cbFunction({"Result":{"Error":"False","Total":"8","Query":"diabetes","Language":"English","Topics":[{"Id":"14","Title":"Get Your Cholesterol Checked","Categories":"Screening Tests, Doctor Visits, Doctor Visits","Populations":null,"MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdate":"5/30/2013 9:35:48 AM","ImageUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/icons/getyourcholesterolchecked.jpg","ImageAlt":"smiling couple","AccessibleVersion":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-your-cholesterol-checked","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Heart Healthy Foods: Shopping list","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/heart-healthy-foods-shopping-list","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Heart Health: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/heart-health-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Reduce Your Risk of Stroke","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/reduce-your-risk-of-stroke","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Keep Your Heart Healthy","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/keep-your-heart-healthy","Type":"topic"}],"Sections":[{"Title":"The Basics","Description":"High cholesterol doesn&rsquo;t have any signs or symptoms. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to get your cholesterol checked.","Content":"<p>Too much cholesterol (&ldquo;koh-LEHS-tuh-rahl&rdquo;) in your blood can cause heart disease or a heart attack. About 1 in 6 American adults has high cholesterol.</p><p>You could have high cholesterol and not know it. The good news is that it&rsquo;s easy to get your cholesterol checked. And if your cholesterol is high, you can take steps to control it.</p><p><strong>Who needs to get their cholesterol checked?</strong></p><ul ><li>Men age 35 and older</li><li>Men under age 35 who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease</li><li>Women who have heart disease or risk factors for heart disease</li></ul><p><strong><em>How do I know if I have risk factors for heart disease?</em></strong><br />Risk factors for heart disease include:</p><ul><li>A family history of early heart disease</li><li>Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)</li><li>Smoking</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Obesity</li></ul><p>Talk to your doctor or nurse about your risk factors for heart disease. Ask about getting your cholesterol checked.</p><p><strong>What is cholesterol?</strong><br />Cholesterol is a waxy substance (material) that is naturally found in your body.</p><p>Your body needs cholesterol to do important things, like make hormones and digest fatty foods. Your body makes all of the cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol is also in some foods, like egg yolks, fatty meats, and regular cheese.</p><p>If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up inside your blood vessels and make it hard for blood to flow. Over time, this can lead to heart disease and heart&nbsp;attack.</p><p><strong>How can I get my cholesterol checked?</strong><br />Ask your doctor or nurse for a blood test called a lipid profile to measure your cholesterol levels.</p><p>A small sample of blood will be taken from your finger or arm. Usually you can&rsquo;t eat&nbsp;or drink anything (except water or sugar-free drinks) for 9 to 12 hours before the&nbsp;test.</p><p><strong>How often do I need to get my cholesterol checked?</strong><br />The general recommendation is to get your cholesterol checked every 5 years. Some people need to get it checked more or less often. Talk to your doctor about what&rsquo;s best for you.</p><p><strong>What do the numbers mean?</strong><br />Your lipid profile will measure 4 things:</p><ul><li>Total cholesterol</li><li>HDL (good) cholesterol</li><li>LDL (bad) cholesterol</li><li>Triglycerides (&ldquo;try-GLIH-suh-rydz&rdquo;)</li></ul><p><strong><em>Total cholesterol</em></strong><br />A total cholesterol level under 200 is good.</p><p><strong><em>HDL cholesterol</em></strong><br />This is the good type of cholesterol that lowers your risk for heart disease.</p><ul ><li>An HDL cholesterol level over 60 helps protect against heart disease.</li><li>An HDL cholesterol level under 40 is a major risk factor for heart disease.</li></ul><p><strong><em>LDL cholesterol</em></strong><br />This is the bad type of cholesterol that can block your arteries.</p><ul ><li>If you are at low risk for heart disease, having LDL cholesterol under 160 is good.</li><li>If you have heart disease, diabetes, or a history of stroke, keep your LDL cholesterol under 100.</li><li>For most other people, having LDL cholesterol under 130 is good.</li></ul><p><strong><em>Triglycerides</em></strong><br />Triglycerides (&ldquo;try-GLIH-suh-rydz&rdquo;) are a type of fat in your blood. Keep this number under 150.</p><p><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hbc/diagnosis.html\"  >Find out more about getting your cholesterol checked</a>.</p><p><strong>What could raise my cholesterol?</strong><br />Many things can lead to too much cholesterol in your body, like:</p><ul ><li><strong>Family history</strong> &ndash; high cholesterol can run in families.</li><li><strong>Age</strong> &ndash; as you get older, your cholesterol&nbsp;goes up.</li><li><strong>Weight</strong> &ndash; being overweight or obese.</li><li><strong>Eating habits</strong> &ndash; eating too much saturated fat, <em>trans</em> fat, and cholesterol.</li><li><strong>Physical activity</strong> &ndash; not getting enough physical activity.</li></ul><p>There are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s so important to get your cholesterol checked.</p><p><strong>What if I have high cholesterol?</strong><br />As your cholesterol gets higher, so does your risk of heart disease. Take these steps to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease:</p><ul ><li>Eat foods low in saturated fat, <em>trans</em> fat, and cholesterol.</li><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=22\">Get active</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=25\">Watch your weight</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=24\">If you smoke, quit</a>.</li></ul><p>Ask your doctor if you also need a special diet or medicine to help lower your&nbsp;cholesterol.</p><p>To learn more, <a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/managingcholesterol/htm/index.htm\"  >watch this short presentation on managing cholesterol</a>.</p>"},{"Title":"Take Action!","Description":"Get more active to help manage your cholesterol.","Content":"<p>Find out what your cholesterol levels are. If your cholesterol is high, you can take steps to control it.</p><p><strong>Make an appointment to get your cholesterol checked.</strong><br />Call your doctor&rsquo;s office or health center. Schedule a time to get a blood test. Be sure to ask for a complete lipid profile.</p><p>Remember not to eat or drink anything (except water or sugar-free drinks) for 9 to 12 hours before the test.</p><p><a href=\"http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_305550.pdf\"  >Print these questions to ask your doctor about cholesterol [PDF - 121 KB]</a>. </p><p><strong><em>What about cost?