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Tips to prevent childhood diabetes from CHP+
Contributed by: Tammy Stratton on 11/18/2008

In a study appearing in the journal Pediatrics on November 3, researchers reported a surge in the number of U.S. children taking prescription medicines for diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Education Program - a partnership of the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 200 public and private organizations - as obesity rates in children continue to soar, diabetes, a disease that used to be seen primarily in adults over age 45, is becoming more common in young people. According to the Colorado Association of School Nurses, it is estimated that there are more than 1,600 students in Colorado who have been diagnosed with diabetes. November is diabetes awareness month and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) would like to give parents a few tips about how to prevent childhood diabetes.

"Today, more Colorado children than ever have diabetes and many more are at risk of developing this chronic disease," said Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien. "To ensure the health of Colorado children, CHP+ helps cover the cost of regular check ups. These regular visits allow doctors to monitor diabetes risk factors in kids and can provide parents with tips on proper nutrition and diet to keep kids healthy."

CHP+ is the State's free and low-cost health and dental insurance program for uninsured Colorado children ages 18 and under whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. CHP+ pays for many health services for children including physicals, immunizations (shots), medications, well-child check ups, vision and hearing care, behavioral care, visits to the emergency room and doctor visits. CHP+ also offers comprehensive health care benefits to pregnant women through the CHP+ Prenatal Care Program. The CHP+ program also covers the following benefits for members who have diabetes:
• Insulin and syringes.
• Other supplies, equipment and appliances used for diabetes.
• Routine foot care.
• Medical nutrition counseling and self-management tools.
• Insulin pumps and related supplies.

According to the National Diabetes Education Program kids with diabetes are often overweight; are typically not physically active enough; and have a mom or dad or other close relative who has diabetes. Children who are African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American or Pacific Islander have increased risk of developing diabetes.

There are a few warning signs to look for. Your child may have diabetes if they urinate a lot; lose weight without any reason; are very thirsty; feel tired; or have thick dark skin on the neck or under the arms.

The good news is there are many things you can do to help lower your child's risk of developing diabetes. Here are a few tips from the National Diabetes Education Program.

Help your child be more active.
If your child is overweight, check with their doctor before they start a physical activity program.
• Set small goals to start. Don't get upset if your child can't do a lot or gets out of breath at first. Encourage them to keep trying. Any amount of activity will help. Add a little more each week.
• Make sure your child gets up and plays hard for at least 60 minutes almost every day. They don't have to do it all at once - 20 minutes at a time, three times a day is okay, too. There are lots of ways to move around more. Walk, ride a bike, dance, play ball or shoot hoops. Let your child choose!
• Encourage your child to sign up for sports and physical education classes. If you don't know where to start ask your child's teacher about sports or dance programs that your child could join.
• Cut your child's TV and video game time to less than 1 hour a day. Encourage your child to be more active in their free time.

Help your child eat well and get to a healthy weight.
If your child is overweight, check with their doctor before they start a weight loss program.
• Help your child choose a mix of healthy foods each day.
• Encourage your child to drink water instead of 20-ounce sodas or juice drinks.
• To cut calories, encourage your child to eat a small serving of french fries or share a big one, rather than eating a large one alone.
• Replace the candy bars or bags of chips at home and in your child's lunch with a piece of fresh fruit (apple, orange or banana).

Help keep Colorado kids healthy! For more information in English and Spanish about CHP+ eligibility or to get an application visit CHPplus.org. Families can also call toll-free at 1-800-359-1991.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Tammy Stratton

Denver , CO

Tammy Stratton has posted 756 stories and 0 comments since joining on 4/21/2008. Tammy Stratton 's average story rating is 2.67.
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