FEET

Diabetics always have foot checks when they see the doctor. Taking care of ones feet is very important. But did you know that over 10% of the body's 206 bones are in the foot? That's right, 26 bones are in the foot. Eat properly to protect your bones, even standing requires good bones.

DIABETIC FRIENDLY HAM AND BROCCOLI QUICHE

1 sugar-free pie shell, unbaked
1 1/2 cups cooked and cubed ham
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained thoroughly
4 large eggs
1 cup low-fat milk
1/4 tsp dried onion flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Layer the ham, cheese, and broccoli in the pie shell in order given. In a medium bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients; beat well. Pour this mixture gently over the ham, cheese, and broccoli in the pie shell.

Bake quiche at 375 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting to serve.

Note: File Photo

Note: This is a great item to add to your brunch table.

PORTION CONTROL WHEN EATING OUT

To help you control portion size when eating out (since most restaurant serve a meal equal to at least two servings), ask for a to-go box when the waiter or waitress brings your meal. Immediately put half of the meal in the box out of sight. And the bonus, another meal ready to be warmed up tomorrow!

DIABETICS AND STROKE

Did you know that diabetics are more likely to have a stroke than the general population? Since immediate care after a stoke is urgent, it is important to know the signs of stroke. Remember the word FAST to help you remember the signs. They are:
Face: Numbness in the face, changes in vision, uneven smile
Arm & Leg: Weakness or numbness, trouble walking
Speech: Slurred Speech, Inappropriate words, Mute (words won't come)
Time: Time is of the essence; call 911 at the first signs!

Did you know stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States?
Approximately 800,000 suffer a stroke each year.

There is one drug that can reverse symptoms and reduce long-term disablility in those who suffer an ischemic stroke (abstruction of blood flow to the brain). However it must be administered within 3 hours of symptoms and test must be run to determine if the stroke was ischemic before the drugs can be administered. Thus the need for getting to a hospital immediately.

F.A.S.T. stands for:

• Face drooping—Can the person smile normally, or does one side of the face droop?
• Arm weakness—When the person raises both arms, does one drift downward?
• Speech difficulty—Can the person speak normally, or is speech slurred?
• Time to call 911—If you see or experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

A person does not have to be experiencing all these symptoms to be having a stroke. Any one symptom is enough to call 911 immediately. The faster treatment can be started, the better.

BABY STEPS

Do you have a hard time eating right? Take baby steps and you will be amazed how easy it is. Start with something as simple as choosing healthy foods more often than unhealthy ones. Each time you succeed it will give you confidence to do it again.

A few simple examples are to have a sugar-free cookie rather than a regular one. Or when baking, substitute a small amount of whole-wheat flour for an equal amount of the called for all-purpose. If fresh vegetables aren't available to you, choose frozen over canned. Choose fresh fruit over baking them into a pie. Once you get used to the small changes, you will find yourself going with the healthy choice.

OATS AND NUTS ARE IMPORTANT TO DIABETICS

Oats and nuts should be major foods in diabetics meal plans. That is not to say you have to eat loads of either. Oats are easy to work into the diet through morning cereal, snack bars and mixes, etc. When you eat nuts, use the unsalted variety and do not smother them in candy coatings. Try to work a portion of both oats and nuts into you diet everyday.