Ruth Ann Cooper, D.P.M

November is National Diabetes Month and an excellent reminder that the entire family should be involved with making sure our diabetic loved ones stay healthy.

Here are ways you can participate in healthy choices and actions with the whole family;

·Plan meals carefully. Everyone can benefit from healthful-eating guidelines that your diabetic family member needs to follow.

·Make fitness a part of your day. Taking a walk together is a great way to help the entire family stay in shape and to help your diabetic family member control blood sugar. Southwestern Ohio is a beautiful place to walk with our deciduous forests.

·Feet can get cold here in Cincinnati on chilly autumn nights so anyone with diabetes should wear socks to bed if his or feet are chilly. A person with diabetes should NEVER use a heating pad or hot water bottle.

·Help your family member check his or her feet. It’s not always easy to look at the bottom of someone’s feet but it is very important. Regular feet checking can help you catch cuts, blisters, scratches, redness or swelling right at the beginning, before these issues become a big problem. If you are diabetic, inspect your feet daily (and get family members to help you with your inspection). Call my office at the first sign of trouble