Just 10 years ago it was a rare occasion for pediatric endocrinologists such as Raul Arguello, MD, director of pediatrics at South Nassau Communities Hospital, to diagnose or treat a child with Type II diabetes.Today, it is occurring all too frequently, as the number of children with this debilitating and potentially fatal disease has increased to almost 300,000 this year. In the U.S., Type II diabetes now accounts for 30 to 50 percent of the new diabetes cases among African-American and Hispanic children.Commonly called adult-onset diabetes, Type II diabetes affects approximately 15 million Americans. Its symptoms, which may not be obvious for years, include frequent urination, unusual thirst, low energy, trouble focusing attention and a darkening and thickening of the skin around the neck and arms. If left untreated, it can cause blindness, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease and eventually result in the amputation of a limb.'Today, we are discussing the somber reality of limb amputation 15 or 20 years after initial diagnosis not only with adults, but with children and teenagers, as well. If we are going to help them, we must begin addressing the issue at the earliest age possible," said Arguello.The vast majority of physicians link the increase of children with Type II diabetes to obesity, which affects approximately 25 percent of U.S. children. Since 1968, the percentage of overweight children in the United States aged 6 to 17 years has doubled. Other studies predict that 70 percent of the overweight children between 10 and 13 years old will be overweight or obese when they are adults.While drugs can help in the fight against Type II diabetes, the best treatment, according to Arguello, is a healthier diet and boosting exercise. He suggests the following tips to help your child maintain a healthy weight.
n
Don't force your child to eat when he or she isn't hungry.
n
Don't use food to comfort or reward.
n
Don't offer dessert as a reward for finishing a meal.
n
Don't buy foods that are pre-packaged, sugary or high in fat.
n
Buy foods that are low in fat and high in fiber.
n
Don't eat at fast-food restaurants more than once a week.
n
Limit how much TV your child watches and encourage outdoor activities such as bicycling, running, walking and youth athletics.
n
Spend time being active with your child.
n
Ask your doctor and/or dietician for help in reading and understanding the information on food labels.
n
Switch to skim milk if your child is over two and drinks whole milk.
New year, new you
Women looking to start off the New Year with a fun way to exercise can try belly dancing at Winthrop-University Hospital's free "Women's Health Forum" program on Wed., Jan.16. The program will begin with registration at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lecture and demonstration at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Winthrop Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard, at the corner of Second Street. Parking and the entrance are in the rear of the building.Renate Wallasch, a belly dancer with 30 years of experience, will teach participants how to increase flexibility, agility and endurance through belly dancing, as well as discuss the spiritual, mental and physical benefits of the art. Light clothing is recommended for participation. A question and answer period will follow the program. For information or to reserve your space, call 1-888-53-WOMEN.
Other events and activities
Miracle on Wheels makes available power wheelchairs to non-ambulatory senior citizens (65 years old and up) usually at no out-of-pocket expense if they qualify. No deposit required. Call 1-800-749-8778 or visit the Website at www.durablemedical.com... Cancer support group will meet at the Oncology Center, "S" Building, Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Avenue, East Meadow, every Fri., 1 to 2:30 p.m. For further information, call Irene Burk at (516) 572-5849...Nassau Health Corporation Board of Directors is meeting on Mon., Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m. at Nassau University Medical Center Auditorium, 2201 Hempstead Avenue, East Meadow...Get your pet vaccinated against rabies and distemper. For information, contact the Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 571-2290.
