Listen Now!

This show was not aired as scheduled (Dec 4, 2007) due to a lightning strike that took us off the air. The transmitter has been repaired and we will be back next week.

This show was rescheduled for December 11,2007

We are in the holiday season. The presures are mounting and can be very overwhelming for some people. We will talk about strategies for maintaining good mental health through the holidays and what to do if it becomes overwhelming.

Our Guests for this show are:

Dr. Paola Lake

Ph.D., R. Psych.

Dr. Lake works with adolescents, individuals and couples. She has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). She provides interventions such as Hypnosis and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), an approach that is very effective in working with trauma and a variety of disruptive emotions such as depression and anxiety. She also is skilled in providing several therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural, narrative, solution-focused, and psychodynamic, allowing her to tailor interventions to her clients needs.

As a registered psychologist working in private practice, Dr. Lake has a passion for helping individuals create positive change in their lives. With over 11 years experience in the mental health field, Dr. Lake’s varied background includes working with accident victims, psychiatric clients, individuals with adjustment issues and survivors of abuse and trauma. She has helped couples in conflict and individuals with problems such as eating disorders, unfinished business related to the past, grief, low self-esteem, interpersonal problems, fears and anxieties. Dr. Lake has a special interest in helping individuals achieve goals and dissolve barriers that interfere with personal success.

Dr. Lake obtained her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Saskatchewan. She is a member of:

• the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis,

• British Columbia Psychological Association,

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association the American Psychological Association.

• Registrant with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

Dr. Lake also has a strong interest and fondness for Community based volunteer radio and has been involved in the past with community based radio

Dr. Lake can be reached at:

Mailing Address

Bellerose & Lake
Raincoast Executive Centre
201 Selby Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R2

Telephone

250 755-7746

Fax

250 755-7711

Website: http://belleroseandlake.com

During this show we will also be talking with David Reid RPN

David is on our show representing:

(VIHA)VANCOUVER ISLAND HEALTH AUTHORITY - CRISIS SERVICES
MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS - CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS (CRT)

Nanaimo's Mental Health & Addiction Outreach Team is known as the Crisis Response Team or CRT. The Nanaimo Crisis Line has been in partnership with the Crisis Response Team as of October, 2000. The Nanaimo Crisis Line is the public access point for people in the community to reach CRT because the professionally trained crisis workers are qualified and available in the community for people at risk of suicide 24/7. Call 754-4447

The Crisis Response Team provides assessment, stabilization and referral for those experiencing a crisis. The aim of this team is to assist people who can stay home to do so and to provide support for those who must be hospitalized to get to the hospital. CRT is mobile 7:00 am to 10:30 pm 7 days a week

There walk in Crisis Counselling Clinic is open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Friday.

203 - 2000 Island Highway North

Brooks Landing mall

Nanaimo, BC V9S 5W3

They also have units in:

Duncan which operates 8:30am to 10pm. Call the Cowichan Crisis line at 748-1133 Monday to Friday and weekends 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Parksville Parksville Mental Health & Addictions has an Outreach Team that operates from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Frida. Any member of the public needing to access the Crisis Response Team can call the District 69 Crisis Line at 248-311. After hours, the Nanaimo Crisis Response Team will respond to pages via the crisis line at 248-3111.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1118

Nanaimo BC V9R 6E7

Website: http://www.cvics.ca

This show was not aired as scheduled due to a lightning strike that took us off the air. The transmitter has been repaired and we will be back next week.

This show has been rescheduled for December 11,2007 

We are in the holiday season. The presures are mounting and can be very overwhelming for some people. We will talk about strategies for maintaining good mental health through the holidays and what to do if it becomes overwhelming.

Our Guests for this show are:

Dr. Paola Lake

Ph.D., R. Psych.

Dr. Lake works with adolescents, individuals and couples.  She has extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).   She provides interventions such as Hypnosis and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), an approach that is very effective in working with trauma and a variety of disruptive emotions such as depression and anxiety.  She also is skilled in providing several therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural, narrative, solution-focused, and psychodynamic, allowing her to tailor interventions to her clients needs.

