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                                                                    Happy Holidays!

‘Tis the Season for Imbibing

By Amy Campbell, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.


The holiday season is a joyous time of year, but for many people, that joy comes with a lot of stress. Having diabetes or any kind of chronic condition can add to that stress, too. Managing blood sugar levels, limiting those tempting goodies, and trying to stick with an exercise program can make this time of year challenging, to say the least.

Another issue that people with diabetes face at the holidays and frankly, any time of year, is the use of alcohol. I bring up alcohol use because the term “holiday spirit” can mean enjoying a glass of wine or champagne, a cup of spiked eggnog or a hot chocolate laced with peppermint schnapps. If you have diabetes, you might be wondering if you can partake in a “holiday spirit” or two.

Is it okay to drink alcohol if you have diabetes?
There isn’t one right answer to this question. The best answer is “Probably.” Most people can safely enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two, but you should always first check with your healthcare provider. You might have other health issues or be taking medicines that could interact with alcohol, causing more harm than good. However, you can take some comfort in knowing that the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society agree that drinking alcohol in moderation is not off limits to most people.

How does alcohol affect diabetes?
Alcohol is metabolized, or processed, by the liver. It takes the average person two hours to metabolize one drink. If you drink more than one drink in this time frame, alcohol can affect other parts of the body, such as your brain, giving you that “buzz” feeling. In terms of blood glucose, alcohol may lead to low blood glucose if you take insulin or certain types of diabetes pills, like glipizide, glyburide or glimepiride, for example. The liver has to deal with the alcohol you’ve just consumed and therefore can’t really pay attention to what’s happening with your blood glucose. As a result, your blood glucose may drop too low, especially if you haven’t eaten anything that contains carbohydrate. Drinking alcohol (especially more than what’s recommended) may lead to low blood glucose hours later, as well.

What’s considered “drinking in moderation”?

Here are the standard guidelines for using alcohol: men should have no more than two drinks per day, and women should have no more than one drink per day. A “drink” counts as 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer or 1 ½ ounces of hard liquor (gin, rum, vodka).

What about mixed drinks?

If you choose to drink alcohol, it’s best to stick with wine, champagne, light beer or hard liquor. If you like “mixers”, choose water, seltzer, diet tonic water or diet soda. A splash of cranberry or orange juice is okay. Try to limit cocktails like rum and Coke, screwdrivers, margaritas or mudslides. Besides packing calories, these drinks may contain quite a bit of carbohydrate that can affect your blood glucose. A cup of spiked eggnog sure goes down smoothly, but it weighs in at about 400 calories and 37 grams of carb!

Are there any health benefits to drinking alcohol?

Surprisingly, alcohol may be good for your health. When consumed in moderation, alcohol can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, lower the risk of getting diabetes, decrease the risk of dementia, add a few years to your lifespan, and possibly even fight against the common cold. Of course, if you don’t drink alcohol, you probably shouldn’t start drinking. But it’s nice to know that a bit of holiday cheer may be good for your health.

How can you drink safely with diabetes?

First, make sure that your diabetes is under reasonable control. Drinking alcohol on top of swings in your blood glucose can make it harder to get things regulated. Second, if you are at risk for low blood glucose because you take insulin or certain types of diabetes pills, make sure you’re checking your blood glucose regularly (including before and after you drink) and that you always eat a carbohydrate food when you drink. Third, alcohol and exercise don’t mix. Don’t grab a cold beer after a workout session at the gym. You can greatly increase your chances of low blood glucose by doing so. Finally, if you have questions or concerns, or if you have certain complications from your diabetes like heart, eye or kidney disease, check with your healthcare provider before you drink alcohol to make sure it’s safe for you.

Staying Fit when the Cold Wind Blows

By Amy Campbell, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful.” If you know this song (“Let it Snow!”),
you probably would agree that curling up by a roaring fire is much more preferable to lacing up your
sneakers and going for your daily walk when the thermometer has taken a nosedive. Now that winter
is upon us, it seems to get harder and harder to motivate ourselves to be active. Part of this is due to
the cold, snowy weather, and part may be due to the shorter days. And let’s not forget that we’re in the
midst of the winter holidays – shopping, cooking, visiting family all seem to suck up what little time we
usually have, and it’s common for exercise to fall by the wayside.

Why exercise matters

If you have diabetes, no doubt it’s been drilled into you that exercise is a vital part of your treatment plan. Exercise helps with so many other things, too. It’s hard to refute all of the benefits that staying active brings. Here’s a quick rundown (in case you need a reminder). Exercise helps to:

• Control blood glucose and lower A1C levels
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower cholesterol
• Manage weight
• Improve sleep
• Improve quality of life
• Alleviate stress and depression
• Boost energy
• Brighten your mood

With so many things going for it, what’s stopping you from being active? If it truly is inclement weather,
here are a few ways to reap the benefits of exercise without having to risk frostbite, slipping on ice or
getting your sneakers wet!

