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Diabetes Talk With Debbie

According to the National Retail Federation, 54.8 % of consumers will celebrate Valentine’s Day. These consumers on average will spend $146.84 on flowers, candy, jewelry, apparel and more. Total retail income is estimated to reach a survey high of $19.7 billion dollars.

Valentine’s Day is the second holiday in which the most candy is consumed, and first for the consumption of chocolate. According to a Nielson Survey, Americans will purchase 58 million pounds of chocolate the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, which is estimated to be around $345 million dollars.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34.9 % or 78.6 million Americans are obese. The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. is $147 billion dollars. Obesity related conditions that are preventable include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some certain types of cancer. Obesity is highest among middle aged Americans in the 40-59 age bracket, 39.5%. As I have reported before, childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States.

As a community, we need to support each other in healthy eating and active living. Not every activity needs to include food. And, when food is included we need to support the idea of portion control and healthy nutritious food choices. Perhaps our activities need to be or include physical activity. Part of loving our self and those dear to our hearts, should include an overall action of wellbeing. We don’t gift a person struggling with alcoholism a drink. Nor, should we sabotage or promote unhealthy choices by those that are struggling with wellness. This includes someone that has a chronic health condition in which your token of love does not support the management of their health. Sugar-free, low sugar or low fat isn’t always as healthy as they seem.

The steps towards healthy living include monitoring your weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. The CDC, other health websites, and your healthcare provider can assist you with identifying your or your loved ones healthy range. Healthy eating is important to a healthy weight. www.choosemyplate.gov is an excellent resource to help with making meal plans and healthy food choices. The CDC website “Physical Activity Basics” is an excellent resource to know where to start with exercise. And, there are “Tips for Parents” to promote healthy eating and active living.

Maybe the $19.7 billion dollars or $345 million dollars should be spent on medic alert bracelets, necklaces, and keychains for those that have a chronic condition, gym memberships, exercise equipment, or physical activity equipment like a stationary bike. Or maybe you should take your loved one(s) sled riding or skiing. It is suggested that sneakers be replaced every 500 miles. For those that don’t keep track, it is suggested that if you walk 45-60 minutes, 3 times a week, you replace them every 5 months.

Research has shown that dark chocolate is said to contain flavanols that have health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, improve our thought process, and even provides UV protection for our skin. However, avoid dark chocolate that is “processed with alkali” or “made by dutching.” This reduces the flavanols and health benefits. It’s suggested that the cacao be at least 70%. And, again portion control is essential. Now, I don’t want to appear to be a Valentine Scrooge. I myself have a hard time turning away a cookie or piece of cake. And, from experience, “Death by Chocolate” cake is simply heavenly! Happy Valentines Day!

You can contact Deb at ldebbie@wgh.org

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