King's Daughters Center for Healthy Living

King's Daughters Center for Healthy Living A comprehensive program for weight loss, with surgical and medical options, and diabetes education.

A complete weight loss center with surgical and nonsurgical options, dietitians, counselors and more.

"I just listen to my body. When I'm full, I stop eating," said Brenda Tackett, about life the past six years after her s...
09/24/2025

"I just listen to my body. When I'm full, I stop eating," said Brenda Tackett, about life the past six years after her sleeve gastrectomy surgery at UK King's Daughters in Ashland. A lifelong resident of West Portsmouth, Ohio, Tackett said when she first contacted the Center for Healthy Living at King's Daughters, her weight was in excess of 300 pounds. Her first step in getting ready for life-altering surgery was to immerse herself in pre-surgery education from a team that included nurses, a dietitian, and a social worker.

When she was considering weight loss surgery, Tackett said she wasn't sure she would be a good candidate. "In 2014, I was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, and had a kidney removed." She said she was thankful when the Center for Healthy Living team informed her she was eligible for the procedure.

Tackett said when it came time for her surgery in June 2019, she was well-prepared. "Everything I learned before my surgery I used after it." Post-surgery she also returned to a favorite low-key but very effective form of exercise: regular walking. Tackett said she recently completed a bucket list hike: the challenging 2.5 mile hiking trail at Raven Rock State Nature Preserve in West Portsmouth, Ohio.

Today, Tackett said she's thrilled to be maintaining her weight at 125 pounds, her diabetes is under control, and her one kidney is functioning extremely well. "I eat my protein first," she said. "And I remember the training we had—if we think we're hungry we may be thirsty. Every meal, every snack is a choice. I make sure to eat foods low in sugar. Everything in moderation is the key."

To contact the Center for Healthy Living, call (606) 408-1542.

The American Diabetes Association renewed its recognition of the UK King’s Daughters Diabetes Program through the ADA’s ...
09/05/2025

The American Diabetes Association renewed its recognition of the UK King’s Daughters Diabetes Program through the ADA’s Education Recognition Program. Originally accredited in October 2003, the King's Daughters program continues to meet the high standards required for delivering quality diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES).
The ADA’s certification ensures participating services comply with the National Standards for DSMES, which promote evidence-based, outcome-driven care. Recognition is voluntary and is granted for a four-year period to programs that demonstrate a commitment to these standards.
“Self-management is a vital part of diabetes care and can be as effective as medication in helping people manage the condition,” Tammy Denton, R.N., Center for Healthy Living coordinator, said.
Diabetes remains a major public health issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 38 million Americans—more than 11 percent of the population—are living with diabetes. Of those, 8.7 million are undiagnosed. Alarmingly, nearly 3,300 Americans are diagnosed every day, often only after developing serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, or limb amputation.

Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S., contributing to nearly 400,000 deaths in 2021 alone. Financially, the burden is also significant. The ADA’s Economic Costs of Diabetes in the U.S. in 2022 report estimates the cost of diagnosed diabetes at a staggering $412.9 billion annually, making it one of the country’s most expensive chronic health conditions.

Programs like the one at UK King’s Daughters play a critical role in improving lives through education, empowerment, and proactive diabetes management.

Our Diabetes Program is part of our Center for Healthy Living. To make an appointment with a diabetic educator, call (606) 408-1542.

If you're interested in weight loss surgery and have insurance through WellCare of Kentucky or Buckeye Health Insurance,...
07/28/2025

If you're interested in weight loss surgery and have insurance through WellCare of Kentucky or Buckeye Health Insurance, we have good news to share. Both insurers have updated their eligibility policies for weight loss surgery to include:

1. Someone with a BMI of 35 or higher with no co-morbid health conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea);

2. Someone with a BMI between 30 and 35 with one treated health condition from pre-determined list.

Now, more people than ever can get the help they need to shed excess weight, decrease their risk of life-threatening conditions, and start on a path to a healthier life. To learn more, call the UK King's Daughters Center for Healthy Living at 606-408-1542.

