S A L U D O S H I S P A N O S Approximately 2.5 million Hispanic/Latino Americans over the age of 20 have diabetes and are at increased risk for serious complications such as kidney disease, blindness, and amputations. If present trends continue, one in two minorities born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime Diabetes is a serious and deadly disease, but with proper management and timely detection its harmful effects CAN BE limited. Unfortunately, its symptoms are often not addressed until the disease has already taken hold. There are 20.8 million children and adults in the US with diabetes -- and nearly one-third of them (or 6.2 million people) do not know it ! Latinos are twice as likely to develop diabetes as whites and to make matters worse; they often don't visit health providers as regularly as they should. Many Latinos feel guilty spending time and money on personal health. They feel selfish putting their own health care ahead of their family's needs. The opposite should be true. The American Diabetes Association is here for your family, but we want to bring the message home that you should take care of your diabetes or prevent yourself from developing it, for your family's sake too. Your family needs you to be healthy and feeling your best, so that you can be there for them. That's why the new name for ADA's Latino Initiatives health campaign is called Por tu familia -- or "for your family" available in both English and Spanish. One aspect the program focuses on is diet and nutrition. Traditional Latin American foods have a reputation for being full of flavor. Unfortunately, Latin foods are often prepared with high-calorie ingredients that are fried or full of salt and sugars. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), eating foods high in fat and calories can place people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. This is especially important for Hispanics/Latinos, since they are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than non-Latino whites. “It is possible to enjoy Latin food that is both delicious and good for you,” comments Chef Lala, national spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association’s Latino initiative, Por tu Familia. “By making simple changes to ingredients and cooking methods, people can keep the big flavors of Latin cuisine without missing any of the traditional tastes families have shared for years.” The ADA offers these simple tips to make Latin food that is both flavorful and nutritious. • “Go bananas” – Take advantage of all the fruits and vegetables that come from the Caribbean, and Latin and South America and incorporate them in your meal plan. Be adventurous and pick up a new fruit or vegetable the next time you go to the store. Eat them often, and in place of snacks and dessert. • “Every fiber of your being” – Incorporate more fiber in your meal plan by choosing fresh produce and whole grain products, such as brown rice or whole wheat tortillas. • “‘Tis the season “– Skip the salt and use herbs, garlic and other seasonings. Use spicy chili peppers to add flavor and zip. Try smoked turkey instead of salt pork. •“Now you’re cooking!” – Broil it. Bake it. Grill it. Or, use a low calorie cooking spray instead of butter when frying or sautéing. •“Lean on me” - Remove skin and fat from meats before cooking. Use skim instead of whole milk. Por tu Familia, translated into English as “For Your Family,” sponsors community based programs in English and Spanish to inform Latinos about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices in order prevent diabetes and to help those living with the disease. The initiative sponsors a variety of outreach programs that are culturally specific to the Latino community. Programs and events sponsored by the initiative emphasize the uniqueness of the Latino culture and incorporate rich customs such as dance and traditional cuisine. These programs Healthy Tips to Prevent and Control Diabetes
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU3OTQ=