Hurrah to The New York Times for again taking a stand — this time in today’s op-ed pages — that we "Declare War on Diabetes."
The Sunday editorial again points out that the newspaper’s recent, four-part series (which I wrote about here) offered "grim insights" into the disease, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, amputations, shortened lives and blindness.
Bear in mind, the Times reminds us, that "obesity and poverty are key contributors, especially among blacks and Hispanics, who are disproportionately stricken."
And, sure enough, these neighborhoods:
- Are teeming with fast food restaurants
- Don’t have enough parks, where people can exercise
- Rarely offer gym classes in schools
- Provide healthy food that is expensive or unavailable
- Offer bad foods laden with sugar, fat and calories
"Diabetes is a disease defined by economic disparity," the piece maintains, and the costs of caring for diabetics is skyrocketing.
"In New York City — where one in eight adults has diabetes, almost 150 percent more than just 10 years agao — that cost is about $200 million annually and growing."
The Times then suggests "a coordinated plan with a long view to take control of diabetes."
Great idea, but I would like to see some specific suggestions in this op-ed piece.
How about these for starters:
- Mobile diabetes education and blood testing stations throughout the city, with nurses, doctors and nutritionists on hand. (To be funded by the fast-food giants, soda companies and convenience stores filling their neighborhoods.)
- Mandatory diabetes nutrition education for all kids in all schools.
- Blood testing for obese kids.
I’ll come up with more ideas later. Must take advantage of the nice weather and walk a few miles to meet a new friend for lunch. She and I met through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where we’re both going to school.