How Much is Enough?

Posted 4/27/16

We’ve all heard about the obesity epidemic. We’ve all seen the news stories. We know there’s an obesity crisis plaguing America, but we rarely talk about the effects of that crisis.

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How Much is Enough?

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We've all heard about the obesity epidemic. We've all seen the news stories. We know there's an obesity crisis plaguing America, but we rarely talk about the effects of that crisis. We rarely hear that obesity can lead to many other health issues, such as; coronary heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and many other chronic illnesses.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) is proud to be a part of The Texas Healthy Communities Program, which assists communities in assessing their existing environments, implementing changes in local environmental and policy infrastructure and adopting priority public health practices to reduce risk factors for chronic diseases and honors cities that advance recognized best practices for preventing and controlling heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases. In addition to the Texas Healthy Communities program, NET Health is implementing a Community Diabetes Education Program (CDEP) specifically focused on the reduction of Type 2 Diabetes through increased opportunities in the community for physical activity and better nutrition as well as increased knowledge of diabetes, pre-diabetes, diabetes prevention, management, delaying diabetes, and diabetes complications.

So how common is diabetes in East Texas? 10.8% of adults in Texas have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, in Wood County, the percentage of adults diagnosed with diabetes is 12.4%. That's 4,054 adults in Wood County who are battling diabetes every day right now, and that number is projected to grow.

Potentially preventable hospitalizations from short- and long-term complications of diabetes cost Wood County $17,732,745 in hospital charges from 2008 to 2013. Short-term complications include extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels, and long-term complications include risk of developing damage to the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Long-term complications can also include risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Long-term complications are thought to result from long-term poor control of diabetes.

In 2013, there were 15 deaths in Wood County alone due to diabetes. This was the fifth leading cause of death in Wood County that year (tied with kidney disease). Nationwide, it's the seventh leading cause of death. Deaths from diabetes are preventable. Prevention, however, takes teamwork. It takes a community. It takes more than just the patient and the doctor. It takes family. It takes community partners. It takes friends. It takes churches.

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes are faced with several challenges. Watching what they eat and exercising regularly is a recommendation one might hear from their doctor. Taking prescribed medication might be another. This is where NET Health can help! NET Health in Wood County is offering free classes to support a change in behaviors to prevent diabetes and to better manage a diabetes diagnosis, outside of the physician office.

Among success stories NET Health community health workers have witnessed include a person who after learning diabetes self-management strategies lost 30 pounds and as a result was able to be taken off insulin and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Another says that after a diabetes presentation a patient was inspired to take control of his diabetes in order to avoid complications in the future.

"We all have a role to play in making our communities healthier and NET Health is excited to help lead the way. Change begins by bringing people from all walks of life together - from education, transportation, public health, business, and other sectors. Together, we can make Northeast Texas a healthier place to live, learn, work, worship and play", says Stephanie Taylor, director of community outreach with NET Health.

For information on these classes, please contact Paula Thomas at (903)571-3469, , or visit NET Health's website at .