#wellness

Know 2 Protect Children Against Online Exploitation

Child viewing computer screen in a dark room.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but this spring also marks the launching of Know2Protect, an initiative of the Department of Homeland Security to help educate the public and prevent online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). According to a national youth survey, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 22.5% of young adults (18-28 years old) in the U.S. report having experienced some sort of online solicitation or technology-facilitated sexual abuse as a youth (<18 yrs of age).

Online CSEA, which includes a range of criminal acts against children for the sexual gratification or personal/financial gain of the perpetrators, has increased dramatically in recent years, including reports of over 88 million online images and videos of child sexual abuse, which is a 75% increase during the past 5 years. These reports do not include the additional child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) produced and shared on the non-public platforms within the dark web, which is estimated to include an enormous number of additional materials. With increased access to and use of technology among children and teens, the spaces for perpetrators to commit these crimes have only grown, and the issue of online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is now classified as a global epidemic, affecting the most vulnerable in countries across the world. 

The purpose of Know2Protect is to “educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults, and policymakers to prevent and combat online sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA); explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer response and support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation” through an educational campaign. This project aims to:

  • Create public awareness of online CSEA
  • Teach strategies to prevent others from becoming victims of CSEA
  • Increase reporting of suspected online CSEA, and
  • Support survivors of online CSEA

One initiative of the Know2Protect campaign, Project iGuardianTM, provides in-person educational presentations by a team including trained Homeland Security special agents utilizing their expertise on the subject and their informed law enforcement perspective, as well as a teacher and student with knowledge of online CSEA.  Such presentations have led to actual reports and resulted in successful investigations and prosecutions- lessening future threats to other vulnerable young people. Target audiences for iGuardianTM presentations include schools, community organizations, employers and local non-profit groups that desire to protect their communities and others from online CSEA.  Readers may request a local presentation by emailing Project iGuardianTM at  iguardian.hq@hsi.dhs.gov. 

The Department of Justice offers specific tips to help keep children safe online:

  1. Talk to children about online risks.
  2. Know the apps/online platforms they use and whom they communicate with.
  3. Utilize parental controls and privacy settings.
  4. Report alarming posts or communications to local law enforcement. If the child may be in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. 

Also, if an act of online sexual abuse or exploitation has been committed, report the issue to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tipline at https://report.cybertip.org/. 

To learn more about what internet-based companies/services, government agencies and the private sector can do to decrease the risk of online forms of child abuse, the Broadband Commission has created a report “Child Online Safety: Minimizing the Risk of Violence, Abuse and Exploitation Online.”

Written by: Jennifer Little, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Hancock County

Reviewed by: Megan Taylor, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Union County

References

Use the Good Dishes

Last week my Mother-in-Law turned 80.  Also, (as seems to be tradition in our families) their 59th wedding anniversary was the next day. I think that is something to be celebrated with more than a card.  I asked if I could make them dinner.  Of course, this started a whole conversation about how it would be too much trouble and we could just go out to a restaurant. 

A single place setting of fancy china and flatware.

That was the point.  They are worth the trouble.  They are worth getting out the good dishes. 

We all get busy with our day-to-day and some days it’s just all too much. Most days our everyday dishes are just fine.  Some days a paper plate (or maybe even a paper towel) is the thing so there are no dishes.  But some days, we all deserve to use the good dishes.  On a Tuesday. For no reason. What are you waiting for?

Consider the concept of “we are what we eat.”  Expand that to “where we eat.”  If you are eating standing up over the sink or at a tray table at the television, that’s not the most pleasant environment.  When we take the time to create an environment that is attractive and relaxing it can make the eating experience more enjoyable and the food taste better.  Lay out a tablecloth or placemat.  Use the good dishes or pick up some pretty or colorful dishes that just make you happy.  Drink out of a real glass.  Listen to some music.  The simplest meal can feel like fine dining if you let it. 