As a registered psychologist working in private practice, Dr. Lake has a passion for helping individuals create positive change in their lives. With over 11 years experience in the mental health field, Dr. Lake’s varied background includes working with accident victims, psychiatric clients, individuals with adjustment issues and survivors of abuse and trauma.  She has helped couples in conflict and individuals with problems such as eating disorders, unfinished business related to the past, grief, low self-esteem, interpersonal problems, fears and anxieties.  Dr. Lake has a special interest in helping individuals achieve goals and dissolve barriers that interfere with personal success.

Dr. Lake obtained her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Saskatchewan.  She is a member of:

• the Canadian Society of Clinical Hypnosis,

• British Columbia Psychological Association,

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association  the American Psychological Association. 

• Registrant with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia.

Dr. Lake also has a strong interest and fondness for Community based volunteer radio and has been involved in the past with community based radio

Dr. Lake can be reached at:

Mailing Address

Bellerose & Lake
Raincoast Executive Centre
201 Selby Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R2

Telephone

250 755-7746

Fax

250 755-7711

Website: http://belleroseandlake.com

During this show we will also be talking with David Reid RPN

David is on our show representing:

(VIHA)VANCOUVER ISLAND HEALTH AUTHORITY - CRISIS SERVICES
MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS - CRISIS RESPONSE TEAMS (CRT)

Nanaimo's Mental Health & Addiction Outreach Team is known as the Crisis Response Team or CRT. The Nanaimo Crisis Line has been in partnership with the Crisis Response Team as of October, 2000. The Nanaimo Crisis Line is the public access point for people in the community to reach CRT because the professionally trained crisis workers are qualified and available in the community for people at risk of suicide 24/7. Call 754-4447

The Crisis Response Team provides assessment, stabilization and referral for those experiencing a crisis. The aim of this team is to assist people who can stay home to do so and to provide support for those who must be hospitalized to get to the hospital.  CRT is mobile 7:00 am to 10:30 pm 7 days a week

There walk in Crisis Counselling Clinic is open 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Friday.

203 - 2000 Island Highway North

Brooks Landing mall

Nanaimo, BC V9S 5W3

They also have units in:

Duncan  which operates 8:30am to 10pm. Call the Cowichan Crisis line at 748-1133 Monday to Friday and weekends 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.

Parksville Parksville Mental Health & Addictions has an Outreach Team that operates  from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Frida. Any member of the public  needing to access the Crisis Response Team can call the District 69 Crisis Line at 248-311. After hours, the Nanaimo Crisis Response Team will respond to pages via the crisis line at 248-3111.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mailing Address:

PO Box 1118

Nanaimo BC V9R 6E7

Website: http://www.cvics.ca  

Listen Now!

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

This is still Diabetes Awareness month but for this show we will be interviewing Robert Betolas who just completed a ride across Canada to raise awareness of MS and to raise money for MS research. We will also discuss putting self into responsible Self Management of Chronic Disease and Medical self advocate.

Our Guests for this show: 

Robert Bertolas 

After living with serious setbacks due to the aggression of his MS, being hospitalized and unable to walk or take care of himself, Robert took a long hard look at the possibility of a future where he may be permanently disabled. He then started focusing on a more positive future putting his mind and body to the test to regain his self-esteem and he started eating properly and exercising.  After discovering a hidden passion for running, Robert started slowly conditioning his body to the point where he could run long distances with ease. In the process Robert lost close to 100 pounds, and sent his MS symptoms into remission. With a new found positive outlook on life, and regained self confidence, Robert became a person others looked to for inspiration, not only for people suffering from MS but for those who struggle to deal with everyday challenges.

In 2004 Robert met Suzanne Couchman and they formed the company Crossing Bridges Inc. The company was formed after Suzanne wrote Robert's biography about his life living with MS and as a way to raise funds for MS research. This also helped to raise awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Canadians.

