health misinformation is killing you!

Had a patient the other day show me the 15, yes 15 nutritional supplements they were taking each day which did not include the prescribed medications they were on! Imagine taking 25 pills everyday, that's alot of swallowing! They were on something for blood sugar, cancer prevention, joints, complexion, vision--guess what, none of the supplments they were on had any, i mean no research backing their claims! They didn't take fish oils or calcium supplements that at least has credible research backing up there effectiveness of reducing cholesterol and osteoporosis.

And yet even though they did not have any physical limitations, they weren't even walking regularly. I sat looking at this person thinking of the amount of money they were spending (why not just smoke?!) and was just shocked that they weren't trying to be physically active. Activity may be the most important things anyone could do for their health, bar none. Walking, jogging, biking, swimming, lifting light weights has been shown as quoted from extensive research to be superior to all the healthy behaviors you could do for yourself especially if you have diabetes.

Healthful eating, medicine if you need it, and blood glucose self-monitoring are important basics of diabetes management, but only physical activity provides a host of benefits for your quality of life, blood glucose control, and overall health. In addition to lower blood glucose readings and decreased body fat, regular exercisers report increased selfesteem, reduced stress, and enhanced clarity of thought.
-Patti Geil, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., and Laura Hieronymus, M.S.Ed., A.P.R.N., B.C.A.
D.M., C.D.E.

I've had patients that have self-reported reductions in their glucose levels of 100 points after completing a 45 minute walk, no oral medication or nutritional supplement can do this. So if you find yourself thinking of ordering the latest "breakthrough" heard on the radio, seen on t.v., or in some magazine, REMEMBER, the best treatment may be lacing up your sneakers and getting outside.