For our dinner, I broke out the china dishes from my grandmother that my dad had sent back home when he was stationed in Korea in the late 1960’s and my parents wedding flatware.  Both have rarely been used.  We had flowers on the table and balloons when they walked in the door. The meal was simple, Caesar salad, chicken Marsala with pasta, and roasted green beans… and of course birthday cake! 

I’m sure I’m not the only one with Grandma’s dishes.  You may even have more than one set of “good dishes”.  Let’s do more with them than collect dust. 

Written by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Program Specialist, Ohio State University Extension

Sources:

Creating Positive Eating Environments. Nutrition & Food Service Edge (2021). Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals. https://www.anfponline.org/docs/default-source/legacy-docs/docs/ce-articles/mc112021-02.pdf

Cultivating a Pleasant Eating Environment (2021). Behavioral Nutrition. https://behavioralnutrition.org/cultivating-pleasant-eating-environment/

Simple Wellness Tips

Path in forest

In the office of a local school is a poster that reads Simple Wellness Habits. Reading through these tips I love the simplicity and the powerful message of each suggestion. It is a great reminder in our busy lives to take a few moments daily to engage in these suggestions and focus on our health and wellness. I encourage you to choose a few of these tips daily to develop habits to improve your journey into wellness. These simple wellness tips include:

  • Move for 2-5 minutes every hour.
  • Stretch for a minute every hour.
  • Go outside at lunch or after work.
  • Plan your evening the day before.
  • Send someone a nice message.
  • Eat dinner before 7:00 pm.
  • Make sure one meal each day has no added sugar.
  • Restrict screen time after 9:00 pm.
  • Do a 15-minute workout every day.
  • Start or maintain a gratitude journal.
  • Blast cold water at the end of a hot shower.
  • Sip water often.

Remember, you do not have to do everything on this list, and you do not have to do it all at once! There may be times when you are more focused on your physical wellness and times when you are working on your mental, emotional or social wellness. You also may have your own simple tips not on this list that you incorporate daily into your routine that keep you energized and healthy.

If you are at increased risk for or are managing a certain condition, paying attention to your numbers (blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.) may be your primary focus when it comes to healthy habits. In this regard, the American Heart Association offers 8 lifestyle tips to promote heart health, and the Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 tips for a healthy brain and body.

If you need some help establishing a new healthy habit, the American Heart Association has great resources on making habits stick!

Written by:  Beth Stefura, Ohio State University Extension Educator, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, Ohio State University Extension Educator, Franklin County

References:

American Heart Association. Life’s Essential 8. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8

American Heart Association. Making Habits Stick. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/habits

Mayo Clinic Health System (2022). 7 tips to live a happier life. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/7-tips-to-live-a-happier-life

Tello, M. (2020). Healthy lifestyle: 5 keys to a longer life. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healthy-lifestyle-5-keys-to-a-longer-life-2018070514186

Spring into Action!

Floral-decorated cleaning equipment.

Spring is right around the corner–the birds are singing, we see a bit more sunlight each day, and common blue violets are beginning to speckle Ohio grass!

With the transitioning of the seasons, many of us are planning our spring activities: starting seeds for summer gardens, tidying and fertilizing flower beds, etc. Another activity on your spring checklist may include spring cleaning/decluttering.

Where does the term “spring cleaning” originate? A Smithsonian exhibit from 2000 showcased the history of housecleaning and featured diary entries from women circa the 1800s.

According to their entries, this cleaning tradition began in order to remove the dust and soot that accumulated in the household from wood burners and lanterns used to heat homes. Beating rugs, opening the windows and doors to allow fresh air to revive their home, and dusting and scrubbing the soot away.

Why continue this tradition today?

Physical Activity

Spring cleaning is a physical task—from dusting, vacuuming, and mopping, to rearranging furniture. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, and Harvard Health Publishing suggests that 30 minutes of heavy cleaning burns approximately 162 calories for an individual weighing 155 lbs.

