African American Guide to Living Well with Diabetes


Book Description

“Covers the basics of food, exercise and medicine, but highlights two things not often found in diabetes books: soul food and spirit.”—A Sweet Life More than 4 million African Americans have diabetes; thousands more have pre-diabetes or are at risk for the condition. But in 21 years as a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, Constance Brown-Riggs found few books that even vaguely addressed the unique health concerns of this population. This comprehensive guide includes: The latest medical treatments for diabetes—medications, insulin therapies, blood glucose monitors, plus the pros and cons of supplements, herbs, and alternative diets. What you can’t eat—and what you can. Dozens of mouthwatering Caribbean and soul food recipes, with a two-week menu plan. The book received the Favorably Reviewed designation from the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE). The designation of Favorably Reviewed by AADE assures health professionals that the educational content of the book has been carefully evaluated by representatives of a variety of health professions based on set guidelines. “Shares a wealth of information about diabetes that has been specifically tailored for African Americans, in a down to earth fashion, and emphasizes the important interrelationships of spiritual health, mental health, and physical health.”—Norma J. Goodwin, M.D., founder, president and CEO, Health Power for Minorities “Connie Brown-Riggs’s . . . culturally appropriate messages are an extraordinary benefit to African Americans, particularly women, who are often not fully aware of the lifestyle changes they can and should make to prevent diabetes and improve their health and that of their families.”—Wendy C. Brawley, publisher and CEO, IMARA Woman Magazine







Reclaiming Our Health


Book Description

Provides an overview of the primary health concerns facing African Americans, explains who is at greatest risk of illness, and offers advice on achieving a healthier lifestyle and navigating the health-care system.




Living Well with Diabetes 14 Day Devotional


Book Description

The daily-ness of a chronic disease such as diabetes can leave you feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and exhausted. You have to deal with the emotions that come with knowing that your body seems to have betrayed you. You have to cope with the fact that your life has changed permanently. And on some days, you may find that those feelings are more challenging than the physical symptoms. Those are the days when you have to search for inspiration, for discipline, for hope. That is what this book is designed to help you do. Your physical diagnosis may require certain care, but you have to be in the right frame of mind with the right intention of spirit to care for yourself properly, consistently, and wisely. If you are overwhelmed with a new diabetes diagnosis or burned out from years of the daily-ness of the disease, the Living Well with Diabetes 14 Day Devotional is for you. In the introduction the author gives suggestions for living well with diabetes-body, mind and spirit. Each section includes: -An inspirational, encouraging message and bible verse that brings home the connection between what's going on in your body and what's happening in your soul.-Positive affirmations that you can use as armor as you cope with the challenges of living with diabetes.-Space to share your feelings and reflections on the inspirational messages, scripture, affirmations, or whatever you are feeling at the moment.-Prompts for daily gratitude entries.In the appendix, you'll find a diabetes care schedule to help you stay on track with daily care, self-checks, exams, and appointments throughout the year.




Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes


Book Description

Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes is a comprehensive guide that provides nutrition information and carbohydrate-counts for foods that will appeal to African Americans who suffer from diabetes. Author Constance Brown-Riggs, a certified diabetes educator with over twenty-five years of experience, shares her vast knowledge of nutrition and dietetics in order to encourage African Americans to prepare and enjoy traditional ethnic fare from the American South and the Caribbean while maintaining normal glucose levels and healthy food intake. As she encourages all people with diabetes to shed pounds, improve food choices, and exercise, Brown-Riggs provides important resources and valuable tips: A description of the Diabetes Soul Food Pyramid An extensive listing of traditional foods from the South and Caribbean Fast food and brand-name nutrient information and label-reading advice A two-week soul food menu plan and sample food diary A glossary of food terms Tips for upscale dining Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes will not only provide life-saving information for people with diabetes but will also educate their families and serve as an excellent resource for health care providers and diabetes and dietetics professionals.




