Will You Be A Statistic? – Type II Diabetes
Courtesy Lifecare Technology Medical Supply, Northshore LIVING WELL Magazine
Diabetes is sweeping the nation. It is estimated that one in three will be diagnosed with diabetes at some point in their lives. How sad is that?
The most common cause of diabetes is poor nutrition and being overweight. Diabetes may be prevented by eating proper food and exercise.
What can you do to lower your risk for diabetes? The National Diabetes Education Project has identified some steps to reduce your risk of developing diabetes by 50%.
Step One: Set a weight loss goal. Aim to lose 5 – 7% of your current weight. So, if you weigh 200 pounds, you need to lose 10 to 14 pounds. Keep a log and write down everything you eat and the amount of physical activity you were able to do. Compare each day.
Step Two: Make healthy food choices every day. Fiber and protein are very important, so beans, as well as fruits and colorful vegetables are good choices. Choose low-fat or nonfat milk, and low-fat cheese. Other protein choices could be chicken, pork (the other white meat), lean meats, fish, peas, nuts and seeds. When choosing starches, look for whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, brown rice, pasta or oatmeal. Keep good healthy snacks on hand for those moments when you are starving.
Step Three: Strive to become more physically active. If you are not active, start off slowly and choose a physical activity you will enjoy and stick to it most days of the week. Continue to add more time until you reach at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week. Build physical activity into your daily activities.
There are many community programs like the YMCA or wellness centers where you can work out for free or at very little cost. These centers afford the opportunity to keep up your physical activity even when the weather isn’t favorable. You have to exercise regularly to help promote better circulation to your body, lower cholesterol balance and blood pressure, and of course, to promote healthy weight management.
Lifecare Technology Medical Supply may be reached at 800-729-1353 or via www.ltmedical.com.
