergic rhinitis or allergies in advance using steroid nasal sprays as primary treatment, with antihistamines as supplementary. Internists can conduct allergy tests.
Would you like to impart any advice to the Korean community regarding medical health and prevention?
Above all, adhering to commonly known basics is most important and effective. By ensuring moderate exercise, rest, regular check-ups, and consulting with physicians before discontinuing prescribed medications, and avoiding unnecessary supplements or tests, one can maintain health effectively in daily life.
Contact Information
Holy Name Medical Center Asian Diabetes Center
For glucose management, complication prevention, dietary strategies, and exercise guidance with expert 1:1 Korean diabetes specialists.
(201) 833-3399
Dr. Changwoo Lee's Consultation and Inquiries
464 Hudson Terrace # 100, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
(201) 541-6800