The Type 2 Diabetic Cookbook & Action Plan


Book Description

Your diet and lifestyle starter plan for managing type 2 diabetes Navigating life with type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, but The Type 2 Diabetic Cookbook & Action Plan is here to make it easier, with practical guidance and simple recipes. Registered dietician and certified diabetes instructor Martha McKittrick has teamed up with cookbook author Michelle Anderson to create a comprehensive cookbook and lifestyle guide to help you manage your diagnosis and live your best life. Diabetes basics—Find a quick refresher course on how type 2 diabetes affects your body and why your diet and habits are so important to staying well. A 3-month plan—Each month includes meal-planning, exercise, and mental and emotional wellness, so you can take a complete, holistic approach to managing diabetes. No guesswork—Detailed meal plans mean you won't have to wonder what to cook or how to cook it. Weeks of predetermined and diabetes-friendly recipes are right at your fingertips. Live better with a diabetic cookbook that puts you on the path to long-term health.




Healthy at Last


Book Description

New York mayor Eric Adams is on a mission to tackle one of the most stubborn health problems in the country: chronic disease in the African American community. African Americans are heavier and sicker than any other group in the U.S., with nearly half of all Black adults suffering from some form of cardiovascular disease. After Adams woke up with severe vision loss one day in 2016, he learned that he was one of the nearly 5 million Black people living with diabetes-and, according to his doctor, he would have it for the rest of his life. A police officer for more than two decades, Adams was a connoisseur of the fast-food dollar menu. Like so many Americans with stressful jobs, the last thing he wanted to think about was eating healthfully. Fast food was easy, cheap, and comfortable. His diet followed him from the squad car to the state senate, and then to Brooklyn Borough Hall, where it finally caught up with him. But Adams was not ready to become a statistic. There was a better option besides medication and shots of insulin: food. Within three months of adopting a plant-based diet, he lost 35 pounds, lowered his cholesterol by 30 points, restored his vision, and reversed his diabetes. Now he is on a mission to revolutionize the health of not just the borough of Brooklyn, but of African Americans across the country. Armed with the hard science and real-life stories of those who have transformed their bodies by changing their diet, Adams shares the key steps for a healthy, active life. With this book, he shows readers how to avoid processed foods, cut down on salt, get more fiber, and substitute beef, chicken, pork, and dairy with delicious plant-based alternatives. In the process he explores the origins of soul food-a cuisine deeply important to the Black community, but also one rooted in the horrors of slavery-and how it can be reimagined with healthy alternatives. Features more than 50 recipes from celebrities and health experts, including Paul McCartney, Queen Afua, Jenné Claiborne, Bryant Jennings, Charity Morgan, Moby, and more! The journey to good health begins in the kitchen-not the hospital bed!




The Everything Guide to Managing Type 2 Diabetes


Book Description

Diabetes is a complex disease, but learning about it shouldn't be. This guide gives you advice on establishing a healthier lifestyle and getting control of your diabetes.




Blessed Health


Book Description

Addressing the particular medical needs and questions of African-American women, this volume provides comprehensive information on reproductive health and reveals the natural link between physical well-being and spirituality.




Health First!


Book Description

The story of Black women in America is one of triumph and grace, even with odds stacked high against them. Health First! The Black Woman’s Wellness Guide provides you with a comprehensive guide to your #1 resource: yourself. Today, as Black women face an unprecedented health crisis, denial and self-neglect are no longer viable options. This groundbreaking volume is rooted in the pioneering work of the Black Women’s Health Imperative, the nation’s only nonprofit organization devoted to advancing the health and wellness of Black women and girls. It offers a core health philosophy—too long denied Black women—based on putting your health first. Health First! explores Black women’s most critical health challenges, connecting the dots through honest discussions with experts and the uncensored stories of real women—from adolescence through elderhood. The focus is on prevention and awareness, across generations and circumstances—from candid conversations about reproductive health and HIV/AIDS to frank explorations of Black women’s Top 10 Health Risks, including cancer, obesity, and violence. No matter what your age or health status, this unprecedented health reference will become a trusted ally as you seek accessible and relevant information to help you navigate your most pressing health needs. In an age of uncertainty, it’s time to take control and truly discover the vitality, power, and joy that can be yours when you learn how to put your health first.