Take It. Share It.

In 2011, the American Diabetes Association encouraged Americans to “Join the Million Challenge” and more than 600,000 people took the Diabetes Risk Test. On March, 27, 2012, the Association will aim to top that number, inspiring people to take the all-new Diabetes Risk Test, as well as to share the test with everyone they care about - friends, family members and colleagues. With each person that takes the test and knows their risk, the Association is that much closer to stopping diabetes.

American Diabetes Association Alert Day®, which is held every fourth Tuesday in March, is a one-day, “wake-up call” asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

The new Diabetes Risk Test asks users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risks for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.  Preventative tips are provided for everyone who takes the test, including encouraging those at high risk to talk with their health care provider.

Diabetes by the Numbers

Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States, and a quarter of them—7 million—do not even know they have it. An additional 79 million, or one in three American adults, have prediabetes, which puts them at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take the steps to Stop Diabetes®.
 

Are You at Risk?

Everyone should be aware of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.  People who are overweight, under active (living a sedentary lifestyle) and over the age of 45 should consider themselves at risk for the disease.  African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and people who have a family history of the disease also are at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Unfortunately, diagnosis often comes 7 to 10 years after the onset of the disease, after disabling and even deadly complications have had time to develop.  Therefore, early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of its complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, stroke, amputation and death. 

The American Diabetes Association has made a strong commitment to primary prevention of type 2 diabetes by increasing awareness of prediabetes and actively engaging individuals in preventative behaviors like weight loss, physical activity and healthful eating.  Alert Day is a singular moment in time in which we can raise awareness and prompt action among the general public – particularly those at risk.

Take Charge of Your Health

Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by losing just 7% of body weight (such as 15 pounds if you weigh 200) through regular physical activity (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and healthy eating.  By understanding your risk, you can take the necessary steps to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
 

You can be part of the movement to Stop Diabetes® and get your free Diabetes Risk Test (English or Spanish) by visiting the Association on Facebook, stopdiabetes.com or by calling 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Although Alert Day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round.

About the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Some might be surprised to learn that St. Patrick's Day is actually a religious holiday celebrated yearly on March 17th.  St. Patrick's Day commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland as well as the life of St. Patrick, who is the patron saint of Ireland.  It became an official Feast day in the 17th century but has gradually become a secular festival, which celebrates Irish culture in general. 

St. Patrick is said to have been born into a wealthy Roman Britain family sometime in the 4th century.  Both his father and grandfather were deacons in the church.  When he was 16 years old, he was taken captive by Irish raiders and was taken to Ireland where he was imprisoned as a slave.  Eventually Patrick was able to flee captivity and return to Britain.  Upon his return, he joined the church and studied to become a priest. 

In 432, Patrick said that God called him to return to Ireland so that he could bring Christianity to them.  After spending 30 years in Ireland, Patrick passed away on March 17, 461, and was buried in Downpatrick.  Patrick is held in esteem in the Irish church and is heralded for bringing Christianity to Ireland.  According to Irish folklore, Patrick taught the pagan Irish about the holy trinity by using the example of the three leaf shamrock. 

In the early days, the original color associated with St. Patrick's Day was blue.  Over time, however, green began to grow in popularity.  In the 1798 rebellion, Irish soldiers hoping to make a political statement and gather public attention, wore green on March 17th. 

In the mid 1990s, the Irish government began an initiative to globally showcase Ireland and its culture on St. Patrick's Day.  In doing so, the government hoped to make a day whereby all Irish descendents could join in on festivities celebrating their heritage and to have a celebration that was amongst the largest and greatest in the world.  March 17, 1996 marked the first St. Patrick's Day festival in Ireland.  By 2006, the festival had become five days long with almost 1 million people in attendance. 

In the United States, every year since 1991 March has been proclaimed Irish-American Heritage month.  Today St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by both the Irish and non-Irish alike.  For most Irish Americans, St. Patrick's Day is both a religious and festive day.  Many Irish-Americans start the day off with church services followed by parades, parties, Irish music and food, and dances.  Alcohol consumption on St. Patrick's Day has soared over the past several years as individuals are allowed to break their Lenten sacrifices in order to celebrate the day. 

One would think that the largest St. Patrick's Day parade would take place in Ireland; however, this isn't true.  The largest St. Patrick's Day parade takes place in New York City.  It has close to 15,000 people marching in the parade with almost 2 million in spectators lining the NYC streets. 

It needs to be mentioned that there are more Irish-Americans than there are Irish!  There are 36.5 million Americans claiming an Irish heritage.  Ireland, on the other hand, only has a population of about 6 million. 

Erin go braugh! 

New Report Reveals Alzheimer's Will Cost Nation $200 billion in 2012

The recently released Alzheimer’s Association 2012 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report says that caring for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the United States an estimated $200 billion in 2012. This includes $140 billion paid by Medicare and Medicaid. 

In addition, Medicare payments for an older person with Alzheimer’s and other dementias are nearly three times higher and Medicaid payments are 19 times higher than for seniors without these conditions. These costs will only continue to soar in the coming years given the projected rapidly escalating prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease as the baby boomers age.

 

The facts outlined in the report also underscore the need for investment in research. While the estimated costs of Alzheimer’s to the country are $200 billion, only one percent of this, $2 billion, is what scientists say is needed to make significant inroads in Alzheimer’s research that can begin to solve the crisis. To learn more about the information released in Facts and Figures, visit alz.org to watch a video summarizing the report.

Facts and Figures also includes a special section focusing on individuals living alone with Alzheimer’s. While Alzheimer’s imposes profound challenges on individuals and their families, for the one out of seven individuals with Alzheimer’s who live alone these challenges are even more formidable. An estimated 800,000 individuals have Alzheimer’s and live alone, and up to half of these individuals do not have an identifiable caregiver.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides a wealth of resources, programs and materials to assist individuals who live alone and their families, including:

Helpline: Available 24/7, this free call center (800.272.3900) offers information and support from master’s level clinicians.

Care consultations: The Alzheimer’s Association offers care consultations to individuals and their families living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Care planning is essential to provide those with the disease information about medical and non-medical options for treatment and support services.

ALZConnected: ALZConnected, powered by the Alzheimer’s Association, is the first dedicated online social networking community for anyone affected by Alzheimer’s disease; it provides a safe place for people to connect with others in similar situations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at no charge.

For more information and resources to support those living alone with Alzheimer’s, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at alz.org. 

Get Your Plate in Shape!

by Anne Pagnoni


During March we observe National Nutrition Month^®.  For 2012 the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to think about what goes on his or her plate or in his bowl through this year's theme: "Get Your Plate in Shape."

It’s important to focus our thoughts on foods like fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, and whole grains as they contain necessary nutrients without too many extra calories.  Make sure that you eat foods from all of the food groups during the day. 

The food and nutrition experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics make the following recommendations on how to “Get Your Plate in Shape”: 

·         Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables: Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks.

·         Make at least half your grains whole: Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods.

·         Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk: Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. For those who are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.

·         Vary your protein choices: Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. And be sure to choose seafood as the protein at least twice a week.

·         Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars: Compare sodium in foods and choose those with lower numbers, and season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils like olive and canola oil. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert.

·         Enjoy your foods but eat less: Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what’s in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options.

·         Be physically active your way: Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity every week. Choose activities that you enjoy, and start by doing as much as you can. 

For more information on how you can “Get Your Plate in Shape”, please visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ National Nutrition Month.