Website Helps Diabetes Patients Through Holidays - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Website Helps Diabetes Patients Through Holidays

Posted: Updated:

The inevitable sugar rush of the holidays poses a challenge for people living with diabetes, but it's not so different from the pressure felt by everyone this time of year.

"Everyone is faced with millions of cookies and mountains of desserts and things of that nature, so I think it's really challenges that anybody else faces," said Registered Dietician Leslie Lawton. She's also a Certified Diabetes Educator, affiliated with UPMC Hamot.

The National Diabetes Education Program is an ally for people with diabetes, and they're promoting their "Just One Step" initiative, to help patients set goals and track progress online.

It's a proven weight management technique.

"Everyone's usually got access to their computer, and that might be a more easy resource to access," Lawton said. "I think it could help with the accountability as well."

It's here just in time to jump start those New Years resolutions, and the key is to set small, sustainable goals.

"They're not gonna try to make three million changes all at one time if they plan on being successful," said Lawton, "so whether it's trying to change your health or any other change you make in your life, it's gonna be a gradual step process, and it's going to be one thing at a time."

You can set both food and activity- related goals on the site, to keep you on track through the holiday season.

To keep a balanced diet, you don't have to stick to fruits and vegetables. You can still enjoy your favorite holiday goodies, and, in fact, restricting yourself could actually be worse.

"There are no illegal foods," said Lawton, 'it's more a matter of how it fits into the overall picture, and I'm a big advocate of encouraging people to avoid being overly restrictive, because if you push that pendulum one direction, it inevitably might come back the other way."

Of course you want to make sure you keep close tabs on blood sugar levels, when indulging in the holiday spirit.

And Lawton has one more piece of advice, regardless of if you have diabetes:

"Nourish yourself with the company of loved ones. Keep in mind there are other ways to nourish yourself than just food at the holidays."

To see how Just One Step can help you kick start your New Years resolution, and keep you on track through the holidays, click here.

Submit your event now
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Saturday, May 18 2013 6:36 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:36:59 GMT
    We first reported Friday night that two separate motorcycle accidents sent three people to the hospital. Now we've learned that one of those accidents claimed the life a woman. Millcreek Police say
    We first reported Friday night that two separate motorcycle accidents sent three people to the hospital. Now we've learned that one of those accidents claimed the life a woman.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:23 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:23:51 GMT
    An all terrain vehicle accident in East Mead Township late Friday claimed a life. State police say 43-year-old Timothy Waddingham Jr. of Guys Mills lost control of his A-T-V on a curve on Hinkson road
    An all terrain vehicle accident in East Mead Township late Friday claimed a life. State police say 43-year-old Timothy Waddingham Jr. of Guys Mills lost control of his A-T-V on a curve on Hinkson road
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:09:49 GMT
    Neighbors in Waterville are shocked and afraid after a deadly home invasion early Saturday morning.34-year-old James Safadi was shot in his Waterville Township home and three suspects are still on the
    Neighbors in Waterville are shocked and afraid after a deadly home invasion early Saturday morning.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:50:34 GMT
    Three suspects are still on the loose after an-early morning home invasion and murder in Waterville Township and investigators say the death of 34-year-old James Safadi was not a random act of violence.
    Investigators say the home invasion death of 34-year-old James Safadi in Waterville was not a random act of violence. They believe the local business owner was targeted.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:50:22 GMT
    Two accidents happening within five minutes of each other, have landed at least three people in the hospital.The first accident happened Friday night at 9:25 p.m. near the intersection of Route 8 and Gore
    Two accidents happening within five minutes of each other, have landed at least three people in the hospital.The first accident happened Friday night at 9:25 p.m. near the intersection of Route 8 and Gore
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:18 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:18:23 GMT
    Local candidates are making their final push for votes before Tuesday's primary. County Executive Barry Grossman, who wants the democratic nomination to seek another term, spent Saturday on a trolley
    Local candidates are making their final push for votes before Tuesday's primary. County Executive Barry Grossman, who wants the democratic nomination to seek another term, spent Saturday on a trolley
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:46:03 GMT
    Saturday was "Armed Forces Day", and people and cars came out in support of our veterans. Sons of the American Legion Post 571 hosted a car show at the VA Medical Center. It was open to all models
    Saturday was "Armed Forces Day", and people and cars came out in support of our veterans.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 6:32 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:32:55 GMT
    Springtime is a time for new beginnings, and on Saturday adult students at Mercyhurst University opened a new chapter, as they received their degrees. Some people wait four years for this moment, but
    Springtime is a time for new beginnings, and on Saturday adult students at Mercyhurst University opened a new chapter, as they received their degrees.
Powered by WorldNow
3514 State St. Erie, PA 16508
Newsroom: (814)454-8812
Toll Free: 1(800)454-8812
Business offices: (814)454-5201
WICU FCC Filing
WSEE FCC Filing
Share:
Share Stories
Submit your stories to our site!
Share Photos
Share your photos in our community galleries
Mobile:
Mobile Site
Be sure to stay constantly updated with the power of WICU12 and WSEE at your fingertips
Free Android App
Free iPhone App
Free iPad App
Storm Tracker App
Droid
iPhone
iPad
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
                   WICU/WSEE - 3514 State Street Erie, PA 16508 - (814) 454-5201 - info@wicu12.com