Apprehension can occur about getting old because many feel they could lose their facilities. Those persons with warning signs for type 2 diabetes, a lifelong condition, may worry that the condition could rob them of their vision and make daily living more difficult.
To address the concern about approaching diabetes, the Y is taking part in a new initiative called “Together on Diabetes” composed of adults age 60 and better, giving support and education on healthy living, diet, and exercise. The group mission is that through empowerment, seniors can feel a stronger sense of self and be strengthened through knowledge.
Many factors can contribute to the onset of diabetes, and recent research notes those factors include being overweight, physical inactivity, and growing older. Smoking could also exacerbate the risks.
Other seemingly harmless conditions may play a role, too. For this reason, the Y recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle to help members fend of diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association (http://www.diabetes.org/) states that more than 25.8 million people around the United States are living with diabetes. That number calculates to over 8.3% of the population. Diabetes has no known cure as of yet, but seniors might be able to prevent or delays its onset. For this reason, the Y’s group is placing a greater emphasis on healthy living.
“Physical activity and healthy eating help to maintain blood sugar levels and prevent or delays the short-and long-term complications of diabetes”, says Wendy Isaacs, the Center’s Health and Wellness Director.
The group also recommends adopting a healthy, balanced diet, and keeping active as much as possible. Here are some ways to do that, but always discuss with your healthcare provider before making any health decision:
-Sign up for exercise programs such as Zumba, therapeutic yoga, tai chi, supervised cardio, and supervised weights.
-Meet one on one with Wendy Isaacs, the Center’s Health and Wellness Director to create your individualized Wellness Plan to help you get moving and feel better! (please contact Wendy at ex 221 to set up your appointment)
-Speak to our recreation therapist, Ann Votaw at ext. 262 to develop a healthy eating plan. A well-balanced diet can be the best guard against disease such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
-Join the free City Harvest Class at the Y on Fridays 10am-12 pm: “Cooking Matters for Adults”. You will learn to make foods that are tasty, healthy, and low cost. Please call Wendy Isaacs at ext. 221 to sign up for the class
-Reach out to “Together on Diabetes” for information and resources (1 855 585-5888) or togetherondiabetiesnyc.org.
Ask for materials that you can share with your health care provider, so you can empower yourself over your health.
Remember, knowledge is power, especially concerning your health.
By David Huggins