With warm days ahead, it is important to stay hydrated. Try these combinations for a refreshing water infusion!
06/19/2025

With warm days ahead, it is important to stay hydrated. Try these combinations for a refreshing water infusion!

06/04/2025

Longtime Ashland general surgeon Roderick Tompkins, M.D., is moving his practice to King's Daughters Ohio hospital. Tompkins has practiced at UK King's Daughters in Ashland since 1997. He begins seeing patients in Portsmouth in July. No physician referral is needed.

Dr. Tompkins will be focused on abdominal surgery, including gallbladder removal and hernia repair. He will also perform skin cancer removals and endoscopies. No physician referral is needed.

"Over the last 28 years, I've taken out over 6,000 gallbladders in the area," Tompkins said. "I'm looking forward to serving the Portsmouth and southern Ohio community as I've done in Ashland. King's Daughters Ohio is a wonderful facility. The staff is excellent."

A Kentucky native, Dr. Tompkins earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1992. He completed his residency in general surgery at the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1997. He is board certified by the American College of Surgeons for General Surgery.

To make an appointment, call (740) 353-8100.

Here's a helpful tip from our Center for Healthy Living team.Warmer weather is here! It’s a great time for families to e...
05/22/2025

Here's a helpful tip from our Center for Healthy Living team.

Warmer weather is here! It’s a great time for families to enjoy camping. Use these tips to ensure you are staying healthy while enjoying the great outdoors!

48-hour appointments. No referral needed. Our General Surgery team offers consultations for minimally invasive laparosco...
04/16/2025

48-hour appointments. No referral needed.

Our General Surgery team offers consultations for minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries for:

- Hernia repair
- Gallbladder issues
- Appendix issues
- Hemorrhoids
- Colectomy
- Thyroid removal for goiters/thyroid cancer
- Skin cancer removal
- Lumps and bumps removal, and more

For an appointment within 48 hours, patients must have a new medical problem that has not been previously established with one of our providers.

To make an appointment, contact:
KDMS General Surgery
613 23rd St. Suite 440
Medical Plaza B
Ashland, Ky.
(606) 329-2888

Spring is here, which means more daylight, flowers blooming, and a great reason to make your home sparkle! What many peo...
04/04/2025

Spring is here, which means more daylight, flowers blooming, and a great reason to make your home sparkle! What many people don’t know is that it’s the perfect time to live healthier. Make your journey toward better living (and a clean house) easier with these spring cleaning tips for weight loss. Check them out!

The Center for Healthy Living is thrilled to invite the public to an exciting Fit4Life Mediterranean Cooking Demonstrati...
02/28/2025

The Center for Healthy Living is thrilled to invite the public to an exciting Fit4Life Mediterranean Cooking Demonstration! The demonstration will be on Thursday, March 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the King’s Daughters Health Education Center, Lexington Avenue Parking Garage, lower level, 2201 Lexington Ave., Ashland.

Join us for an evening of culinary exploration where you'll learn to create delicious Mediterranean dishes, packed with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. Chef Devin & registered dietitian Gillian Downs will facilitate an interactive demonstration that will not only teach you the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, but also provide you with an opportunity to taste a variety of cultural dishes.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this event promises to be both educational and enjoyable. RSVP today by calling (606) 408-1543 or email tonya.callicoat@kdmc.kdhs.us. Be sure to include your name, phone number and email. We look forward to seeing you there!

Getting ready for the big game? Enjoy these recipes that mimic our favorite game-time foods!
02/06/2025

Getting ready for the big game? Enjoy these recipes that mimic our favorite game-time foods!

Making cookies for the holiday? Try these recipes for a starch-free holiday treat!
12/20/2024

Making cookies for the holiday?
Try these recipes for a starch-free holiday treat!

Check out these ways to stay mindful over your Thanksgiving holiday! Also, remember to stay active—gather the family for...
11/27/2024

Check out these ways to stay mindful over your Thanksgiving holiday!

Also, remember to stay active—gather the family for a walk, join the cleanup crew, participate in active family games, or try to get up and move around every commercial break.

Address

1200 Central Avenue Suite 1
Ashland, KY
41101

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16064081542

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