</em></strong><br />Cholesterol testing is covered under the <a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html\"  >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get your cholesterol checked at no cost to you.</p><ul ><li>Check with your insurance provider to find out about your coverage for cholesterol testing. Ask about the Affordable Care Act.</li><li>You can still get your cholesterol checked even if you don&rsquo;t have insurance. To learn more, <a href=\"http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx\"  >find a health center near you</a>.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html\"  >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit&nbsp;HealthCare.gov</a>.</p><p><strong>Keep track of your cholesterol levels.</strong><br />Remember to ask your doctor for your cholesterol levels each time they are measured. <a href=\"http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_308766.pdf\"  >Write the levels down on this chart [PDF - 110 KB]</a>  to keep track of your progress.</p><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=21\">Eat healthy</a>.</strong><br />Change your diet to help lower your cholesterol. This shopping list can help you <a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=2\">find heart healthy foods</a>. Try to:</p><ul ><li>Eat less saturated fat, which comes from animal products (like regular cheese, fatty meats, and dairy desserts) and tropical oils (like palm, palm kernel, and coconut oil).</li><li>Stay away from <em>trans</em> fats, which may be in foods like cakes, cookies, stick margarines, and fried foods.</li><li>Limit foods that are high in cholesterol, including egg yolks, fatty meats, and organ meat (like liver and kidney).</li><li>Choose low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese, and yogurt.</li><li>Eat more foods that are high in fiber, like oatmeal, oat bran, beans, and lentils.</li><li>Eat more vegetables and fruits.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/healthyeating/Default.aspx\"  >Try these heart healthy recipes and tips</a>  to keep your cholesterol levels in check.</p><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=22\">Get active</a>.</strong><br />Exercising regularly can help you lose weight, lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol, and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol. Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate activity, such as:</p><ul><li>Walking fast</li><li>Swimming</li><li>Aerobics</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/phy_active_brief.pdf\"  >Get more tips on protecting your heart with physical activity [PDF - 426 KB]</a>.</p><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=24\">Quit smoking</a>.</strong><br />Quitting smoking will help lower your cholesterol. If you smoke, make your plan to quit today. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free support and to set up your quit plan.</p>"},{"Title":"Start Today: Small Steps","Description":null,"Content":"<ul><li><a  href=\"http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Cholesterol-IQ-Quiz_UCM_305563_Article.jsp\" >Test your cholesterol knowledge with<br/> this&nbsp;quiz</a>. </li><li>Go for a walk or run with a friend.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/managingcholesterol/htm/index.htm\"  >Watch this short presentation about managing your cholesterol</a>.</li></ul>"}],"Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"},{"Id":"21","Title":"Eat Healthy","Categories":"Diabetes, Heart Health, Obesity, Nutrition, Nutrition","Populations":"Nutrition and Physical Activity , Women","MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdate":"5/24/2013 3:20:52 PM","ImageUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/icons/eathealthy.jpg","ImageAlt":"family eating healthy food","AccessibleVersion":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/eat-healthy","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Healthy Snacks: Quick tips for parents","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/nutrition/healthy-snacks-quick-tips-for-parents","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Heart Healthy Foods: Shopping list","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/heart-healthy-foods-shopping-list","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Losing Weight: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/losing-weight-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Get Enough Folic Acid","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/nutrition/get-enough-folic-acid","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Watch Your Weight","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/watch-your-weight","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Healthy Eating: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/healthy-eating-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Get Enough Calcium","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/nutrition/get-enough-calcium","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Losing Weight: Questions for the doctor","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/obesity/losing-weight-questions-for-the-doctor","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Calcium: Shopping list","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/nutrition/calcium-shopping-list","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Eat Healthy During Pregnancy: Quick&nbsp;tips","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/pregnancy/nutrition-and-physical-activity/eat-healthy-during-pregnancy-quick-tips","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Eat Less Sodium: Quick tips","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/eat-less-sodium-quick-tips","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Low Sodium Foods: Shopping list","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/low-sodium-foods-shopping-list","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Protect Your Family from Food Poisoning","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/nutrition/protect-your-family-from-food-poisoning","Type":"topic"}],"Sections":[{"Title":"The Basics","Description":"A healthy diet can help protect you from heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.","Content":"<p>Your body needs the right vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to stay healthy. A healthy diet means that you are eating:</p><ul ><li>Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products</li><li>Seafood, poultry, lean meats, eggs, beans, peas, seeds, and nuts</li></ul><p>Limit foods high in:</p><ul ><li>Cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars</li><li><em>Trans</em> fats &ndash; <em>Trans</em> fats may be in foods like cakes, cookies, stick margarines, and fried foods.</li><li>Saturated fats &ndash; These fats come from animal products like cheese, fatty meats, whole milk, and butter.</li><li>Refined grains &ndash; Food products with refined grains include white bread, noodles, white rice, and flour tortillas.