Hudson, OHIO – December 8, 2022 – GEMCORE™, a family of companies, has been named a Weatherhead 100 Centurion company for a third consecutive time by Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.

An industry leader in diabetes management solutions, GEMCORE provides mail-order diabetes supplies and medications; health and wellness coaching and chronic disease management; and wholesale distribution and third-party logistics services tailored to the clients it serves. Its subsidiaries include Edwards Health Care Services, GEMCO Medical, GemCare Wellness, and GEM Edwards Pharmacy.

The Weatherhead 100 awards program recognizes fast-growing companies in Northeast Ohio that are the best examples of leadership, growth, and success in the region. Winners are chosen based on percent of revenue growth over the past five years, with the Centurion award recognizing a select group of the region’s top revenue-generating companies.

“It’s truly an honor to receive the Weatherhead Centurion recognition,” said Matthew Edwards, GEMCORE’s CEO. “Our continued growth is a testament to our steadfast commitment and passion for helping people with chronic conditions live better and healthier lives. We are thrilled to be a part of a list of impressive companies in the community.”

Founded in 1992 as a mail-order supply company out of the Edwards family home, GEMCORE has since grown to more than 350 employees at its main headquarters in Hudson, Ohio, and across eight branch locations throughout the U.S. In 2020, the company embarked on its third major facilities expansion, adding an additional 50,000 square feet to its state-of-the-art distribution center to support the growth of its 3PL medical fulfillment service, which launched in 2018.

The Weatherhead recognition joins a growing list of recent accolades for the company, including the 2022 Cleveland Plain Dealer Top Workplace and the 2022 Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list.

To learn more about GEMCORE and its services, please visit www.gemcorehealth.com.

###

If you’re interested in working with GemCare Wellness Registered Dietitians like Joan, please contact us today to set up a consultation! Whether you’re an individual looking to improve your health or an employer focused on a healthier population, GemCare Wellness has a program to fit your needs!

This month’s Registered Dietitian/Health Coach spotlight features Joan Tompkins, who has been in the nutrition field for over 30 years. Joan says she’s extremely thankful to work with a supportive, positive, and innovative group of people at GemCare Wellness. She says workdays and weeks go quickly with lots to do while having fun doing it!

What inspired you to enter into this field?
When I started college, I planned to go into the food-service business/ hospitality industry (back in high school, I worked at a banquet center and enjoyed the catering business and working at receptions and parties). While at college, I got hooked on nutrition science and decided to go the Registered Dietitian route. When I first completed my degree, I worked in clinical dietetics, assisting patients with chronic kidney failure. Those early years taught me valuable lessons and insight, which I apply today to help our members avoid developing chronic illness, to begin with, and improve their health and wellness.

What do you love about being a GemCare Wellness Dietitian?
I love the variety and flexibility; every day is different with the cases I treat and people I coach nationwide – even in Alaska and Hawaii! I also get to teach classes preventing type 2 Diabetes (Diabetes Prevention Program) and, more recently, tobacco cessation classes. My favorite aspect of this position is being creative and developing education materials for coaches and members.

How has coaching impacted your life?
Coaching challenges me to practice all of the healthy habits I recommend to clients!  For example, a few years ago, I realized I was recommending Strength Training (ST) all of the time and not doing it myself….so I established a routine to make sure I do ST a few times per week. Coaching has also helped me realize we are all a work in progress, regardless of our age and stage in life.

What is a memorable member success story?
Early in my career, what was most memorable was having former patients I worked with on dialysis come back to visit me after receiving a kidney transplant — that was epic and so great to hear from them, and humbling to be a part of their journey for improved health. They truly got their lives back! More recently, I had a couple that I worked with over a year ago reach out to share the progress they were making. They both continue to lose weight and are living an active, healthy lifestyle. Hearing from past members I have coached inspires me every day!

