In light of the recent incidents in Japan with the radioactive fallout, we know that many of you are looking for information on iodine supplements and we want to support you with information that might be helpful to you.

Should I be taking iodine?
You should only take high doses of potassium iodide when your local authorities instruct you to. High doses of iodine should not be taken every day.

How does potassium iodide protect me?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Taking high doses of potassium iodide will saturate the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine helping to prevent the thyroid from absorbing radioactive iodine.
• If the gland has enough iodine in it, the thyroid doesn't absorb any radioactive iodine and it is flushed out of the system in urine.
• Potassium iodide will not protect you from general radiation.
  

Please be aware that taking potassium iodide in higher dosages or more often than recommended can cause severe illness.High doses of potassium iodide should only be taken when directed by local health authorities.

How much Potassium Iodide should be taken?

Age Dosage Adults and children over 150 lbs. 130 mg Women who are breast feeding 130 mg Children between 3 and 18 yrs. old 65 mg 1 month to 3 years old 32 mg Birth to 1 month 16 mg Watch Video How often should someone take potassium iodide in the event of a nuclear incident? These high doses of potassium iodide should only be taken once per day and only for the few days when instructed by your local authorities. Repeat doses should be avoided by pregnant women and newborn infants. Is there a real threat of radioactive contamination in the U.S.? According to Greg Jaczko, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, "... we see a very low likelihood -- really a very low probability -- that there's any possibility of harmful radiation levels in the United States, or in Hawaii or in any other U.S. territories." To learn more, watch this informative video or to get additional information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Coconut Water: Miracle Drink?

Is there a difference between coconut milk and coconut water? Yes, a big one. Coconut water is a thin clear liquid found at the center of the nut before maturation, while coconut "milk" is made from the liquid extracted from the actual flesh of the coconut. The milk is much thicker and richer, and maintains a very high fat content. The water of a young green coconut is sweet and light. As the nut ages, the nutrients in the water are absorbed by the flesh, leaving the water bitter and lackluster. Therefore, to reap the natural health and flavor benefits of coconut water, the coconut must be harvested while it is still green.

Aside from crucial electrolytes, coconut water contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamins, sugars and proteins. A typical serving offers 569 mg, which is almost twice the amount in a banana. For centuries, it has helped hydrate, cool body temperature and maintain immune system balance. Due to the saline and albumen content, it is used to ease symptoms of cholera, urinary tract diseases, kidney stones and dysentery.

According to the Coconut Development Board, it helps promote weight loss, relieves rashes when applied externally, can be used as an antiseptic or as an emergency substitute during a blood transfusion and may aide the body's immune system when fighting AIDS, cancer and diabetes. Coconut water has also proven beneficial for alleviating nausea, as it naturally settles the stomach. Therefore, it's also an ideal hangover cure in lieu of the raw egg and milk.

Where do I find coconut water?

It can be found pretty much in any grocery store, including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Mother's Market and Sprouts. Different vendors carry different brands however, and each brand can have a different taste to it...so if you buy one brand and don't like the taste, buy a few different brands to see if there is one you enjoy. Personally, I have become a huge fan of the C20 brand, it tastes the best out of all the brands I've tried. However, this C20 (found in a can, not a box) label can only be found in certain places - mainly at Whole Foods Market.

Go give this new "water" a try, and feel the benefits!

EATING HEALTHY AND STAYING FIT TO CONTROL AND MANAGE DIABETES

What is diabetes and are you at risk?
Diabetes is a disease that results in too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. Your body does not have enough insulin available to turn food into energy. High levels of glucose slowly damage your eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, legs, and feet. Diabetes is a serious disease affecting 20.8 million people in this country, and you may be at risk if you are Hispanic, overweight, or do not exercise regularly. Hispanics are nearly twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to develop this disease.