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/myplate/index.aspx\"  >Get a personalized Daily Food Plan to help you choose healthy foods</a>.</p><p><strong>A healthy diet can keep your body strong and active.</strong><br />By making smart food choices, you can help reduce your risk for:</p><ul><li>Heart disease</li><li>Type 2 diabetes</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Some cancers</li><li>Bone loss</li></ul>"},{"Title":"Take Action!","Description":"To save time, rinse and chop vegetables the day before you will need them.","Content":"<p>Making small changes to your eating habits can make a big difference for your health. Here are some tips and tools to get you started.</p><p><strong>Keep a food diary.</strong><br />Knowing what you eat now will help you make changes. Starting today, write&nbsp;down:</p><ul><li>When you eat</li><li>What you eat</li><li>How much you eat</li><li>Where and with whom you eat</li><li>How you are feeling when you eat</li></ul><p>For example:<br />Tuesday 3:30 pm, 2 chocolate chip cookies, at work with Mary, feeling stressed</p><p>Get started today:</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/pdf/Food_Diary_CDC.pdf\"  >Print this food diary [PDF - 36 KB]</a>.</li><li><a href=\"https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/default.aspx\"  >Try the SuperTracker tool to plan and track your diet and physical activity</a>.</li></ul><p><strong>Plan ahead to save time.</strong><br />Planning your meals for the day or week can save you time and money. These tools can help you plan healthy meals that are easy to make and taste great.</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/menuplanner/menu.cgi\"  >Plan your meals for the day</a>. </li><li><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/downloads/tip_planner.pdf\"  >Plan your meals for the week [PDF - 124 KB]</a>.</li></ul><p>Try these other tips to save time:</p><ul ><li>Cook several main dishes on the weekend when you have more time. Make enough to get you through the busy weeknights.</li><li>Rinse and chop vegetables the day before you will need them.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet7BuildAHealthyMeal.pdf\"  >Check out these tips for planning healthy meals [PDF - 410 KB]</a>.</p><p><strong>Find recipes that work for you.</strong><br />If you are looking for ethnic foods or special recipes, try these tools:</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/chdblack/cooking.pdf\"  >Heart Healthy Home Cooking African American Style [PDF - 3 MB]</a></li><li><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/sp_recip.pdf\"  >Delicious Heart Healthy Latino Recipes [PDF - 1 MB]</a></li><li><a href=\"http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/recipes/hhp/fdpir-cookbk_river1.pdf\"  >A River of Recipes: Healthy Native American Recipes [PDF - 644 KB]</a></li><li><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/tips-for-vegetarian.html\"  >Tips and Resources for Vegetarian Diets</a></li><li><a href=\"http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&amp;tax_level=2&amp;tax_subject=278&amp;topic_id=1379\"  >Information on Allergies and Food Sensitivities</a></li></ul><p><strong>Shop smart at the grocery store.</strong><br />Try these tips the next time you go shopping:</p><ul ><li>Eat a snack at home before you go to the store.</li><li>Use a shopping list.</li><li>Buy a variety of vegetables and fruits in different colors. <a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet9SmartShopping.pdf\"  >These shopping tips can help [PDF - 668]</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=58\">Use this list to help you find low sodium foods</a>.</li><li>Choose the fat-free or low-fat types of milk products.&nbsp;</li><li><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/lcal_fat.htm\"  >Use this list to help you replace old favorites with healthy, lower fat choices</a>.</li><li>Choose 100% whole-wheat or whole-grain bread and crackers.</li><li>Buy foods when they are on sale or in season to save money.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/healthieryou/html/shopping_list.html\"  >Use this healthy foods checklist to make your shopping list</a>.</p><div ><a href=\"http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/NFLPM/ucm274593.htm\"  ><img alt=\"Nutrition Facts Label\" border=\"0\"   src=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ContentImages/Nutrition_Facts.jpg\"  /></a><div >Click this picture for more about how to read a nutrition facts label.</div></div><p><strong>Read the nutrition facts label.</strong></p><ul ><li>Look at the serving size and the number of servings per&nbsp;package.</li><li>Check out the percent Daily Value (%&nbsp;DV)&nbsp;column.</li><li>Try to keep saturated fat, <em>trans</em> fat, cholesterol, and sodium at 5% or less.</li><li>Look for foods that have 20% or more of fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin&nbsp;D.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/videos/CFSAN/HWM/hwmintro.cfm\"  >Use this interactive tool to practice using food labels to make healthy choices</a>.</p><p><strong>Be a healthy family.</strong><br />Parents and caregivers are important role models. You can teach kids how to choose and prepare healthy foods. Try turning grocery shopping and cooking into fun activities for the whole family.</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/downloads/gswtips.pdf\"  >Use this chart to help you and your family shop for healthy foods [PDF - 136 KB]</a>. Explain your choices at the grocery store.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/wicworks/Documents/NE/WIC-NE-CookingwithChildren-CookingAbilitiesOfYoungChildren.pdf\"  >Let your child help with these kitchen tasks for young children [PDF - 12 KB]</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=1\">Check out these quick tips for making healthy snacks</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet12BeAHealthyRoleModel.pdf\"  >Get more ideas on how to be a healthy role model for your kids [PDF - 459 KB]</a>.</li></ul><p>Do you have a family member who has a hard time eating healthy? <a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=38\">Use these tips to start a conversation about how you can help</a>.</p><p><strong>Eat healthy away from home.</strong><br />You can make smart food choices wherever you are &ndash; at work, in your favorite restaurant, or running errands. Try these tips for eating healthy even when you are away from home:</p><ul ><li>At lunch, have a sandwich on whole-grain bread.</li><li>Choose fat-free or low-fat milk, water, or 100% fruit juice.</li><li>In a restaurant, choose steamed, broiled, or grilled dishes instead of fried foods.</li><li>On a long drive or shopping trip, pack fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, or fat-free or low-fat string cheese sticks to snack on.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/tips-for-eating-out.html\"  >Get more tips for eating healthy when dining out</a>.</p><p><strong>If you are concerned about your diet, talk to a doctor.