WELLNESS NEWS WVWCI Employee Health Centers

November 2015

November is Diabetic Awareness Month Could you be at risk for diabetes? Am I at risk? Learn if you or your family members are at risk for developing diabetes. Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes. Two thirds of them have been diagnosed. That leaves one third (or about seven million people) who don't yet know that they have diabetes. Could you be one of them? Diabetes can lead to serious problems, such as kidney failure, blindness and heart disease. Some of these problems can be prevented, but only if the disease is diagnosed and treated. Don't wait for symptoms. Type 2 diabetes may not cause any noticeable symptoms for years. All too often, people only learn they have diabetes when they develop a major complication, such as kidney disease, heart attack or stroke.

A number of factors increase your risk of developing diabetes. You're more likely to get diabetes if:

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You are overweight

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You have high blood pressure (140/90 or higher)

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You are 45 or older You have a parent, brother or sister who has diabetes You are African American, Native American, Latino, Asian American or Pacific Islander You have a cholesterol problem, such as low "good" HDL cholesterol (35 or lower) or high triglycerides (250 or more) You don't get much exercise (less than three times a week)

You had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds The more of these risk factors you have, the greater your chance of developing diabetes. If you could be at risk, get tested so you can take steps to slow or stop the damage that diabetes can cause.

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Don’t forget you can use your center AT NO COST for all of the following services:  All Family Practice Services  Chronic Condition Management  Lab Work  On-Site Medication Dispensing

888-862-9525 . WVWCI Employee Health Centers . *Montezuma: 617 E. Strawberry Rd. *Spencer: 630 W. SR 46 *Brazil: 501 E. Jackson St. Ste A *Greencastle: 1001 S. Bloomington St. Ste 301 Hours of Operation Mon: 7:00am—4:00pm (Montezuma, Spencer) Tues: 7:00am—4:00pm (Greencastle) Wed: 9:00am—6:00pm (Montezuma, Brazil) Thurs: 9:00am—6:00pm (Spencer, Greencastle) Fri: 7:00am—4:00pm (Brazil) Visit us on the web at www.mywflwvwci.com

What should you do if you are at risk? 

Lose some weight if you're overweight. Even losing five to seven percent of your weight can make a real difference. For a 200pound person, that's just 10 to 14 pounds

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Eat a healthy diet that's

These steps will not only lower your risk of diabetes, they can also help you get your blood pressure and cholesterol under control. And you may find you feel a lot better, too.

low in fat and salt and rich in whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein. Need help getting started? Talk to a dietitian, or try following the DASH diet, which is proven to lower blood pressure.

Get some exercise at least five days a week. If you haven't been active, start slow and work up to 30 minutes a day. Always talk to your doctor before increasing your activity level.

If you have any risk factors, talk to your doctor about being tested. A simple blood test can tell if you have diabetes.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup Ingredients

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2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1-2 teaspoons salt 1 shallot, diced 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 cloves garlic, chopped 3-4 sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 4 cups chicken (or vegetable) stock 1 teaspoon paprika

Preparation: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and shallot, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until translu cent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes, until fragrant. Stir in sweet potatoes, stock, cinnamon, and paprika. Bring mixt ure to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. (Sweet potatoes should be very tender.) Using a blender, stick blender, or food proces sor, purée mixture (in batches, if necessary). Return mixture to the pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

A Better Kind of Healthcare Wellness for Life is a private provider of employee health services for school corporations, governments organizations, and municipalities. We specialize in offering patients like you convenient, high-quality primary care and wellness services. Our mission is to help you and your family lead healthier lives. Our services are brought to you by your employer. In return, your employer hopes to curb its healthcare inflation, so it can continue to offer you generous health benefits. To be successful, we need your help. Our clinics are only effective if you choose to use our services. We are not here to replace your trusted primary care provider. But we can offer you a high-quality care and convenience with no out-of-pocket cost. We promise you the most convenient and hasslefree experience - unmatched by any other healthcare provider. Please, come give us a try!

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Illness– strep throat, flu, general symptoms

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ment Evaluation

and Treatment of Minor and Non-Emergent Injuries– minor cuts, bruises, sprains

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Management

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Work– we are equipped to handle most of your lab work needs

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Managing Chronic Conditions

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