Siletz news /, May 01, 2002, Page 15, Image 15

Siletz
Community
“Cha-may weeya ”
Medicine Talk
Health
Clinic
Diabetes Retreat
Pre-Diabetes: The New Diagnosis
May 9-9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 10-9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Siletz Tribal Community Center
Questions?
Call John Jasper or Laura Bremner
1-800-648-0449 or 541-444-1030
by John Jasper, Diabetes Coordinator
By now most of us have heard
about the new medical diagnosis called
“pre-diabetes.” This article should help
you understand just what it is and
how it will help us live longer and
healthier lives.
What is pre-diabetes and how is it
diagnosed? A person who does not
have diabetes or pre-diabetes has a
fasting blood sugar level below 110.
A person with pre-diabetes has a
fasting blood sugar level between 110
and 125. If the blood sugar level is 126
or higher, a person has diabetes. These
test results must be repeated on two
different days to be valid. Other tests
also can be used to diagnose diabetes
and pre-diabetes.
As most of us know, diabetes
affects up to 50 percent of the
population of some Native American
communities. The good news is that
up to 58 percent of individuals with
pre-diabetes can prevent or delay the
development of diabetes by making
changes in our diet and increasing our
activity level. Just 30 minutes a day
of moderate physical activity and a
5 percent to 10 percent decrease in
body weight can “turn back the clock.”
We are here to help you control
your diabetes if you already have it
and prevent or delay your chances of
developing diabetes or pre-diabetes
through our education and exercise
programs. Please call the clinic at
1-800-648-0449 or 541-444-1030 and
make an appointment to talk to our
diabetes educator or dietician.
Quitting Checklist
Need some tips to keep your commitment to stop smoking? The following
checklist helps you keep track of important steps to establish a personal support
system that will make the quitting process easier. Post this list on your refrigerator
or in another area where you will be sure to see it frequently.
1.
Tooth Talk
Deciding to Quit
□ Decide what your reasons are for quitting.
□ Mark World No Tobacco Day (May 31, 2002) on your calendar.
□ Say it like you mean it. Repeat your reasons for quitting 10 times each night
before going to bed.
2.
Preparing to Quit
□ Choose a tobacco cessation method. Discuss your options with your
pharmacist or doctor.
□ Sign on the dotted line. Put your intention to quit in writing - and sign it, or
print out our on-line pledge form and sign it at www.wntd.com .
□ Don’t go it alone. Reach out to family members and try to recruit other smokers
and tobacco users to join you in quitting.
□ Remove triggers. Get rid of cigarettes, tobacco paraphernalia, and that stale,
smoky smell from your home, car, office, and clothes.
□ Plan alternative activities. Avoid places where smokers and tobacco users
congregate in favor of places where smoking and tobacco use isn’t allowed.
Find a hobby that keeps your mind occupied and your hands busy.
3.
Following Through
□ Enroll in a counseling support program either through local organizations or
through our on-line buddy center program.
□ Fight cravings by practicing the 4Ds (Deep breaths. Drink lots of water. Delay
reaching for a cigarette or tobacco. Do something: exercise, hobbies, etc.).
□ Reward yourself for not smoking or using other tobacco products.
□ Remind yourself why you quit by carrying a copy of your pledge form in
your wallet or purse.
by Linda Kreutzer, RDH
The World’s Five Biggest Dental Myths
1) Myth: The harder you brush, the cleaner your teeth.
Fact: It’s important to use a very light touch when you brush. Pushing
your toothbrush against your teeth and gums does not increase
cleaning effectiveness.
2) Myth: The stiffer your toothbrush, the better.
Fact: Studies show that soft bristles are the most effective. Always buy soft
bristles and replace your toothbrush every few months. One way to keep soft
bristles soft is to run hot water over them before you brush.
3) Myth: You should keep your toothbrush away from your gums.
Fact: If you use a gentle touch and a soft-bristled brush, it’s actually good to
massage your gums as you brush.
4)
Myth: It’s normal for gums to bleed a little when you brush or floss.
Fact: Bleeding gums are not normal. Bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal
disease. See your dentist.
5) Myth: Dental X-rays are risky.
Fact: The typical set of dental X-rays gives you about the same amount of
radiation as a single airplane flight. And that’s without the protective lead
apron worn at the dentist’s office.
May 2002
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Sîlètz Néws
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