Fat in the abdominal area is a far greater predictor of health risk than fat that accumulates on other parts of the body, such as the hip and thigh area in women. People with mid section fat are more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease and related conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Abdominal fat also increases the risk for certain cancers including those of the breast and colon.

What do the numbers mean?

To accurately measure your waistline, place a tape measure around your bare midriff, just above your hipbone. Make sure it sits firmly in place, but don’t pull it so tight that an indentation forms. Don’t suck your stomach in. Men with a waist measurement greater than 102 centimeters (40 inches) and women with a waist measurement in excess of 88 centimeters (35 inches) are considered obese and at greater risk of developing the diseases mentioned to the left.

How our pharmacists can help:

London Drugs pharmacists can help you select a dietary supplement that may help you stick with your program to lose those extra pounds. We also carry a comprehensive array of fitness aids to help you get in better shape (see page 5, How active are you?) Watch out for our new metabolic assessment clinics, to be held in Spring 2009, to help you make the right food choices to keep your waistline lean.

6. Could you have diabetes?

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Diabetes is a chronic, incurable disease. If ignored or not treated appropriately, it can damage the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes. (Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults aged 20 to 74.)

Diabetes develops when the body produces little or no insulin—a hormone manufactured by the pancreas that helps the cells absorb sugars for their vital energy needs. This leads to an excess of sugar in the blood, and not enough in the cells. There are two primary types of diabetes: type 1— juvenile diabetes, which requires the use of injected insulin, and type 2—adult onset diabetes, which may require injected insulin, or may be managed with medications, diet and exercise.

What are the symptoms?

Many people develop diabetes without any obvious symptoms. If you are age 40 or over, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested at least every three years. Signs and symptoms of diabetes include the following:

• Unusual thirst • Frequent urination • Weight change (gain or loss)

• Extreme fatigue or lack of energy • Blurred vision

• Frequent or recurring infections • Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal

• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet • Trouble getting and maintaining an erection.

How our pharmacists can help:

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your London Drugs pharmacist can provide ongoing help and support. The pharmacy makes available a helpful Diabetes Starter Kit, and you can make an appointment with a Certified Diabetes Educator to learn more about your condition and how to best manage it. London Drugs also hosts Living with Diabetes clinics (dates will be posted on our website, www.londondrugs.com as soon as scheduled).