Diabetes News – September 2023

Diabetes News – June 2023

Diabetes News – May 2023

Diabetes News – March 2023

National Nutrition Month

This month we are celebrating National Nutrition Month. Spring is coming and soon we will be able to go outside and enjoy the sunlight again! Fueling your body with nourishing foods is a great way to prepare for a bright, fun, and active spring! This celebration was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to help increase awareness of the importance of nutrition for overall health and how nutrition experts, known as Registered Dietitians (RD), can help you learn about how to feed your body in a way that will support your health. Dietitians can help you sort through the confusing nutrition information you might come across online and work with you to set small, manageable goals that get you one step closer to feeling your best!

For instance, at an appointment with an RD you may learn to: plan and cook healthy meals at home, read food labels and choose healthy foods at the grocery store, use nutrition to manage your diabetes, or make better choices when dining out. Schedule an appointment with Family Health Services’ RD this month to learn more about how your food might be impacting your health and daily living! Here are some goals you can expect RDs to help you incorporate into your action plan for success if you are still on the fence about setting up an appointment:

Get to Know Food Labels

Ever wonder what the numbers in the Nutrition Facts panel really mean? Or the difference between “reduced fat” and “low fat”? The Food and Drug Administration has strict guidelines on how food label terms can be used, and RDs are all well-versed in navigating these terms.

Be Active

Regular physical activity lowers blood pressure and helps your body control stress. Start by doing what exercise you can for at least 10 minutes at a time. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults should get two hours and 30 minutes per week. You don’t have to hit the gym — take a walk after dinner or play a game of catch or basketball. An RD can help you tailor your meals and snacks to improve exercise results and recovery.

Eat Enough Fiber

Naturally occurring fiber is a great indicator of the overall quality of your diet. Men need up to 34 grams per day and women need up to 28 grams per day. Not only do fiber-filled foods fill you up, fiber also helps to moderate cholesterol and promote a healthy weight. Registered dietitian nutritionists can help you learn to estimate your daily fiber intake from healthful sources such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds.

Pump up the Flavor

If your first meal on your wellness mission is plain steamed veggies, brown rice and bland baked chicken, there is little enjoyment to help you stick to the new meal plan. While most Americans could benefit from less sodium, we don’t need to ride the boring bandwagon. With varied experience helping individuals explore ways to boost the flavor of foods, RDs often suggest using herbs, spices, citrus juice and zest, garlic, seasoning blends and hot sauce to pump up the taste. Herbs and spices may also offer additional phytochemicals.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water throughout the day keeps us energized and helps us to not confuse thirst for hunger. Our fluid needs vary day to day, and drinking enough to keep your urine pale is the best way to know you are adequately hydrated. Keep things interesting by using frozen fruit as ice cubes or adding fresh herbs, cinnamon sticks or citrus.

Don’t be Afraid to Enjoy Food

Health and wellness is a journey. It is what you do most of the time that impacts your long-term health. Total abstinence from treat foods is not sustainable. Feeling guilty about having a treat saps the joy from the experience and undermines your ability to stick with your goal.

Whether you want to lower your cholesterol or simply eat better, consult the experts — registered dietitians — who can help you by providing sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice and put you on the path to eating well and reducing your risk of chronic disease.

Content Source: “Set Smart Lifestyle Goals with the Help of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/set-smart-lifestyle-goals-with-the-help-of-a-registered-dietitian-nutritionist

 

 

The Diet-Betus – our version of recipe of the month just as tasty but with a healthy tweak here and there. Packed with vitamin C, calcium, and fiber this tahini zucchini stir-fry will give your body the fuel it needs to help you feel your best. It makes a great side dish grilled chicken and also pairs well with roasted summer vegetables.

Tahini Zucchini Stir Fry

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 3 oz extra firm tofu, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp tahini

Instructions:

  1. Instructions:
  2. Place zucchini, tofu, and low sodium soy sauce in a saucepan over medium heat
  3. Simmer until zucchini is tender
  4. Place into a bowl and drizzle with tahini

Nutrition:

  • Calories: 162 kcals, Total fat: 9g, Saturated fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 12%, Potassium: 23%, Total Carbs: 10 g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 12g, Vitamin C: 58%, Calcium 21%, Iron: 16%

 

Community offerings: *

Due to coronavirus/COVID 19, many community offerings have been changed, postponed, or canceled.

Please call the number listed for the event to verify availability, dates, and times.