Since March 3rd of 2007 Robert has been running and cycling across Canada to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for MS along with Suzanne and a dedicated team of people. He has reached out to thousands of Canadians, in person, on the TV, radio and in the newspapers, encouraging them to live life to the fullest and to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart into it.

Robert has crossed, 9653 km in Canada and completed his ride in St. John's Newfoundland Sunday November 18, 2007.

Robert Bertolas, began his journey with an interview on CHLY with Lynn Thompson on her show Living on Purpose, Pam Edgar was a guest on that show as well.

For more about Robert's incredible life and his battle with MS read the books:

1-866-678-6871 to donate for MS research.

All proceeds will be going to the Myelin Project of Canada.  

For Information contact:

Suzanne Couchman - CAO Crossing Bridges Inc.  1-866-678-6871

The interview with Robert will be followed by more tips on self managing Chronic diseases and the Chronic Disease Self management Program That Pam helps other people with. For this segment we will be interviewing Mark Davies.

Theo Massop

  Theo was present when Robert began his ride and played his songs at the kick off events. Theo's songs are inspirational and he will perform live during the show.

Theo's wanting to contribute to the MS Society began with his eldest brother being diagnosed with MS in his fifties. Theo said,'He was not only my eldest brother, but my mentor in the music business. A musical journalist, in the last of his years he also focused on writing articles concerning the access struggles of those with physical challenges. Public awareness, and wheel chair access to public buildings,"

On March 4th, 2007 when Robert Bertolas made his stop in Nanaimo during his fund raising run across Canada, Theo performed at the ceremony in Maffeo-Sutton Park. Maffeo Sutton Park is in Nanaimo, BC.

Two of Theo's songs that have relevant themes to correspond with this show from Theo's my "Choices" CD are, "The Light Within" which is about finding inspiration from others and focusing on your own internal strengths, and the song "Happy Man" which is about how positive thoughts and actions return positive results.

Theo has a new song that has not been recorded that will be performed live on the show. The song is "Memories" that revolves around the theme of how the simple things in life create the best and longest lasting memories. There is a reference to his brother Gerry that came from a real life situation that occured within the last six months of his time here.

The song will be performed in memory of his brother.

Theo Massop is a singer / songwriter who has been performing in clubs, pubs, dance halls and festivals around Vancouver Island and the lower mainland for over thirty years. Being the youngest of seven siblings, all of whom were musical performers, he was truly immersed in an environment of love for music and the stage. Under the wings of his older brothers, Theo began performing at the early age of fourteen. His musical journey has taken him from church choirs to dance halls and bars, to festivals and concert venues. Theo released his first recording with the JT Combination band in 1972 and has pursued his passion for recording ever since. 1982 while working as a recording engineer and session player at Ensign Studio, Theo released his first solo effort which garnered a marked interest from the campus / college radio as well as attention from the adult contemporary genre. He has released five singles and two albums. The album Voyager achieved three charting singles in Canada, critical acclaim and international radio play. In August of 2006 Theo released his second album, "Choices".

Mark Davies

Mark coordinates the Chronic Disease Self- Management Program for the Fraser and Vancouver Island Health Regions. From December 2001 to March 2004, he coordinated the Diabetes Self-Management Program throughout the Province. His extensive business background in both administration and people skills has proven to be very useful in the co-ordination of these self-management programs for people, like himself, with chronic health conditions. Mark has a history of volunteerism both in the non-profit, business and sporting fields and is very interested in ensuring pertinent and timely delivery of community- based programs.

More communities on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia will benefit from an expanded series of free University of Victoria courses that empower people with chronic diseases to take charge of their personal health.

"We're setting up new courses in the Nanaimo and Parksville areas and wherever we can to meet the demand for this hugely-successful program. Eventually we'd like to offer them in every community," says Mark Davies, coordinator of the Chronic Diseases Self-Management Program. "Participation makes a real difference in the quality of people's lives."

