Heart Health Month
Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
February 19, 2008
The diabetes support group met for the first meeting of the new year
on February 19, 2008 at Prairie Clinic. Because this month is well-recognized
as Heart Healthy Month, Michelle Niesen PA-C spoke on how people with diabetes
are at increased risk for heart disease and what they could do to decrease
those risk factors.
Michelle acknowledged that some risk factors could not be changed, such as
age and sex, but there were also some risk factors that are under our control
to improve our health. She encouraged people to take an active role in their
health maintenance. We should all be eating healthier, not just those with
diabetes. Our eating habits have changed and more meals are eaten outside the
home. You can make better choices when eating out, but it is not only less
costly to eat at home, you know what the ingredients and additives are.
Healthy heart muffins were served as she spoke on ways to be more creative
with proven recipes that include healthier alternatives.
Blood pressure goals are generally in the 130/80 range. Habits that can
lower blood pressure include excercise, limiting salt intake, smoking
cessation and taking medication as directed.
Cholesterol goals are also important in keeping a heart healthy. To improve
your LDL (the bad cholesterol) and traiglycerides, follow a low fat diet, get
physical excercise and take medication if directed by your provider. Michelle
spoke of the "good fats" which include nuts, olive oil and canola oil. She also
suggested decreased use of the "bad fats", such as butter, red meats and other
saturated fats.
Being overweight and a lack of excercise can also increase the risk for heart
disease. Ideally, we should all be doing some form of physical activity 20-30
minutes daily. Finding the time is a challenge, but even making little changes
(like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from
the entrance of a building) can have a direct impact.
Michelle suggested that all people with diabetes use aspirin on a daily
basis unless there was a medical reason not to be using it. Studies have shown
that taking a low-dose aspirin every day significantly lowers your risk of
heart disease and stroke.
Multiple handouts from the American Diabetes Association and the American
College of Cardiology were available. There are things you control and things
that you could do to improve your health. We encourage you to be an active
participant in your health.
The next meeting will be March 18 in the Prairie Clinic Second Floor waiting
room. Sarah Haubenschild PA-C will provide an overview of diabetes, so attendees
may better understand the disease itself and how it is treated. Everyone is
welcome to attend whether you have diabetes or you want additional information.
There is no charge and no pre-registration.
Oatmeal Yogurt Muffins
AKA Heart Healthy Muffins
- 1 cup Oatmeal
- 1 cup Yogurt (vanilla or any flavor, fat free/sugar free or use strawberry)
- 1/4 cup veg. oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Substitute
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 1/2 cup wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
*You can add 1/2 cup of craisins if desired.
* You can add 1/4 cup flax seed or powder for more fiber
Bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes
Makes 12 muffins
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