Health Basics - Exercise!

The American Diabetes Association is finally catching up to what Naturopathic Doctors already know: that exercise improves blood glucose levels, reduces insulin resistance, improves circulation, boosts mood and memory, improves cholesterol, reduces blood pressure, reduces mortality and improves quality of life!

The ADA has recently increased exercise recommendations for diabetics and people trying to prevent diabetes. The new recommendation is 150 minutes a week - that's 2.5 hours. They recommend this exercise be spread throughout the week, such as 30 minutes 5x a week or 50 minutes 3x a week on non consecutive days (M-W-F not Fri-Sat-Sun) without taking a break longer than 2 days in a row. Finally they recommend adding in strength training at least 2x a week (on non consecutive days). This amount of exercise will prevent diabetes, improve insulin resistance, reduce weight gain around the waste and improve longevity and quality of life.

I think it's time for us to get out there and get moving! Need some ideas? Brisk walking, joining a gym, riding a bike, hiking, swimming and yoga are great places to start. As long as you don't stop for a bite to eat, walking and shopping at the mall can count as exercise! For more information on an individualized diet and exercise plan that's right for you contact us at 480-883-8160.

Dr. Weeshoff offers medically supervised weight loss plans including help with diet and exercise to prevent and improve diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune conditions, fatigue, kidney and liver disorders. To learn more visit her website: www.azwellnessdoc.com

Vitamin D Prevents Type I Diabetes in Children

A recent article published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, March 2008, concluded that vitamin D supplementation beginning at 7 months of age, reduces the risk of developing Type I, Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in children by 30%. It appears that larger doses of Vitamin D are even more protective.

Cod liver oil is a natural source of Vitamin D3, the best form of Vitamin D to supplement because it is the active form for our bodies. Cod liver oil also contains the active form of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA which are important for central nervous system development and maturation, including cognitive development, mood and concentration. Cod liver oil supplementation will not only protect children from developing diabetes, it will improve their cognitive development, including helping treat Attention Deficit Disorder. Cod liver oil has multiple health benefits for the young developing child.

Adding cod liver oil into young children's diets is essential to their health. If you're interested in more information, email wellness@lifesculpting.biz.