Community takes part in 'Diabetes Alert Day"™

On Tuesday, the same day President Barack Obama signed into law the expansive health care reform bill the House approved late Sunday evening, Norwalk Hospital and Stew Leonard's teamed up for "Diabetes Alert Day" at the supermarket chain's 100 Westport Ave. location.

While the future of preventative care and how much more of an emphasis might be put on it under the new law, Pamela Howard, diabetes nurse educator with Norwalk Hospital, stressed the importance of educating people about leading a healthy lifestyle and getting screenings when it comes to diabetes.

The devastating disease affects 24 million people nationwide.

"Adapt a healthy, active lifestyle. Eat right. Keep your weight down," Howard said. "And the number one thing is to know your risk factors."

Those of African American and Hispanic descent, Howard said, are at an increased risk for the disease, as are people 45 years or older, people who are overweight or with a low activity level, and those with a family history of diabetes or high blood pressure.

According to Howard, doctors can determine if a patient has one of the two types of diabetes -- Type 1 and Type 2 -- through a fasting blood sugar test or through an A1C blood test. Patients with Type 1 diabetes -- once referred to as "juvenile diabetics" -- have lost their ability to make insulin, Howard explained, while those with Type 2 have become insulin resistant. These patients make up about 95 percent of the United States' diabetics.

"But it's still diabetes, and it can still cause a lot of problems," Howard added quickly.

"If you don't know your risk factors, control your lifestyle, and get checked up regularly, you can end up with a lot more serious problems down the road."

Many of the problems related to diabetes -- heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage and even blindness -- can be avoided by simple lifestyle modifications and regular physicals, before the disease spirals out of control. Symptoms of the disease include frequent urination, excessive thirst, blurry vision and fatigue, Howard explained.

"If you have people who don't have insurance and have never been screened, and then they actually develop symptoms, then you have a problem," she said.

Walter Watson, wellness manager for Stew Leonard's, said the company makes a concerted effort to keep its staff of 650 healthy.

"It's important to educate them on risk factors and help them to understand what they can do to live a healthy lifestyle," he said.

Stew's offers on-site health screenings for employees, a wellness newsletter and whole grain and low-fat options in the store's cafeteria. The company also reimburses those enrolled in Weight Watchers and smoking cessation programs, and offers education initiatives not just about diabetes, but also about other health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Stew's will even help employees find primary care doctors, and offers "Stew's Bucks" to help employees cover their deductibles.

"This isn't just for the work environment, but for overall health," Watson said.

"It sounds kind of corny," said Chris Arnette, recruiting manager for Stew's, "but we think it's important we do everything we can to keep our family healthy. It's just a genuine concern from Stew's towards our people."