Healthy You - Englewood Hospital and Medical Center

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The A-B-Cs of Diabetes Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions, affecting 23.6 million Americans. The condition is also one of the most hidden health dangers—nearly 30 percent of cases remain undiagnosed. Understanding the basics of diabetes, some common symptoms, and how to avoid the condition can help you avoid becoming part of this statistic. Diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t properly handle insulin, the hormone needed to convert sugar into energy to fuel the body. There are three types of diabetes, Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. “Our bodies need insulin to move glucose from food over into the cells so that the cells can function,” says Mary O’Connor, RN, BSN, CDE, Diabetes Program Manager at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. “Type 1 diabetes means that a person is no longer producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is when a person’s body is still producing insulin but not enough of it or it isn’t working properly.” WHAT IS PRE-DIABETES? Pre-diabetes is a condition in which a person’s blood glucose level is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. To avoid having pre-diabetes turn into diabetes or to avoid diabetes in general, follow some basic lifestyle habits, including: • Maintain a healthy weight. If you aren’t at a healthy weight, losing only 5 percent of your total body weight can be a major step towards the prevention of diabetes and other health conditions. • Step up. Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. • Be balanced. Make a variety of fruits and vegetables the basis of your diet, supplemented with whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins, like chicken, turkey, or fish. • Get a check-up. See your physician regularly, especially after age 50, to receive recommended tests and screenings. HELP & SUPPORT Englewood Hospital offers a comprehensive line of services recognized by the American Diabetes Association for patients with pre-diabetes or diabetes. A Diabetes Self-Management Program is Diabetes Support Group At Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, patients with diabetes can share advice on managing their disease. When: 4th Tuesday of each month, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Englewood Hospital and Medical Center For more information, call (201) 894-3552. 6 ¦ HEALTHY YOU Fall 2008 available through referring physicians and covered through many insurance plans, including Medicare. For patients seeking support, a diabetes support group meets monthly, and an insulin pump support group meets quarterly at Englewood Hospital. For more information about diabetes services at Englewood Hospital, call (201) 894-3552. Mary O’Connor, RN, BSN, CDE, Diabetes Program Manager at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center Do You Have Diabetes? While many patients exhibit few symptoms prior to a diagnosis of diabetes, there are a number of symptoms common to the condition, including: • blurry vision • fatigue • frequent urination • impotency • slow-healing cuts and wounds • thirst
All about Alzheimer’s While you might laugh off “senior moments,” Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are no laughing matter. Alzheimer’s disease—the most common and most severe form of dementia—affects more than 4.5 million Americans. This disease, which initially attacks the areas of the brain that control language, memory, and thought, typically strikes adults ages 60 and greater. “Although genetics is clearly important, we are not sure what causes most cases of Alzheimer’s disease. Incidence doubles every five years after age 65, and the disease is very common by age 80,” says Joseph Willner, MD, Chief of the Section of Neurology at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. “Because the disease impacts virtually every aspect of a patient’s life, it is crucial that people get accurately diagnosed; we can provide medications that may help some of the symptoms, and we can help families adjust to present and future needs.” Joseph Willner, MD, Chief of the Section of Neurology at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center TIME FOR HELP Typically, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease begin slowly, usually as difficulties with short-term memory and verbal and math skills. As the disease progresses, however, it can affect social interactions, employment, driving skills, and independent living. Dr. Willner added, “We probably are on the threshold of having drugs that will slow or even reverse this disease, which we diagnose with a combination of medical history, memory tests, and brain imaging studies.” For a referral to an Englewood Hospital physician, call (201) 894-3456 or visit www.englewoodhospital.com. SAD: Do You Need to Lighten Up? It’s autumn, and the lack of sunlight has left you feeling a little lackluster. You don’t have as much energy as you normally do, your appetite is growing, and you find yourself wanting to go to bed early every night. You may be asking yourself: Do I have the winter blues, or is it something more serious? If your symptoms have lasted for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). “Typically, people suffering from SAD experience the onset of symptoms in October or November,” says Harvey Chertoff, MD, Chief of the Department of Psychiatry at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. “The symptoms of SAD include a loss of interest in usual activities, the inability to concentrate, and a lack of energy. While many SAD patients actually report increased appetites, including cravings for carbohydrates, some may have decreased appetites.” DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT SAD is more common in women than in men, and more prevalent in northern regions of the United States that experience shorter periods of sunlight during the winter months. Diagnosis of SAD requires both physical and mental evaluations. Harvey Chertoff, MD, Chief of the Department of Psychiatry at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center “Many patients fail to seek treatment because they believe they can’t be helped—that couldn’t be further from the truth,” says Dr. Chertoff. “From medications to psychotherapy and light box treatments, we can help patients feel better.” For a referral to an Englewood Hospital and Medical Center physician, call (201) 894-3456. Fall 2008 HEALTHY YOU ¦ 7
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