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Show TIMES HILLTOP TIMES National awareness vital for diabetes support November 22, 2006 PREVENTION IS KEY Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated. The good news is that the recently completed Diabetes Prevention Program study conclusively showed that people with pre-diabetes can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes by making changes in their diet and increasing their level of physical activity. They may even be able to return their blood glucose levels to the normal range. While the DPP also showed that some medications may delay the development of diabetes, diet and exercise worked better. Just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10 percent reduction in body weight, produced a 58 percent reduction in diabetes. Courtesy of the American Diabetes Association BY ANDREA BEAN .___. ___. Hilltop Times intern This month, several health organizations are recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a group of diseases that is associated with high glucose levels in the blood caused by the body's inability to create or use insulin, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC estimates 20.8 million Americans are diabetic, according to 2005 statistics; 6.2 million Americans are unaware they have the disease. Danielle Morris, clinical staff nurse from the 75th Medical Group, said each category has increased by one million this year. Diabetes is serious because it connects with every other part of the body, according to Mrs. Morris. The disease can affect circulation, the heart, the kid- neys, the eyes and many other systems and organs. Diabetics must take care of their bodies to stay healthy and avoid damaging side effects the disease might bring. "Diet, exercise, weight management and testing their blood sugar are the most important pillars of taking care of their health once they are diagnosed with diabetes," Mrs. Morris said. The symptoms of diabetes include having to urinate frequently, constant thirst or hunger, vision changes, wounds that heal too slowly, unexplainable weight loss, fatigue and a numb or tingling sensation in hands and feet, according to the CDC. Diabetes presently takes three main forms: type I, type II and gestational. Mrs. Morris said research is revealing two or three other forms. People with type I diabetes don't produce insulin, so they must inject insulin into their bodies or use a pump, according to the CDC. The most common age groups that develop this form are children and young adults. About 5 to 10 percent of diabetics have this form. The most common form is type II. About 90 to 95 percent of all diabetics have this form. During the first stages of the disease, the cells are unable to properly use insulin. As the disease progresses, the pancreas is often unable to create insulin. Mrs. Morris said it is becoming more common for children to be diagnosed with this form. The third main form of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnant women. To prevent birth defects, pregnant women diagnosed with this form need to stabilize the glucose level in their blood through treatment, according to the CDC. People's bodies react differently to diabetes. "That's why it's so hard for Family Readiness Center director. "This is a season to be especially careful." The last thing you want is to find yourself in the same situation next year. "Start a separate account at your bank or credit union just for holiday spending next U.S. Air Force graphic year," Mr. Brisley said. "A few dollars each week will do a lot to ease the panic next BY_AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JENNY CH0NG_ ..__ and everybody Hilltop times stall year." wants to give gifts," Master Sgt. Jeffrey The gift of giving can have its consequenc- Swanberg, 75th Mission Support Squadron There are a multitude of programs on base es. It's no accident that retail stores put up first sergeant. "Often times when we want to assist those needing financial assistance. "From financial counseling to Air Force their Christmas decorations right after Hal- to the do the right thing during the holiday season, we accrue more debt thinking, 'after Aid society, there's always an answer," Serloween. During this single season, many retailers make 40-50 percent of their whole the new year I can pay it all back.' However, geant Swanberg said. "Individual first sergeants have many programs to assist those it never happens that way." year's profits. Retailers know people are suckers for the who have made financial mistakes and need According to the National Retail Federasome assistance." tion, the average shopper will fork over ap- music, lights and good cheer. They also know people are impulse buyers, even when Both Mr. Brisley and Sergeant Swanproximately $790 during holiday buying berg said that going to payday loan centers sprees. In 2005, holiday sales were around it comes to spending thousands. $435.6 billion and this year it is expected to "Most Americans have little or no savings should never be an option. raise 5 percent to $457.4 billion. set aside for seasonal or one-time purchases "I've seen many times where an Airman "Quite simply put, presents are exchanged or gift spending," said Ed Brisley, Airman & will take out a small loan between one and Drowning in debt Holiday shopping dangers any health care provider to put anything in concrete with diabetes because all of our bodies are unique and use medications at different levels and types for our unique individual systems," Mrs. Morris said. Because many Americans are unaware they have diabetes, Mrs. Morris encourages people to get tested if they show symptoms. The Hill Clinic provides testing forTricare patients, and off-base health care facilities offer tests as well. The clinic also offers free diabetes classes on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Diabetics, their families and those at risk for diabetes are welcome to attend. The sessions start at 7:45 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m. At these classes, people will learn about the disease and how to properly care for their bodies. For more information or to register for the classes, call 728-2600 or visit the Family Practice Clinic's front desk. three hundred dollars and after interest, missing a payment or two and going to other Payday Loan establishments to pay off their existing Payday Loans, they're dismissed from military service for financial irresponsibility," Sergeant Swanberg said. "Those affiliated are out to prey on those in debt and nine out of ten times, the person who comes into a Payday Loan Center with a small amount of debt will end up in more debt than they can handle and will most likely file bankruptcy." Sergeant Swanberg said that first sergeants can also help Airmen needing financial assistance. "They coordinate and refer those in trouble," he said. "Nobody will be "punished" for seeking assistance for making a mistake." For more on managing money during and after the holidays, call the A&FRC (formerly known as the Family Support Center) at 777-4681. *•**••••****• DjLLARD'S ANNOUNCES **•****••**•*• MILITARY APPRECIATION DAYS ••****•*••••***••******•**••••••**••* Wednesday & Thursday, November 29th & 30th In sincere appreciation of the sacrifices our military heroes and their families make daily for our country, Dillard's is extending a Save th DISCOUNT to active military personnel on all purchases* made on Wednesday, November 29th and Thursday, November 30th. *10% discount for furniture and appliance purchases. 20% DISCOUNT APPLIES TO: Active military members and their immediate family • Full-time active guardsmen and their immediate family Activated guardsmen and their immediate family • Activated reservists and their immediate family The above individuals or a representative from their immediate family (spouse and/or children living in the same household) are cordially invited to shop any area Dillard's store on either or both days. Guests from the military are asked to SAVE their sales receipts each day they shop. Upon completing their shopping for the day, guests are asked to take receipts to Dillard's Customer Service and show valid active or full-time military ID. Immediate family members shopping on behalf of full-time or activated members of the military not present will be asked to present ID that notes they are family of such military personnel. Dillard's will gladly deduct the discount from participants' total purchases in the same form of'payment they used for purchases. Discount must be redeemed the day of purchase in customer service. Dillard's The Style of Your Life, |