Stress Management

Per the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), physical activity is one of the most recommended coping strategies for stress management. Physical activity is “effective at reducing fatigue, improving alertness and concentration” and “enhancing overall cognitive function.” Additionally, the endorphins released through physical activity “improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.”

Hazard Prevention

Keeping our homes tidy and clutter-free helps decrease the risk of falls. The Ohio Department of Aging recommends clearing walkways, removing trash, paper, cords, and boxes, folding blankets and putting away pillows that are not in use.

Whatever your reason for spring cleaning, the tradition certainly instills a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Start small and break up activities to avoid feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Enjoy the process, then sit back and admire the results!

Written by: Caitlin Mathews-Smith, Family and Consumer Sciences, Guernsey County, Ohio State University Extension, mathews-smith.1@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension, lowe.495@osu.edu

Sources:

American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors (Ed.). (2024, January 19). American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

Calories burned in 30 minutes for people of three different weights. Calories burned in 30 minutes of leisure and routine activities-Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, March 8). https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/calories-burned-in-30-minutes-for-people-of-three-different-weights

K., J. (2010, March 25). Spring Cleaning is Based on Practices from Generations Ago. Spring cleaning is based on practices from generations ago. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/23/AR2010032303492.html

Ohio Department of Aging. (n.d.). Falls Prevention At Home. Falls Prevention at Home | Department of Aging. https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/fall-prevention/fall-prevention-at-home-1

Physical activity reduces stress. Physical Activity Reduces Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (n.d.-b). https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-st

Photo Credits:     

Pixabay.

 

Bedwetting: Challenging for Adults and Upsetting for Children

young child with wet bed

Most children are potty trained by about four years of age. However, approximately five million children continue to wet the bed despite being well past the stage of wearing diapers. Although not as common, even children in their teens can continue wetting the bed. Enuresis is the medical term for urinating while asleep and although bedwetting is not considered a serious medical condition, it can be frustrating for parents and upsetting for children.

There are many reasons why a child is wetting the bed. According to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, “many children who wet the bed may have an overactive bladder and a small bladder capacity.” Enuresis runs in families so children who wet the bed often have parents or family members who had the same issue when they were young. 

There could be many reasons your child wets the bed including:

  • A urinary tract infection
  • Diabetes
  • Emotional problems and stress
  • Abnormalities in the nervous system or the organs, muscles, and nerves involved with urination
  • Diet
  • The effects of certain medicines

While it may seem like your child will never outgrow this phase, rest assured most kids do stop wetting the bed. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should talk to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s bedwetting. Your child’s doctor will want to know:

  • Is there a family history of bedwetting?
  • How often and when does your child urinate during the day?
  • Have there been any changes in your child’s home life such as a new sibling, a move, or other family issue? 
  • Is there anything unusual about how your child urinates or the way the urine looks?
  • Does your child drink a lot of water before bed?

It is important to remember that your child cannot control their bedwetting, so it is never appropriate to punish or blame them. Chances are (especially if they are older), your child may feel sad, embarrassed, or guilty about wetting the bed. Older children may be afraid to spend the night anywhere but home which could lead to missing out on social interactions. According to Nemours Kids Health, you can help support your child by reassuring them that they are not alone and that they will eventually outgrow bedwetting. You can also:

  • remind children to use the restroom before bed.
  • limit the amount of liquid they drink before bedtime.
  • protect their bed with plastic mattress covers.
  • share family history when appropriate.

If bedwetting persists you may want to have your child evaluated by their pediatrician to rule out a possible medical issue. Medical providers can also make recommendations on whether medicine, bedwetting alarms, or therapy can help your child. Most of the time, when given support and understanding, children will continue to experience dry nights.

Author:  Heather Reister, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Butler County. 

Reviewer:  Laura Stanton, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Warren County.

Sources:

Bedwetting (Enuresis) (2023). Nemours Kids Health,  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/enuresis.html

Bedwetting: 3 Common Reasons & What Families Can Do (2021). American Academy of Pediatrics,  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/toilet-training/Pages/Bedwetting.aspx?_gl=1*10i3t4u*_ga*NTY5Mjc5MDMuMTcwMjM5NDc4Mw..*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTcwODYzMDgxNS44LjEuMTcwODYzMTk4NC4wLjAuMA..

