American Diabetes Association Alert Day

Diabetes has been diagnosed in 18.3 million Americans, both male and female and amongst all types of ethnicities.  Odds are you know someone who has type 2 Diabetes or know people with a family history of Diabetes.  Today (March 27^th) is the American Diabetes Association Alert day!  Today is used as a “wake-up call” asking people to take the Diabetes Risk Test to find out if they are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes.  The test simply asks questions based on your weight, age, family history, and other environmental risks that could potentially put you at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.  Preventative measures are also given, so it is a great way to reinforce all of the things you are already doing and add new tips for prevention!

Quick tips on preventing Type 2 Diabetes:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low fat dairy products, and a diet low in saturated and trans fats.
• Increase your level of physical activity.  Make it a point to add physical activity into your busy schedule; whether it’s walking on your lunch break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, everything counts!  With the warm weather on its way you can take walks around your neighborhood, go for a bike ride, or a jog at the local track to keep your physical activity level high.
•  Maintain a healthy weight.  Skinny does NOT mean healthy!  Being at a healthy weight is individualized for each person and the number on the scale shouldn’t bring you down.  Instead aim for a weight that you feel healthy and comfortable at.

Take the Diabetes Risk Test today; what are you waiting for!

This year’s American Diabetes Association Alert Day slogan is “Take it and share it”, so be sure to take the test for yourself and spread the word to your friends and families.  Through prevention and awareness we can get closer to stopping diabetes in its tracks!

If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes or you currently have diabetes and are in need of medical nutrition therapy, please contact me at bonnie@brghealth.com or call 516-486-4569.  Visit my website at www.brghealth.com for more information.

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