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)

COST: Free

CONTACT: Tina Ellinger 419-624-1856

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program [DEEP] is offered every Wednesday for six weeks. Good attendance is important. This free program is for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and spouses or caregivers of a diabetic. Residents of Erie County, aged 60 or older, please call 419-624-1856 to register.

Diabetes Support Group – Firelands Regional Medical Center

The Diabetes Support Group presented by Jean Feick CNP, CDE, meets the third Wednesday of each month Sept–November and January-May from 12:00pm –1:00pm. This meeting is free to the public and no registration is required. Attendees are welcome to purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria and come to the adjacent Cafeteria Meeting #1. A different topic will be reviewed each month. If you have questions, please contact the Diabetes Education Department at 419-557-6992.

 

HEALTH & WELLNESS SCREENING – offered by Firelands Regional Medical Center

You must Pre-register for all Lab Work at 419-557-7840.

Sandusky Health & Wellness

  • Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
    2520 Columbus Ave.
    Sandusky, OH 44870
    Saturday, Aug 13
    7:00 am to 9:30 pm
  • Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
    2520 Columbus Ave.
    Sandusky, OH 44870
    Saturday, Sep 10
    7:00 am to 9:30 pm
  • Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
    2520 Columbus Ave.
    Sandusky, OH 44870
    Saturday, Nov 5
    7:00 am to 9:30 pm
  • Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
    2520 Columbus Ave.
    Sandusky, OH 44870
    Saturday, Dec 3
    7:00 am to 9:30 pm

Health & Wellness Screenings include:

  • Complete Blood Count with Metabolic & Lipid Panel (No Eating or Drinking for 12 Hours – Water Allowed – includes liver and kidney function studies, fasting blood sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, and triglyceride levels along with a complete blood count.) – $45
  • Hemoglobin A1C (Three-month report on blood sugars; results used to diagnose diabetes and/or to evaluate how well your treatment plan is working.) – $25
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)- $30
  • Vitamin D – $35
  • TSH – $25

Please comply with the following COVID-19 precautions:

  1. Wear a mask
  2. Have your temperature taken upon arrival
  3. Follow social distancing practices

Please note:

Patients will not be allowed to enter until their scheduled time. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Only the registered patient will be allowed to enter the screening unless the patient needs assistance from an accompanying person. We are unable to perform any additional physician-ordered tests not included in the list above.

Contact: Centralized Scheduling at 419-557-7840 to pre-register

The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and is also the main test to help you and your health care team manage your diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is really important if you have diabetes.

Last month, 64% of our diabetic patients had an A1C of less than 9%. Talk with your provider at your next visit about the right options for you! Schedule an appointment: 419-502-2800

Diabetes News – May 2022

May is Stroke Awareness Month

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is suddenly interrupted. Then brain tissue is damaged. Most strokes happen because a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain or neck. A stroke can cause movement problems, pain, numbness and problems with thinking, remembering or speaking. Some people also have emotional problems, such as depression, after a stroke.

If you have diabetes, your chances of having a stroke are 1.5 times higher than in people who don’t have diabetes. But your risk is even greater if:

  • you’re over age 55
  • your family background is African American
  • you’ve already had a stroke or a transient ischemic (ih-SKEE-mik) attack (also called a TIA or a mini-stroke)
  • you have a family history of stroke or TIAs
  • you have heart disease
  • you have high blood pressure
  • you’re overweight
  • you have high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels
  • you are not physically active
  • you smoke

You can’t change some of these risk factors. But you can lower your chances of having a stroke by taking care of your diabetes and tackling some of the other risk factors, such as losing weight if you’re overweight.

Typical warning signs of a stroke develop suddenly and can include:

  • weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • sudden confusion or trouble understanding
  • trouble talking
  • dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
  • trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
  • double vision
  • severe headache

If you have warning signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away. Getting treatment as soon as possible after a stroke can help prevent permanent damage to your brain.

For more information on Strokes: https://www.stroke.org/

 

The Diet-Betus – our version of recipe of the month just with a healthy tweak

This recipe is simple, cool and refreshing. Best served with whatever you like!