</strong><br />If you need help making healthier eating choices, your doctor or nurse can help. Be sure to take a food diary with you to help start the conversation.</p><p><strong><em>What about cost?</em></strong><br />Under the <a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html\"  >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010, diet counseling is covered for people at higher risk for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.</p><p>Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get diet counseling at no cost to you. Check with your insurance provider to find out what&rsquo;s included in your plan.</p><p><a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html\"  >For&nbsp;information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit&nbsp;HealthCare.gov</a>.</p><p><strong>Manage your high blood pressure or diabetes.</strong><br />If you or a loved one has high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease, talk with your doctor about how to stay healthy. If you need a special diet, check out these Web sites:</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/prevent/h_eating/h_eating.htm\"  >Eating Healthy to Lower Your Blood Pressure (DASH)</a></li><li><a href=\"http://ndep.nih.gov/media/tasty-recipes-508.pdf\"  >Tasty Recipes for People with Diabetes and Their Families [PDF - 1 MB]</a></li><li><a href=\"http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/healthyeating/\"  >Keep the Beat&trade;: Heart Healthy Recipes</a> </li></ul>"},{"Title":"Start Today: Small Steps","Description":null,"Content":"<ul><li><a href=\"http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/healthieryou/html/shopping_list.html\">Print this healthy shopping list</a>.</li><li>Ask for your dressing or sauce &ldquo;on the side&rdquo; the next time you eat out.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/myplate/index.aspx\">Use the Daily Food Plan tool to examine what you eat</a>.</li></ul>"}],"Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"},{"Id":"25","Title":"Watch Your Weight","Categories":"Diabetes, Obesity, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Nutrition, Physical Activity","Populations":"Nutrition and Physical Activity , Women","MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdate":"5/24/2013 3:25:54 PM","ImageUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/icons/watchyourweight.jpg","ImageAlt":"couple stretching after a run","AccessibleVersion":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/watch-your-weight","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Losing Weight: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/losing-weight-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Healthy Eating: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/healthy-eating-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Losing Weight: Questions for the doctor","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/obesity/losing-weight-questions-for-the-doctor","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Preventing Diabetes: Questions for the doctor","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/talking-with-the-doctor/preventing-diabetes-questions-for-the-doctor","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Help a Loved One Get More Active: Quick&nbsp;tips","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/help-a-loved-one-get-more-active-quick-tips","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Heart Health: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/heart-health-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Stay Active with a Disability: Quick&nbsp;tips","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/obesity/stay-active-with-a-disability-quick-tips","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Take Steps to Prevent Type&nbsp;2&nbsp;Diabetes","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/take-steps-to-prevent-type-2-diabetes","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Keep Your Heart Healthy","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/keep-your-heart-healthy","Type":"topic"}],"Sections":[{"Title":"The Basics","Description":"To stay at a healthy weight, balance the calories you eat with the calories you burn (use up).","Content":"<p>To stay at a healthy weight, balance the calories you eat with the calories you burn (use up). To lose weight, you need to use more calories than you eat. A healthy diet and physical activity can help you control your weight.</p><p>Calories are a measure of the energy in the foods you eat. You burn calories when you are physically active.</p><p><strong>How do I know if I&rsquo;m eating the right number of calories?</strong><br /><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/myplate/index.aspx\"  >Use this tool to find out how many calories your body needs each day</a>. This is the number of calories you need to maintain your current weight. If you are overweight or obese, burn more calories than you eat to lose weight.</p><p><strong>How do I know if I&rsquo;m at a healthy weight?</strong><br />Finding out your body mass index (BMI) is the best way to learn if you are at a healthy weight. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html\"  >Use this Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to find out your BMI and what it means for you</a>.</p><p>If you are already at a healthy weight, continue to get regular physical activity and choose healthy foods.</p><p><strong>What can losing weight do for me?</strong><br />If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can lower your risk for serious health conditions like:</p><ul><li>Type 2 diabetes</li><li>Heart disease</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Early death</li></ul><p>Plus, eating healthy and being physically active can give you more energy throughout the day. Move more and eat healthy foods to help:</p><ul><li>Lower your blood pressure</li><li>Lower your blood sugar</li><li>Raise your &ldquo;good&rdquo; cholesterol</li><li>Lower your &ldquo;bad&rdquo; cholesterol</li></ul><p>You may start to see these benefits by losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. For example, if you are 200 pounds, this could mean losing as little as 10&nbsp;pounds.</p>"},{"Title":"Take Action!","Description":"Keep a food and activity diary to help you learn more about your habits.","Content":"<p>Make a promise to eat well, move more, and get support from family and friends. If you need to lose weight, do it slowly over time.</p><p>Remember that to lose weight, you need to eat fewer calories than you burn.</p><p><strong>Set realistic goals.</strong><br />Start out by setting small goals, like:</p><ul ><li>I want to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week.</li><li>I will add 10 minutes of physical activity to my daily routine.</li><li>I will avoid second helpings of meals this week.</li></ul><p><strong>Keep a food and activity diary.</strong><br />Write down:</p><ul><li>When you eat</li><li>What you eat</li><li>How much you eat</li><li>Your physical activity</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/diaryint.htm\"  >Print a food and activity diary</a> or make your own. When you know your habits, it&rsquo;s easier to make changes.