LIFESTYLE NEWS - When asked about the pros and cons of ageing, seniors usually say that what they enjoy most is seeing their children succeed in life and seeing their grandchildren grow up.
What most complain about is an increase in aches and pains that become part of everyday life.
Well, exercise is one of the ways to improve your physical wellbeing and it aids in great measure to get rid of those ailments. Follow the exercise programme provided by the biokineticists at Anine van der Westhuizen Biokineticist in George and you will feel the difference! ZANÉ COETZEE continues the series on back exercises.
This week I want to raise awareness about diabetes as it is a grossly underestimated threat.
First, you need to be informed that there are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease where the body does not produce insulin (an essential hormone supplied by the beta cells in the pancreas, to convert glucose into energy); type 2 diabetes on the other hand, is much more prevalent and develops over time, where the body is unable to use insulin properly and is termed insulin resistance.
The last form of diabetes is gestational diabetes and occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, genetics and lifestyle factors.
Glucose check-ups should be conducted on a regular basis as many people are undiagnosed and completely unaware that they might be suffering from diabetes. Early detection is important and too often people only seek medical attention when they experience the complications associated with the disease. Type 2 diabetes is a preventable disease but despite this, 90% of the 3,5 million diabetics in South Africa suffer from type 2 diabetes.
Globally, 366 million people have diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts this number will rise to 552 million by 2030. According to Statistics South Africa, in 2012 at least 58 people died from diabetes in South Africa every day.
Diabetes is not a death sentence and with proper medical assistance and a healthy lifestyle, people are able to live long, fulfilling lives with the condition.
The main precursor for type 2 diabetes is being overweight and obese. The link between obesity and diabetes is so strong that it runs as two parallel paths and therefore a new term has been formed, 'diabesity'.
- Embrace a healthy lifestyle
- Minimise your salt intake
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Reduce your fat intake
- Eat smaller portions, especially if you are overweight already
- Drink enough water
- Avoid unhealthy convenience foods
- Visit a dietician to work out a diet plan suitable to your own particular lifestyle.
Next week Lana will concentrate on the essence of exercise in diabetic care. Address your health today, and prevent yourself from becoming a 'diabesity' statistic tomorrow. Your life is in your hands.
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