The reasons why Dr. Avani Kanneganti became a doctor in the first place are the same reasons why she still loves her job today: By connecting an intricate set of symptoms and information, she can help patients avoid serious illness later.

Dr. Kanneganti enjoys the complexity and diversity of medicine. As a primary care physician, she concentrates on all the systems of the body, combining careful observation, patient concerns, vital statistics, and medical histories to address medical issues before they become catastrophic. She is diligent about catching warning signs of cancer early while it’s still treatable, controlling diabetes before medication is required, or lowering blood pressure so it doesn’t become a heart attack. Dr. Kanneganti says healthy habits are a huge part of prevention and include exercising for at least 30 minutes most days (if not every day), focusing food on produce and lean protein, and cutting back or quitting smoking – a change that patients have to be willing and ready to make on their own. 

 When it comes to lifestyle choices aimed at disease prevention, Dr. Kanneganti practices what she preaches – and truly enjoys her healthy habits. She likes cooking from scratch and is most comfortable preparing the Indian recipes she grew up with. She spends as much time outdoors as possible, especially in the summer, and loves to work out with a combination of cardio and strength training. To save time and money – a tip she shares with patients – Dr. Kanneganti opts to sweat it out at home rather than joining a gym. 

3898 Vineyard Dr., Ste. 1, Dunkirk, NY 14048 

716.363.6960 

New Patients Welcome

Same-Day Appointments Available 

Linda Fuller, ANP-BC, CDCES, has been taking care of people for about two-thirds of her life. She became a registered nurse in 1982 and has worked as a visiting nurse and in doctors’ offices and hospitals throughout Chautauqua County for her whole career. 

The more Linda works with her patients, the more she wants to be able to help them. Since the ’80s she had seen an increasing number of people coming in with severe diabetes that affects every aspect of their lives, so in 2008, she studied to become a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. 

In this role, she works one-on-one with each patient to manage their individual diabetes risk factors and symptoms to reduce the effects of the disease. But as a nurse without a prescribing license, Linda wasn’t able to help manage her patients’ medications – an important part of controlling diabetes for many. She went back to school to become an Adult Nurse Practitioner, which now allows her to meet all of her patients’ diabetes and overall health needs. 

Born and raised in Randolph, Linda is a country person who comes from a farming family and firmly believes that a day out in the fresh air and sunshine is some of the best medicine. She’s an avid crafter who makes most of the gifts she gives to friends and family (whether they like it or not, she jokes). She’s kept company by her two dogs – an 11-pound Yorkipoo and a 145-pound St. Weiler (a cross between a St. Bernard and a Rottweiler). 

3898 Vineyard Dr., Ste. 1, Dunkirk, NY 14048 

716.363.6960 

To schedule an appointment, visit www.gppconline.com/scheduling 

New Patients Welcome • Same-Day Appointments Available 

Back to school means back to busy schedules, and when we’re busy we need lunch ideas that are easy and convenient. Often healthy eating goes by the wayside, replaced by fast food. With minimal planning, eating healthy can be easy. And when we eat better, we feel better! Eating a well-balanced lunch helps pave the way for the rest of the day and also helps overcome that midday slump. Having a good balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and good fat brings greater satisfaction and more energy. Things to keep in mind for kids include awareness of food allergies, knowing which foods they are more likely to eat, and choosing non-perishables for field trips. When packing your own lunches, consider whether your office has refrigeration, microwave, or toaster oven.

The following are some basic lunchbox basics.

• In addition to lean meats, alternative healthy proteins include hardboiled eggs, tuna fish, Greek or regular yogurt, nut butters, nuts and seeds, cheese, edamame, meat alternatives (seitan, tempeh), and veggie burgers. 
• Vegetables are nutritious and loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Add celery or tomatoes to your chicken salad, load your wrap with spinach and sprouts, or add roasted cauliflower, fennel, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or broccoli to salads, grains, or sandwiches. Brined raw vegetables are delicious with a dip, but limit to 2 Tbsp as they can be high in calories.
• Fruits help satisfy your sweet tooth, and vegetables can help meet 20% of your hydration needs. Be creative and try something different; star fruit, papaya, mango, dragon fruit and Asian pears can help add variety and be fun to eat. 
• Add whole grains crackers, wraps, or bread for a healthier carbohydrate. Quinoa, barley, brown or wild rice, and farro are great ways to incorporate healthy complex carbohydrates into your day. When reading food labels, aim for 3 grams of fiber or more per serving. 
• Fats are essential and will keep you satisfied. Use an olive oil mayonnaise on your sandwich or try dipping vegetables in hummus or guacamole. Avocado is a great in wraps, salads, or spread on whole grain crackers. Nuts and seeds are not only a good source of protein, but also good fats. 
• Treat yourself to a small piece of dark chocolate, cocoa dusted almonds, or whole grain cookie, once or twice a week. Remember, these don’t need to be included daily.
• Don’t forget to bring water! Flavor it with cucumbers and mint; lemons, limes or oranges; or even apples and cinnamon to change it up. 
• Have fun, enjoy planning, and involve the whole family in the shopping and preparation. 

Kelly Cardamone, MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, IFNCP, is a Nutrition and Diabetes Program Manager, practicing at General Physician, P.C. She sees patients at 3980A Sheridan Drive, Suite 200 in Amherst, 1091 Main Street, Suite 301 in Buffalo, and 705 Maple Road, Suite 300 in Williamsville. For nutritional counseling appointments or more information, call 716-631-8400.