When it comes to flavor and health in one package, National Mediterranean Diet Month in May has us covered. From fresh herbs and vegetables to succulent seafood and wine, this cuisine satisfies.
One way to get the best out of a Mediterranean diet is to indulge in the whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables along with the healthy oils our bodies need. Olive and canola oils are rich in good cholesterol. Add fish and chicken to the menu and limit red meat to only a couple times a month and we’re well on our way to enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. Finish it off with a glass of red wine occasionally and plenty of exercise.
Oldways founded National Mediterranean Diet Month in 2008.
We actually combine Keto, Mediterranean and Carb Counted to get a healthy diet of flavors, and a lot of the dishes can be altered to this style of eating. It keeps things so flavorful you probably won’t even realize you’re on a diet….
Are you looking for a flavorful, easy to follow diet? The Mediterranean diet meets the guidelines for the food pyramid. Give it a try during May and you might find it a lifestyle changer. Use #MediterraneanDietMonth to share on social media.
Around the globe on November 14th, World Diabetes Day raises awareness and provides education concerning a disease that affects over 400 million adults internationally.
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is also a leading cause of blindness, amputation, heart disease, and kidney disease. Besides causing severe medical issues, the condition also causes millions of premature deaths each year. In fact, diabetes has become one of the leading causes of death around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 1.6 million people died from diabetes in 2016. By the year 2045, approximately 629 million adults will have diabetes.
A large number of people affected by diabetes is a source of concern for global health care workers. Awareness, education, action, and research all can make a difference. In many cases, Type 2 diabetes is preventable.
Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes:
Eliminate sugar and refined carbs
Work out regularly and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
Make water the primary beverage
Maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Eat a high fiber diet
Optimize Vitamin D levels
Take natural herbs, such as curcumin and berberine, that increase insulin sensitivity
Type 2 diabetes is not preventable for everyone. However, making healthy choices provides the best chance of not getting it. In the United States, 9 out of every 10 cases of diabetes can be avoided if the above lifestyle changes are implemented. Families, schools, workplaces, communities, and healthcare providers can all work together to make healthy choices easy ones.
While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was founded in 1950 in Amsterdam. Together with the WHO, the IDF created World Diabetes Day in 1991. The goal was to raise awareness of the rising threat of diabetes around the world. In 2006, the day became one of the official United Nations Days. World Diabetes Day is held on November 14th each year to commemorate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin in 1922. Today, this day is observed in 170 countries and territories.
Recent themes for World Diabetes Day include:
2018-2019: Families and Diabetes
2017: Women and Diabetes
2016: Eyes on Diabetes
2015: Healthy Eating
2014: Go Blue for Breakfast
The theme for World Diabetes Day2021-23 is Access to Diabetes Care.
Millions of people with diabetes around the world do not have access to diabetes care. People with diabetes require ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications. We cannot wait any longer for: Medicine, technologies, support and care to be made available to all people with diabetes that require them. Governments to increase investment in diabetes care and prevention. The centenary of the discovery of insulin presents a unique opportunity to bring about meaningful change for the more than 530 million people living with diabetes and the millions more at risk.
To observe this day, many healthcare professionals, companies, celebrities, and politicians host a variety of activities to spread awareness about diabetes. To participate:
In November, National Diabetes Month focuses attention on the growing cost of diabetes on American’s health. From the physical, emotional, and social effects to the financial and damaging health consequences, diabetes impacts more than 30 million people in the United States. Also known as American Diabetes Month, the month focus on making healthy changes and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Get a physical. Regular checkups let us know where we stand and what changes we need to make. Ask questions, too!
When we make small changes, we are more likely to stick with them. So, add one or two small changes at a time, instead of huge sweeping changes.
Keep track of your goals. We are more likely to be honest if we write down our daily intake than if we just guess.
Get a buddy. It’s more fun when we make changes together than if we go it alone.
My husband and I both deal with this ongoing condition. With advances in both medication and education this is a manageable process to a new lifestyle. Managing diet, exercise, and learning about how our bodies work, is the best defense and offense to something that changes the life of almost half of the American population.
I implore people to learn. There is a difference between type 1 and type 2. For years it has been ignored. Until recently both were treated in diet as the same often subjecting type 2 to higher carbohydrates that eventually lead to external insulin dependence. My body still makes insulin, that insulin cannot get onto my cells to reduce blood sugar numbers. A number of treatments like metformin unlock the doors to allow my insulin to control blood sugar levels as designed. That coupled with even 10% weight loss can make a huge difference in this fight.
NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH HISTORY
American Diabetes Association founded National Diabetes Month to spread information and resources concerning diabetes.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDiabetesMonth
Help prevent type 2 diabetes. Learn about the causes of type 1 diabetes and how to control it. Find out how new medications are making it easier to control blood sugar and insulin levels. Learn about a healthy diet, exercise, and how to control diabetes. Known your number and get involved. If you have questions about your diabetes, be sure to speak with your doctor. They are your best resource for staying in control. Use #NationalDiabetesMonth to post on social media.
February focuses on the heart making it National Heart Month. Anyone can be at risk for heart disease. More and more, our sedentary lifestyles are putting us at risk at a younger age. Obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking all increase our risk factors.
Each one of those we can take action to lower our risk. Get moving. Remove stress. And quit smoking. Eat healthier.
Even small changes help make a difference. Reduce the amount of fast food. Eat more greens. Take the stairs. Walk the kids to school. Go outside and play with the kids or walk the dog.
High blood pressure. Millions of people in the United States have high blood pressure, and millions of them are as young as 40 or 50. If you are one of them, talk to your doctor about ways to control it.
High cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are all conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease. If you fall into this category, work on eating healthy and getting some physical activity a few times a week.
Smoking cigarettes. Over 35 million adults in America are smokers, and thousands of young people pick up the habit daily. If you’re a smoker, do your best to quit or cut down. It’s what’s best for your health.
Talk to your physician about your risk factors. Walking is one of the healthiest and safest activities we can do for ourselves. Learn more at http://www.cdc.gov and use #NationalHeartMonth to share on social media.
American Heart Month isn’t just for lovers. February also reminds us to take care of our hearts and consider our risk factors.
Believe it or not, heart disease can happen at any age. However, some risk factors for heart disease and stroke are preventable. American Heart Month teaches us how we can help reduce our risks while eliminating those we have control over. Do you have one of these risk factors for cardiovascular disease? Obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
AMERICAN HEART MONTH HISTORY
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the first American Heart Month to tackle heart disease in the United States.
HOW TO OBSERVE #AmericanHeartMonth
Review these signs for heart disease risk:
High blood pressure. Millions of people in the United States have high blood pressure, and millions of them are as young as 40 or 50. If you are one of them, talk to your doctor about ways to control it.
High cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are all conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease. If you fall into this category, work on eating healthy and getting some physical activity a few times a week.
Smoking cigarettes. Over 35 million adults in America are smokers, and thousands of young people pick up the habit daily. If you’re a smoker, do your best to quit or cut down. It’s what’s best for your health.
So, if you want to stay on top of your health and try to avoid the risk of heart disease, there are a few things you can do. First, don’t smoke, and if you’re already a smoker, do your best to quit. Click here for options for help. The next step you can take is managing any conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Next, make heart-healthy diet decisions. Eat whole foods low in trans-fat, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. A good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Finally, get moving! Living a sedentary lifestyle will put you at a much greater risk for heart disease. Try to get in at least 20 minutes of physical activity 4-5 days a week, then build from there!
Visit www.millionhearts.hhs.gov to learn more about the risks and how to prevent heart disease and stroke. Use #AmericanHeartMonth to share on social media.