When you are not coaching, where can you be found?
Likely outside walking our Siberian Husky! I also enjoy swimming and reading. My mantra is: Life is better by the pool, in the pool, at the pool! I have also raised two young adult children who are now out on their own; Raising my family was the most rewarding and challenging work I have ever done!  I love spending family time with my children and husband of 30 years and enjoy watching movies and sports. I am involved in a women’s prayer group at my church. When the pandemic is finally over, I can’t wait to get back to enjoying live music and going to concerts.

What three tips/advice would you provide to a new member/client?
First, establish your health and wellness goals. Second, develop a plan to achieve these goals. Third, make adjustments as needed along the way. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to better health. I aim to help people, help themselves and focus on making healthy lifestyle changes that are realistic, practical, and easy to maintain.

If you’re interested in working with GemCare Wellness Registered Dietitians like Joan, please contact us today to set up a consultation! Whether you’re an individual looking to improve your health or an employer focused on a healthier population, GemCare Wellness has a program to fit your needs!

This month’s Registered Dietitian Spotlight focuses on Megan Rose whose name shows up time and time again in member surveys. We are so lucky to have Megan and her expertise to help people find their own path toward health and wellness.

What do you love about being a GemCare Wellness Dietitian?
I love that I get to work with individuals on a long-term basis, and we get to develop a relationship over time. I love guiding clients in meeting their goals.

How has coaching impacted your life?
It’s completely changed how I view dietetics. I’ve learned nutrition doesn’t have to be strict, rigid, or full of rules and guidelines, but actually can be quite flexible, enjoyable, and empowering.

What is a memorable member success story?
I worked with an individual on lowering his cholesterol over a 1-year period. He was diligent in the changes he made – eating more fruits and veggies and adding flaxseed, tart cherry juice, and regular exercise. He was able to greatly lower his cholesterol without the use of medications. He told me that I saved his life. That was definitely a humbling moment for me.

What hobbies do you enjoy? 
I LOVE writing, and I’m currently writing my first romance fantasy novel. I also love dancing with my dogs in our yard (and they love it, too).

If you’re interested in working with GemCare Wellness Registered Dietitians like Megan, please contact us today to set up a consultation! Whether you’re an individual looking to improve your health or an employer focused on a healthier population, GemCare Wellness has a program to fit your needs!

This month’s Registered Dietitian Spotlight focuses on a dietitian whose clients consistently meet and exceed their goals: Cindy Heslop, RDN, LD. Cindy lives a healthy lifestyle, but she wants us to know that “Dietitians are human too! I really enjoy quality ice cream, especially Handel’s brand here in Youngstown!” Cindy brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Registered Dietitian, and we’re so lucky to have her!

What do you love about being a GemCare Wellness Dietitian?
I love how supportive we are of each other as a team, and I love helping clients be the best version of themselves. It’s so gratifying when a client “embraces” the wellness process and gets excited and passionate about their health!

How has coaching impacted your life?
I feel more connected to people… I’ve coached clients from Alaska and Hawaii to Florida and everywhere in between. I feel blessed to be able to meet people of every age from all over the United States and to have them share their life experiences with me.

What is a memorable member success story?
I recently had a client who had been using smokeless tobacco for 49 years, since he was 12 years old, who was unaware of tobacco- and nicotine-free replacement products. After I worked with him, provided educational resources and motivational tools, he started using the replacement products, and within a month, he was tobacco- and nicotine-free! He told me his wife was very impressed with how I helped him achieve such a monumental goal so quickly and easily. I reminded him, though, that it was his readiness and desire to change that made it all possible – I was just along for the ride!

What hobbies do you enjoy? 
I enjoy working on jigsaw puzzles, and I have one going at all times. It reminds me of my childhood and the special times spent with my grandma. On weekends, I enjoy reading or cooking with my husband, Frank, while cranking up some music and dancing around the kitchen.

If you’re interested in working with GemCare Wellness Registered Dietitians like Cindy, please contact us today to set up a consultation! Whether you’re an individual looking to improve your health or an employer focused on a healthier population, GemCare Wellness has a program to fit your needs!

