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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2002)
“Cha-may weeya” Medicine Talk Siletz Community Screening Can Save Your Vision Diabetes can pose a serious threat to your vision. Diabetic eye disease refers to eye problems that people with diabetes may face as a complication of diabetes. The leading cause of blindness in the U.S. is diabetic retinopathy. It’s caused by changes in the blood vessels in the back of the eye caused by elevated blood sugars. These changes can be the result of the blood vessels swelling and leaking or new blood vessels growing on the surface of the back of the eye that may result in vision loss or blindness. How do you know if you might have this disease? Usually, there’s nothing in the disease’s early stages that might tell you that you’re having vision problems. Your vision may not change until the problem becomes severe, nor is there any pain. Your vision may become blurred and change when blood starts leaking into the back of your eye. This is why regular eye examinations for people with diabetes are so important. The longer that your blood sugars are out of control, the more likely you are to develop diabetic eye disease. Both the ADA and IHS recommend that your target blood sugar should be 90 to 130 fasting, 110 to 150 two or more hours after a meal, and your target Ale less than 7 percent You can’t totally prevent diabetic eye disease, but you can greatly reduce its progression and severity by controlling your blood sugars and getting an annual dilated eye examination. An added benefit of improved blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes is the reduced risk of developing kidney disorders and nerve damage (especially in the feet). So for your sake, the sake of your family, and for those of us who care about you, please call to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and keep it. And don’t forget to make an appointment with our diabetes educator for help in understanding and controlling your blood sugars. Next issue: A firsthand look at the benefits of exercise SNetz News O Marek 2002 We are starting our popular 100 Mile Club Walking Program! A regular walking program provides many health benefits and is an exercise just about everyone can do We will each work toward walking 100 miles over 16 weeks between MARCH 1 & JUNE 21, 2002 Well have special rewards to inspire you! Contact one of the following staff members to register and receive your 100 Mile Club Information Packet: Shannon Mokuahi Rackowski from Fitness Prescription leads Laura Bremner (behind Shannon) and Selina Kissinger through some steps (below), and Liz John practices her moves (right) during twice-a-week hula classes at the Siletz Tribal Community Center. Several tribal members also are working out at Curves for Women in Newport (see photos on page 17). The tribal diabetes program is sponsoring both activities. 18-. CL Health Clinic Siletz Area: Laura Bremner 541-444-9671 Eugene Area: Miranda Strong 541-484-4234 Salem Area: Rose Kunkel 503-390-9494 . Portland Area: Joann Brown 503-238-1512 Sponsored by the Community Health Department and the Indian Health Service Diabetes Program