</p><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=22\">Get active</a>.</strong><br />Move more to balance the calories you take in with the calories you use.</p><ul ><li>Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of activity a week.</li><li>Try to be active for 30 minutes 5 times a week.</li><li>If you don&rsquo;t have time for 30 minutes of activity, get moving for shorter 10-minute periods throughout the day.</li></ul><p>Remember that some physical activity is better than none. Check out these resources for tips and ideas:</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/active.htm\"  >Get tips on how to be active at any size</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_6_1x_Exercise_Counts.asp\"  >Find out how many calories your activity can burn</a>. </li></ul><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=21\">Eat healthy</a>.</strong><br />Make your calories count. Use this interactive tool to <a href=\"http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/videos/CFSAN/HWM/hwmintro.cfm\"  >practice using the nutrition facts label</a> to make smart food choices.</p><p>Here are some easy ways you can eat healthy.</p><ul ><li>Choose fat-free or low-fat versions of your favorite foods.</li><li>Drink water or fat-free milk instead of soda or other sugary drinks.</li><li>Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit.</li><li>When you eat out, ask for sauces or dressings &ldquo;on the side&rdquo; so you can control how much you use.</li><li><a href=\"http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/menuplanner/menu.cgi\"  >Try this menu planner for healthy meal ideas</a>. </li></ul><p><strong>Eat smaller portions. </strong><br />Eating healthy food is important. But you also need to pay attention to <strong>how much</strong> food you eat. <a href=\"http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/portion.cgi?action=question&amp;number=1\"  >Take the Portion Distortion Quiz to test your knowledge</a>. </p><p>Here are some tips for watching your portions:</p><ul ><li>Start the day with a healthy breakfast.</li><li>Eat small, healthy snacks during the day. This will keep you from overeating at&nbsp;mealtimes.</li><li>Put a small amount of food in a bowl instead of eating out of the package or&nbsp;container.</li><li>Serve food on plates and leave the main dish on the stove. You will be less tempted to go back for seconds.</li><li>If you are eating out, only eat half of your meal. Take the other half home.</li><li>Read the label to find out how many servings are in a package. There may be more than one!</li><li>Eat slowly &ndash; this will give you time to feel full.</li><li>Don&rsquo;t eat in front of the TV. It&rsquo;s harder to keep track of how much you are eating.</li></ul><p><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet18EnjoyYourFood.pdf\"  >Get tips to help you enjoy your food while eating less [PDF - 520 KB]</a>.</p><p><strong>Ask your doctor for help. </strong><br />You may also want to talk to a doctor or nurse about different ways to lose weight. Your doctor can explain your options, like joining a weight-loss program. <a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=43\">Check out these questions to ask your doctor about losing weight</a>.</p><p><strong><em>What about cost?</em></strong><br />Screening and counseling for obesity are covered under the <a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html\"  >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you.</p><p>Check with your insurance provider to find out what&rsquo;s included in your plan. <a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html\"  >For&nbsp;information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit&nbsp;HealthCare.gov</a>.</p>"},{"Title":"Start Today: Small Steps","Description":null,"Content":"<ul><li><a href=\"http://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/\" >Find a local farmers market</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/walking.htm#howstart\">Get tips on starting a walking program</a>.</li><li><a href=\"https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/default.aspx\">Use the SuperTracker tool to track your diet and physical activity</a>.</li></ul>"}],"Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"},{"Id":"73","Title":"Take Steps to Prevent Type&nbsp;2&nbsp;Diabetes","Categories":"Diabetes","Populations":"Health Conditions and Diseases, Men","MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdate":"5/29/2013 2:57:09 PM","ImageUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/icons/takestepstopreventtype2diabetes.jpg","ImageAlt":"man","AccessibleVersion":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/take-steps-to-prevent-type-2-diabetes","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Heart Healthy Foods: Shopping list","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/heart-healthy-foods-shopping-list","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Losing Weight: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/losing-weight-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Watch Your Weight","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/watch-your-weight","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Alcohol Use: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/everyday-healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationship/alcohol-use-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Healthy Eating: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/healthy-eating-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Losing Weight: Questions for the doctor","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/obesity/losing-weight-questions-for-the-doctor","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Preventing Diabetes: Questions for the doctor","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/talking-with-the-doctor/preventing-diabetes-questions-for-the-doctor","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Help a Loved One Get More Active: Quick&nbsp;tips","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/help-a-loved-one-get-more-active-quick-tips","Type":"tool"},{"Title":"Heart Health: Conversation starters","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/heart-health-conversation-starters","Type":"tool"}],"Sections":[{"Title":"The Basics","Description":"You can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by eating healthy and staying active.","Content":"<p>You can do a lot to prevent or delay getting type 2 diabetes (&ldquo;dy-ah-BEE-teez&rdquo;), including:</p><ul ><li>Watching your weight</li><li>Eating healthy</li><li>Staying active</li></ul><p>Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. If it&rsquo;s not controlled, diabetes can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems.</p><p>The good news is that the small steps you take to prevent diabetes can lead to big rewards. <a href=\"http://www.ndep.nih.gov/publications/PublicationDetail.aspx?PubId=71#page3\"  >Make a plan to prevent type 2 diabetes</a>.</p><p><strong>What is diabetes?