Why Do Some Children Wet Their Bed? (2021).Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/b/bed-wetting

Movement to Improve Mental Health

Image displays the brain

Acknowledging that February is American Heart Month, we understand that it is important to get more movement throughout the day to improve heart health. Did you know that movement and exercise can also improve your mental health?

Physical activity has many added benefits. In the winter months, mood disorders become more prevalent. The National Institute of Mental Health states, “Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting 4-5 months out of the year”. In most situations, this disorder can start in the fall or winter and diminish in the summer.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) along with symptoms of depression include:

  • Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
  • Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain
  • Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes
  • Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

It can be obvious that feelings affect movement (moving more slowly), but your movement can also affect your feelings. Regular aerobic excise, regular exercise, and meditative movement can help improve mood disorders.

How Exercise can Improve Mood Disorders:

  • Regular aerobic exercise – can reduce anxiety by making your brain’s “fight or flight” system less reactive.
  • Regular exercise such as cycling or gym-based aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and balance exercises can also reduce depressive symptoms. Regular exercise may boost mood by increasing a brain protein that helps nerve fibers grow.
  • Meditative movement has been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms. This is a type of movement in which you pay close attention to your bodily sensations, position in space, and gut feelings (such as subtle changes in heart rate or breathing) as you move.

Adding physical activity in your daily routine can not only improve your heart health but can also improve your mental health. If you suffer from SAD, adding one of the exercises mentioned above, you can enhance your mind and body.

Written by: Megan Taylor, Family and Consumer Sciences/4-H Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Union County

Reviewed by: Jennifer Little, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Hancock County

References:

How Simply Moving Benefits your Mental Health. Harvard Health. (2016, March 28). https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-simply-moving-benefits-your-mental-health-201603289350

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Seasonal Affective Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder

Do You Know What’s for Dinner?

In my house, “Do you have a plan for dinner?” is the dreaded question.  If you have faced more than one evening drive home trying to remember what might be in the refrigerator and pantry at home to make a meal, you are not alone.  Some days, it’s just all too much and requires a stop at the store on the way home or ordering take-out. 

Person making menu plan

Believe it or not, planning meals or menus in advance really does not take a lot of extra time and can have HUGE benefits.  It makes sense that planning our menus encourages cooking at home.  Did you also know that menu planning is associated with consuming an overall healthier diet and less obesity?  Menu planning can help save money as we use what is on hand and plan to use what is in season and on sale.  It reduces stress by eliminating last minute decisions and rushing.  Lastly, meal planning saves time by allowing us to prepare recipes or ingredients ahead as needed.

Let me share some examples:

  • To have a clue of what is “on hand,” do an inventory of your freezer and pantry about twice a year. Post those inventories and edit as items are used.
  • On weekends or whenever you have time, do what you can to get food prepped for meals and snacks during the week.  Vegetables and fruits prepped and portioned.  Eggs hard cooked, cheese cubed, etc.
  • Use a magnetic weekly calendar (or just a notepad) to plan dinners.  Take into consideration what you have on hand, weekly schedules, and any good weekly grocery deals.  Knowing what is for dinner each night (at least the main dishes), allows you to plan and pull items from the freezer days in advance for adequate thawing.
Freezer inventory list

If you are at a loss for where to start, keep it simple.  Plan to include 3 food groups at each meal or 2 food groups at a snack (and make sure one of them is always a fruit or vegetable).  You can also visit this Planning Meals resource from CDC.  Our Extension colleagues from Texas A&M University have a great program called Dinner Tonight, providing recipes, cooking tips, and resources. If you love your slow cooker, our colleague Amanda Bohlen in Washington County shared 31 recipes during “Crock-tober-fest 2021”.

What makes planning meals easier for you?   Please share your tips in the comments!

