Paralympic Veterans, Career Transition, Diabetes

Video Highlight of the Week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9VWge-Q_08 or see www.paralympic.org for more info on live streaming of the 2012 Paralympics, starting August 29.  In 1948, a British doctor treating fighter pilots who were disabled in combat started a shocking experiment to improve the lives of his patients: training for athletic competition, according to usnews.nbcnews.com.  Next week, the Paralympics will begin in London, where 20 U.S. veterans and other disabled athletes will compete in the largest competition of its kind, with 4,000 athletes representing 140 countries.  If you were amazed at the Olympic performances, the Paralympics will inspire you even more.  Support the Paralympics and our veteran athletes – see this article for more details at: U S Veterans in 2012 Paralympics

Blog of the Week: Check out this blog by veterans for veterans, about career transitions and education: http://switchstarter.wordpress.com/

Health fact of the week: Diabetes affects 25.8 million people (8.3% of the U.S. population), but prevention through nutrition, weight loss, and exercise reduced development of diabetes by 71% in older Americans, according to http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/factsheet11.htm  This month, the RAO Bulletin noted that adult cereal sugar contents (like Raisin Bran) are higher than children’s cereals (like Fruit Loops) – this is due to consumer pressure to make children’s cereals healthier and not contribute to childhood obesity.  Not so with adult cereals, so read your labels; for more details see: http://sjcvets.zymichost.com/index.html Why is this related to veterans?  Men, seniors, non-whites, and all people who are over-weight have higher risks of developing diabetes.  Also, Agent Orange has been linked to a higher incidence of diabetes in the population of Vietnam veterans according to: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/conditions/diabetes.asp