Dad & Diabetes – Preventing Diabetes in the Men We Love
June 29, 2012
Photo Credit: Jill A. Brown
Did you know that 13 million men over the age of 20 have diabetes? That is over 11% of all men, and with the disease doubling in diagnosis frequency in the past few years it has become a massive threat in our day and age. It’s time that we prepare and educate ourselves on what diabetes is, and how we can fight back and protect ourselves.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is what doctors consider a metabolism disorder that affects how our bodies digest and breakdown food for energy. When we eat food, our pancreas releases what is called insulin. Insulin is a substance within our body that allows glucose into our blood stream and together they regulate our body’s blood sugar levels. An individual with diabetes has an insulin deficiency or defect. This means that the pancreas produces little to none insulin and results in an extremely high blood sugar level.
Who Does Diabetes Affect?
There are two types of common diabetes – type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas produces no insulin. This is often times a chronic medical condition developed at birth but is more commonly being seen in adults. Type 2 diabetes is commonly referred to as developmental diabetes. This is the type of condition that is often seen in men over the age of 20 and is developed well into adulthood based on the lifestyle and health status of the individual. Gestational diabetes is also a common form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy but dissipates after birth. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are both chronic conditions and there is currently no cure.
What Happens If I Am Diagnosed with Diabetes?
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with diabetes, life will change drastically. A change in lifestyle will be imperative. Living a healthy and active lifestyle has the power to reverse a lot of the damage and side effects that diabetes can bring along. By eating healthy foods and staying active, the risks of diabetic coma and heart disease are lowered, and the chances of needing to stay on insulin could be decreased as well. If you are diagnosed with a case of insulin deficiency, injections can be expected and will help regulate your blood sugar.
How Can I Prevent Diabetes?
Diabetes is not always preventable, but type 2 diabetes can be a condition that you can potentially keep from occurring if you take care of yourself. Living and staying active while also eating natural and healthy foods will keep your body balanced and happy. Avoid allowing artificial and harmful chemicals into your body. Give up smoking and limit your alcohol intake and encourage the men in your life to do the same. These few tips can make all the difference when it comes to preventing life threatening diseases like diabetes. Let’s show some TLC to the men we love.
Father’s Day Fun – Keeping Dad Healthy and Happy
June 15, 2012
Photo Credit: J Whyte
Every child cares about the health of their parents but around holidays we let all those ideals go out the window in hopes of creating a happy ambiance. Is there a way to care about our Pops without spoiling him with the unhealthy aspects that accompany a holiday? With Father’s Day coming up this weekend, there will be handfuls of sons and daughters looking for something special to do with dear old Dad. Do we just stop by the store and pick up another tie and a card, or do we make this year something special and take him on an adventure of healthy proportions?
Taking care of Dad and spoiling him on this special day can reach far beyond the realm of bacon breakfasts and T-bone steak dinners. There are plenty of ways to spoil dad while also keeping him and his heart in tip top shape.
Play the Wii: If Dad is the competitive type then this is a chance to get the entire family involved from the comfort of your own home. Start a little friendly battle and show Dad who is boss… or let him win (just this once). This is a great way to get Dad active while having a blast.
A trip to the beach: If relaxation is what the doctor ordered then a trip to beach or a nearby lake will be a rejuvenating experience for you and your Dad. He will be happy simply spending time with his kids in the comfort of the sand and with the music of the waves ringing in his ears. Remember to bring the sunscreen.
Geocaching Adventure: Did you and your Dad play pirates or treasure hunt when you were a kid? There is a modern day scavenger hunt using the GPS systems we often times buy for our cars. Daddy can manage the map (a.k.a. the GPS or smart phone) and you can follow his courageous lead. The coordinates that Geocaching will provide you with coordinates that will lead you to clues that will eventually lead you to a treasure trove left by other scavengers. The fun is endless and the hiking will help keep the whole family healthy.
Classic Rock Karaoke: If your Daddio is a disco lover, then this activity is for him. Take some time to learn his favorite songs and challenge him to a sing off … and dance off. Being goofy will create great memories and dancing along with encourage physical activity without realizing that you are exercising. When it doubt, dance it out.
Tasting Party: Is your Father a food enthusiast? Switch things up by bringing the food to him. Set up the house with exotic fruits, various dark chocolates (a favorite among men is chili chocolate) and maybe even some dark red wines. These foods taste delicious and will inspire his palate without expanding his waist band.
We all love our Fathers and appreciate all they have done to impact and shape our lives. As their children it is our responsibility to keep them healthy and active in addition to being happy. These activities are only a few of the ways we can show our Dads just how much we care about their health and happiness. When deciding what to do with your Dad remember that the sky is the limit and creativity will go a long way. Happy Father’s Day!
Prostate Health – June is All about Men
June 12, 2012
Photo Credit: Military Health
June is Men’s Health Month, so to show love for the men in our lives we will be blogging on their behalf for the next few weeks. Did you know that, on average, men die six years before women? There are dozens of life-risking conditions that affect men on a daily basis, but most conditions that are unique to the male gender involve the prostate.
The prostate is a small organ that surrounds the urethra and is found below the bladder. The prostate is responsible for creating a fluid that becomes part of semen. Problems with the prostate are commonly seen in men over the age of 50. There are multiple conditions that can occur with the prostate, the most common being prostate cancer and prostatitus.
Signs of prostate problems include a frequent urge to urinate, blood in urine, painful urination and frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, or upper thighs among others. The symptoms could be signs of prostatitus, prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia and should be checked by a doctor right away.
Men, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself from prostate conditions like cancer and prostatitus. These 5 simple tips can make all the difference in preventing prostate conditions and protecting your body.
Get your prostate checked: Yearly exams after you turn forty will give you a proactive mindset towards managing your own body.
Be sure to eat right: Fibers, proteins and fruits have been proven to reduce risks while fried and greasy foods that are full of fat increase the risk of developing prostate cancers and conditions.
Exercise regularly: Living an active lifestyle will keep your body in strong condition.
Don’t let harmful substances in your body: Don’t smoke and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
Hydrate: Drinks a lot of water! This can help flush out your bladder – your urine should be almost clear.
Symptoms of prostate conditions can vary and some men don’t even experience symptoms at all. For this reason, it is imperative for men be proactive in prevention and actively seek screenings. With June being all about men, let’s keep our fathers, grandfathers, brothers, family and friends healthy and encourage yearly screenings. Be sure to check back for a special post on Father’s Day activities to keep your Pop’s heart healthy!
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