For Immediate Release
HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center offers tips for healthy holiday eating while living with diabetes
(EFFINGHAM, IL) – Choosing the right foods to eat during the holidays is important for everyone, but especially for people living with diabetes. HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center, a member of the Healogics network, offers helpful tips for making healthy choices.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 30.3 million people, or 9.4 percent of the population, have diabetes, and nearly 25 percent are undiagnosed. Those affected by diabetes can take a proactive approach to the holidays when dealing with food. There are several ways to stay healthy during the holidays including:
- Planning ahead – By planning ahead, people with diabetes will have the freedom to enjoy holiday meals stress free by knowing what will be eaten, how much will be eaten and what time the meal will
- Considering types of food – Include healthier versions of favorite dishes by utilizing fat-free or low fat options. Also consider how food is prepared and bake things instead of frying Make a conscious effort to balance your plate with plenty of fruits and veggies.
- Watching amount of food consumed – If substituting a favorite dish is not an option, decrease the amount of food consumed by keeping a mental checklist of how much you’re consuming. Keep healthy snacks available while cooking, and be selective of which foods will be eaten at Choose carefully between foods you definitely will eat, those you will sample and those you will skip.
“For some people, holidays are all about the treats,” says Dr. D. Scott Covington, MD, FACS, CHWS, executive vice president, provider education and engagement for Healogics. “For these people, consider bringing a healthy, homemade dessert.”
Mary Huffman, BSN, MSM, program director for HSHS St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center shared, “Overall, the holidays should be a fun time to enjoy friends and family. We just encourage planning and compromising to help people stay healthy and manage their diabetes.”
For more information about diabetes and how to stay healthy during the holidays, contact HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital’s Wound Healing Center at 217-347-3565. You can also find out more about St. Anthony’s Wound Healing Center by visiting the hospital’s web site at stanthonyshospital.org.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which also includes HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.