Established by the UVic Centre on Aging in April 2000, the program uses trained volunteers to assist people, their families and caregivers to access an array of tools to deal with the challenges of living with various chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, arthritis, fibromyalgia, mild depression and asthma.

The six-week courses are delivered by certified local volunteers, many living with chronic conditions themselves. Sessions offer practical skills for coping with the emotional and physical challenges of day-to-day living with chronic conditions, boosting participants' self confidence and enabling them to gain control over their diseases.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone:604-940-3580 or1-866-902-3767

 Mark V. Davies, CoordinatorChronic Disease Self-Management ProgramUniversity of Victoria, Centre on AgingTel (604) 940-3580 Fax (604) 940-2099Toll Free line: 1-866-902-3767Website: www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

This is still Diabetes Awareness month but for this show we will be interviewing Robert Betolas who just completed a ride across Canada to raise awareness of MS and to raise money for MS research. We will also discuss putting self into responsible Self Management of Chronic Disease and Medical self advocate.

Our Guests for this show: 

Robert Bertolas 

Robert has come a long way since he was diagnosed 20 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis. At nineteen years of age, being close to 300 pounds, this was a devastating blow to a young man on the verge of a baseball scholarship and a university degree.

After living with serious setbacks due to the aggression of his MS, being hospitalized and unable to walk or take care of himself, Robert took a long hard look at the possibility of a future where he may be permanently disabled. He then started focusing on a more positive future putting his mind and body to the test to regain his self-esteem and he started eating properly and exercising.  After discovering a hidden passion for running, Robert started slowly conditioning his body to the point where he could run long distances with ease. In the process Robert lost close to 100 pounds, and sent his MS symptoms into remission. With a new found positive outlook on life, and regained self confidence, Robert became a person others looked to for inspiration, not only for people suffering from MS but for those who struggle to deal with everyday challenges.

In 2004 Robert met Suzanne Couchman and they formed the company Crossing Bridges Inc. The company was formed after Suzanne wrote Robert's biography about his life living with MS and as a way to raise funds for MS research. This also helped to raise awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Canadians.

Since March 3rd of 2007 Robert has been running and cycling across Canada to raise awareness and funds to find a cure for MS along with Suzanne and a dedicated team of people. He has reached out to thousands of Canadians, in person, on the TV, radio and in the newspapers, encouraging them to live life to the fullest and to believe that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart into it.

Robert has crossed, 9653 km in Canada and completed his ride in St. John's Newfoundland Sunday November 18, 2007.

Robert Bertolas, began his journey with an interview on CHLY with Lynn Thompson on her show Living on Purpose, Pam Edgar was a guest on that show as well.

For more about Robert's incredible life and his battle with MS read the books:

1-866-678-6871 to donate for MS research.

All proceeds will be going to the Myelin Project of Canada.  

For Information contact:

Suzanne Couchman - CAO Crossing Bridges Inc.  1-866-678-6871

The interview with Robert will be followed by more tips on self managing Chronic diseases and the Chronic Disease Self management Program That Pam helps other people with. For this segment we will be interviewing Mark Davies.

Theo Massop

Theo was present when Robert began his ride and played his songs at the kick off events. Theo's songs are inspirational and he will perform live during the show.

Theo's wanting to contribute to the MS Society began with his eldest brother being diagnosed with MS in his fifties. Theo said,'He was not only my eldest brother, but my mentor in the music business. A musical journalist, in the last of his years he also focused on writing articles concerning the access struggles of those with physical challenges. Public awareness, and wheel chair access to public buildings,"

On March 4th, 2007 when Robert Bertolas made his stop in Nanaimo during his fund raising run across Canada, Theo performed at the ceremony in Maffeo-Sutton Park. Maffeo Sutton Park is in Nanaimo, BC.

Two of Theo's songs that have relevant themes to correspond with this show from Theo's my "Choices" CD are, "The Light Within" which is about finding inspiration from others and focusing on your own internal strengths, and the song "Happy Man" which is about how positive thoughts and actions return positive results.

