are you ready for true health? 23
“ Project Raquel ”
Raquel fi rst came to the Rice Diet Program on December 22,
- She and her family had left the familiar festivities of their
home in the Dominican Republic and decided to spend a healthier
Christmas in Durham, North Carolina. Raquel ’ s story dramatically
captures the power of expressive writing and journalizing to create
health and manifest one ’ s dreams.
My weight was 351 pounds, and my blood pressure was
148/85. Today my weight is 194 pounds and blood pressure is
98/60 — and I feel just great. I was not on any medicationSocial and Behavioral Outcomes
Reduced absenteeism from work
Quicker reemployment after job loss
Improved working memory
Improved sports performance
Higher grade point average for students
Altered social and linguistic behaviorPeople who have the following medical conditions may
benefi t from participating in expressive writing programs:
Impaired lung functioning due to asthma
Disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis
Pain and deteriorating physical health in cancer
Immune response in HIV infections
Hospitalizations for cystic fi brosis
Pain intensity in women with chronic pelvic pain
Sleep - onset latency in poor sleepers- • • • • • • • • • • • •