Stop Diabetes in its Tracks!
(95%) of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes. The New York City Department of Health highlights that there is a strong relationship between obesity and diabetes. This suggests that as obesity rates continue to skyrocket so will diabetes. This is especially a concern since childhood obesity is an epidemic. Even worst, diabetes that is not regulated can worsen the risk factors of heart disease such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol (My Community Health Profile 2006). According to an online article published by New York Health Foundation, diabetes affects 1 out of every 12 adult New York State Resident. It disproportionately affects Brooklyn neighborhoods, especially minority communities in areas such as Bedford Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, East Flatbush and Bushwick (NYS Health Foundation 2011). What's even more of a concern is that diabetes is now on the rise in young teenage children.
Central Brooklyn has a diabetes rate that is 30% higher than any other part of the city (ABC News). Yes, income levels and level of education all play a role but there are greater contributing factors. For example, people in certain minority neighborhoods tend not have access to certain medical resources. In another scenario, low income areas tend to be heavily populated with fast food restaurants and lack enough access to fresh fruits and vegetables. There is no one solution to this problem but a start would be developing and implementing effective community outreach programs specific to Central Brooklyn and its diverse inhabitants.
-Shonnette, HOBBS 2012
MEET NAOMI!
"I have DIABETES but DIABETES doesn't have me!" Sentiments from 14 year old, Brooklyn native, Naomi Henry, a bright overachiever who at the age of 13 was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Scared by the news, Naomi felt sad and worried at times about her condition but that worry didn't last long. Naomi eventually became determined to manage her condition and she has her parents and grandmother to thank.
AB: Did you know a lot about diabetes before you were diagnosed?
NH: I didn't know much about diabetes before,I knew my grandmother and my father have it so, I had some idea of what it was about.
AB: Were you scared about having diabetes?
NH: Yes, I was scared about having it, especially because I wasn't sure if I was going to have seizures like my grandmother. She would get seizures often. I was really worried about that.
AB: How has your eating habits changed since having diabetes?
NH: Now, I have to be more aware of what I eat. I eat my vegetables. It's not like I can not have a candy every now and then. Once in a while I'll have a lollipop. I like to drink Arizona Iced tea beverage or the Green Tea Beverage.
AB: How often do you take your medication?
NH: I take my medication everyday. I take my insulin when I feel like I need to take it. I'll know when I need to take it because I sometimes get headaches, which is one of the signs that maybe i need to test my blood to see what level it is.I usually test my blood in the mornings. If its too low then I take my medication.
AB: Do you sometimes forget to take your medication?
NH: I don't forget to take my medication but there are some days when I don't want to take it.
AB: Would you say that knowing your grandmother and father has diabetes has helped you handle your condition better?
NH: Yes, I would say that seeing my father and grandmother with the same condition has helped me, I see what they have to go through and how they handle it. They encourage me to eat healthy. My mom would help me too by just telling me to stay away from too much sweets such as candy and just drink lots of water.
AB: What advice would you give someone your age who is newly diagnosed?
NH: I would let them know that it might seem like a lot to deal with but once you get into a routine it become easier. You will be fine. You have to balance your meal, drink a lot of water and take your medication. I know I have diabetes but diabetes doesn't have me.
AB: Final Question. What is your favorite healthy meal to eat?
NH: I like salad with lots of tomatoes and cucumbers in it. I do like some meat to be in the salad as well; and I like to add little ranch dressing to it.
- Allyblogger, HOBBS 2012
ALSO CHECK OUT!!!!
Olson EC, Van Wye G, Kerker B, Thorpe L, Frieden TR. Take Care Central
Brooklyn. NYC Community Health Profiles, Second Edition; 2006; 10(42). www.nyc.gov
