Diabetes continues to
be a major problem for patients and the physicians taking care of
the patient. We may not be doing an excellent job in conveying to
the patient that there is a direct relationship between good control
and improved quality and longevity of life. Patients often forget or
fail to appreciate that excellent diabetic control involves a good
meal plan, taking medications daily, and exercising for 30 minutes
most days of the week. The research also shows that weight loss and
exercise improves the chance of reversal of lost nerve function that
is associated with diabetes. Knowing your A1C (remember 7and up is
bad for you) is important. I think it’s as important as knowing your
blood pressure. You should know that as a result of new research, if
you are admitted to the hospital and your blood sugar is elevated
(hyperglycemia), it is now recommended that you be treated with IV
insulin to bring your blood sugar under control. It does not matter
whether you are in ICU or on the floor. Talk with your physician
about excellent diabetic control. It could save your live. I am Dr.
Thaddeus J Bell--- Closing the Gap in Health Care.
Education
Good for Your Health
For health disparities
to be eliminated completely, African Americans must educate
themselves about health issues. We must read and listen to health
professionals when health problems that affect African Americans are
discussed. I am sorry to report that the news media does not give
minorities complete information that is needed to make a difference
with Black folks in most cases. As wide as the gap is, it is not
discussed like it should be. Health disparities are complicated
problems that will affect you and your family. Many recent articles
support the claim that the more you know as patients, the better
your outcome is likely to be. If you have hypertension, diabetes,
cancer, heart disease, or asthma, find out all you can from your
physician about these problems. It is not good enough to just take
your medicine. You must be concerned with prevention. Teach your
children about risk factors, family history and life styles that
will improve the longevity and quality of life. Dr. Martin Luther
King said in his last speech that longevity has its place.
Family
History
My family reunion is
coming up this summer. Since the last reunion, we have experienced a
few deaths and illnesses that should not go unmentioned. It is not
unusual for African Americans not to discuss diseases and illnesses
that run within a family. Family medical history is very important
in breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, diabetes,
hypertension, alcoholism, and heart disease. It is vital to the
preventative health of all family members to acknowledge and discuss
various family illnesses. If one parent has diabetes, the chance for
one of the children having diabetes is 7 – 14 percent. The chances
increase to 50% if both parents have diabetes. A woman’s risk for
breast cancer doubles if her mother or sister has breast cancer. The
chances increase 5 times if two of these relatives have breast
cancer. Knowing your family history is also important because
oftentimes lifestyles and habits are shared. Please talk with your
family.
Fried
Chicken and French Fries
This is a touchy topic
for some Black folk, but we must be educated if we want better
health. Fried chicken and French fries, made in fast food
restaurants, are cooked in trans fatty acids which have been linked
to heart disease and obesity. The amount of “fast food” consumed is
what seems to be the problem. If you eat “fast food” cooked with
trans fatty acids and drink super sized sodas three to four times a
week, forget about losing weight. Young people typically eat at fast
food restaurants, but personal observation reveals that some of the
food in school cafeterias is no better. I want to remind you that
heart disease and obesity start in childhood so eating large amounts
of fried foods cooked in trans fatty acids ain’t good for you. I’m
sorry to be the messenger of bad news cause I like fried chicken and
French fries, too. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.
