National Advisory Committee on Immunization

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/naci-ccni/index-eng.php#rec

If you choose not to vaccinate

Ontario’s Routine Immunization Schedule

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/immunization/static/immunization_tool.html

For patients with diabetes, your health provider encourages you to have a flu shot every year and to have a ” pneumonia” shot (Pneumovax) .    If you are not sure about these shots, ask us to review your chart to ensure you are up to date.

How many of you have had a Hepatitis B shot??  Adults with diabetes are more at risk of this liver disease.  Because your immune system is busy fighting diabetes, you could have more difficulty fighting this viral infection. Hepatitis B is spread through blood born transmission. Inadequate sterilization of medical instruments is an example of how this exposure could occur, perhaps while obtaining health care during travel.

Your liver is an important organ for detoxification and breaks down some medications. Protect your liver and consider getting  a vaccine .  Hepatitis A is spread fecal -oral route. It can be caught at salad bars with improperly washed vegetables or during travel, when we depend on workers to wash their hands during food preparation.

There are combined (Hepatitis A & B) and  single vaccines for Hepatitis B. Most private insurance plans will cover these shots. Be proactive and let us know if you are interested.  A prescription can be generated once a review is made of your chart and an appointment can be made with the registered nurse.

My name is Shirley and I am the Chiropodist (foot specialist) at the Markham Family Health Team. Looking after your feet is a very important part of diabetes care.

It’s the middle of winter. Skin care is very important as the weather is drier and colder. Just like you apply a moisturizer on your hands, you should remember to apply moisturizer to your feet at least once daily. By applying a moisturizer to your feet daily, you will help to prevent fissures (cracks or grooves) from occurring on your skin. This is especially important for people with diabetes to help prevent skin infections that can come from bacteria entering small breaks in your skin.

—Shirley Cheung, D.Ch.

Driving to work I heard a blurb on diabetes on CBC radio (Diabetes Clip on CBC Radio). It talked about individualizing approach to chronic disease. Most of you on this blog are too young for the relaxation of targets for your A1C that they describe. However, it’s important to let your health provider know what you want to focus on in managing your disease or what concerns you. Becoming your own expert is key to self management.

—Sheri Devereaux, Nurse Practitioner

Here are some tasty side dishes to consider rather than the usuals.

Balsamic Roasted Squash and Root Vegetables:

Great option instead of mashed potatoes or a sweet potato casserole.  The flavour of the balsamic vinegar with the vegetables is sweet and tangy–delicious! Leftovers are great added to a salad of spinach with feta cheese and a balsamic vinegar dressing.

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes (or 1-2 packages pre cut butternut squash)

4 Parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks

4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

4 tbsp canola oil

salt and pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425F

Mix all ingredients together into an oven proof glass dish.

Roast in oven until tender, about 30-45 minutes, stirring once or twice while cooking.

Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad (from Epicurious.com).

Even if you don’t love Brussels Sprouts, you will love this salad.  It’s been a big hit with all of my family, and even some co-workers who were not big fans of Brussels sprouts.

Barley and Pomegranate Salad

A great side dish that can be made ahead of time–a nice light option with great flavours and colour.  A great option to take to potlucks!

Ingredients:

1 cup pearl barley
6 celery sticks (leaves picked and reserved), cut into small dice
4 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp sherry vinegar
2 small garlic cloves, crushed
2/3 tsp ground allspice
3 tbsp chopped dill
3 tbsp chopped parsley
300g pomegranate seeds (2 large pomegranates)
salt and black pepper

Directions:

1. Rinse barley with cold water, the place in a medium saucepan and cover with plenty of water. Simmer for 30-35 minutes until tender, but still al dente.
2. Drain, and transfer to mixing bowl. While hot add all ingredients except for dill, parsley and pomegranate seeds which are to be added when cold

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating!

This post is for those who have not yet been diagnosed with diabetes–so you may be pre-diabetic, or have been told that your sugars are a little high.  Maybe your sugar levels are fine, but you want to check in with your health and see whether you are at risk of developing diabetes.  Maybe you are concerned about a friend or a family member and their risk for developing diabetes (especially if there is a family history).  Whatever the case, there is a handy website to visit that will help you to assess your risk of developing pre-diabetes and/or diabetes in your lifetime.

Go to this website and complete the CANRISK test (see the green box):

Don’t Be Risky

Completing the survey can help you to know if you are at risk for developing diabetes.  This knowledge can help you consider making lifestyle changes that can make you happier and healthier for longer–for example, eating more vegetables, reducing your portion sizes, quitting smoking or moving your body more.  Did you know that a 5% reduction in your weight can reduce the risk of progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes by 60% (1)–that’s huge!  Keep in mind, that for someone who weighs 200 lbs, a 5% weight loss means losing 10lbs.  This does not need to be done in the next month as even a gradual reduction over a year will pay off with big health benefits!  To help make this happen, you could skip the can of regular pop in the day, reduce the amount of cream and sugar used in your coffee, skip an evening snack if you’re not actually hungry!

The more we know about our health, our bodies and healthy behaviours, the more power we have to change our lives.  Take the test!  Send it to your loved ones!  If you have any questions about the test or the results, or if you want help with making lifestyle changes, talk to your healthcare provider or your diabetes team–support can make all the difference!

Andrea

References:

1. Ransom T, Goldenberg R, Mikalachki A et al.  Reducing the Risk of Developing Diabetes.  Can J Diabetes:2013; 37 (suppl 1): S16-S19.