SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the American Diabetes Association, an American is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds. Even worse, of the estimated 24 million citizens living with diabetes, nearly a quarter of them have not yet been diagnosed. In honor of Diabetes Alert Day on March 24, Silver&Fit(r) is urging seniors to make sure they are not among the six million Americans whose health is being compromised by undiagnosed diabetes. Silver&Fit is a healthy aging program, provided by American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH), which makes fitness, nutrition and health education classes, and events available to seniors.
Diabetes has long been called a "silent killer" because it can go undetected for many years, creating serious and often life-threatening health problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, and nerve damage that could result in amputations.
"Diabetes has become epidemic in America, and is caused by unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity," said Dr. Douglas Metz, chief medical officer for ASH. "Adults ages 60 and older should be particularly alert to the risks of diabetes, as research has shown that 23 percent of Americans in this age group have this disease. "
"People can reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes by taking charge of their lives in simple and healthy ways," added Dr. Metz. "According to results of the Diabetes Prevention Program study, adults 60 and older who are at high risk for diabetes can reduce their likelihood of developing this disease by 71 percent over three years through healthy lifestyle interventions. We urge seniors to make these lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of diabetes and enhance their lives."
Six Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Your Diabetes Risk
1. Eat Healthy, Whole Foods
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, focusing on non-starchy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, green beans, and Brussels sprouts. Include dried beans such as kidney beans and lentils, and use brown rice and whole grain pasta rather than white rice and pastas. Eat fewer processed and pre-packaged foods.
2. Read Food Labels
On any pre-packaged or processed foods that you do buy, read the nutrition label first. Look for foods with labels showing they are low in fat and cholesterol. Eliminate foods with high sugar content, such as sodas and candy, and those with high levels of sodium. Be aware of the carbohydrates in the product. Research has shown that the type of carbohydrate (complex versus simple or refined) as well as the total amount of carbohydrate per serving can have a significant effect on blood sugar levels.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Most people know that being overweight can increase their risk of chronic disease, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. But overweight and obesity are also the leading risk factors for pre-diabetes and diabetes. Check with your doctor to determine your target weight and make changes in your diet and exercise regimens to help you maintain that healthy weight.
4. Commit to an Exercise Program that You Enjoy
If the word "exercise" brings images of a drill sergeant demanding 20 more push-ups, it's no wonder you might be intimidated. If this sounds like you, it's time to rethink exercise. Remember that it can be social and fun (dancing and playing tennis), meditative (yoga), or it can challenge you to accomplish a goal (improving your golf game or planting that garden you've always dreamed about). Seniors who have specific exercise needs or physical challenges can hire a personal trainer or join a senior wellness program like Silver&Fit, which caters to the health and exercise needs of older adults. The key is to do something you enjoy so that you'll stick with it for years to come. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to understand what level of exercise best suits your health status.
5. Know the Risk Factors for Diabetes
The primary risk factors for diabetes include overweight or obesity, high blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, physical inactivity, smoking, a family history of diabetes, and ethnicity. According to the Centers for Disease Control, certain ethnic groups are at higher risk for diabetes including American Indians, Latino Americans, and African-Americans.
6. Get Regular Blood Glucose Checkups
Make a blood glucose test a regular part of your annual health checkup if you are an older adult. Make it a point to have a blood glucose test on Diabetes Alert Day this March!
"Reducing your risks for diabetes is an important step toward remaining healthy, happy, and independent your entire lifetime," added Dr. Metz.
About Silver&Fit and American Specialty Health
Silver&Fit is a fitness and healthy aging program designed to help older adults achieve better health through regular exercise. Silver&Fit provides: a no-cost membership at a local participating fitness club, including use of cardiovascular equipment and weights, whirlpools, exercise classes, and saunas, where available; specialized senior exercise classes; access to an online health library, a quarterly newsletter and health monitors; a health store; and, support from Silver&Fit's toll-free member services hotline and Web site. Unless required by their health plans, Silver&Fit members pay no copays, coinsurance, or deductibles to participate in these activities. Ask your Medicare Advantage plan if it offers the Silver&Fit program.
Silver&Fit is provided by American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH) and its subsidiaries and is offered through contracts with certain Medicare Advantage plans. American Specialty Health is a national health and wellness company that provides wellness and prevention services, specialty network management programs, and fitness and exercise services to health plans, insurance carriers, employer groups, and trust funds. Based in San Diego, ASH has 700 employees and covers over 15 million members.