Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
-Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892)
Somebody asked me the other day, Eh, doc, what is going to be your new years resolution?
Good question, I havent given it a thought yet! I replied.
Then came an e-mail from a gentleman who wants to meet with me. He liked my column titled Walking and my Grandma. He wants me to take this subject one step further.
So, I met him last week. His name is Rob Gardner. He is a soft spoken, persuasive, enthusiastic, Community Education Coordinator for Canadian Diabetic Association (CDA). Currently, he is enrolling Medicine Hatters into CDAs diabetes prevention program called Keep Your Body in Check.
Rob, I asked, why do I need to enroll in this program? I dont have diabetes.
Gently, he put a small colorful flyer on my hands. He said, Doc, this was mailed to everybody in Medicine Hat. Did you get one? I could not recollect getting one. Have you looked at all the flyers which have come to your mail box this month? I havent!
Rob asked me to look at the question on the other side of the flyer. The question is: Are you at risk for type 2 diabetes?
The pamphlet says yes, I am at risk for type 2 diabetes if I am over 40, overweight (especially around my middle), or am of aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, south Asian or African descent.
Yes, I am at risk if I have a parent or sibling with diabetes, if I have high cholesterol level, or I have high blood pressure or heart disease.
Yes, I am at high risk if I have given birth to a baby over four kilograms or had gestational diabetes.
I realized immediately that I had more than one risk factor for type 2 diabetes. I didnt have to be a rocket scientist to know that. So, I enrolled in the diabetes prevention program.
Just like a good Santa, Rob gave me a box full of goodies all free. Like an excited little boy, I opened the box. I was pleasantly surprised to see a pedometer (step counter), with a log book, a nice t-shirt, and a measuring tape to measure my waist. All free!
So, I knew what my New Years resolution was going to be – to keep my body in check and prevent type 2 diabetes. You can do the same, whether or not you have any risk factors. It is a good program to stay healthy. It is very easy to enroll and the gift box will arrive by mail. Use one of the following options to enroll:
-toll free number 1-866-533-7462 or
-the website www.keepincheck.ca or
-phone Rob Gardner at 403-529-4729 or
-e-mail him at rob.gardner@diabetes.ca
Mention that you read about this program in Whats up doc? column then Rob will give you an extra gift! Unfortunately, this program is only for people with Medicine Hat postal code. So, hurry up!
In case you missed my column, Walking and my Grandma then you can find it on my website: www.nbharwani.com and search under Articles or phone my office 527-0099 for a copy. In 2005, this column will run on Tuesdays.
Have a happy and wonderful 2005. And dont forget Rob Gardner and keep your body in check!
Start reading the preview of my book A Doctor's Journey for free on Amazon. Available on Kindle for $2.99!