PATIENT POWER Health Insights for Seniors, Loved Ones and Caregivers
Defeat Diabetes Month While the feature focuses on African-Americans, ALL older Americans need to watch out: stats keep indicating one quarter of adults age 65+ have diabetes (and not all are diagnosed). Take the same CDC test noted in the feature to see if you're at risk.
Getting Full Knee Replacement? Check out the hospital carefully…for the staff, not just technology. A small study found that solid info from staff and other support gave joy & relief afterwards, despite the pain and challenges of rehab.
Try the Tramp No, not Chaplin: trampolines. A NASA study showed these workouts improve muscles, lungs, motor skills, etc. Yes, it’s recommended for seniors. Of course first get clearance, second, find the right place and third, take it slow!
Patient Power
photo: CDC
Empowering Black Women 4 Health Did you know April is National African-American Women’s Fitness month? If not, glad to enlighten you. I once helped Long Island College Hospital develop magazine articles on Black health issues and learned that, for reasons not totally known, many problems are more prevalent in this race. Check out Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) and you’ll see that 1 in 4 Black women, ages 55+, develop adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes. Their quote: “Diabetes is…more prevalent among Black women than other ethnic groups.” How much of African-American risk of not only diabetes, but heart disease and high blood pressure (HBP), is due to genes vs. how much culture, we still don’t totally know. But one reason the media and health pros keep updating this portion of our population on their food intake: they have extensive recipes for WM Medical Communications
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Famous Birthdays Still Going Strong Whether they are still here, or their messages live on: • Samuel Alito: April 1,1950. Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court. • Juan Williams: April 10, 1954, Print/TV Journalist • Loretta Lynn: April 14, 1935, Singer, Musician. • Clarence Darrow: April 18, 1857. U.S. lawyer. • August Wilson: April 27, 1945. Playwright. • Cloris Leachman: April 30, 1926. Award-Winning Actress. …………………………………….
frying, and serving foods with heavy sauces and gravies. AfricanAmericans also have the lowest rate for consuming healthy fresh fruits and veggies; only about 21% eat the 5+ servings recommended daily. To determine risk factors (whatever your race/age) take the CDC’s Prediabetes test (very easy, short Yes/No). Then check out BWHI’s “Change Your Lifestyle” (name abbreviated) program. The link includes finding a diabetes prevention program. Think of good points on African-American eating and fitness: • Reports show Black women don’t get screwy about being thin; instead are concerned about being fit. • Certain beloved veggies are a great part of this population’s diet; e.g., collard greens. They’re a solid source of protein and other nutrients. The key: sautéing in light olive oil, vs. boiling out nutrients or frying to death. • Think healthful eating means candied yams are out of reach? Think again! A government booklet offers “Heart Healthy Home Cooking African American Style.” Their yams have sugar, flour and salt BUT there’s margarine ‘stead of butter and orange juice is a key sweetener. There’s not an expensive item in these recipes. (I may download this. “Finger Licking Curried Chicken?” Wow!) • There are programs designed to educate and institute fitness in this group across the U.S. One I found instantly: the African American Health Program in Maryland’s Montgomery County. In Dallas, the Diabetes Equity project includes helping minorities. • We’re finally seeing positive images of fitness and beauty in older African-American women. Think of Oprah. Yes, she struggles with weight, but she’s determined to keep trying.
Wendy Meyeroff is president of WM Medical Communications, based in Baltimore, MD, but serving clients throughout the U.S., Canada and overseas, for over 20 years. Her specialty: writing for and about America’s aging population in print and then one of the first called online.
• Remember, it’s never too late to learn. Consider Patti LaBelle. She wasn’t watching out, though her Mom died of diabetesrelated issues at age 58. It took passing out on stage over 10 years ago for her to discover her diabetes. Since then, she’s passed along positive info all the time, including in books. Look up Patti Labelle’s Lite Cuisine, one of her earliest. It still looks like good ideas, IMHO.
See her at www.wmmedcomm.com
Patient Power
WM Medical Communications
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