Written by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County

Reviewed by: Laura Halladay, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Greene County

References:

Ducrot, P., Méjean, C., Aroumougame, V. et al. Meal planning is associated with food variety, diet quality and body weight status in a large sample of French adults. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 14, 12 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-017-0461-7

Meal Prep guide. (2020, October 2). The Nutrition Source. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/meal-prep/

Ohio State University Extension (n.d.). Crock-Tober Fest 2021. https://washington.osu.edu/program-areas/family-and-consumer-sciences/crock-tober-fest-2021

Planning meals and snacks. (2023, August 16). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/meals.html

Texas A&M University (n.d.). Dinner Tonight. https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/

Foot Hygiene: Don’t Kick It Down the Road

Christmas stockings
Photo by Any Lane on Pexels.com

I was hanging up our stockings this year and started thinking about the origins of this Christmas tradition, which then led me to start thinking about my feet. Like many men, I’m not one that goes in for pedicures, but I probably should. I’ll be honest, my feet are not in great shape. I often let my toenails get too long as well, and sometimes they dig into my skin and cause issues, especially when I play tennis or going on a hike. One of the most painful procedures I’ve ever had was having one of my toenails removed after a long week of backpacking. I’m also type 1 diabetic, so if I ever develop neuropathy, my lack of foot hygiene could become a real problem, especially if I can’t feel festering wounds. Foot amputations are still common in people with diabetes.

The feet are the workhorses on our bodies, and sometimes we don’t think about them until there are problems. Foot problems can make it hard to be physically active and do our everyday activities. Some points to consider when thinking about foot hygiene:

  • If you have diabetes, check your feet every day and look for wounds. A small mirror will help you find wounds. As mentioned, diabetes neuropathy limits sensation and blood flow in the extremities, and so infections and ulcers can be painful and result in amputations if not treated. Calluses and dry skin might also be problems with diabetic neuropathy.
  • Trim your nails once a week. This will eliminate painful hangnails and abrasions when toenails get too long and dig into the skin.
  • See a doctor if you have toe fungus or discoloration in the nails.
  • Change your socks once a day, especially if you are physically active. Consider buying sweat wicking socks to keep your feet dry. Warm moist environments are breeding grounds for funguses and bacteria, associated with Athletes foot and other infections.
  • Shoes should fit well, have good ventilation, and be rotated every other day especially with athletic shoes.
  • If you have foot odor or chronically sweaty feet consider using talcum powder or baby powder to dry your feet.
  • To avoid athletes’ foot and warts, avoid going barefoot in public places such as gyms, looker rooms, dressing rooms.
  • Consider seeing a doctor if you have any swelling, infection, warts, fungus, discoloration, calluses, or chronic pain. A podiatrist can prescribe inserts, special shoes or socks depending on your situation.

Although getting a pedicure can be healthy endeavor, the CDC recommends making sure the establishment that is clean and licensed by your state’s cosmetology board. Make sure the salon sterilizes instruments after each use (such as nail clippers, scissors, and other tools).

Author: Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, Ohio State University Extension

Reviewer: Jessica Lowe, FCS Educator, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension

Sources:

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. Water Sanitation, and Environmental Regulated Hygiene. Foot Hygiene. Accessed 12/19/2023 at https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/feet.html

WebMD. Tips for Health Feet. Accessed 12/19/2023 at https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/healthy-feet-tips

Self-Care for All of You

Take care of yourself sign

Self-care may be a regular part of your routine and conjure images of relaxing baths, dinner with friends, or your favorite workout routine. There may be a few parts of your body you are neglecting in your daily routines or care. Consider these other important parts when planning your self-care:

Teeth: maybe a regular dental check-up has fallen off your radar. This can happen! Make it a point to schedule a regular cleaning with your dental provider. Take time to ask questions and understand what is going on in your mouth to address issues that may have arisen.

Skin: regular cleaning and exfoliating skin can remove dead skin cells and open your pores. This helps your skin look and feel fresher. A yearly appointment with a dermatologist can help check for any problems and identify them as early as possible.

