MARCH BLOG – AWARENESS

Since the beginning of the year, we’ve started our health regime.  Keep the momentum going – this month let’s talk about three debilitating ailments:  diabetes, brain and eye health!  Learning to manage our ailments aids in our ability to maintain Complete Health!  Let’s talk about 3 related ailments. 

DIABETES is characterized by high blood glucose levels resulting from the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin.

Type 1 - diagnosed predominately in children and young adults doesn’t allow the body to produce insulin which is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy.  Children can learn to manage their condition and live long, healthy, happy lives.

Type 2 - the most common form of diabetes in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.  With Type 2 the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.  As glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it leads to diabetic complications. 

Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of health benefits in the Asian culture.  Dubbed the food of the Gods by the Romans, the powers of mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, maitake and white button mushrooms provide growing evidence that a healthy diet and lifestyle choices can significantly slow or prevent progression to Type 2 Diabetes. 

THE BRAIN

The brain is the most complex and important organ of the body.  Brain health is critically important as you mature.  You notice differences in the way your mind works.  Heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes are the constant factors that alter or damage blood vessels, including the brain.  A healthy lifestyle is a common factor along with exercise and a healthy diet.  Keep your mind active with reading, playing games and learning new things. 

VISION HEALTH

The 1999 Survey of Income and Program Participation (CDC, 2001) indicates that blindness or vision problems are among the top 10 disabilities among adults aged 18 years and older.  A healthy diet aids in protecting vision.  Your grandmother was correct - carrots are good for your eyes!  But a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens is important for keeping your eyes healthy with additional benefits coming from eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna, and halibut) 

Being overweight increases the risk of developing diabetes and other conditions, which can lead to vision loss, such as diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.

What actions can you take?????  I can’t stress it enough, keeping a healthy lifestyle and frame of mind seem to be the common denominator in Complete Health!

• Get recommended health screenings regularly.

• Always consult your doctor regarding medications, as well as side effects and interactions between medications, herbs and supplements.  

• Exercise and being physically active reduce the risk of conditions that harm brain health, such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and stroke.

• Learn to manage diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol!   Yoga has proven beneficial in reducing high blood pressure, which helps to reduce the risk of stroke!   

• Maintain a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats (fish and poultry)

• Monitor the intake of solid fat, sugar and salt.  

• Vitamins and minerals (such as magnesium, calcium, manganese and zinc) are essential  for health

See you next month!