This is from our June 2008 Article
Should I Test
For Diabetes?
Testing for sugar in the blood is simple and easy!
It requires the smallest drop of blood from your
finger and the results are known within seconds. Is
this something everyone should do? Well, the first
thing you should do is take the “Diabetes Risk
Assessment” which is provided at
tridiabetes.org or
by calling your local Health Department. Basically
if your older than 45, are overweight, don’t
exercise much, or have relatives with diabetes, you
should be tested!
You should test sooner than later with this disease
process and the reason is this: if you have impaired
glucose, or are not making enough insulin, your
blood sugar may be in the “Pre-diabetes” range. If
nothing changes in your life, for example, no weight
loss, or additional exercise, chances are you’ll
develop full-blown diabetes. BUT, when changes are
made, YOU DON’T HAVE TO DEVELOP DIABETES! If you
were told how to prevent a cancer, wouldn’t you do
something about it now?!!
There are many more people in this country (and our
three local counties) who don’t even know they have
diabetes, let alone, impaired sugar! You can change
the course of your life with testing and a few
simple changes with your lifestyle.
Somerset County Health Department offers FREE
diabetes testing to all Somerset County residents
twice per month! Take advantage today by calling
443-523-1760 and making an appointment. In addition,
if needed, we will give you a FREE glucose meter and
strips for testing your own blood sugar, as well as,
counseling on diet, nutrition, and exercise by our
very versed and experienced dietician! Please take
the step toward living longer and healthier today!
Have a Safe & Healthy Picnic- All Summer Long!
Picnicking, even if you have diabetes, is a
special part of many summertime activities. But remember, take
safety with you first. A few simple tips can keep you healthy,
happy and enjoying those delicious summer foods.
Wash your hands before preparing and handling
all food. Use clean utensils and containers for each item. Avoid
cross contamination between raw and cooked foods.
Cook foods for your picnic no more than 1 day
before unless you freeze it.
Try to plan just the right amount so you don’t
have to worry about leftovers or storage. And be sure to eat the
right amount for you too.
Mayonnaise based foods must be kept cold.
Mayonnaise alone is too acidic for bacteria to grow but once it
is mixed with other foods bacteria is more likely to grow. For a
healthier alternative use the light or fat-free types.
Wash melons before cutting and keep them cold!
What a healthy dessert for you!
Keep your cooler in the air conditioned car not
the hot trunk. Once at the picnic, keep it in the shade with the
lid closed as much as possible.
Keep cold foods cold by using an insulated
cooler with plenty of ice or frozen ice packs.
Keep hot foods hot by wrapping in towels, then
newspaper and place inside a box or heavy paper bag.
Cook meats well done to be sure bacteria has
been destroyed. When grilling, cook skinless chicken to 1700 and
low fat beef to 1600- use a thermometer to be sure! Try grilling
some fresh fish for a healthy alternative.
Do not let cold or hot foods sit out for more
than 1 hour- plan to eat shortly after cooking to assure food
safety.
Because most picnic foods have been sitting out
and have had many people handling them, throw them out after the
picnic to be sure.
You can always see ants at a picnic, but you can’t see, taste or
smell dangerous bacteria that can cause illness if your foods
are not handled properly at all times- from the kitchen to the
picnic! Celebrate the warm, summer season- enjoy friends and
family in the outdoors, but keep food safety at the top of the
list! And remember even healthy picnic foods can be part of your
diabetes management program.
Here is a great recipe to try:
Penne with Spring Vegetables
¼ cup olive oil
½ cup sweet onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups diced yellow squash or zucchini
¾ cup fat free chicken broth
¼ teaspoon black pepper
6 cups cooked whole wheat or multigrain penne
6 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion & garlic- cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add asparagus & cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add tomatoes and squash and cook 3 minutes or until softened.
Add chicken broth; reduce heat. Simmer 6 minutes or until asparagus
is tender.
Add penne, basil and sauce to tomato mixture; toss to combine.
Top with Parmesan cheese.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving size- 1 ¼ cups
Calories- 253
Total Fat- 9 g
Saturated fat- 1 g
Carbohydrate- 37 g
Cholesterol- 0 mg.
Fiber- 6 g
Sodium- 145 mg.
Am I at Risk?
Take Our On-Line Risk Assessment by
clicking here
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