Diabetes Awareness: First Shock, Then Self-Education
Laura Syron was shocked when her doctor told her she had type 2 diabetes at age 50.
“Can we stop? I don’t even know what you just said to me,” Syron recalls thinking.
Looking back, she recalled episodes of being tired, cravings, and blurry visions, all among the signs of diabetes, although she didn’t know it at the time. Eight years later, her medication is finally worked out, and she feels good about her health.
Syron is now the president and CEO of Diabetes Canada, which is sponsoring Diabetes Awareness Month again this November. She describes her experiences in a video on the organization’s website.
It’s also Diabetes Awareness Month in the United States and Canada, making November a great time to highlight the link between exercise, diet and the disease, including for people over age 50.
The American Diabetes Association says 30 million Americans have diabetes, the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Diabetes Canada says someone in the country is diagnosed every three minutes.
A person’s weight is a major factor. Exercise and proper eating are important in preventing and managing diabetes.
The ADA says we can take steps to prevent type 2, the most common form. “Stay at a healthy weight, eat well and be active. With these steps, you can stay healthier longer and lower your risk of diabetes.”
The ADA defines type 2 diabetes as “characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by either a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use insulin efficiently. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but can appear in young people.”
Among Americans aged 65 and older, 25.2 percent or 12 million people have diabetes, the ADA says
If you think you might be at risk, talk to your doctor. If you have been diagnosed, be sure to know about proper eating and exercising and take care of yourself every day.
How exercise helps
Physical activity:
- Helps lower blood glucose, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides
- Lowers risk for pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke
- Relieves stress
- Strengthens the heart, muscles and bones
- Improves blood circulation and tones muscles
- Improves flexibility and reduces inflammation
And no, you’re not too old to start.
“Even if you’ve never exercised before, you can find ways to add physical activity to your day,” the ADA says. “Even if your activities aren’t strenuous, you’ll still get health benefits.”
“It’s complicated and it’s exhausting,” Syron says about learning to care for yourself with the disease. “Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to absorb and then learn as much as you can.”
>Let us show you the healthy path to prevent and treat Type 2 diabetes, as well as other ailments common later in life.
Dead Butt Syndrome? Yep, It’s a Real Thing
Sitting too much is a health hazard, as you might have heard already.
There’s even an actual medical condition tied to it that’s serious, despite its funny name: Dead Butt Syndrome.
It doesn’t mean your butt is actually dead, of course. And the technical term is “gluteal amnesia,” which means the muscles of your rear end have forgotten how to do their job. And make no mistake, the butt muscles are hugely important, helping to stabilize the pelvis, keep your body in alignment, and even stand and walk.
DBS can cause back pain, tight hips and balance issues. Bones in the spine can become compressed, and the butt muscles can stop activating after just 30 minutes of resting on them.
If you have to sit for prolonged periods, set an alarm so you’ll get up and walk around every hour or so.
Too much sitting speeds up the aging process. It’s bad for bone health. It lowers muscle mass and energy levels.
A study in Taiwan of 480,000 people found those who sit most of the day had a one-third higher chance of dying from cardiovascular disease than people with less sedentary jobs. And that’s just one example of the research.
Regular exercise is vital to keeping these muscles active and strong, particularly movements like squats and lunges. Call us today and let’s keep your butt alive and well!
Meme: At Any Age
AFFILIATE CONTENT
ID Life supplements and vitamins support joint health and immunity, more energy and better sleep, plus lots more of interest to people over 50. They’ve been improving active agers’ health since 1994.
ID Life recognizes the importance of sourcing scientifically formulated high-quality supplements for their customers. So, whether you’re a fitness professional looking to add to your revenue stream or an individual looking for the right supplement line, follow this link and get started with ID Life now.
Be a Part of a Stirring Display of Patriotism – Dedicate a Flag Today!
From November 9-11, 2024, the University of Houston Sugar Land Campus will host the 2nd annual Field of Honor®, an awe-inspiring tribute featuring a sea of 2,000 American flags. This moving display represents heroes from all walks of life and is your chance to honor someone special.
Sponsor a Flag, Share a Story
Do you know a veteran, military service member, first responder, educator, or everyday hero? You can sponsor a flag in their name, making their story part of this beautiful panorama. Each flag stands tall, representing a unique individual and their personal journey.
Your Support Makes an Impact
While this event is free to visit, your sponsorship helps continue this touching tribute and supports the charitable efforts of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land. Your participation not only honors a loved one but also contributes to meaningful community initiatives.
Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Experience
Join us in celebrating our heroes. Walk among the flags, feel a deep sense of unity, and give thanks to those who deserve it most. Visit our website or contact us today to sponsor a flag for the 2024 Field of Honor®.
Click here to sponsor a flag and honor a hero: Sponsor Now
|
|
|
Thank you again for joining Agestrong. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you!
|
