Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare | Health Scene Winter 2017

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We l l n e s s
Rein in your risk of heart disease and stroke
If you have diabetes, you’re probably well aware
of some of the health risks that come with the
disease, like eye and nerve problems. But there
is another serious problem that many people
with diabetes don’t know about: the increased
risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
CVD occurs when blood vessels to the heart or brain
become clogged with fatty deposits. If these deposits
break apart, they can form a blood clot. The clot can
restrict blood flow to the brain or heart, causing a heart
attack or stroke.
People with diabetes are more prone to having a heart
attack or stroke because they tend to have risk factors that
can cause CVD, including:
● ● High blood pressure.
● ● Unhealthy cholesterol levels.
● ● Obesity.
● ● An inactive lifestyle.
Smoking or having unstable blood sugar levels adds
to the risk.
IN THE KNOW AND IN CONTROL ‌You can avoid—or at
least delay—CVD by grabbing the reins and controlling
any risk factors you have.
Here are six tips for taking charge:
1Know your numbers. Review your A1C, blood pressure
and cholesterol levels with your doctor. Set target goals,
and form a plan to meet them.
2 Eat healthy foods. Fill your plate with fruits,
vegetables and whole grains. Choose heart-healthy fats,
such as fish and nuts. And limit saturated and trans fats,
such as fatty meats and pastries.
3Get active! Swim, cycle or walk at least 30 minutes on
five days of the week. You can start with three 10-minute
increments per day. Make sure your doctor is OK with
your fitness plans.
4Lose weight, if recommended. Eating a nutritious
diet and exercising can be a big help here.
5If you smoke, try to quit. Even if you’ve tried before
without success, give quitting another chance. It often takes
several attempts to finally ditch the habit for good.
6 Take any medicines your doctor prescribes.
Medicines may give your numbers a healthy nudge in
the right direction.
Sources: American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; National Institutes of
Health
What’s on your plate? Check out these 10 diabetes superfoods that are good
for your heart. Go to
DIABETES
TAKE
CHARGE
HEALTH SCENE is
published as a community
service for the friends and
patrons of GOLDEN VALLEY
MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE,
1600 N. Second St.,
Clinton, MO 64735,
telephone 660-885-5511,
website .
Randy S. Wertz
CEO
Information in HEALTH
SCENE comes from a wide
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WINTER
2017
healthscene
The health tools at can
help you know if you’re on the
right track—and offer resources to
keep you going strong.
Check
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Use our website to stay
up-to-date on classes and events.
Time to stretch your toes, grab your sneakers and
mark your calendars after a long winter of sitting
on the couch! The date has been set for the annual
Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare Diabetes Walk.
The 2017 event will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday,
March 18, at Clinton High School. All proceeds from the
walk will help local diabetes patients who are coping
with the disease.
“Each year, more individuals learn they have diabetes,
which is a life-changing illness,” says Deanna Hendrich,
GVMH Director of Development and Communications. “The
money we raise gives patients who need help the funds for
prescriptions, supplies and education to better manage the
disease.”
Local businesses, groups and individuals either form
teams or help sponsor the walk, which has raised nearly
$15,000 since it began, Hendrich says.
“The community partners with us to make a difference,”
she says. “Every dollar counts when someone is in need.”
Anyone interested in a team packet or sponsorship
information should call the GVMH Foundation office,
660-890-7108, or email . Gifts
made to the Foundation, a nonprofit organization, are
tax-deductible.
Join the movement
The annual GVMH Diabetes Walk is set for March 18
H E A L T H
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