• Climb stairs. Stairs don’t get enough credit for their ability to help you become more fit in a short amount of time. Climbing an average flight of stairs burns between 5 to 9 calories per minute. You’ll burn fat, tone muscles and strengthen your bones at the same time. You don’t need any special equipment to climb stairs, other than a pair of sneakers. And stairs are pretty much everywhere – at home, at work, at the library…find a flight today!

• Use DVDs and videos. Chances are you have one or two exercise videos at home. Have you ever tried them? If not, now’s the time. You can find fitness DVD’s for just about anything, including walking, yoga and Pilates. Some videos will walk you through an exercise routine using hand weights, resistance bands or just your own body weight. You can also check out videos online on YouTube, and certain television stations offer exercise programs, too. Check out your local listings.

• Get on the ball. Purchase an inflatable exercise ball (you can get one at sporting goods stores or department stores). Use the exercise ball in place of a chair when you’re sitting at your desk or table. The ball will help engage and strengthen your core muscles. Do an internet search for exercises that you can do using the ball. You can pretty much get a full body workout with an exercise ball.

• Head to the mall. Before the holiday madness starts, many malls will open their doors early to allow people to go walking. Why not join them? You’ll be indoors and you get to do some window shopping at the same time (but don’t slow your pace!).

• Get fit while watching NCIS or Downton Abbey. Why not? Using a treadmill or stationary bike is much more fun when watching your favorite shows. If you don’t have exercise equipment, no worries: march in place, use hand weights or a resistance band, or grab that exercise ball. You won’t even know you’re exercising!

Finally, if weather isn’t an issue for you, take advantage of the frosty air. Many people enjoy outdoor winter activities, whether they’re walking, skiing, snowshoeing or skating. Make sure to dress in layers, wear appropriate footwear, cover your hands and head, and stay hydrated. If you’re at risk for low blood glucose, always carry low blood glucose treatment with you (glucose tablets, glucose gel or a juice box, for example). Enjoy!

New Diet Reference Guide Featuring Quick and Easy Health Lifestyle Tips

CHICAGO, IL. - December 2, 2013 – There has never been more evidence that a healthy diet plays a vital role in good health and prevention of disease. These health demands affect the busy student, professional, parent, and retiree and gives them the added responsibility of making healthy decisions. 

Two well known and award winning Chicago area dietitians, Jacqueline King, MS,RDN,CDE,FADA, and Monica Joyce, MS,RDN,CDE, have written “Too Busy to Diet” to help the consumer learn quick, easy ways to eat healthy with an active lifestyle.

Busy work, school or family schedules make it a challenge to incorporate healthy eating while maintaining daily tasks. Meal times have become displaced with work, causing many to dine-out and select food that do not disclose dietary information, minimizing our control over when, where, and what we eat. The book “Too Busy To Diet” covers short and concise topics from nutrition to super foods in an easy to navigate format that allows you to maintain your current demands without risking your future health.

“To Busy to Diet” can be purchased on Amazon.com in paperback and kindle.  Please visit (http://www.amazon.com/Too-Busy-Diet-Monica-Joyce/dp/1480010588/) to purchase and for more information about the book please visit the website (http://www.toobusytodietbook.com/).

Jacqueline King, author, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and a fellow in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has a busy nutrition consulting business in Glenview, IL where she sees private patients, consults to corporate health programs, and works with numerous businesses on nutrition issues.

Monica Joyce, author, is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator. She is the Program Director of an American Diabetes Association Recognized Diabetes Program in an endocrinology practice in Chicago. She is a local and national speaker to health care professionals on diabetes.  

* Monica Joyce and Jacqueline King's article, exclusive to Walgreens Diabetes & You, soon to be featured on diabetesdigest.com

Monday, November 25th: join dLife together with Susan Weiner and Leslie Josel as they host a free Webinar, and get your life organized!

Dietitian and renowned diabetes educator Susan Weiner,  MS, RDN, CDE, CDN , paired up with Leslie Josel, expert on chronic disorganization and hoarding issues, to coauthor The Complete Diabetes Organizer: Your Guide to a Less Stressful, More Manageable Diabetes Life. This Monday, November 25th, they invite you to join them as they host a free webinar based on topics from their new book. 

If can be challenging to manage your everyday responsibilities together with your diabetes. Susan and Leslie know that. As a team, they offer you practical advice and tips to help you improve your health, and powerful solutions to help anyone eliminate distraction and focus on the important things that lead to a happy, stress-free life. 

What have you got to lose? Click on the attached invitation and RSVP, by clicking the "Register Now" button. Then, tune in at 12 PM this Monday, and prepare to get organized!!

AMA: Trans Fat Ban Would Save Lives

Statement attributed to: Patrice A. Harris, M.D., AMA Board Member

Banning the use of artificial trans fats is a life-saving move that can help keep the public healthy, and the American Medical Association strongly supports the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation to eliminate one of the most harmful fats in our food supply.