</strong>\r\n<br>Diabetes is a disease. When you have diabetes, there is too much glucose (sugar) in your blood. Over time, if it&rsquo;s not controlled, diabetes can cause serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and blindness. </p>\r\n\r\n<p>To learn more about how diabetes affects the body, visit:\r\n<ul >\r\n<li><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/problems_humanbody_male.htm\">Diabetes and men</a> </li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/problems_humanbody_female.htm\">Diabetes and women</a> </li>\r\n</ul></p>\r\n\r\n<p>Diabetes can&rsquo;t be cured, but it can be controlled.</p><p><strong><em>What is type 2 diabetes?</em></strong><br />There is more than one type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. People who are overweight are more likely to get type&nbsp;2&nbsp;diabetes.</p><p>The food you eat turns into glucose. Your blood carries glucose to other parts of the body. Your body depends on glucose for energy.</p><p>When you have diabetes, your body has trouble turning glucose into energy. Instead of being used by your body, the glucose builds up in your blood. The rest of your body is starved of energy.</p><p><strong><em>What is pre-diabetes? </em></strong><br />Pre-diabetes means the amount of glucose in your blood is higher than normal. If you have pre-diabetes, you are at risk for serious health problems, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/prevent.htm#5\"  >Find out more about pre-diabetes</a>.</p><p><strong>Am I at risk for diabetes?</strong><br />You may be at risk for type 2 diabetes if you:</p><ul ><li>Are age 45 or older</li><li>Are overweight</li><li>Have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes</li><li>Are African American, Hispanic or Latino American, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander</li><li>Have had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)</li><li>Have had a baby with a birth weight of more than 9 pounds</li><li>Have high blood pressure or cholesterol</li><li>Exercise less than 3 times a week</li></ul><p><strong>What are the signs of diabetes?</strong><br />Many people with diabetes don&rsquo;t know they have the disease. Some signs of diabetes include:</p><ul ><li>Being very thirsty or very hungry</li><li>Feeling tired for no reason</li><li>Urinating (going to the bathroom) more than usual</li><li>Losing weight for no reason</li><li>Having cuts or bruises that are slow to heal</li><li>Having trouble seeing (blurry vision)</li><li>Losing feeling or having tingling in your hands or feet</li></ul><p>Not everyone who has diabetes has these signs. If you have any of these signs or think you may be at risk, talk with your doctor about getting tested for diabetes.</p>"},{"Title":"Take Action!","Description":"Talk to a doctor about your diabetes risk.","Content":"<p>Take these steps to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.</p><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=21\">Eat healthy</a>.</strong><br />Eating healthy foods can help you:</p><ul ><li>Control your weight</li><li>Lower your blood pressure</li><li>Lower your cholesterol</li><li>Prevent or delay type 2 diabetes</li></ul><p>Choose foods low in fat, cholesterol, and salt. Try these tips to:</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/eat-right/fun-family-recipes.htm\"  >Cut down on fat and calories</a></li><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=57\">Reduce the sodium (salt) in your diet</a></li></ul><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=22\">Get active</a>.</strong><br />Being physically active can lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, like walking fast or biking.</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/adults.html#Aerobic\"  >See what counts as aerobic activity</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/walking.htm#firststep\"  >Try this sample walking program</a>.</li></ul><p>If you have a health condition, be as active as you can be. <a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=50\">Use these tips to stay active with a disability</a>. Your doctor can help you choose the best activities for you.</p><p><strong><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=25\">Watch your weight</a>.</strong><br />Studies show that losing 5 to 7 percent of your body weight can lower your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. If you weigh 200 pounds, 7 percent of your body weight is 14 pounds.</p><p>Try keeping a diary to write down:</p><ul ><li>Your weight</li><li>All the meals and snacks you eat today</li><li><a href=\"https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/foodapedia.aspx\"  >Number of calories and grams of fat in your food</a></li><li>Minutes of physical activity you do today</li></ul><p>To get started, <a href=\"https://www.supertracker.usda.gov\"  >use this food and activity tracking tool for a week</a>.</p><p><strong>Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.</strong></p><ul ><li>Starting at age 18, <a href=\"http://www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopic.aspx?topicID=11\"> get your blood pressure checked</a> at least once every 2 years. It&rsquo;s important to get your blood pressure checked often, especially if you are over 40 years old.</li><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTopic.aspx?topicId=14\">Talk to a doctor about getting your cholesterol checked</a>. Most men need their cholesterol checked at least once every 5 years. Women at risk for heart disease need their cholesterol checked every 5 years.</li></ul><p><strong>Talk to a doctor about your diabetes risk.</strong><br /><a href=\"http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/prevention/diabetes-risk-test/\"  >Use this tool to find out if you are at risk for diabetes</a>.  Print out the results and take them to your next checkup.</p><ul ><li><a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=44\">Ask your doctor or nurse these questions about how to prevent type 2 diabetes</a>.</li><li>If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, <a href=\"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/ViewTool.aspx?toolID=60\">talk to your doctor or midwife about gestational (&ldquo;jes-TAY-shon-al&rdquo;)&nbsp;diabetes</a>. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention/recognition/registry.htm#program\"  >Ask about diabetes prevention programs near you</a>.</li></ul><p><strong><em>What about cost?</em></strong><br />The <a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/preventive-care/index.html\"  >Affordable Care Act</a>, the health care reform law passed in 2010, covers these services related to diabetes risk:</p><ul ><li>Diabetes screening for adults with high blood pressure</li><li>Diet counseling for adults at higher risk for chronic disease</li></ul><p>Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get these services at no cost to you. Check with your insurance provider to find out what&rsquo;s included in your&nbsp;plan.</p><p><a href=\"http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2010/07/preventive-services-list.html\"  >For information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit&nbsp;HealthCare.gov</a>.