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We l l n e s s
D E S T I N A T I O N
H E A L T H
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
3
YOUR DINNER PLATE
may be the last place you look
if you’re often fatigued or if you have pain in your joints
and bones. But that might be where the culprit lies—if
you have celiac disease.
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that causes prob-
lems in the intestines when a person eats gluten, a protein
found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley.
Eating these foods causes the body’s immune sys-
tem to attack the lining of the small intestine. When
this lining is damaged, the body can’t absorb nutrients
properly.
IS IT CELIAC DISEASE?
Celiac disease runs in families
and can occur in children or adults.
Adults might experience some of the following signs
of the condition:
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Weight loss.
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Muscle cramps.
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Depression.
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Intestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating
and diarrhea.
Because symptoms vary widely among people who
have this disorder, it can go undetected for some time.
In some people, a stressor—such as surgery, infection or
pregnancy—may bring on symptoms.
Children with celiac disease may have delayed growth
in addition to digestive symptoms. Irritability is also a
common symptom in children.
Blood tests can help your doctor make a diagnosis.
The only way to treat celiac disease is to eat a gluten-
free diet. For most people, this can reverse the damage
caused by the disease and help them feel better.
Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; American Gastroenterological Association;
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Rein in your risk of heart disease and stroke
If you have diabetes, you’re probably well aware of
some of the health risks that come with the disease,
like eye and nerve problems. But there is another
serious problem that many people with diabetes
don’t know about: the increased risk for cardiovas-
cular disease (CVD).
CVD occurs when blood vessels
to the heart or brain become clogged
with fatty deposits. If these deposits
break apart, they can form a blood
clot. The clot can restrict blood flow
to the brain or heart, causing a heart
attack or stroke.
People with diabetes are more
prone to having a heart attack or
stroke because they tend to have
risk factors that can cause CVD,
including:
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High blood pressure.
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Unhealthy cholesterol levels.
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Obesity.
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An inactive lifestyle.
Smoking or having unstable blood sugar levels adds to the risk.
IN THE KNOW AND IN CONTROL
You can avoid—or at least
delay—CVD by grabbing the reins and controlling any risk fac-
tors you have.
Here are six tips for taking charge:
1
Know your numbers.
Review your A1C, blood pressure and
cholesterol levels with your doctor. Set target goals, and form a
plan to meet them.
2
Eat healthy foods.
Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables and
whole grains. Choose heart-healthy fats, such as fish and nuts. And
limit saturated and trans fats, such as fatty meats and pastries.
3
Get active!
Swim, cycle or walk at least 30 minutes on five days
of the week. You can start with three 10-minute increments per
day. Make sure your doctor is OK with your fitness plans.
4
Lose weight, if recommended.
Eating a nutritious diet and
exercising can be a big help here.
5
If you smoke, try to quit.
Even if you’ve tried before without
success, give quitting another chance. It often takes several at-
tempts to finally ditch the habit for good.
6
Take any medicines your doctor prescribes.
Medicines may
give your numbers a healthy nudge in the right direction.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; National Institutes of Health
Check out our
calendar on
page 8 for classes
and events that
can help you take
better control
of your health.
DIABETES
TAKE
CHARGE
CELIAC DISEASE: GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN