November Is American Diabetes Month — Get Involved

At Scrubin, we are involved with getting the word out about many great causes and organizations. One of the biggest for us is American Diabetes Month.

This is a disease which has been forefront of the public consciousness for some time, and with good reason. Diabetes numbers 30 million Americans among its sufferers, both adults and children. And it is estimated that more than 80 million more are “pre-diabetic” and at heightened risk to develop type 2 diabetes. If the disease is not at epidemic levels, it is not far from it.

Our diets are all too often composed of an excess of sugars, fats, cholesterol and sodium. While public awareness seems to be rising in this regard, it is still a widespread fact that much of our food is packaged and processed, and therefore potent as delivery systems for excesses of sugar. This is to say nothing of our affection for sodas and sugar-laden energy drinks.

Now, while a healthy, informed diet is not enough to stave off diabetes in every case, the simple fact is that eating healthier — limiting sugars, basing meals around protein and essential vitamins and roughage — would slash the percentage of our population who have type 2 diabetes by a tremendous degree. This is a particularly urgent matter in regards to our young people. The rate of growth for the disease in children has burgeoned by more than 33% in the past couple of decades.

Sure, there are several factors at work in this rising figure, but most researchers agree that the majority of the growth is directly tied to the rapidly escalating rates of childhood obesity. Healthy diet, regular exercise: these are the enemies of Type 2 diabetes. Make sure your kid has both!

Another unfortunate fact about our food consumption and diabetes: it is often more expensive and more difficult in the United States to eat healthy. Cheaper foods are typically mass produced, therefore usually have a lower price tag. And these are the very foods prevalent with trans-fats, sodium, high fructose corn syrup, dyes and excess sugars. As such, our more impoverished communities have been particularly hard hit by the growing rate of diabetes in the society. American Diabetes Month has a variety of outreach effortsintended to educate all our communities communities about the very real dangers of the disease.

Think you might be at risk? Your doctor can ease your fears, or get you on a path of treatment if there’s a problem.  He or she will perform a simple glucose test. If diabetes is indicated, then immediate steps can be taken: regular monitoring, insulin treatment, strict diet and life-style changes.

If you rate as pre-diabetic, then you and your health-care professional can design a firm plan to tackle the potential risk before it becomes a difficult reality.

Diabetes in America is on the rise, unfortunately, but we can make November of 2015 the moment when we turned back the tide!

National Epilepsy Awareness Month Has Arrived!

National Epilepsy Awareness Month kicks off with a new campaign by the Epilepsy Foundation, a year long effort to attack the condition on multiple fronts. Education, research, fighting discrimination for people with seizures and highlighting stories of survivors of epilepsy.

The campaign is called #DareTo, and it’s going to be pretty easy to spot. Public service announcements will feature spokespeople and celebrities with epilepsy. There are campaign features showcasing the work of artists who are epileptic.

#DareTo is tailored to reach those afflicted with epilepsy. Regrettably, there is still some stigma attached to people who have seizures: they live in anxiety of when/if a seizure might occur. In addition to the dangerous nature of the condition itself, there is the potential for embarrassment, public humiliation and inopportune timing. Seizures can scare people besides those who are stricken with them.

#DareTo seeks to eliminate that. No one should be ashamed of an illness. Public awareness is key, and there are numerous outreach programs on offer. Learn how those with epilepsy have turned what could be construed as a handicap into the source of great strength and resolve!

For those afflicted with seizures, management is key. There are numerous medical and cognitive treatment options available. Everyone who is epileptic, or has a loved one who is, deserves to avail themselves of all the information at their disposal.

For some medication is the answer. Others have found success with a VNS, vagus nerve simulation, the applying a device that sends electrical pulses to the vagus nerve. Still others find results from a careful diet, good exercise and various techniques designed to minimize stress.

Even if you are not yourself an epilepsy sufferer, there are many ways for you to get involved. The Epilepsy Foundation has an extensive list of volunteer activities, forums, and fundraising opportunities. Check it out and make a difference this November!