</p>"},{"Title":"Start Today: Small Steps","Description":null,"Content":"<ul><li><a href=\"http://nihseniorhealth.gov/diabetes/prevention/video/db3_na.html?intro=yes\"  >Watch this video on preventing diabetes</a>.</li><li>Make a healthy snack like fat-free yogurt and fresh berries.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet7BuildAHealthyMeal.pdf\"  >Check out these tips for planning a healthy meal [PDF - 410 KB]</a>.</li></ul>"}],"Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"}],"Tools":[{"Id":"4","Title":"Staying Active as You Get Older","Categories":"Obesity, Physical Activity, Physical Activity","Populations":"Nutrition and Physical Activity, Older Adults","MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdated":"3/29/2013 4:55:15 PM","ImageUrl":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/tools_icons/stayactiveasyougetolderquicktips.jpg","ImageAlt":null,"AccessibleVersion":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/obesity/stay-active-as-you-get-older-quick-tips","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Lower Your Risk of Falling","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/everyday-healthy-living/safety/lower-your-risk-of-falling","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Get Active","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/get-active","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Protect Your Health As You Grow Older","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/nutrition-and-physical-activity/physical-activity/protect-your-health-as-you-grow-older","Type":"topic"}],"MoreInfoTitle":"For more information about staying active as you get older, visit:","MoreInfo":[{"Title":"http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/get-started","Url":"http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/get-started"},{"Title":"http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html","Url":"http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html"}],"Contents":"<p>Physical activity is good for people of all ages. Staying active can help:</p><ul><li>Lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer</li><li>Improve your strength and balance so you can stay independent</li><li>Reduce symptoms of depression</li><li>Improve your ability to think, learn, and make decisions</li></ul><h2>Before you begin...</h2><p>If you have a health problem like heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, talk to your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.</p><h2>Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activities.</h2><ul><li>Choose activities that make your heart beat faster, like walking fast, dancing, or raking leaves.</li><li>Start slowly. Build up to 30 minutes on most days of the week, at least 10 minutes at a&nbsp;time.</li><li>Tell your doctor if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or unplanned weight loss.</li></ul><h2>Do strengthening activities 2 days a week.</h2><ul><li>Try using exercise bands or lifting hand weights. You can also use cans of food as weights.</li><li>Breathe out as you lift something, and breathe in as you relax. Holding your breath can cause changes in your blood pressure.</li></ul><h2>Do balance activities 3 or more days a week.</h2><ul><li>Practice standing on one foot.</li><li>Stand up from a sitting position.</li><li>Learn tai chi (&ldquo;ty chee&rdquo;), a Chinese mind-body exercise that involves moving the body slowly and gently.</li><li>Sign up for a yoga class, or try following a yoga video at home.</li></ul><p>For more information about staying active as you get older, visit:</p><ul><li><a href=\"http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/get-started\" >http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/get-started </a></li><li><a href=\"http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html\" >http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html </a></li></ul>","Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"},{"Id":"38","Title":"Healthy Eating","Categories":"Helping a Loved One, Helping a Loved One, Helping a Loved One, Helping a Loved One, Helping a Loved One","Populations":null,"MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdated":"3/29/2013 4:44:33 PM","ImageUrl":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/tools_icons/healthyeatingconversationstarters.jpg","ImageAlt":null,"AccessibleVersion":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/healthy-eating-conversation-starters","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Eat Healthy","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/eat-healthy","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Watch Your Weight","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/watch-your-weight","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Take Steps to Prevent Type&nbsp;2&nbsp;Diabetes","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/take-steps-to-prevent-type-2-diabetes","Type":"topic"}],"MoreInfoTitle":"For more healthy eating ideas, visit:","MoreInfo":{"Title":"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/sample-menus-recipes.html","Url":"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-tips/sample-menus-recipes.html"},"Contents":"<p>Sometimes a family member or friend needs encouragement to make a healthy change. Try these tips to start a conversation about eating&nbsp;healthy.</p><h2>Say why eating healthy is important.</h2><p>&ldquo;Your health is important to me. I care about you and want you to live a healthy&nbsp;life.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;A healthy diet can help protect you from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, bone loss, and some types of cancer.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Little changes, like drinking water instead of soda and eating more vegetables and fruits, can make a big difference in your health.&rdquo;</p><h2>Take the lead. Do it together.</h2><p>&ldquo;There are simple things we can do, like trying oatmeal or whole-grain cereal for breakfast.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s go grocery shopping together for healthy foods.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s try to cook and enjoy a healthy meal together at least twice a week.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Let&rsquo;s try eating at least 2 vegetables with dinner.&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;Next time we go out to eat, let&rsquo;s share a meal. Or we can each order our own, but only eat half. We&rsquo;ll save the other half for lunch the next day.&rdquo;</p><h2>Offer to help.</h2><p>&ldquo;How can I help you eat healthy?&rdquo;</p><p>&ldquo;What is the hardest thing about eating healthy? What can I do to support you?