DIABETES: FACTS & MYTHS



Celebrity Chef Paula Deen

 This week, celebrity Chef Paula Deen revealed that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2008. She's certainly not alone. According to the American Diabetes Association there are appoximately 25.8 million adults and children living with the disease.

The ADA recently surveyed the American public to find out how much people know about diabetes. The results show that there are still many misconceptions about the disease.

Myth: Diabetes is not a serious disease.

When asked to rank which disease (diabetes, breast cancer, AIDS) was responsible for the greatest number of U.S. deaths each year, not even half of respondents chose diabetes (42%).

Fact: Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS    combined. Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke.

Myth: Eating too much sugar can lead to diabetes.

According to the survey, approximately one third of respondents knew this myth was false (32%).

Fact: No, it cannot. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease. Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.

Being overweight does increase your risk for developing type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories, whether from sugar or from fat, can contribute to weight gain. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, eating a healthy meal plan and regular exercise are recommended to manage your weight.

Myth: If you are overweight or obese, you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

According the survey, approximately three in five respondents (59%) did not know that this is a false statement. In addition, more than half (53%) of respondents did not know that risk for developing type 2 diabetes increases with age.

Fact: Being overweight is a risk factor for developing this disease, but other risk factors such as family history, ethnicity and age also play a role. Unfortunately, too many people disregard the other risk factors for diabetes and think that weight is the only risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Most overweight people never develop type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes are at a normal weight or only moderately overweight.

Take this test to see your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

LIVING HEALTHY AT THE Y: TRACEY WILSON

Small changes can make a huge difference. Don't put your life on hold while you wait for a number on the scale.” -- Tracey Wilson

At 252 pounds when she first joined the Finley Y, Tracey was so overweight that she had to hold her breath to tie her shoes and couldn’t walk non-stop for 15 minutes. When she got diagnosed with Celiac disease, she had to be very careful about what she ate. After two years of a gluten-free/milk-free diet, and losing slowly, 10 pounds at a time, her whole outlook has changed.

“It’s made an AMAZING difference in my life; I’m so thankful that I don't miss any of the foods I can no longer eat. I've also had a blast reworking my favorite recipes to meet my new diet needs.”

Tracey 100 Pounds ago

AN ONLINE MOTIVATOR
Tracey started her journey 100 pounds ago by joining Sparkpeople.com, a free online resource that focuses on healthy life changes. Through the virtual resources, weekly weigh-ins and support she was been able to write and post her experiences, make new friends, and motivate others to stay on track. She’s even become a champion on the Sparkpeople.com website, posting retrofitted recipes and challenging other users to make life changes.

A SELF-DESCRIBED ‘KITCHEN SCIENTIST’
Tracey has re-engineered versions of once forbidden recipes and given them a healthy spin. After developing a menu of dishes, she’s cooked for kids at camps with similar food allergies.
“I’ve come up with my own recipe for coconut milk cheese for pizza, macaroni and cheese, etc. To see a child so excited to get a gluten and dairy-free pizza on pizza day at camp is so rewarding!”

Tracey Today

FROM 15 MINUTES TO 5K
Healthy eating combined with exercise has brought her weight down even quicker. After competing in a couple of 5K races, Tracey currently walks/runs 2 – 6 miles 5 days a week. She has discovered the joy of riding her bike “for miles and miles with a smile.” She’s also added the gym, pool and strength training three times a week.

With her newfound energy, Tracey is enjoying more quality time with her children, Jana, 15, Gillian, 13 and Nathan, 12 and likes that she’s setting a healthy example.

“I want to be a healthier mom, reminding my kids every day that I am so thankful for them and so blessed to be their mom…they are the best kids ever!”

A strong advocate of taking weight loss slowly, Tracey has successfully followed through on small life changes. “I no longer let my weight define who I am. I’m taking it 10 pounds at a time, one day at a time…all the while focusing on living life!”

JOIN US:LIGHTNER YMCA ACHIEVERS BANQUET

Join us November 17 to celebrate one of Raleigh's most revered leaders, Mayor Clarence E. Lightner, and help us honor the teens who participate in the YMCA Leadership Development program that bears his name - Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers Program.


