Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Overcoming Diabetes

It's hard to believe it, but the holidays are just around the corner. For people with diabetes, or those who are battling weight issues, it's not always a pleasant time of the year -- when turkey and all the trimmings are piled high on the plate and favorite pies are readily available, before and after dinner.

Of course, we didn't even get to the warm-up to this food/sugar/carb extravaganza, which is Halloween. To those with diabetes, especially, the season provides more tricks than treats.

So how can people better cope with the mountain of holiday temptations shoved in front of our faces? Dr. SeAnne Safaii a registered dietitian and assistant professor of dietics at the University of Idaho, will provide some answers during a seminar sponsored by Lions District 39W on Saturday, Nov. 10. The free seminar, titled "Overcoming Diabetes -- Information That Can Save Your Life" -- will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Plantation Country Club. Seating is limited, so please send me an RSVP by calling 830-7832, or by email (lionchuckm@gmail.com).

Dr. Safaii's presentation will be a highlight of the event. And you don't need to have diabetes, or be overweight, to appreciate the importance of healthy eating during the holiday season. She has written hundreds of newspaper articles and delivered many keynote presentations on matters such as cancer prevention, medical nutrition therapy, feeding children, intuitive eating and overall wellness. As the UI describes, "She brings a unique blend of practicality and freshness to everyday nutrition advice, which has made her a highly sought-after speaker and workshop leader for professional and consumer groups across the country."

As the mother of three teens/young adults, Dr. Safaii understands the challenges of getting families to eat healthy foods and be physically active. She has served as chair for Idaho's Action for Healthy Kids, past president and media representative for the Idaho Dietetics Association, the Governor's Task Force on Nursing and state adviser for the Idaho Health Occupations Students of America.

The seminar will have more. On the "Overcoming Diabetes" side, I will be joining Erin Matson, a registered nurse, in telling our stories about living with diabetes and some complications we have experienced. The bottom-line message is that diabetes is not a death sentence. It can be controlled and managed, and the effects can be reversed.

On the "information" side, Lisa Gonser, the marketing and communications manager for St. Luke's Humphreys Diabetes Center, will discuss services and programs available there. Humphreys, a world-class diabetes education center, has been a lifeline to thousands of people with diabetes. Also on the program are representatives with Active Health Chiropractic, who will discuss overall wellness. The seminar will conclude with presentations from Take Shape for Life and My Fit Foods, which offer products aimed at helping people lose weight, lower blood sugar levels and reduce or eliminate insulin consumption.

It's an ambitious program, and the best part is that it is free. Donations will be accepted, with proceeds going to the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation -- an organization that also is dedicated to increasing diabetes awareness.

Saturdays are always tough days to conduct health seminars. But if you have diabetes, or weight issues, this seminar will be well worth your time. Indeed, there will be information that can save your life.

Chuck Malloy is the Lions District 39W chair for Diabetes Awareness. The district covers southwestern Idaho and Eastern Oregon.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Diabetes and Discrimination

I frequently receive material from the American Diabetes Association, which offers a multitude of useful information about coping with type 2 diabetes. Here's one of the recent postings from the American Diabetes Association.

Neal is 54 years old and was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He works as a teller at a very busy bank. Neal needs to take several breaks during the day to check his blood glucose level and have a snack if necessary. Neal talks to his manager about needing regular breeaks. His manager says that Neal can only take breaks when the bank is not too busy. Withy the constant flow of customers, some days it's hard for Neal to take breaks when he needs them, or any breaks at all.

What should Neal do?

  • Nothing and take really quick breaks when the bank is less busy.
  • Nothing for fear of being fired for taken too many breaks.
  • Quit because he feels he'll be fired anyway if he takes the breaks when he needs.
  • Realize he has rights as a person with diabetees and must be allowed to take breaks even when the bank is very busy.
The answer is D!

A person with diabetes has rights under the American with Disabilities Act. Your employer must make reasonable accommodations so you can care for your diabetes. Neal should politiely explain to his employer that regular breaks are necessary for his medical condition and protested under the Americans with Disabilities Act. He may need to follow up with his request in writing.

If you have any questions about discrimination, please call 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383) to get help from a legal advocate, or visit diabetes.org/discrimination to learn more.