Steps to healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle to control and manage diabetes:

• Begin with a healthy eating plan. Healthy eating means eating more grains, fruits, and vegetables, and less meat, sweets, and fats every day. "Let the Food be the Medicine and Medicine be the Food"(Hippocrates).
• Be physically active every day to help prevent weight gain and improve blood sugar control.
• Check the sugar in your blood and take your medication every day if needed.

How to create a healthy meal plan:
To create a healthy meal plan you should do the following:

• Eat a variety of foods as recommended in the Diabetes Food Pyramid to get a balanced intake of the nutrients your body needs - carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Make changes gradually because it takes time to accomplish lasting goals.
• Reduce the amount of fat you eat by choosing fewer high-fat foods and cooking with less fat.
• Eat more fiber by eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
• Eat fewer foods that are high in sugar like fruit juices, fruit-flavored drinks, sodas, and tea or coffee sweetened with sugar.
• Use less salt in cooking and at the table. Eat fewer foods that are high in salt, like canned and packaged soups, pickles, and processed meats.
• Eat smaller portions and never skip meals.
• Learn about the right serving sizes for you.
• Learn how to read food labels.
• Limit use of alcohol.

What is the Diabetes Food Pyramid?

The Diabetes Food Pyramid is a general guide of what and how much to eat each day. It is similar to the Food Pyramid you see on many food packages. The pyramid is divided into six groups. You should eat more foods from the largest group at the base of the pyramid and less from the smaller groups at the top of the pyramid. The number of servings needed every day is not the same for everyone, so a range of servings is given to ensure you get the foods you need for good health. The food groups and suggested servings per day are listed below.

• Grains, Beans, and Starchy Vegetables: (good source of B vitamins and fiber) 6 or more servings/day
• Fruits: (contain vitamins C, A, potassium, folate, and fiber) 3-4 servings/day
• Vegetables: (provide vitamins A, C, folate, and fiber) 3-5 servings/day
• Milk: (source of calcium, protein, vitamins A and D) 2-3 servings/day
• Meats and Others: (good source of iron, zinc, B vitamins, and protein) 2-3 servings/day
• Fats, Sweets, and Alcohol: The foods at the tip of the pyramid should be eaten in small amounts. Fats and oils should be limited because they are high in calories. Sweets are high in sugar and should only be eaten once in a while.

What is the right number of servings for you?
The Diabetes Food Pyramid gives a range of servings for each group, but it is only a guide. If you have diabetes, a dietitian can design a specific meal plan for you.

Remember that the number of servings listed is for the entire day. Since food raises blood sugar levels, it is best to space servings throughout the day. For example, 4 servings of fruit might be divided between 3 meals and 1 snack.

Keep in mind
Follow a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy foods, and keep physically active to help control diabetes. If you have diabetes, be an active member of your diabetes care team: you, your doctor, dietitian, and other health care providers. This meal planner gives you only general information. Consult with your diabetes care team.

What is a serving size in the Food Pyramid?
Each of the following represents one serving from each of the food groups in the Diabetes Food Pyramid:

• Grains, Beans, and Starchy Vegetables: 1 slice of bread; 1/2 small bagel, English muffin, or bun; 1/2 cup cooked cereal, pasta, rice; 3/4 cup ready-to-eat cereal; 1/2 cup cooked dried beans, corn, peas

• Vegetable Group: 1 cup raw vegetable; 1/2 cup vegetable juice

• Fruit Group: 1 medium-size fresh fruit; 1/2 cup canned fruit; 1/2 cup fruit juice

• Milk Group: 1 cup (8 ounces) milk or yogurt

• Meat Group: 2-3 ounces cooked lean meat, skinless poultry, or fish; 1 egg; 2 tablespoons peanut butter; 2-3 ounces cheese

• Fats, Sweets, and Alcohol: 1 teaspoon butter, margarine, or mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon cream cheese or salad dressing; 1 tablespoon cream cheese; 1/2 cup ice cream.

Your own Meal Plan:
If you have diabetes, consult a Licensed Nutritionist to help you make your own meal plan. Your meal plan will be based on many factors, including your weight goal, height, age, and physical activity.