Some geeky tidbits…
Most of you know I’m a clinical pharmacist by day. What you may not know is why I became a pharmacist. Like most healthcare professionals, I wanted to help people. Specifically, I wanted to help people that are teetering on that iceberg. The ones that are just starting to develop chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. I wanted to get to them before their disease takes over and complications develop…and preferably before they’re on a bunch of medications.
I recently attended a talk from Dr Ann Albright, PhD and RD at the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)…and she presented some pretty eye-opening statistics regarding pre-diabetes.
I couldn’t help but share…
There are 26 million Americans with Diabetes, and another 79 million with pre-diabetes. (Prediabetes is just like it sounds- those peeps with somewhat elevated fasting blood sugars that are at risk of entering full blown diabetes without intervention.) Of those 79 million, 89% don’t even know they are pre-diabetics. 89%! That’s over 70 million people who are walking time bombs on the edge of an iceberg and they don’t even know it!
Enter the good news… a weight loss of 5-7% and 150 minutes of exercise a week reduces type 2 diabetes by 58% in people <60 years old and reduces risk by 71% in people over the age of 60. Boom. Not meds, but good clean eating and exercise.
You guys are all awesome. You value your health and wellness, revel in your sweat angel, and the camaraderie of post-wod glow from your daily adventures at the box. Props to you! …Unfortunately, there are others out there that haven’t found that wellness zen. Perhaps friends, perhaps family members or co-workers. There’s someone your close to that you wish you could help feel “well”. Good nutrition and exercise- spread the word to one of those 79 million…and you can save someone on the tip of the iceberg.
WOD: BS ; Sprint / HSPU