 ASIAN SESAME SLAW

Salad:

  • 1/2 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced or grated
  • 1/2 small head of red cabbage, thinly sliced or grated
  • 6 green onions, sliced diagonally
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and coarsely grated
  • 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, white or black, toasted (15 mL)

Dressing:

  • 1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar (75 mL)
  • 1/4 cup canola oil (60 mL)
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (5 mL)
  • 1 tsp sodium-reduced soy sauce (5 mL)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (5 mL)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine both cabbages, onion, carrot and sesame seeds.
  2. Prepare dressing by shaking together rice vinegar, canola oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil.
  3. Pour dressing over salad, toss and refrigerate before serving. Ideally, allow to stand in fridge for an hour or more to allow flavours to mellow. Re-toss before serving.
  1. Recipe Yield: Yield: 8 servings. Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125 mL)

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

Calories: 100
Fat: 8 grams
Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Sodium: 170 milligrams
Protein: 2 grams
Carbohydrates: 7 grams
Sugars: 4 grams

Recipe and image appear courtesy of CanolaInfo.org

 

Community offerings: *

* Due to coronavirus/COVID 19, many community offerings have been changed, postponed, or canceled.

Please call the number listed for the event to verify availability, dates, and times.

If you have questions regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 please call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)Or, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html or https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/.

 

 

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)

COST:

Free

CONTACT:

Tina Ellinger 419-624-1856

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program [DEEP] is offered every Wednesday for six weeks. Good attendance is important. This free program is for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and spouses or caregivers of a diabetic.  Residents of Erie County, aged 60 or older, please call 419-624-1856 to register.

 

Diabetes Support Group – Firelands Regional Medical Center

The Diabetes Support Group presented by Jean Feick CNP, CDE, meets the third Wednesday of each month Sept–November and January-May from 12:00pm –1:00pm.  This meeting is free to the public and no registration is required. Attendees are welcome to purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria and come to the adjacent Cafeteria Meeting #1.  A different topic will be reviewed each month. If you have questions, please contact the Diabetes Education Department at 419-557-6992.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SCREENING – offered by Firelands Regional Medical Center

You must Pre-register for all Lab Work at 419-557-7840.

Sandusky Health & Wellness

 

 

Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center

2520 Columbus Ave.

Sandusky, OH 44870

Saturday, May 14

7:00 am to 9:30 pm

 

Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center

2520 Columbus Ave.

Sandusky, OH 44870

Saturday, June 4

7:00 am to 9:30 pm

 

Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center

2520 Columbus Ave.

Sandusky, OH 44870

Saturday, July 16

7:00 am to 9:30 pm

 

Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center

2520 Columbus Ave.

Sandusky, OH 44870

Saturday, Aug 13

7:00 am to 9:30 pm

 

Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center

2520 Columbus Ave.

Sandusky, OH 44870

Saturday, Sep 10

7:00 am to 9:30 pm

 

Health & Wellness Screenings include:

  • Complete Blood Count with Metabolic & Lipid Panel (No Eating or Drinking for 12 Hours – Water Allowed – includes liver and kidney function studies, fasting blood sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, and triglyceride levels along with a complete blood count.) – $45.
  • Hemoglobin A1C (A three-month report card on how well your blood sugars have been running. A test used to diagnose diabetes and/or to evaluate how well your treatment plan is working.) – $25.
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)- $30.
  • Vitamin D – $35.
  • TSH – $25

Please comply with the following COVID-19 precautions:

  • Wear a mask
  • Have your temperature taken upon arrival
  • Follow social distancing practices

Please note

  • Patients will not be allowed to enter until their scheduled time
  • Walk-ins will not be accepted
  • Only the registered patient will be allowed to enter the screening unless the patient needs assistance from an accompanying person
  • We are unable to perform any additional physician-ordered tests not included in the list above.

Contact: Centralized Scheduling at 419-557-7840 to pre-register

The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and is also the main test to help you and your health care team manage your diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is really important if you have diabetes.

Last quarter, 70% of our diabetic patients had an A1C of less than 9%. Talk with your provider to discuss the right options for you.

Diabetes News – July 2020

July is National Grilling/Picnic Month

Picnics hearken back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining.

July is an excellent time for National Picnic Month and summer is the best time of the year for outdoor cooking. The fresh air stirs the appetite, and garden vegetables and fruits make outdoor eating easier.

Remember to keep the meals simple and focus on the company. Sandwiches, finger foods, and beverages may seem plain, but it’s more about spending time with each other and being in nature.

Grilled foods can be healthy if you pay attention to the foods you grill and the way they are grilled. Healthy food options and activity are important parts of managing your diabetes. Making your picnic “diabetic friendly” is not as hard as you might think. Use these tips to make it easy.