Theo has a new song that has not been recorded that will be performed live on the show. The song is "Memories" that revolves around the theme of how the simple things in life create the best and longest lasting memories. There is a reference to his brother Gerry that came from a real life situation that occured within the last six months of his time here.

The song will be performed in memory of his brother.

The lyric goes;

"I was talking to my brother in the bed where he lay

He said I'm coming near the end of my days

But you could still see the light spark in his eyes

When talked about the things he's done in his life

Now I'm going to miss him, that's plain as can be

Be he'll always be in my heart with me"

The chorus line is;

Some things never lose their shine

Like a sweet memory that puts a smile on your face every time

Some things never lose their shine

Like the time that we've shared and the love between you and I

Theo Massop is a singer / songwriter who has been performing in clubs, pubs, dance halls and festivals around Vancouver Island and the lower mainland for over thirty years. Being the youngest of seven siblings, all of whom were musical performers, he was truly immersed in an environment of love for music and the stage. Under the wings of his older brothers, Theo began performing at the early age of fourteen. His musical journey has taken him from church choirs to dance halls and bars, to festivals and concert venues. Theo released his first recording with the JT Combination band in 1972 and has pursued his passion for recording ever since. 1982 while working as a recording engineer and session player at Ensign Studio, Theo released his first solo effort which garnered a marked interest from the campus / college radio as well as attention from the adult contemporary genre. He has released five singles and two albums. The album Voyager achieved three charting singles in Canada, critical acclaim and international radio play. In August of 2006 Theo released his second album, "Choices".

Mark Davies

Mark coordinates the Chronic Disease Self- Management Program for the Fraser and Vancouver Island Health Regions. From December 2001 to March 2004, he coordinated the Diabetes Self-Management Program throughout the Province. His extensive business background in both administration and people skills has proven to be very useful in the co-ordination of these self-management programs for people, like himself, with chronic health conditions. Mark has a history of volunteerism both in the non-profit, business and sporting fields and is very interested in ensuring pertinent and timely delivery of community- based programs.

More communities on Vancouver Island and throughout British Columbia will benefit from an expanded series of free University of Victoria courses that empower people with chronic diseases to take charge of their personal health.

"We're setting up new courses in the Nanaimo and Parksville areas and wherever we can to meet the demand for this hugely-successful program. Eventually we'd like to offer them in every community," says Mark Davies, coordinator of the Chronic Diseases Self-Management Program. "Participation makes a real difference in the quality of people's lives."

Established by the UVic Centre on Aging in April 2000, the program uses trained volunteers to assist people, their families and caregivers to access an array of tools to deal with the challenges of living with various chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, arthritis, fibromyalgia, mild depression and asthma.

The six-week courses are delivered by certified local volunteers, many living with chronic conditions themselves. Sessions offer practical skills for coping with the emotional and physical challenges of day-to-day living with chronic conditions, boosting participants' self confidence and enabling them to gain control over their diseases.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone:604-940-3580 or1-866-902-3767

 Mark V. Davies, CoordinatorChronic Disease Self-Management ProgramUniversity of Victoria, Centre on AgingTel (604) 940-3580 Fax (604) 940-2099Toll Free line: 1-866-902-3767Website: www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp

Listen Now!

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

To wrap up our shows on Diabetes this month we will be talking to Jean Blake from The Canadian Diabetes Association. Then Pam and Toma are going to open the phones to callers as they recap the month  and discuss putting self into responsible Self Managment of Chronic Disease and Medical self advocate.

Jean Blake, M. Ed.

Jean Blake is the Executive Director, Canadian Diabetes Association, Pacific Area. Her role includes advocacy, programs and services and fund development for research and other association activities. She is also the current Chair of the BC Healthy Living Alliance, a provincial coalition of organizations working together to improve the health of British Columbians by promoting physical activity, healthy eating and living smoke-free.

She has held various roles in health care, including the North Shore Health Region and Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver as the Director of Education and Organization Development.

