2nd Annual Continuing Diabetes Education Conference

The Louisiana office is hosting our second annual continuing education conference on Saturday, September 26 at Xavier University in New Orleans. This conference targets nurses, pharmacists, dietitians and health care professionals with an interest in patients with diabetes. Diabetes and Endocrine Disorders for the Generalist and Specialist will be offering seven CEU credits for attendance. The program schedule and list of presenters, as well as registration information, is available on the website – www.professional.diabetes.org/louisiana. Register today before a price jump on September 1!

Chicken Nacho Casserole

Who said you can’t have “nachos” with diabetes? Try this healthy version that has all the flavor of traditional nachos without all of the extra fat and carbs.

http://www.diabetes.org/mfa-recipes/recipes/2015-04-chicken-nacho-casserole.html

 

What type of exercise is best for you?

We all know that we should be exercising on a regular basis but often fall short. One way to increase success is to target your exercise program to activities that you naturally enjoy. Exercise and physical activity fall into four basic categories—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. An added bonus is that they all have crossover benefits.

Endurance

Endurance, or aerobic, activities increase your breathing and heart rate. Building your endurance increases your energy throughout the day.

Brisk walking or jogging

Biking

Dancing

Strength

Strength exercises or resistance training make your muscles stronger. Even small increases in strength can make a big difference.

Weight Lifting

Resistance Band Training

Using your own body weight

Balance

Balance exercises benefit your neuromuscular coordination. They help improve the communication between your brain and muscles leading to better coordination, athletic skill and posture.

Standing on one foot

Balance Ball workout

Tai Chi

Flexibility

Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay limber. Being flexible gives you more freedom of movement in your everyday activities.

Shoulder and upper arm stretch

Calf stretch

Yoga

Diabetes and Sleep

Are you having trouble getting your Z’s?. Sleep can affect your blood sugar levels and your blood glucose control can also affect your sleep, which results in trouble sleeping.

Here are some things you can do to doze off peacefully:

• Ensure that your bed is large and comfortable

• Your bedroom should be cool – each of us has a slightly different optimal temperature for sleep, so experiment with your thermostat to  find what makes you most comfortable.
• Your bedroom should be free from any light. Ensure your room is dark, if this is not possible, you may benefit from blackout curtains and a sleeping blindfold.
• Check your room for noises or other distractions. This includes a bed partner’s sleep disruptions such as snoring. Consider using , ear plugs, “white noise” machines, humidifiers, fans and other devices.
• Stick to a regular bed time

See Your Recipe in the Next American Diabetes Association Cookbook!

Photo by Corey Fitzgerald of
Corey Fitzgerald Photography

Do you make the best Chicken Andouille Gumbo?  Is your jambalaya to die for? Show a little hometown pride and enter it in our “All-American Diabetes Cookbook” recipe contest with Chef Bill Collins.

If your dish is selected, Chef Bill will make it diabetes-friendly, and you’ll get a signed copy of the cookbook. Recipe criteria include originality, regional representation, and their suitability for healthful diabetes meals.

Plus, all qualified entries will receive a discount coupon good for purchasing American Diabetes Association books on ShopDiabetes.org.

Submit your recipe by July 31, 2015 at diabetes.org/ChefBill.

Good luck!

Green Yogurt Smoothie

Cool off with this refreshing smoothie on a hot, summer day! Made with fresh fruit and veggies, and creamy Greek nonfat yogurt, this delicious drink is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size: 8 fl oz
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 5.3 oz. container Dannon® Light & Fit® Strawberry, Blueberry or Vanilla Greek Nonfat Yogurt
1 cup baby spinach leaves, tightly packed
1/2 cup cantaloupe, fresh, diced
1 tablespoon almond butter
1/2 cup ice, chipped

Preparation

Place yogurt and all other ingredients into blender canister and blend on medium for 30 seconds.

Increase speed to high and continue blending for 15 seconds.

Pour blended smoothie into two 8-oz glasses and serve.

Food Choices: 1/2 Fruit, 1 Fat-Free Milk, 2 Fat

See more at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/featured-recipe/green-yogurt-smoothie.html?loc=fr-jul15#sthash.pwsPIvoc.dpuf

 

Join us tonight at The Retina Institute!

Head out to The Retina Institute tonight at 5pm for discussion led by Dr. Ebrahim to about awareness of general eye disease and preventative health tips. This event is free and open to the public. Door prizes include two $50 Target gift cards, coffee mugs, bags and more. Refreshments will be served. The Retina Institute is located at 2701 N. Causeway Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002.

Successes in May: GiveNOLA Day and National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day

GiveNOLA Day, which raised over $4 million locally on Tuesday, May 5, helped the American Diabetes Association tremendously. Thank you to those of you who donated to our cause – we can’t wait for next year’s event!

 

National Get Fit Don’t Sit on Wednesday, May 6th, was coordinated around our Corporate Breakfast at Café Reconcile. Over 75 corporate leaders attended the breakfast, learned tips and exercises to encourage their employees to take part in from local fitness expert Mark Berger and enjoyed a chance to discuss this year’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on November 14. For more information about Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, check out the video that our local NBC affiliate aired!

http://www.wdsu.com/news/local-news/new-orleans/national-get-fit-dont-sit-day-celebrated-in-new-orleans/32851290

Lagniappe: Spring is in the air! Be “fest ready”

With spring, comes lots of weekend and outdoor activities. Crawfish boils, baseball games, fairs and festivals.

When you are living with diabetes, being prepared for any event or outing is important. Here are a few tips to stay on top of your A-game.

• Pack your insulin & diabetes equipment. Include your insulin delivery device (pen, pump or syringe), blood glucose monitor, glucose tablets, snacks and extras of everything.
• Make sure those with you are aware of your condition, risks that may be involved, and who to contact if/when there is an emergency. A medical ID bracelet is suggested.

Tips for everyone during the hot summer months ahead:

• Freeze plastic water bottles ahead of time
• Cotton, loose-fitted clothing will help keep you cool
• Spray bottles to spritz yourself with water
• Bring sunscreen and wear a hat/visor to shield you from sun damage

What’s Cookin’?

Keep yourself cool with this frosty treat…

When fresh produce is in season, cut up and freeze the fruit yourself. Otherwise, you can find an abundance of frozen fruit in the grocer’s freezer. Play around with other fruit combinations like mango-strawberry, peach-raspberry or pineapple-banana. See a recipe for a Pineapple Peach Sorbet recipe here.