Valley Crossroads Seventh-day Adventist Church
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March Newsletter
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ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
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|
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March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|
|
ValleyCrossroadsSDAChurch
Health Ministries
|
|
|
March, 2007
|
Dr. Linda Tigner-Weekes, MD: Director of Health Ministries
Mr. Tedford Minor: Associate Director of Health Ministries
|
|
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.”
Proverbs 21:23
|
MARCH
· Nutrition Month
· National kidney Month
· Colorectal Awareness Month
Nutrition
Americans are the best fed and most undernourished people on the face of the Earth. Too many calories, too much sugar, refined food, salt, fat, protein, beverages, and snacks equal diseases, disabilities, and premature death. Such abundance of salt, fat, and sugar calories lay the foundation for the coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, type II diabetes, obesity, and several kinds of cancer. These diseases are responsible for three out of four deaths. Our lifestyle of eating too much and moving too little is responsible for most of these diseases. Many of us are digging our own graves with knife, spoon, and fork.
Modern Medicine has made tremendous strides, but some of the greatest strides have been found to relate back to rather simple things: What you eat, what you drink, what you think and what you do. When it comes to nutrition we should follow the advice of Genesis 1:29 “then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with the seed in it. They will be yours for food.’” Eating for health means eating more whole grain, tubers, legumes, fruits, vegetables and less of fat, salt, and sugars.
Nutrition Advice:
Nourish yourself with fill fiber food
Preventing Kidney Disease
March is also National Kidney Month and a good time to review prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease which, like a host of other diseases, disproportionately affects blacks.
African Americans make up about 12 percent of the population but account for 32 percent of people with Kidney failure according to the National Kidney Disease Education Program. Kidney Dialysis centers are sprouting all over urban America where African Americans have a presence. Among new patient whose kidney failure was caused by high blood pressure, more than half (51.2 percent) are African American.
Among new patients whose kidney failure was caused by diabetes, almost one third (31.3 percent) are African Americans. African American men ages 20 to 29 are 10 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group. African American men ages 30-39 are about 14 times more likely to develop kidney failure due to high blood pressure than Caucasian men in the same age group.
Kidneys remove waste and regulate the amount of chemical like sodium, phosphorous, potassium in the body. The right balance is necessary for life, but excess levels can be harmful. When kidney function is compromised medication dosages usually have to be altered or even eliminated. In addition to removing wastes, the release hormones like Erythropoietin which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells; Renin which regulates blood pressure and calcitriol the active form of vitamin D, which help maintains calcium for the bones and for normal chemical balance in the body.
The most effective prevention of the chronic kidney disease is keeping blood pressure and blood sugars within the most normal ranges possible. Since most people do not feel sick in the Initial stages of diabetes or high blood pressure it is essential to have one’s blood pressure checked frequently and a urine test called microalbumin checked at least once a year. Blood pressure should be controlled through diet and exercise first, stress management, and medications. (Medications are not usually first line treatment) Decrease animal protein in the diet if you have any kidney disease or family history of it. Plant proteins are superior anyway. Type II Diabetes can be managed or prevented by keeping a healthy weight, exercise, high fiber, low fat, low sugar, and low salt diet.
“Pure air, sunlight, temperance, rest, exercises, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power-these are the true remedies.”
-E.G. White
Ministries of Healing
Colorectal Cancer
Africans Americans should be screened for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45. Five years earlier than other ethnic groups, according to new guidelines issued by the AmericanCollege of Gastroenterology.
The recommendation stems from earlier findings that African Americans are more prone to have earlier onset of the disease and higher incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer as compared to whites.
The American College of Gastroenterology’s committee on minority affairs and cultural diversity recommends colonoscopy as a “first line: screening procedure for colorectal cancer rather tan flexible sigmoidoscopy because of the high overall risk and as well as some evidence that African Americans have more right-sided cancers and polyps. The right side of the colon includes the cecum, ascending colon, and proximal transverse colon and con not be reached by flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Facts about colorectal cancer in African Americans
The reasons for higher incidence rates in African Americans are unclear; however, a diet high in saturated fat, low fiber, high sugar, physical inactivity, increased smoking rates, variability in screening rates, and lower use of diagnostic testing have been most commonly implicated.
A number of lifestyle changes can lower one’s risk of colorectal cancer. These include choosing most foods from plant sources, including 5-9 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, avoiding high fat foods, alcohol and tobacco products and be physically active.
As we focus on nutrition in the month of March, remember to eat more plant foods high in fiber. Eat at least 30-50 grams of dietary fiber each day especially if you want to prevent or manage your high blood pressure, type II diabetes, lower your cholesterol and prevent cancer causing colon polyps.
“Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. They impart a strength a power of endurance and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…Individuals will have greater powers of endurance if they abstain from meat than if they subsist largely upon it. It is a mistake to suppose that muscular strength depends on the use of animal food.”
Ellen G. White, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods
|