Dietary Study – Diabetes

Diabetes Risk Increases with Meat Intake

Researchers followed the diets and disease risk of 63,257 participants from the Singapore Chinese Health Study and found that those who consumed the most red meat (e.g., pork, beef, lamb), poultry, and fish had an increased risk for type 2 diabetes by 23, 15, and 7 percent, respectively, compared with those who consumed the least. Meat consumption is associated with risk for developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

In a separate analysis, the authors found that as heme iron increased, so did the risk for diabetes. Other studies have published similar findings, including the Adventist Health Study-2, which showed that as more animal products, such as red meat and fish, are included in the diet, increase for diabetes risk follows.

Talaei M, Wang Y, Yuan J, Pan A, Koh W. Meat, dietary heme Iron, and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Singapore Chinese Health Study. Am J Epid. Published online August 22, 2017.

September 14, 2017.
Tonstad S, Butler T, Yan R, Fraser GE. Type of vegetarian diet, body weight and prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2009;32:791-796.

Depression Among Children and Young Adults

Depression among children and young adults is increasing at an alarming rate.

According to the World Health Organization, the predominate cause of illness and disability for boys and girls aged 10 to 19 years is depression.

Symptoms of depression may include: changes in sleep patterns, appetite, weight, trouble concentrating, social withdrawal and suicidal thoughts and unexplained medical symptoms. Feelings of despair, hopelessness, sadness and worthlessness may also be present.

The incidence of depression in teenage girls appears to be higher than that of teenage boys. One key factor is the stress resulting from emotional, physical or sexual harassment.

Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors.

Helping your child to take good measures to care for their physical and mental health will go a long way in helping to prevent depression, or help eliminate it.

Creating a First-Aid Kit for their Emotions may go a long way in helping your child feel good. Here are a few items they may wish to put in their kit:

1. a journal containing positive thoughts and experiences
2. mementos to remind them of the people who love them
3. inspirational sayings
4. favorite positive songs
5. encouraging articles.

Should you have concerns regarding your child or yourself, please do reach out to LisaMarie @ 518-603-0326.