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Doctor's Senior Exercise and Health NewsletterThe monthly Doctor’s Senior Exercise and Health Newsletter is written solely for information to help seniors, baby boomers and anyone else who have an interest in staying healthy, living a vigorous, active lifestyle and combating the aging process. The newsletter also includes know-how in the form of useful tips and links to more extensive material on the Internet. Click here to subscribe or unsubscribe Back Issues Each month we offer special deals on ourWebsite: www.doctorsexercise.com We have many products to improve your quality of life. ********************* Need a gift for a loved one or friend? Giving a gift of health is giving a gift of love! December 1, 2007 Issue Vol. 7 No. 12 In This Newsletter Introduction Healthfully yours Health Hints Introduction*** The Doctor’s Senior Exercise & Health Newsletter is written monthly, solely for information to help seniors, baby boomers and anyone who may have an interest in staying healthy, living a vigorous, active lifestyle and combating the aging process. It does not constitute the practice of medicine and is not meant to prescribe treatments. It is offered strictly as an educational aid. Any medical problems you may have, we recommend that you seek the help of your physician or other healthcare professional. Discussing your intentions with your doctor is always the proper procedure. The newsletter also includes know-how in the form of useful tips and links to more extensive material on the Internet. You may wish to share this newsletter by sending a copy to a friend, neighbor or relative and suggesting they subscribe to it. This newsletter is scanned for viruses and is virus-free before it is sent to recipients!Website: http://www.doctorsexercise.com How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe: Send your email address with subscribe or unsubscribe to e-mail address below: E-Mail address: doc1@gate.net Healthfully Yours*** Diabetes Awareness Last month was diabetes awareness month. Unfortunately, other than a few spot television mentions, and a run for diabetes (local), I had not heard too much on the subject. This is a condition that has been increasing in the number of cases reported over the years without any appearance of coming under control. Three years ago, approximately 18 million people had diabetes or pre-diabetes and about a third of those were undiagnosed. The majority of people, when asked their blood sugar number, will not be able to answer the question. The reason is that they may or may not have had a blood glucose test in the past year or more, and some had never been tested. Diabetes is the fifth deadliest disease in the United States. There are over 200,000 deaths from diabetes and it’s complications yearly. There are different forms of diabetes
. 2. Type 2 Diabetes is the kind where there is not enough insulin produced or t the body does not utilize the insulin even when it it is produced. 3. Gestational Diabetes affects approximately 40 % of all pregnant women-a about 135,00 in the U.S. each year. 4. Pre-diabetes is a condition that occurs when a persons glucose levels are h higher than normal, however the number is not high enough for a a definitive diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. There are approximately 54 million A Americans who have pre-diabetes in addition to the 20.8 million with d diabetes Diabetes is caused by an insufficient amount of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, or the improper utilization of the insulin by the body. Insulin helps the body control the blood glucose levels in the body. As we grow older, we become more and more at risk of developing pre-diabetes or the full-blown diabetes. There are several factors that will place the individual more at risk to coming down with diabetes. These are: 1. A family history of diabetes should alert the individual to be extremely o cognizant of the fact that they are at risk. 2. If the individual is overweight, they are at risk. 3. Race and ethnicity can be a factor. African-Americans, Hispanics, Native-Americans, 4. Asian Americans, and those 50 years in age and above. As we age, we need to be tested regularly. There are many serious side affects that can result from diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), and blindness (retinopathy) are such side-affects. Conditions that occur are-high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), low blood sugar hypoglycemia) celiac disease and ketoacidosis. In type 2 diabetes, the serious side-affects are those that occur in type 1 diabetes. How to protect you is discussed in the health hints below. Health Hints*** 1. First and foremost. If you have not had a blood glucose test, you must do so, and the sooner-the better. The longer you have a high blood sugar level and have not been aware of it, there can be more damage that wil affect the body. Once damage has occurred, it may be irreversible. 2. The blood glucose is tested when you waken and fasting, and if found to be 126 and above after several tests, you are diagnosed with diabetes. Further testing will be performed by your doctor over a period of several months. The AIC test will show your blood glucose level over a three-month period.. The recommendation is that the level should be 7 percent or less. Reducing that level should be the goal of the diabetic, because each point dropped will lessen your chances of getting side affects as mentioned above by 35 percent. 3. Smoking is a definite no. no!. Smoking impairs circulation and the propensity that diabetics have for circulatory problems should motivate you from continuing with that habit. 4.Obesity is another factor that will add to the diabetics chances of developing the conditions and risk factors mentioned above. Losing weight should be the first thing on your agenda. Knowing about Simple and Complex Carbohydrates is something the the diabetic must become acquainted with. Simple Carbohydrates: These are sugars that will absorb rapidly into your entire system. Examples are: cane sugar, the most used on a daily basis and in baked goods, fruit juices, and honey. Complex Carbohydrates: These are starches that break down slowly and by doing so, will not cause the blood glucose to spike as quickly as simple carbohydrates. Examples are: oatmeal, whole wheat bread and wild rice. The complex carbohydrates are best for diabetics. Other methods for controlling your diet are by “carb counting”, which is the amount of grams in each food. Another method is using “exchanges” or servings in each meal. These servings will determine the number of calories ingested. In carb counting you need to determine the amount of carbohydrates you consume on a daily basis. For men the desired amount is 275 gms. For women, 225 gms are the desired amount. For exchanges, the daily calorie amount needs to be determined as to how many calories are right for you. For example if you are on a 1500-calorie per day diet, you can have 5 or 6 servings of carbohydrates, providing each serving contains only 15 grams of carbohydrates. Therefore 6 servings will equal the recommended total of 90 gms . 6. Choose a good blood glucose meter. One that is easy to use you will be comfortable using. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can be very helpful in making the right choice. Get into the habit of checking your blood glucose level on arising in the morning while fasting. 7. Exercise can help in lowering your blood glucose levels. Very often when an individual is diagnosed with diabetes, their healthcare provider will first place them on a diet and an exercise regime to try to bring their blood glucose levels down before starting them on medication. No matter what the situation is, exercise is a must. Choose an exercise program you are comfortable with, and stick with it. For convenience, home exercise such as the “Doctor’s Senior Exercise” program can help motivate you. You can learn more about this program at: www.doctorsexercise.com. In addition, you must remain active throughout the day. Walk whenever you can instead of driving. This article is primarily written to alert everyone of the danger that being affected with diabetes is always there and can affect almost anyone. Be aware that anyone morbidly obese already will probably have diabetes. Once a definitive diagnosis of diabetes has been made, you should see a healthcare provider who specializes in diabetes, as well as a nutritionist versed in offering diets for the diabetic patient. With the proper treatment diabetes can be controlled and you can prevent the serious side affects discussed above. Doc Cane
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