  • Choose wholegrain varieties of starchy carbs such as couscous or pasta in salads, potato salads with the skins left on, and wholegrain bread for sandwiches.
  • For cold meats, try leaner options such as chicken or turkey breast rather than salami or ham.
  • Add crunch to sandwiches with extra veggies such as pepper, carrot, cucumber and lettuce.
  • Use beans in a salad to up the protein content and to make it more filling.
  • Swap sugary and fatty treats such as cake and cookies for healthier alternatives – mixed nuts, fruit, unsalted rice cakes and low-fat fruit yoghurts make great replacements.
  • Sip on water, no-added sugar fruit drinks or diet drinks to stay hydrated.
  • Make your own dips, dressings and marinades from scratch at home to avoid the high fat, sugar and salt content from store-bought varieties.
  • From playing games to going for a walk, combine your picnic with some physical activity to maximize the health benefits.

So who’s ready to grill!  And whose ready to try something a little different on the grill. July is not just for picnics and grilling. It’s also a month to celebrate fresh, ripe peaches. Try combining the peaches with the grilling for a dish that will make your taste buds celebrate!

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in pork loin or end-loin chops, each about 9 oz. and 3/4 inch thick, trimmed of excess fat
  • Olive oil for brushing, plus 2 tsp.
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 2 peaches, quartered and pitted
  • 2 to 3 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • Small fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions:

Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes.

Brush the chops very lightly with olive oil, and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine the peaches and the 2 tsp. olive oil. Season with pepper and toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill, or preheat a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.

Place the chops on the grill rack over the hottest part of the fire or in the grill pan and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Move the chops to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat and cook until the pork is firm and cooked through but not dry, 3 to 4 minutes more per side. Place the peaches over direct heat and sear, turning with tongs, until the cut sides are golden, 30 to 60 seconds total.

Transfer the chops and peaches to a platter and drizzle sparingly with the vinegar. Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Community offerings: *

* Many community offering have been postponed, changed or canceled as a result of the coronavirus/COVID 19.  Please call the number listed for the event to verify availability, dates and times.

If you have questions regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19 please call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)

Or, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html or https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/.

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) –Erie County Senior Center

COST:

Free

CONTACT:

Tina Elmlinger
419-624-1856

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program [DEEP] is offered every Wednesday for six weeks. Good attendance is important. This free program is for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and spouses or caregivers of a diabetic.  Residents of Erie County, aged 60 or older, please call 419-624-1856 to register.

Diabetes Support Group – Firelands Regional Medical Center

The Diabetes Support Group presented by Jean Feick CNP,CDE, meets the third Wednesday of each month Sept–November and January-May from 12:00pm –1:00pm.  This meeting is free to the public and no registration is required. Attendees are welcome to purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria and come to the adjacent Cafeteria Meeting #1.  A different topic will be reviewed each month. If you have questions, please contact the Diabetes Education Department at 419-557-6992.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SCREENING – offered by Firelands Regional Medical Center

You must Pre-register for all Lab Work at 419-557-7840.

Norwalk Health & Wellness Screening

Dr. Ruggles
348 Milan Ave
Norwalk, OH

Saturday, July 11
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Port Clinton Health & Wellness Screening

Dr. Braniecki and Widmer
3960 East Harbor Road
Port Clinton, OH

Saturday, August 15
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Sandusky Health & Wellness Screening

Firelands Main Campus
1111 Hayes Ave
Sandusky, OH

Saturday, September 12
7:10 AM – 9:30 AM

Health & Wellness Screenings include:

  • Complete Blood Count with Metabolic & Lipid Panel (No Eating or Drinking for 12 Hours – Water Allowed – includes liver and kidney function studies, fasting blood sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, HDL/LDL and triglyceride levels along with a complete blood count.) – $45;
  • Hemoglobin A1C (A three month report card on how well your blood sugars have been running. A test used to diagnose diabetes and/or to evaluate how well your treatment plan is working.) – $25;
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)- $30;
  • Vitamin D – $35;
  • TSH – $25

Diet and exercise are an essential part of diabetes management, but so is routine testing.

The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and is also the main test to help you and your health care team manage your diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is really important if you have diabetes.

Last quarter, 71% of our diabetic patients had an A1C of less than 9%. Talk with your provider to discuss the right options for you.

Diabetes News – May 2019

Family Health Services Updates Almost Complete

We are excited to share with the community the recent updates to Family Health Services over the past several months. While this post is more of a teaser, we wanted to inform the community of our big reveal approaching next month. Stay tuned for more details and your invite to view our new facility!

Be sure to like us on Facebook!

  

  

Updates Inside Family Health Services