NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2018 - 29

SUMMER/ FALL 2018

THE PLATE METHOD
Using The Plate Method is a great
way to assist the student and the
family to determine proper portion
sizes and promote weight loss.
A 9-INCH DINNER PLATE
SHOULD BE DIVIDED WITH:
n

One half of the plate consisting of nonstarchy vegetables, like green salads
with small amount of light dressing,
broccoli, green beans, carrots, etc.
One quarter being used for a protein
like lean beef, poultry or fish.
One quarter should hold starches such
as potato, pasta, rice, etc.

* The American Diabetes Association website (www.diabetes.org)
has links to many resources for parents and school officials.
* The CDC website (www.cdc.gov) offers a resource, "Managing Diabetes at School Playbook," and a link to resources for
children and teens.

onset. Changes include reaching and maintaining a healthy
weight by making healthy food choices and engaging in regular
physical activity. Using The Plate Method is a great way to assist
the student and the family determine proper portion sizes and
promote weight loss. A 9-inch dinner plate should be divided
with one half of the plate consisting of non-starchy vegetables,
like green salads with small amount of light dressing, broccoli,
green beans, carrots, etc. The other side should be divided into
half, with one quarter being used for a protein like lean beef,
poultry or fish and the remaining quarter should hold starches
such as potato, pasta, rice, etc. The student should be provided
a healthy meal plan in school or bring a lunch from home in the
proper portions.

DIABETES PREVENTION

When we think of diabetes in school-age children, we think of
Type 1 diabetes which requires insulin as a treatment. However, we
are seeing a national trend of children developing Type 2 diabetes.
The key risk factors for Type 2 diabetes in youth include
being overweight or obese and having a family member who has
Type 2 diabetes.

Encouraging less electronic play and TV time and more physical
activity is also becoming a necessary change. We should strive
for at least 150 minutes of activity weekly. This may include
participation in sports, swimming, hiking, biking, family walks
or activities such as simply playing ball in the yard.

In addition, Type 2 diabetes is more common in certain racial
and ethnic groups such as African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos,
American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders, including Native Hawaiians.
Other risk factors include having a mother who had diabetes
during her pregnancy; having high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abnormal lipid levels, polycystic ovary syndrome and
being inactive.

ROSEMARY TAKACS, RN, BS, CERTIFIED DIABETES
EDUCATOR (CDE), is Director of Diabetes Education,
Cardiovascular Risk and Weight Management at The Wright Center
for Primary Care.

For students with higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,
making lifestyle changes can help them prevent or delay its
N E PA

VITAL SIGNS

http://www.diabetes.org http://www.cdc.gov

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2018