Every year, we promise ourselves that this year is the year things are going to be different. This year we’re going to lose that fifteen pounds. This year we’re going to spend more quality time with our family. This year we’re finally going to take that dream vacation to Aruba. Here at American Diabetes Wholesale, we want to encourage each of you to make 2008 the best year of your life. Take a look at these five popular New Year’s resolutions, and see how they can change your life…and improve your health.

1. Get Fit / Lose Weight. Yep, it’s that age-old resolution that keeps rearing its ugly head. But for people with diabetes, losing weight and getting fit is about more than just looking good. Losing weight can prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes in at-risk patients. For people who already have diabetes, losing weight can lower blood sugar and blood pressure, improve the ratio of fats in your blood, and can make movement easier and more comfortable. Along with losing weight, exercise can help you control your blood sugar by burning the glucose in your body. Exercise gets your heart in shape and improves circulation, too—both important, since diabetes raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Make 2008 the year you finally win the Battle of the Bulge!


2. Quit Smoking. No surprise there. Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, two conditions that people with diabetes are already at risk for. Smoking also raises blood glucose and blood pressure, increases cholesterol in the bloodstream, and damages the blood vessels, kidneys, and nerves.ⁱ If you don’t do anything else in 2008, stop smoking. It will add years to your life.


3. Drink Less Alcohol. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a drink every now and then. What would a wedding be without champagne, right? But if you have diabetes and you drink regularly, think about cutting back a bit this year. Alcohol can interfere with diabetic medications and may also raise your blood sugar—or cause it to drop drastically if you’ve consumed too much. This can happen when the liver stops producing glucose in order to filter the alcohol from your bloodstream.ⁱⁱ For people with diabetes, men should drink no more than two drinks per day, while women should stick to just one.


4. Enjoy Life / Reduce Stress. Easier said than done, right? If it was easy to reduce stress, we’d all do it. The truth is, it isn’t always easy to step back from the demands of work, family, and life in general. But to improve your health, you owe it to yourself to at least try. Sometimes it can be as simple as spending ten minutes alone in a quiet room, relaxing with headphones on in the middle of your workday. Start small; you might be surprised at how dedicating just a little quality time to your personal mental health can boost your overall attitude and energy level. Remember, if you don’t have energy yourself, you’ll have none to give to anyone else either, including the family members and friends you care about most. For people with diabetes, controlling stress can help you to avoid dangerous blood sugar swings, too. So next time you catch yourself “stress eating,” put down that junk food and hit the pavement for a quick walk instead—and get some fresh air and exercise in the bargain.


5. Help Others. Nothing makes us realize how good we’ve got it more than helping other people in need. Even though the holidays are over, let’s not forget that “tis the season” can last all year long. Give what you can, whether it be time, money, or talent. Helping others can even be as simple as passing on your knowledge of diabetes prevention and care. Share what you know; it might just lead someone to choose a healthier lifestyle for 2008.

Many people think that American Diabetes Wholesale only carries products related to diabetes, but in truth, our selection of products is much wider than that. This week, we are featuring nebulizers, a medication delivery system that effectively treats conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and respiratory infections, among others. For patients who take aerosol medications via nebulizer, American Diabetes Wholesale offers several excellent models from today’s top manufacturers.

Mabis CompMist Compressor Nebulizer
The Mabis CompMist Compressor Nebulizer is great for people of all ages because it’s so easy to use. Its one-button operation and easy clean-up are outstanding features, while the non-slip pads on the base hold the unit steadily in place during use. The CompMist nebulizer even has two built-in storage compartments for the accessories and power cord; you’ll never have to search for pieces and parts when you need them most.

Mabis NEBxp Portable Handheld Nebulizer Compressor Kit
For people on the go, the Mabis NEBxp Portable Handheld Nebulizer Compressor Kit is just what the doctor ordered. Just zip it up in its canvas tote bag and transport it anywhere in a snap. The NEBxp nebulizer comes with a rechargeable battery pack, along with both an AC adapter and a DC auto adapter. Other features include a clear cover, angled mouthpiece, and a full 7 feet of tubing for ease of use.

Omron CompAir Elite Compact Compressor Nebulizer Kit
The Omron CompAir Elite Compact Compressor Nebulizer Kit is small and lightweight, making it convenient for either travel or home use. This kit includes a portable compressor unit, reusable jet nebulizer, carrying bag, child’s mask, extra air filters, and much more. The CompAir Elite nebulizer comes with an instructional DVD and illustrated instruction manual, too.

Child Nebulizers
If you’ve got a little one who needs a nebulizer, the last thing you want is for him or her to balk at using one. With the Technoneb Chu-Chu-Train Infant Piston Compressor Nebulizer Kit, that problem is solved! Your young child will love this adorable nebulizer kit that looks just like a cartoon train! With its bright colors, friendly face, and low noise level, your child will feel more comfortable with the process of using a nebulizer. And if your child isn’t a fan of trains? Then try the crocodile version instead! The Technoneb Coconeb Piston Compressor Crocodile Nebulizer has the same great features as the Chu-Chu Train with a winning animal design. Both units feature a built-in storage compartment for the power cord and accessories. The Technoneb Animal Zoo Truck Piston Compressor Nebulizer Kit is even better for children that enjoy all kinds of animals. Each unit comes with a mouthpiece and masks for both adults and children.

Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

Serves: 4

Nutrition Information Per Serving:
calories 243, protein 25 g, carbohydrate 18 g, fat 7 g, cholesterol 74 mg, sodium 117 mg.

Food Exchange: 3 lean meat, 1 fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon stick butter or margarine
• 1 small tart apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped pitted prunes
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or unsweetened apple juice
• 2 tablespoons Equal® Spoonful (May substitute 3 packets Equal sweetener.)
• 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup cornbread stuffing crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 whole pork tenderloin (about 1 pound)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

1. Cook and stir onion and 1 clove garlic in butter in medium skillet 5 minutes or until tender. Add apple and prunes; cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add wine, Equal®, and 1/2 teaspoon each rosemary and thyme.
2. Cook, covered, over medium heat about 5 minutes or until wine is evaporated. Stir in stuffing crumbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Cut lengthwise slit about 2-inches deep in pork tenderloin. Mix remaining herbs and 1 clove garlic; rub over outside surface of pork. Spoon fruit stuffing into pork. Place in baking pan.
4. Roast meat, uncovered, in preheated 350°F oven about 45 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 160°F and center of pork is no longer pink. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.