As we approach the holidays, there are bound to be visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads. Whether intentional or not, the holiday season has become synonymous with piles of sweet desserts and spreads of rich, savory foods. In a nation where an estimated 37 million people have diabetes, including roughly 8 million as-yet undiagnosed, that means the holidays can turn into a stressful time of tough decisions and pitfalls.
Since November is National Diabetes Month, we spoke with Jennifer Crain, an Administrative Registered Dietitian with BayCare Medical Group. Cain shares with us some of her favorite tips for keeping carbs and calories in check as well as some popular substitutions that could help diabetics and non-diabetics alike.
In this edition, we also introduce you to 11-year-old Weston Watson, an energetic and independent Lake Wales boy who isn’t letting his type 1 diabetes diagnosis keep him from his dream of becoming a professional athlete.
Plus, we visited with Central Florida Health Care’s Registered Dietician Nutritionist Ron Lund, who counsels diabetic patients to help them create a nutrition plan that suits their lifestyle, budget, and activity level.
November also marks the start of flu season, so we thought we’d shed some light on some common immune system myths in our Pop Quiz. Do you know facts from fiction?
The Polk County Medical Association is grateful for our patients, families, and neighbors this holiday season.