Written by Jenna Adams, MFN, RD, LD & Heather Fowler, RDN, LD

Want to get a jumpstart on your health before the new year sets in? Want to learn how to manage your health during the holidays while still being able to enjoy your favorite seasonal foods? Food is a big part of the holidays, and it can be challenging to stay on track, but GemCare Wellness’ Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can help you learn and implement lasting lifestyle changes to improve your health and delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

Our free-of-charge*, virtual Diabetes Prevention Program is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes or who is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes (T2). Losing 5-7% of your body weight and getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week can lower your risk for developing type 2 diabetes by 58%, and if you are 60 or older, you can lower your risk by 71%.¹

DPP classes provide you with knowledge and tools to navigate not only the holidays but each day successfully. You’ll learn how to incorporate the tools you learn in this program into lifelong, lasting change. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Have a light meal or snack before a holiday event to help control your appetite.
• Bring a healthy option, such as a veggie or fruit tray.
• Hold a glass of water to stay hydrated and prevent grazing.
• Scope out the selections at family meals and prioritize your favorites, forgoing those you could do without.
• Select a moderate portion of the dessert that appeals most to you.
• Plan for fun family activities indoors or outdoors, such as going for a walk, playing board games, or having a snowball fight.

Topics we will cover throughout the year include how to eat to prevent type 2 diabetes, shop and cook, manage stress, take charge of your thoughts, and stay motivated. With weekly classes in the first sixth months of the program, you’ll find the needed support to help you navigate the holiday season. Join now, end the year strong, and start 2021 one step closer to your health and wellness goals!

*Program free of charge to participants. Funded by the Ohio Department of Health.

Sources:

1. “About Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes.” National Diabetes Prevention Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Apr. 2019, cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/about-prediabetes.html.

Written by Emily Topp, MS, RDN, LD

“I’ve seen numbers on the scale that I haven’t seen in years thanks to the GemCare Wellness Diabetes Prevention Program!” – 2019 DPP Participant

Did you know that 1 out of every 3 American adults has prediabetes? Additionally, of those with prediabetes, more than 8 out of 10 of them don’t even know that they have it. If those with prediabetes do not take action, they run the risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 years.¹

COULD THIS BE YOU?
GemCare Wellness is delivering a Free, Virtual Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to assist participants in achieving their personal health goals, along with reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The overall goal of the DPP is for participants to lose 5% of their starting body weight and to average at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. For high-risk individuals, achieving these goals reduces their chance of developing type 2 diabetes by 58%. Since 2017, class participants have exceeded these goals and lost more than 6.4% of their starting body weight while averaging over 200 minutes of physical activity per week!

This year-long, evidence-based intervention program is no-charge* and open to anyone who has been diagnosed with prediabetes or those who may be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Our classes provide participants with the tools to make lifestyle changes, including dietary improvements and an increase in physical activity, along with a support group that includes individuals with similar goals and challenges. Our Registered Dietitians are dedicated to helping participants make positive, long-lasting changes, one step at a time.

Are you at risk? Take our Prediabetes Risk Test today!

WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?
While most DPPs use health coaches to teach their sessions, our program is led by a team of Registered, Licensed Dietitians who are healthcare experts. They will be available to you during and between classes to answer any questions you may have!

All classes are virtual, making it easy to join from the comfort of your own home! To secure your spot and begin your journey to better health, click below.

*Program free of charge to participants. Funded by the Ohio Department of Health.

Sources:

1. “About Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes.” National Diabetes Prevention Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Apr. 2019, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/about-prediabetes.html.

This month’s Registered Dietitian Spotlight highlights one of our most popular health coaches: Kevin Thomas, RD, LD. Kevin has over a decade of experience as a Registered Dietitian and has been with GemCare Wellness for three years, helping our members improve their lives through lasting, healthy changes. Kevin says that he’s extremely thankful to work for GemCare Wellness and alongside the talented GemCare Wellness Registered Dietitian team.

What do you love about being a GemCare Wellness dietitian?

