Diabetes is on the rise with nearly 24 million children and adults living with this disease. Unfortunately, one-fourth of those individuals are unaware that they have diabetes. This November the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is asking the American public, "Why should you care about diabetes?" In recognition of American Diabetes Month, the ADA hopes to raise awareness about the fastest growing public health crisis.
The Lethal Link Between Diabetes and Smoking
Smoking and diabetes have proven to be a deadly combination. Smoking aggravates many health problems common among diabetics, such as heart and blood vessel disease. Smoking raises blood sugar levels and interferes with the body's ability to use insulin; one cigarette reduces the body's ability to use insulin by 15%.
Enjoy the Pumpkin Without the Pie
Reintroduce the pumpkin this Thanksgiving as part of the main course, rather than the grand finale. Pumpkin's wholesome taste and inviting color complements a variety of dishes from soup to pasta to--everyone’s favorite—pie. Pumpkin also provides a nutritious boost of beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium. Recipes such as Pumpkin Bisque, Warm Pumpkin & Polenta Salad, Pan-Seared Scallops with Pumpkin Risotto, and Pasta with Mushrooms and Pumpkin-Gorgonzola Sauce offer a delicious twist on this ever-popular vegetable. Treat your family to a non-traditional pumpkin dish this holiday season, all recipes, including the traditional favorite Pumpkin Pie, can be found in the Heart Healthy Recipes Database.