The keynote speaker will be Brett C. Carter, President of Duke Energy North Carolina. He is responsible for advancing the company’s rate and regulatory initiatives and managing state and local regulatory and governmental relations, economic development and community affairs.

Carter was named as a 2010 Charlotte Father of the Year by the National Father’s Day Council. He also received the Whitney M. Young Award from the Urban League of Central Carolinas for outstanding dedication to philanthropy, diversity and inclusion.

Mark your calendar for the Lightner YMCA Achievers Leadership Banquet on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 pm at the North Raleigh Hilton.

Tickets are $65 each, and are available through the YMCA. Please email Jessica Howard for more information.

CITY OF OAKS MARATHON: RUN FOR FUN

Join your YMCA friends at the City of Oaks Marathon on Nov. 6. In fact, we're so excited about promoting healthy living in our community that we're sponsoring the YMCA Kids Marathon Mile for children ages 7 - 14!

There are 3 easy ways for you to participate in this new event. We just kids to set goals, get active, and just have fun!



• Full marathon: Complete 25.2 miles prior to the race. Complete your final mile on race day.

• Half marathon: Complete 12.1 miles prior to the race. Complete your final mile on race day.

• One-mile Fun Run: No pre-race running required.

Where: Meet us at the NC State Bell Tower at 7 am on November 6.


Registration Information: Go to www.cityofoaksmarathon.com to register. YMCA Participants receive $10 off any race entry fee. Just use discount code: rcooymca.


Each runner will receive a race bib, pull-string race bag, a finisher medal and an awesome experience as they cross the finish line. Participants will enjoy a pancake breakfast after the race.

Y LEARNING TOUR OF SAS TOURNAMENT

PGA Pro Bobby Clampett

Today, nearly a dozen students in the YMCA of the Triangle’s Y Learning Tutorial Program got a sneak peek at the SAS Championship. And, the students from Reedy Creek Middle School actually got to hit the driving range!

“This is a great opportunity for these children,” says Brad Davis, YMCA of the Triangle Vice President of Development. “The students are really excited about meeting some pros, and actually picking up a golf club. It is also a wonderful way for the kids to see the championship that helps make Y Learning possible.”

Proceeds from the 2011 SAS Championship will benefit Y Learning, the YMCA of the Triangle’s standardized after school tutorial program that is funded through the Y’s annual WeBuildPeople Campaign. This is the second year that the YMCA’s Y Learning program was selected as the tournament’s charity of choice. Last year, the tournament provided $200,000 to Y Learning.                                

“The YMCA of the Triangle does amazing work in its service for our community,” said Jeff Kleiber, Tournament Director of the SAS Championship. “Y Learning, the camp offerings, the character and leadership development are major contributions toward serving the needs of our underserved children. We are thrilled to be able to support this truly wonderful organization.”

Over the past 10 years, the SAS Championship has provided more than $2.5 million toward local community outreach programs.

YMCA HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AWARD WINNER: THE LUCAS FAMILY

Meet the Lucas Family from the Cary Family Y!

Paul, Beth, Jacob and Maddie are the perfect example of a healthy lifestyle change.

The Lucas Family

They went from unhealthy eating habits and inactivity to Paul completing an ironman triathlon – 140.6 miles total!

He has been a great role model for the whole family. Ten-year-old Maddie has completed several 5Ks, several kids triathlons and an adult sprint triathlon. Seven-year-old Jacob has completed a few duathlons and kids triathlons as well.

Paul and Beth have both reduced their medications. They have made exercise and healthy eating a family journey. The Lucas family is truly an inspiration to all families that are trying to make healthy changes.

The Y sponsored the YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Change Award as part of the American Heart Association's Triangle Heart Walk. We asked Y members, staff and the general public to nominate people who took the first step toward healthy living. Winners were announced at the walk on Sept. 25.

Congratulations to the Lucas family, and the other folks, who made a commitment to a healthy lifestyle change.

STILL TIME TO WALK FOR GOOD

Put on your walking shoes, and come out to the American Heart Association Heart Walk on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the RBC Center at 1:00 pm.

Participate in interactive booths, see who won the YMCA Lifestyle Change award, and walk one or three miles. All ages are welcome. You can even bring your dog! And best of all, it’s free. Register here to join our team.