Healthy Living with Diabetes Good for Family

02/09/08 Living Well

When you go out of your way to have less stress in your life, eat right, and exercise you are setting a good example for people close to you. Besides your family, you could be inspiring friends and coworkers. Your efforts may be counteracting the effects of civilization syndrome.. The prosperity that exists in much of the world today has made high-calorie food available to large number of people. In many instances recreation and work involve little physical activity. Between the stress, lack of exercise, and easy access to calories, it is hard to battle diabetes without making an extra effort.

Poor health and obesity tend to run in families. Families share experiences, food, genes, stress, and attitudes about physical activity.

In a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine Dr. David S. Ludwig discussed his experience with an overweight and obese family he treated in his practice. The family's five children were already suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, and emotional problems associated with their obesity. These are conditions that most people do not experience until they are middle-aged.

As you read Dr. Ludwig's article, consider the impact that a healthy lifestyle will have on your family. Obesity and overweight are often described as epidemics. Improving your life now could potentially abolish the obesity epidemic in your bloodlines for a few generations to come.