The FDA’s recommendation aligns with AMA’s strategy to prevent heart disease and type 2 diabetes and to improve outcomes for those suffering from these diseases. With proper intervention, the effects of these conditions can be dramatically reduced, leading to a healthier nation and reducing health care spending.

Eating foods containing trans fat significantly increases the risk for heart disease by raising levels of bad cholesterol, while lowering levels of good cholesterol. Healthier fats and oils should be substituted when trans fats are removed from foods. Healthier options, such as extra virgin olive oil, could prevent 30,000 to 100,000 premature deaths each year.

Wearever and Defeat Diabetes Foundation Partner to Fundraise in Support of Diabetes Awareness and Prevention this Decembe

A Portion of Proceeds on Select Wearever Wellness Apparel Solutions will Benefit Defeat Diabetes Foundation

 

DURHAM, N.C. – Nov. 12, 2013 –The Wearever® brand, makers of comfortable, quality, affordable and stylish apparel solutions for everyday health and wellness concerns, and Defeat Diabetes Foundation are partnering to raise money in support of diabetes awareness and prevention. Throughout the month of December, 10 percent of proceeds from Wearever men's and women's incontinence underwear lines and its Buster Brown socks will be donated to DDF.

 

According to Defeat Diabetes Foundation, there are three main types of diabetes, Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Nearly 25.8 million Americans have diabetes, and that number is expected to continue increasing. Diabetes can be life-threatening but is manageable with early detection.

 

“We want those living with diabetes to know that they are neither helpless nor hopeless and can lead productive lives through the proper self-management of diabetes. The key is awareness, prevention and early detection for both diabetes and its complications,” said Andrew P. Mandell, DDF executive director also known as Mr. Diabetes®. “Wearever offers products that relieve some of diabetes’ most uncomfortable symptoms and side effects and we are excited to partner with them in helping to raise funds to support the cause. Together we can…Defeat Diabetes®.”

 

Diabetes can cause urinary incontinence in both men and women due to nerve damage and added pressure to the pelvic area when weight gain occurs. Wearever incontinence underwear look and feel like traditional underwear, but offer absorbent protection that works as well as or better than the alternative, adult diapers. The line’s innovative Unique-dri™ sewn-in pad features a three-layer design: the top layer lets liquid in; the middle layer moves liquid out to the edges of the fabric, wicking it away so it doesn’t pool and helping to resist bacteria growth and odor; and the urethane bottom layer prevents leak through so that the moisture is contained within. Wearever makes these products with absorbency levels to suit users’ needs, including light, moderate and heavy absorbency.

 

Wearever’s Buster Brown Cotton Socks are made with 100 percent cotton and no elastics or synthetics for maximum comfort and durability. Wearever’s Buster Brown Loose Top Socks are made of acrylic, polyester and spandex for breathability and moisture wicking. These gentle socks help to maintain lower leg circulation, reduce swelling, and ensure all-day comfort. The sock line also includes a Cotton Knee High Sock ideal for all-day wear as well. Diabetes can cause poor circulation in the feet as well as skin irritation. Wearever’s Buster Brown socks are designed to improve comfort, promote healthy circulation, reduce binding, and help eliminate skin irritation.

 

“We’re honored to partner with Defeat Diabetes Foundation and help support its mission and shed light on some important issues and everyday struggles for those with diabetes,” said Bob Deerin, president and CEO of the Wearever brand.

 

To raise awareness about diabetes, early identification and the products available for diabetes management, Wearever will donate 10 percent of sales from men’s and women’s incontinence underwear lines as well as Wearever’s Buster Brown socks purchased on its website between Dec. 1 and 31, 2013. To learn more, purchase Wearever products or donate, please visit www.WeareverUS.com.

 

About Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Defeat Diabetes Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization established in 1990 that focuses on the prevention, early identification and self-management of the epidemic, diabetes. The Foundation maintains a website as a source of information for anyone interested in health and especially for "pre-diabetics" and diabetics that features content about diabetes, its complications and the importance of self-care. Defeat Diabetes Foundation conducts programs each year to promote awareness, prevention and early detection. DDF is a result of Executive Director Andrew Mandell’s own struggle with diabetes and his desire to educate others about the disease. To learn more, visit www.defeatdiabetes.org.

 

About Wearever: 

The Wearever® brand offers comfortable, quality, affordable and stylish apparel solutions for everyday health and wellness concerns. The men’s and women’s underwear line of washable, reusable urinary incontinence panties and briefs is especially beneficial for active individuals who want to continue their normal lifestyle without worry or emotional stress resulting from urinary incontinence. Additionally, Wearever offers incontinence bedding products as well as Buster Brown® socks. Wearever is produced and distributed by Prime Life Fibers®, a Durham, N.C.-based apparel company founded in 2002 by Bob Deerin. To learn more, visit www.WeareverUS.com.