&rdquo;</p>","Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"},{"Id":"44","Title":"Preventing Diabetes","Categories":"Talking with the Doctor, Doctor Visits","Populations":null,"MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdated":"5/28/2013 5:01:40 PM","ImageUrl":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/tools_icons/preventingdiabetesquestionsforthedoctor.jpg","ImageAlt":null,"AccessibleVersion":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/talking-with-the-doctor/preventing-diabetes-questions-for-the-doctor","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Take Steps to Prevent Type&nbsp;2&nbsp;Diabetes","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/take-steps-to-prevent-type-2-diabetes","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Watch Your Weight","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/watch-your-weight","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Keep Your Heart Healthy","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/keep-your-heart-healthy","Type":"topic"}],"MoreInfoTitle":"For more information on lowering your risk for type 2 diabetes, visit:","MoreInfo":{"Title":"http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/prevent.htm","Url":"http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/consumer/prevent.htm"},"Contents":"<p>Diabetes is a disease. When you have diabetes, there is too much sugar (called glucose) in your blood.</p><p>There is more than one type of diabetes, but type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease. People who are overweight and inactive are more likely to get type 2 diabetes.</p><p>The good news is that you can do a lot to prevent type 2 diabetes, including:</p><ul><li>Watching your weight</li><li>Eating healthy</li><li>Staying active</li></ul><p>Talk with your doctor or nurse about steps you can take to prevent type 2 diabetes.</p><h2>What do I ask the doctor?</h2><p>Visiting the doctor can be stressful. It helps to have questions written down before your appointment. Print out this list of questions, and take it with you the next time you visit the doctor.</p><ul><li>Am I at risk for type 2 diabetes?</li><li>Does my weight put me at risk for diabetes?</li><li>Are there any warning signs of diabetes I should look out for?</li><li>How can I find out if I have diabetes?</li><li>What changes can I make to my diet to prevent or delay diabetes?</li><li>How much physical activity should I do to prevent or delay diabetes?</li><li>If I&rsquo;m overweight, how many pounds do I have to lose to prevent or delay diabetes?</li><li>What are healthy ways to lose weight and keep it off?</li><li>What are my blood pressure numbers and cholesterol levels? What should they be?</li><li>Do my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers put me at risk for diabetes?</li><li>Can you give me information about preventing diabetes to take home?</li><li>Are there local diabetes prevention programs you can recommend?</li></ul>","Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"},{"Id":"60","Title":"N/A","Categories":"Talking with the Doctor, Doctor and Midwife Visits, Doctor Visits, Questions for Doctor","Populations":null,"MyHFTitle":null,"MyHFDescription":null,"MyHFCategory":null,"LastUpdated":"5/28/2013 2:46:07 PM","ImageUrl":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/tools_icons/gestationaldiabetesscreeningquestionsforthedoctor.jpg","ImageAlt":null,"AccessibleVersion":"http://www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/doctor-visits/talking-with-the-doctor/gestational-diabetes-screening-questions-for-the-doctor","RelatedItems":[{"Title":"Have a Healthy Pregnancy","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/pregnancy/doctor-and-midwife-visits/have-a-healthy-pregnancy","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Breastfeed Your Baby","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/pregnancy/getting-ready-for-your-baby/breastfeed-your-baby","Type":"topic"},{"Title":"Talk with Your Doctor about Newborn Screening","Url":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/pregnancy/doctor-and-midwife-visits/talk-with-your-doctor-about-newborn-screening","Type":"topic"}],"MoreInfoTitle":"For more information about gestational diabetes, visit:","MoreInfo":[{"Title":"http://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html","Url":"http://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html"},{"Title":"http://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/documents/Diabetes_and_Pregnancy508.pdf","Url":"http://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/documents/Diabetes_and_Pregnancy508.pdf"}],"Contents":"<p>Gestational (&ldquo;jes-TAY-shon-al&rdquo;) diabetes is a type of diabetes that some women develop during pregnancy. When you have diabetes, there is too much glucose (sugar) in your blood.</p><p>If you develop gestational diabetes, it can lead to health problems for you and your baby during and after pregnancy. For example:</p><ul><li>Before birth, your baby is likely to grow bigger than usual. This could make giving birth more difficult &ndash; and make it more likely that you will have a caesarian section (C-section).</li><li>After your baby is born, your baby may be at risk for childhood obesity.</li><li>You will be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.</li></ul><p>If you have gestational diabetes, you and your doctor or midwife can work together to protect your health and your baby&rsquo;s health.</p><p>Getting tested for gestational diabetes is part of regular prenatal care (care during pregnancy) and usually happens between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.</p><p>Testing for gestational diabetes is covered under the Affordable Care Act. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get screened at no cost to you.</p><h2>What do I ask the doctor?</h2><p>Visiting the doctor can be stressful. It helps to have questions written down before your appointment. Print this list&nbsp;of&nbsp;questions, and take it with you the next time you visit your doctor or midwife.</p><ul><li>What puts me at risk for gestational (&ldquo;jes-TAY-shon-al&rdquo;) diabetes?</li><li>Is there anything I can do to lower my risk?</li><li>How will you test me for gestational diabetes?</li><li>How could gestational diabetes affect my baby&rsquo;s health?</li><li>How could gestational diabetes affect my health?</li><li>If I have gestational diabetes, what happens next?</li></ul>","Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>","HealthfinderLogo":"http://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/glmedia/bw_hf_logo.gif","HealthfinderUrl":"http://healthfinder.gov"}],"Analytics":"<script type='text/javascript'>var healthfinder_search_api_domain='http://healthfinder.gov';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_key='demo_analytic_key';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_q = 'diabetes';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_lang = 'en';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_type = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_topics = '14,21,25,73,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_tools = '4,38,44,60,';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_categories = '';\nvar healthfinder_search_api_return_type = 'json';\n</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://healthfinder.gov/Scripts/hf_search_api_analytics.js'></script>"}})