Jean also worked as a training performance consultant with AchieveGlobal. She was a Master Trainer in Organizational Effectiveness with AchieveGlobal and is a certified Change and Transition Management consultant. She has designed and delivered a variety of performance management workshops.

Some disturbing facts About diabetes.

Some disturbing facts:

• Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have heart disease or suffer a stroke than people without diabetes.

• It has been estimated that at the time of diagnosis, 50% of people with type 2 diabetes already have some vascular disease, because diabetes often goes undetected for many years.

• People with Pre-Diabetes are 50% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than are people with normal blood glucose levels.

• Yet surveys show that over 65% of people with diabetes do not consider cardiovascular disease (CVD) to be a serious complication of diabetes, and only 18% of people with diabetes believe that they are at increased risk for CVD.

Why is there a relationship between heart disease and diabetes?

• High blood glucose levels over time can damage blood vessels, resulting in blood vessel walls that are thicker and less elastic; this makes it more difficult for the blood to pass through.

• Many people with diabetes also have abnormal blood fats (also called lipids, which include cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL) caused both by poorly controlled diabetes as well as poor diet. Elevated lipids can further clog blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack, stroke, or poor circulation in your legs.

Canadians seem largely unaware of the disturbing facts surrounding diabetes and unconcerned about their own risk for the disease. According to a recent national survey sponsored by the pharmaceutical company Aventis Pharma, only 39 per cent of the 1,500 people questioned said they were "very" or "somewhat" concerned about developing diabetes (compared with 60 per cent who expressed concern about cancer and 57 per cent who worried about heart disease).

Diabetes is costing British columbia $700,000,000.00 per year just for treatment. The total cost are much higher. In 1950 there was less than 1% of the population diagnosed with diabetes. That number rose to 3% in the mid 80s and is pegged at 7% in 2007. Diabetes is expexted to increase to 14% of the population. Many experts from around the world say at least 80% of the cases of diabetes can be prevented with proper diet.

One leading diabetes expert at the University of Toronto likens the rising rate of diabetes to the "perfect storm," a reference to the raging fronts that converged in the North Atlantic in 1991 to create the greatest storm in recorded history. (The tempest was depicted in the recent movie The Perfect Storm.)

"When it comes to the perfect storm of diabetes, all the conditions are right," says Dr. Bernard Zinman, a professor of medicine who heads the division of endocrinology and metabolism at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. One contributing factor is that the massive baby boom generation is moving into its 50s, when the risk of diabetes normally increases. Another contributor to the storm is the current climate of what he calls "overnutrition" – the consumption of unhealthy fast foods and super-sized portions, which is driving up the rate of obesity, "a known risk factor for Type 2 diabetes," he says.

Can diabetes be prevented?

Researchers with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases studied 3,234 men and women aged 25 to 85 who suffered from impaired glucose tolerance – a condition that often precedes diabetes. The trial included people who were obese and had a family history of diabetes. Some also belonged to an ethnic group known to be at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.

The subjects were randomly divided into three groups: one group was given a diabetes medication called metformin, which decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver; the second received an inactive placebo drug. (These two groups also received general health advice about exercise, weight loss and diet.) Those in the third group did not take any diabetes medication but attended a 24-week education program to help them follow a low-fat diet combined with moderate exercise, with the aim of reducing body weight by seven per cent.

After three years, here's what the study found: on average, 11 per cent per year of high-risk people who took the placebo had developed Type 2 diabetes, compared with 7.8 per cent per year of those who took metformin and 4.8 per cent per year of those who had changed their eating and exercise habits. Put simply, even modest changes in diet and exercise reduced the risk for Type 2 diabetes by more than half.

"[The findings] demonstrate that lifestyle changes can benefit a broad range of high-risk patients," says Dr. Lawrence Leiter, a professor of medicine and nutritional sciences who heads the division of endocrinology at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. "It's also the first study to show that taking a drug – in this case, metformin – also reduces diabetes risk."

