Are you at risk for diabetes?

July 28, 2010

Diabetes affects nearly 24 million people in the United States – nearly 8 percent of the population. Another 57 million people are estimated to have prediabetes, a condition that puts people at increased risk for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic lifelong disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood.

There are three major types of diabetes, with Type 2 being the most common by far. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood and early adulthood. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and puts these women at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and heart disease or stroke later in life.

Type 2 usually occurs in adulthood but can happen to obese teens and young adults. With this type, the pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal, often because the body does not respond normally to insulin. This is known as “insulin resistance.” Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common due to increasing obesity and lack of exercise.

Type 2 accounts for the majority of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Risk factors include the following:

• Obesity

• Family history

• Inactivity

• Being over age 45

• High triglycerides

• Low HDL (healthy cholesterol)

• High blood pressure

• Race/ethnicity (African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Native Americans all have high rates of diabetes)

Check out our free online health risk assessment for diabetes. Whatever your risk factors for diabetes may be, there’s a lot you can do to delay or prevent diabetes. To manage your risk of diabetes, you should:

• Keep your weight within or near normal ranges

• Get 30 minutes of exercise on most days

• Eat a healthy diet

• Manage your blood pressure

I hope to continue sharing information about diabetes with you through our blog. By posting your questions or comments below, you help me know what topics are most important to you.

Judy Hauswald, Diabetes Program Coordinator

(712) 722-8114

Judith.Hauswald@schospital.org

Work and play safely in the summer heat

July 15, 2010

It’s the season for picnics and swimming, summer construction projects and field work. But as you’re out playing or working hard in the sun, protect yourself and your family from heat-related illness and sunburn.

Heat is responsible for more weather-related deaths than any other weather event including tornadoes, lightening, wind, cold, winter storms, flooding or hurricanes. Heat-related deaths have averaged 117 per year over the past 10 years, according to the National Weather Service. The best medicine for heat-related illnesses is prevention. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe.

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or use an umbrella.
Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by your physician.
Slow down. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually the early morning hours.
Stay indoors when possible. If your home is not air conditioned, spend time in public facilities such as movie theaters, libraries, and shopping malls. While electric fans provide some relief on mildly hot days, they won’t help prevent heat-related illness when the temperature rises above the mid-90s.
Take regular breaks: Take time out to find a cool place.
Never leave your child, pet, or anyone in a closed car on a hot day.

Never underestimate the effect of heat on your body, or think that you’re used to it. Anyone can be vulnerable to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Dr. Jason Koelewyn, family practice physician with the Sioux Center Medical Clinic.

Colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable

June 22, 2010

It’s the cancer no one likes to talk about, yet colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers – and most treatable, if detected early.

As the third most common cancer in both men and women, an estimated 147,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2009. After lung cancer, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths, with an estimated 50,000 deaths annually. (more…)

Encourage healthy habits early to prevent childhood obesity

June 4, 2010

First, the bad news: Childhood obesity is a growing health threat for today’s kids. The good news? Parents have more influence than anyone in preventing or addressing this problem.

Over the past 25 years, incidence of childhood obesity among children ages 6 to 19 has grown from around 5% to 17%, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even among preschoolers, obesity has increased from 5% to around 12%.

Dr. M. Yvonne Rayborn, family practitioner with Sioux Center Medical Clinic said several factors are to blame, including bigger portions of high-fat, high-sugar foods coupled with less outdoor play and more time in front of the TV or computer screen. (more…)

Body Positions during Feeding Time

May 19, 2010

As a physical therapist with the Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera, and as a mother, myself, I know there are many things to think about with a new baby. Here are some important body positioning tips to remember to help promote the normal development of your little miracle. (more…)

Combat Dry Skin this Winter

February 19, 2010

As a family practice physician at the Sioux Center Medical Clinic, I see patients who have dry, cracked skin. This is especially common in the winter.

Using lotions may not be the answer to healing your dry skin. Many lotions are made with too much water – even those lotions that claim to be for very dry skin. If it has a pump, it’s a good clue that it is too light and too watery.

I recommend that you try creams or ointments instead. They are located in the same aisles as the lotions so you’ll be able to find them easily. They may cost a bit more than lotions, but they go farther because you won’t need to reapply as often as with lotion.

Ointments are greasier, so using them at night time is better, and save the creams for the daytime.

Dr. LoriAnne Andersen

Moving Symmetrically

February 19, 2010

As a Physical Therapist with the Sioux Center Community Hospital & Health Center Avera, I work on many women who experience back pain during pregnancy. It is important to keep your left and right sides of your back and pelvis moving together. As your baby grows, give your back a little extra attention.

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Cardiovascular Screenings

February 18, 2010

Today, I want to talk about the importance of preventive screenings for your health. As a health ministry, we want to do more than fix problems after the fact. We make it a goal to help you prevent health complications and promote overall wellness.

Heart disease affects one in four adults in the US. Undergoing a screening can help prevent heart disease from affecting you.

We will be holding a Vascular Screening on Wednesday, March 10 from 1-4 pm. The three tests will be performed in the Radiology department at the hospital. Cardiovascular Screenings are done four times a year at the Sioux Center hospital.

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10 Essential Health Tips

February 5, 2010

Make healthy living easier with these 10 essential health tips.

1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it’s a stress buster. Think ‘move’ in small increments of time. It doesn’t have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that’s great when you’re up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!

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