Eyes: Eye exams at every age are an important part of having strong vision. A regular exam with your eye doctor keeps your eyes disease-free and preserves your vision. Make an appointment today!

Hands: Your hands do a lot of work every day and deserve to have some extra care. Take some extra time this week to moisturize cracked skin on your hands, clip or file uneven fingernails, trim cuticles, and maybe even massage of hands and fingers.

Feet: Your hands work hard but so do your feet! Calluses and dead skin at the bottom of feet can lead to infection. Scrub your feet and trim those toenails. Find a spouse or friend and trade a foot massage to relieve some tension.

Muscles: Don’t forget about the inside of your body! Muscle soreness can be relieved with a quick massage or stretch. Studies show that massages may reduce stress, headaches, and insomnia while increasing happiness.

Ears: It may be time for your hearing check. According to the National Institute of Health, adults should have a hearing screen every 3-5 years and annually after the age of 60. This screening helps measure any hearing loss.

This fall find one area of your care you’ve been neglecting and make an appointment to up your self-care game!

hands in heart shape

Written by: Alisha Barton, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Miami County.

Reviewed by:  Amanda Bohlen, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Washington County.

Sources:

Amy Marsolek, M.-C. (2022, July 20). Massage helps anxiety, depression. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/massage-for-depression-anxiety-and-stress#:~:text=Massage%20provides%20many%20emotional%20benefits,levels%20and%20feelings%20of%20anxiety.

Annual exams. The Skin Cancer Foundation. (2022, January 20). https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, October 1). Keep an eye on your vision health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/keep-eye-on-vision-health.html

TriHealth. (n.d.). https://www.trihealth.com/dailyhealthwire/health-topics/speech-and-hearing/how-often-should-i-have-my-hearing-tested#:~:text=The%20American%20Speech%2DLanguage%2DHearing,Dr.

The Truth About Prediabetes

Piece of paper that says Prediabetes are you at risk?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts 37 million people in the United States. What’s even more shocking is 1 in 5 people don’t know they have it. Approximately 12.1% of the adult population in Ohio have a diagnosis of diabetes. Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure but there are various lifestyle factors that lower your risk. These include weight loss, choosing healthy foods, and increasing your activity. In the United States, more than 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes and 80% of them are unaware they have it. Prediabetes raises your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Approximately 10% of people with prediabetes progress to type 2 diabetes each year. For most individuals who develop type 2 diabetes, the beginning of the disease started several years before they met the criteria for diagnosis. By the time someone is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, 50-70% of their pancreatic islet cells are not functioning.  However, if prediabetes is caught early enough, proven and achievable lifestyle changes can help to reverse it.

Prediabetes is where an individuals blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Someone may have prediabetes for years without any symptoms. The real burden for people with or at risk of type 2 diabetes is the long term, life threatening complications of the disease that are often asymptomatic. Prediabetes is associated with an increased chance for developing serious health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, neuropathy, or kidney failure. Not only can diabetes lead to serious health complications, but it’s also very expensive. Medical costs for those living with diabetes are more than twice as high compared to those without. Diagnosed diabetes costs ~$12.3 billion in Ohio each year. Risk of early death for adults living with diabetes is 60% higher than adults without. 

It’s important to have your healthcare provider to check your Hemoglobin A1C or fasting blood glucose to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis of prediabetes. Some risk factors include: being overweight, being > 45 years old, having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity, a history of gestational diabetes, or having polycystic ovary syndrome. If you would like to see where you stand, take this 1-minute prediabetes risk test. If your score indicates a high risk for prediabetes, visit your doctor for a simple blood test to confirm your result.

Prediabetes infograph on health risk, and statistics of 96 million americans have prediabetes

Written by: Shannon Smith, MFN, RD, LD, CDCES, Program Coordinator, Wood County Family and Consumer Sciences

Reviewed by: Susan Zies, M.Ed. Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Wood County