Presenting the Diabetes Support Section of New-Lifestyles.com

Diabetes prevalence in the U.S. and world-wide continues to increase at an alarming rate.  Today in the U.S., 16 million people are currently diagnosed and living with diabetes, 5 million people have it but don't know it, and another 40 million people are living in a state of pre-diabetes.  Due to the current childhood obesity epidemic, for the first time in medical history, children are being diagnosed with “adult onset” Type 2 diabetes.  What’s worse, according to a report presented by the CDC, 1 in 3

Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes.  The risk is even higher
(1 in 2) in African-American, Latino, and Native-American populations.

Having recently participated in the 2006 CDC Diabetes and Obesity Conference, NEW-LIFESTYLES is more committed than ever to increasing diabetes awareness and helping those with diabetes gain better control in preventing diabetes-related complications.  As the all-in-one source for pedometers, accelerometers, activity tracking systems (like EveryStepCounts.com) and program materials, NEW-LIFESTYLES seeks to inspire people living with diabetes to make physical activity a daily priority and part of their permanent healthy lifestyle.

One of NEW-LIFESTYLES’ first initiatives is to present the new diabetes support section of New-Lifestyles.com.  Visit www.new-lifestyles.com/diabetes to learn the basics (ABC’s) of diabetes care for yourself or to support the efforts of someone you care about.  We’ve included tips for relating to and being sensitive about a diabetes lifestyle, a list of online resources for reliable, sound medical advice, the latest in diabetes research, treatment and more.  There are fact sheets written about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and a helpful tool to manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) symptoms. 

In the near future, we’d like to further develop our diabetes section with some inspirational stories of how individuals are using physical activity to improve their blood glucose, their stress level, or simply their state of mind.  If you have any suggestions, specific needs, or stories to share, we’d love to hear them!  Please direct your emails to Rebecca@new-lifestyles.com.

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What's Your Motivation To Move?

Chances are likely that your motivation to move includes walking a canine companion.  In a recent article published by CDC authors Sandra Ham and Jacqueline Epping, those who walk dogs are more likely to meet the CDC‘s recommendation for daily physical activity.

With approximately 65 million dogs living in U.S. households (a reported 39% of American homes have a dog), what better way for Americans to get out and get active.  Along with providing love

and companionship, man’s best friend could prove to be the
best motivator for years of sustained, regular physical activity.

Both the CDC and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week.  And, brisk walking is one of the most popular ways in which Americans consistently get their moderate-intensity physical activity.  Leading busy lives, we tend to prioritize what needs to be done above everything else.  In this article, dog walking fell into this category of necessity.  Needing to exercise the dog helped people to consistently get out for several short walks a day.  In this way, dog walking is an effective strategy to promote a physically active lifestyle. 

Don’t have a dog of your own?  Offer to walk your friend’s or neighbor’s dog.  Few dogs would pass up a chance to put on their leash and head outside for an extra walk or two a day.  Still can’t find access to a dog?  Head over to the local humane society and volunteer a few hours a week to walk the dogs up for adoption.  It’s a great way to give back to the community and be physically active at the same time!  When it comes down to it, walking a dog is beneficial for every BODY—canine and human alike.

Reference:  Ham SA, Epping J. Dog walking and physical activity in the United States. Prev Chronic Dis [serial online] 2006 Apr. Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2006/apr/05_0106.htm.