I love being a GemCare Wellness Dietitian because I get to contribute, in a variety of ways, to my members’ health transformations. Some of my many roles include being there as an accountability partner, taking on an educator’s role, and providing knowledge. And sometimes, it’s just listening and helping them plan their busy weeks, so their health doesn’t take a backseat to life’s other responsibilities. Being a GemCare Wellness Dietitian is unique in the fact that no two members are the same — and neither is the approach to improving their health. Also, most members are a blast to work with, and they have amazing stories to share!

How has coaching impacted your life?

Coaching has impacted my life in several ways, but the most profound is health awareness. Health is something that can often be easily overlooked until it is taken away by disease or a traumatic event. However, for most people, unhealthy habits are the leading cause of poor health. I’ve been fortunate to work in a field where I see, firsthand, how a person’s health, and conversely their lives, can be positively changed when they become aware of the power that daily habits have on their health. Maintaining good health habits and being aware of those daily habits, as opposed to short-term fixes and fad diets, are instrumental in long-term health and happiness.

What is a memorable member success story?

I have had the pleasure of being a dietitian for the last 11 years, so I’ve been fortunate to take part in many health transformations. Recently, I’ve seen some major successes such as a member who took control of his health and reduced his blood sugars by nearly 50%! Another success story would be a member who lost 42 pounds in 8 months without doing anything drastic with his diet or exercise regimen. Another success story would be a member who took control of his blood pressure by including a few diet and exercise changes and reduced his blood pressure by nearly 15 points in 4 months! Most success stories are similar in the fact that the member acknowledges that past behaviors or patterns no longer work and they take accountability by slowly working on improving (not perfecting) their health. Of course, each success story is different in how they achieve their results, but consistency toward working on short-term goals, each and every day, can lead to significant health changes of which they can be extremely proud.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Some of my hobbies I enjoy in my free time include exercising on my elliptical (which has been instrumental for stress management during the pandemic), swimming in the many beautiful blue lakes of Northern Michigan, going on long hikes with my family around Grand Traverse County, and taking some time to enjoy a good book or two (Atomic Habits by James Clear being my favorite for 2020).

Our Registered Dietitian/Health Coach spotlight this month features Brittney Pingel, MS, RD, LD. As a Registered Dietitian, Brittney loves what she does! She enjoys helping members reach their goals by helping them implement healthy habits into their daily lives.

What do you love about being a GemCare Wellness dietitian?

Everything!  It is truly an honor to work with a wide variety of individuals with various health-related goals. I love being able to educate and encourage people toward better health on a daily basis, and to be able to do it in an individualized way while I am also learning and improving my coaching skills. I feel that I learn and grow as a Registered Dietitian every single day.  Having the opportunity to influence someone’s quality of life through wellness-related changes is incredibly rewarding, and I am constantly inspired by the people I work with on a regular basis – we have a fantastic team of dietitians!

How has coaching impacted your life?

While we are striving to help our members, oftentimes, they end up positively affecting us in return. Coaching has impacted my life significantly because I am truly excited to work every day, and the relationships we form with our members are rewarding professionally but also personally.

What is a memorable member success story?

It’s difficult to choose, but a woman who told me she initially didn’t want to hold our appointments and was frustrated that she had to talk to a dietitian ended up choosing to hold appointments weekly. She dramatically changed her relationship with food and with her body, lost weight, improved other clinical indicators of her health, and also gained much joy and quality of life throughout the process. During our last appointment together, we were both emotional!

What is your favorite nutrition fact?

In my opinion, there is such power in exercising mindfulness with our eating habits.  When deciding what to eat for any particular meal, it can be helpful to think, “What foods help me to feel my best?”, or “How do I want to feel after eating?” as a way to stop, pause & make an intentional choice.

What do you like to do for fun?

Family & friends are what my personal life is all about!  I also really enjoy vinyasa yoga, cycling, running with my Weimaraner, reading, hosting “game nights” and baking.