***From the Patient Education Program***

***NEW MEXICO VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM***

***VOLUME 16, NO. 3***

***March 2009***

***Newsletter Staff: Janet Chambers, RN; Miriam Simmons, MS, RD, CDE;***

***Elaine Reyes, MS, RD, CDE; Dana Armstrong, Secretary***

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***American Diabetes Association "Sounds the Alert" on March 24th***

***For the 21st Annual American Diabetes Alert® Day***

      Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next
quarter century. To address the burden of this disease, the American
Diabetes Association (ADA) is issuing an urgent call-to-action for
Americans to find out their risk for type 2 diabetes during the 21st
annual American Diabetes Alert**®** Day. Nearly 6 million Americans have
diabetes,

but don't even know it. Another 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes,
placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

      On American Diabetes Alert Day, held annually on the fourth
Tuesday in March, the American Diabetes Association encourages people
who are overweight, physically inactive, and over the age of 45 years to
take the Diabetes Risk Test. The Diabetes Risk Test requires users to
answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other
potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test will
show users whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for
pre-diabetes or diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test is available in English
and Spanish by calling the Association at 1- 800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383) or by visiting
[www.diabetes.org/alert](http://www.diabetes.org/alert). Among the
primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight,
sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes.
African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had
babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth. Unfortunately, people
with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have
the disease. While people with diabetes can exhibit noticeable symptoms,
such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, most
people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not show these overt warning
signs at the time that they develop the disease. Often, type 2 diabetes
only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious
complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye
damage, or nerve damage that can lead to amputations.

      The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the
deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by
diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage
diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides
objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied
their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to
prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people
affected by diabetes. To obtain a copy of the Diabetes Risk Test or for
more information about diabetes (in English or Spanish), please visit
**www.diabetes.org/alert** or call 1-800-DIABETES (1- 800-342-2383).

**MARCH IS COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH**

There is a nationwide effort to educate the public about steps that can
protect against colorectal cancer and reduce the number of people who
die each year from this disease. The American Cancer Society predicts
that there will be over 94,000 new cases of colon cancer and over 36,000
new cases of rectal cancer this year in the USA.

Colorectal screening can save lives and should be discussed with your
health care provider. Moderate exercise and a high fiber diet can help
reduce risks. Colorectal Cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable.

For more information, talk to your health care provider and stop by the
Fountain of Healthy Living Learning Center in the main hospital
(Building 41), Room 1A-102. You can also visit the MyHealth*e*Vet web
site at www.myhealth.va.gov.

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### NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH

###  

Every year in March, community and healthcare agencies celebrate Social
Work Month. **Thank You** to our Social Workers for all that they do.

**ADVANCE DIRECTIVES let you say what medical care you want**

**if you cannot speak for yourself.**

Do you and your loved ones know what treatment you want if you are no
longer able to make medical decisions? You need to make a plan for
yourself and the ones you love. Advance Directive -- A written document
that communicates your wishes for medical treatment when you are no
longer able to make medical decisions for yourself and/or appoints
another person to serve as a surrogate decision maker on your behalf.
Social Work Staff will be available for questions and assistance,
Thursday, March 12, 2009, 9:00 -- 12:00 noon, Building 41, Lobby or
Building 1, Lobby. If you already have an Advance Directive and would
like it added to your medical record at the NMVAHCS, just bring it to
the Release of Information Office located in Building 41, Room BA-104.
Questions? Please call 505-265-1711, extension 4656.

**Eat Right**

**By Miriam R. Simmons, MS, RD, CDE**

March is National Nutrition Month^®^. This is a nutrition education and
information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. Each
year the campaign or theme is designed to focus attention on the
importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating
and physical activity habits.

This year it\'s all about eating right.

You would be amazed to see how making even small but significant
lifestyle changes will add up towards positive health dividends. For
example, adding more fruits and vegetables and reducing the fat in your
diet can provide important benefits in the management of many health
conditions over time.

*Choose healthy choices from each of the food groups.*

-   **Nuts and Seeds:** These are healthy foods in small amounts. They
    provide unsaturated fats and some nuts such as walnuts can help
    lower cholesterol. A serving is ½-1 ounce.

-   **Milk and Yogurt**: Select low fat and fat free products. A serving
    is 8 ounces.

-   **Proteins (Meat/Meat Substitutes):** Avoid high fat sources of
    protein such as prime cuts of meats and meats with visible fat.
    Poultry skin is a source of fat. Choose lean cuts of red meat, pork,
    and fish. The loin cuts are a good choice. Aim for about 5 servings
    per day. A serving can be 1 oz of meat, fish, or poultry, 1 egg, 2
    Tbs peanut butter, ¼ c cottage cheese or tuna, or 1 oz hard cheese.

-   **Fruits:** Recommend 2-3 servings per day. Eating the whole fruit
    is best.

-   **Starches:** Foods in this group include: Breads, rolls, pasta,
    rice, tortillas, cereals, winter squash, and starchy vegetables like
    potatoes, corn, yams, sweet potatoes, and green peas. A serving from
    this group includes an ounce of bread or bread product or a half cup
    of starchy vegetable.

-   **Beans, Dried Peas, and Lentils**: Excellent sources of fiber and
    provide many important vitamins and minerals. Be sure to include
    several servings weekly from this group. A serving is one half cup
    cooked.

-   **Non-Starchy Vegetables**: Naturally low in fat and another source
    of protein and fiber. Recommend 3-5 servings daily from this group.
    Servings include a half cup cooked or one cup raw vegetable.

A variety of foods from all the food groups will insure you are getting
all your vitamins and minerals.

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