The Glycemic Index, developed at U of T, offers a dietary plan for controlling diabetes
Diabetes is a complex condition that researchers are still trying to unravel. In basic terms, the disease impairs the way food is processed into the glucose that fuels our bodies. People with Type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes continue to produce their own insulin, the all-important hormone (secreted by the pancreas) that regulates glucose. But for some mysterious reason, in Type 2 diabetes this delicate hormonal balancing act falters, and blood glucose rises to unhealthy levels. (In Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, the body stops producing insulin altogether.)

According to Dr. Thomas Wolever, a diabetes researcher and professor in the department of nutritional sciences, the goal of diabetes management is to bring blood-glucose levels into the healthiest possible range via proper nutrition, physical activity, regular glucose monitoring, the use of oral medications and/or insulin as required and stress reduction.

One aspect of proper nutrition involves making the best possible food choices, says Dr. Wolever. Twenty years ago, he and colleague David Jenkins, a professor of nutritional sciences and director of the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre at St. Michael's Hospital, developed the Glycemic Index (GI) system, which ranks a wide variety of foods according to how they affect blood-glucose levels in the body. Foods low on the index (such as barley, pasta, parboiled rice, oatmeal and whole-grain pumpernickel bread) produce a gradual rise in blood sugar, which is easier on the body; foods high on the index (such as mashed potatoes, white bread, many cold breakfast cereals and crackers) cause blood-glucose and insulin levels to spike, which may be harmful. (For more information, read The Glucose Revolution: The Authoritative Guide to the Glycemic Index, or check out www.glycemicindex.com).

Several studies have found that people newly diagnosed with diabetes who learn to follow the GI system tend to make healthier food choices and have better blood-glucose and lipid (blood fat) levels than those who follow traditional dietary advice. Some research suggests that choosing foods low on the index may reduce a person's risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the first place.

Although the Glycemic Index system is currently recommended by the World Health Organization and other expert bodies, its use is somewhat controversial. Some doctors feel the system is too complicated for patients; others argue that the real problem for those with Type 2 diabetes isn't the glycemic nature of what they eat, but rather that they are consuming too many calories.

 November is Diabetes Awareness Month

To wrap up our shows on Diabetes this month we will be talking to Jean Blake from The Canadian Diabetes Association. Then Pam and Toma are going to open the phones to callers as they recap the month  and discuss putting self into responsible Self Managment of Chronic Disease and Medical self advocate.

Jean Blake, M. Ed.

Jean Blake is the Executive Director, Canadian Diabetes Association, Pacific Area. Her role includes advocacy, programs and services and fund development for research and other association activities. She is also the current Chair of the BC Healthy Living Alliance, a provincial coalition of organizations working together to improve the health of British Columbians by promoting physical activity, healthy eating and living smoke-free.

She has held various roles in health care, including the North Shore Health Region and Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver as the Director of Education and Organization Development.

Jean also worked as a training performance consultant with AchieveGlobal. She was a Master Trainer in Organizational Effectiveness with AchieveGlobal and is a certified Change and Transition Management consultant. She has designed and delivered a variety of performance management workshops.

 To Contact The Canadian Diabetes Association visit their website http://www.diabetes.ca/ Or

General Inquiries
Phone: 1800 BANTING (226-8464)

Or your local CDA office

Additional Specific Diabetic Diet information is available from Toma's Website http://diabetic-diet-secrets.com Or from Toma's Book, Toma's Diabetic Diet, A Layman's Guide To Controlling Blood Glucose with Diet.

Pam and Toma Invite you to call in and discuss topics related to this months theme of Diabetes and Medical Self Advocacy.

Our on-air phone number is 250 740 1017 Call and be part of our show. 

Pam talked about the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Their contact information is:

Registering for Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions

This course is offered over six-weeks and is FREE. Please register early as courses may be cancelled if a minimum number of persons do not pre-register. Plan to commit to all six sessions as this is not a drop-in course.

To REGISTER or for ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on all the courses listed below, please contact: Mark Davies, Program Coordinator

Phone: Toll-free at 1-866-902-3767
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it