Kovler Nutrition Tips in Action: Carrot Muffins

In addition to the outstanding classes that are offered by Kovler’s certified diabetes educators, our American Diabetes Association recognized team frequently lends their expertise to our social media community by sharing nutrition tips on Facebook, Twitter, and the KovlerDaily blog!  I was recently inspired by an intriguing piece of advice:

Upon reading the tweet, I decided to test out the suggestion in my own kitchen. With guidance from educator Julia Socke, I made several modifications to a recipe for a favorite treat of mine – carrot muffins – and was able to determine the extent to which those modifications improved the treat’s nutritional value!

The Ingredient List:

1 cup raisins (I used ¾ cup of raisins and added ¾ cup of chopped walnuts for protein)
2 cups warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil (I used 1 cup of applesauce, per the tweeted advice!)
¾ cup brown sugar
3 cups shredded carrots

The finished product definitely passed my taste test, but I wanted to know exactly how much of a difference was made by the recommended modifications! After reviewing both the original recipe and the modified version, Julia delivered some impressive news.

The Modified Muffins

 

 Her advice:

1. Decreased the calories by 32%
2. Reduced both total and saturated fat by 66%
3. Reduced trans fat by 100%
4. Increased fiber by 24%
5. Increased protein by 18%

I am amazed by the health benefits that can come from a 140 character tweet, and I will definitely continue using the advice of Kovler’s nutritionists in the future. Thanks, Julia!

     -Kirsten Gindler, Kovler Collegiate Extern

To make Julia and Kirsten’s modified carrot muffin recipe: 

1. Combine raisins and water in a small bowl. Let soak for 15 minutes. Drain raisins, discard water and set raisins aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with papermuffin liners.
3. In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, apple sauce and brown sugar; beat well. Combine egg mixture and flour mixture; mix just until moistened. Fold in carrots and drained raisins. Spoon into prepared muffin cups.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes.

Making Healthy Choices at the Taste of Chicago

This was my second year on the Humana Healthier Choices panel for the Taste of Chicago and it is always a thrill to take part–I have grown up attending the Taste and it is an honor to help in any small way.

The panel of four healthcare professionals were asked to review a list of foods submitted by various Taste of Chicago vendors to be included as a “Healthier Choice.”

In order to obtain the Humana Healthier Choice logo for the Taste, the items must to meet the following requirements:

Meals/Entrees
:

Less than 500 calories (25% Daily Value)
Less than 4 grams saturated fat (20% DV)
Less than 480 mg sodium (20% DV)

Appetizers/Snacks/Dessert:

Less than 250 calories
Less than 2 grams saturated fat
Less than 240 mg of sodium

Here is a complete list of the foods we selected: Healthier Choices Guide

The most important thing for Taste of Chicago attendees to remember is that the foods that are chosen certainly are healthier choices, but it is the cumulative amount consumed throughout their day at the that contributes to overall health.

Some tips for making healthy choices at the Taste of Chicago:

• Stick to 500-600 calories per meal
• Limit the caloric beverages
• Stick to Taste portions (and possibly share that with family and friends) to get the most bang for your calorie intake
• Take advantage of the surrounding area during the Taste–walk along the lakefront or through Millennium Park and Lurie Gardens to get more physical activity to burn some of the calories consumed at the Taste
• Eat smaller meals surrounding your visit to the Taste to reduce your overall calories for the day
• Enjoy more of the fresh fruits and vegetables when you arrive to fill up on lower calorie foods
• Be sure to visit the non-food vendors at the Taste — there is always something interesting showcasing Chicago

Have a fun (and healthy) weekend at the Taste of Chicago!

Amy Hess-Fischl
Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center

Movie Review: The Weight of the Nation

Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending the Chicago premier of a multi-part documentary called “The Weight of the Nation.”

The documentary is the result of the collaboration between HBO, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in association with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The title of the documentary is both literal and figurative…

• One in three children are obese
• More than two thirds of adults age 20 and over are overweight or obese
• Obesity contributes to half of the leading causes of death in America including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

… As a result, obesity-related health care costs are projected to exceed $300 billion by 2018.

The four-part documentary examines the severity of the obesity crisis and its effect on our health care system.  It also discusses the multitude of issues relating to the obesity crisis, including our environment and policies that effect food supplies.

I was able to view the first film in the series: “Consequences.” It focuses on the scope of the obesity epidemic and explores the serious health consequences of being overweight or obese.  The film features interviews with leading experts and with individuals and families struggling with obesity.

I was deeply impacted by this film and it reinforced what I already know as a dietitian and diabetes educator: the prevalence of obesity in Chicago is alarming and the consequences of obesity are devastating. One expert in the film says, “The weight of the nation is out of control but we can fix that.” Another expert comments, “We have got to come together as a country and make this a priority.”  I couldn’t agree more with both statements.  While obesity is a multi-factorial issue, our nation has to come together to develop effective solutions to prevent obesity and help people battling obesity to lose weight and keep it off.  It won’t be easy and will take time, but we have to invest the time in order to ensure our nation’s future.

The four part series debuts this week on HBO and all four films can be viewed on the web at www.weightofthenation.hbo.com.   The other installments address how to lose weight and prevent weight gain, the impact of obesity on children, and the role of agriculture, food marketing, racial and socioeconomic disparities, and physical inactivity.

This documentary is a powerful examination of the epidemic of obesity in our country- I highly recommend checking it out.

Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator

Type 1 
Diabetes Lounge Sponsored by Kovler

On April 28, more than 65 guests and 10 vendors attended the Type 1 
Diabetes Lounge educational luncheon on “Type 1 Diabetes: Innovation in Care and Research” at the Glenview Golf Club. This event is a first of its kind in the North Shore of Chicago targeting adults living with Type 1 diabetes and providing critical education and support on managing diabetes throughout the lifespan.

This event was very well received by the vendors and attendees alike.  Many commented how there is not education like this in the North Shore that specifically targets Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, the intimate setting to hear Amy and Lou speak was a main draw. Kovler Diabetes Center sponsored the event, which included a vendor showcase and presentations by Kovler team members, Lou Philipson, MD, PhD, and Amy
 Hess-Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDE.  Dr. Philipson presented the “Frontiers in Diabetes Research”, and Amy spoke to attendees on diabetes management as well as providing the seminar “Beyond Carb Counting: Advanced Tips & Tools.”

Kovler for Kids is Improving Care for Newly Diagnosed Diabetics

I am sure you remember the day your child was diagnosed with diabetes.  You can probably remember the exact date and location where this happened.  You may remember the weeks prior to diagnosis and wondering, “Why is my child so tired?” “Why are they loosing weight?” “Why are they so thirsty and urinating so much?” A diagnosis of diabetes was probably the last thing on your mind.

You may also remember how you felt when the diagnosis was confirmed; perhaps it was disbelief, fear, panic, anger, or all of the above and more. Although nothing can make receiving a diagnosis of diabetes stress free, the team at the Kovler Diabetes Center for Kids are doing all we can to make the process as smooth as possible.

When a child is admitted to Comer Children’s Hospital with a new diagnosis of diabetes, a team of providers become involved in the care.  Heading the team are the Pediatric Endocrinologists and Pediatric Endocrinology Fellows, in collaboration with the Pediatric Medical Service. Other members of the team include Critical and Acute Care Nurses, Certified Diabetes Educators, Registered Dietitians, Pharmacists, Social Workers, and Discharge Planners. We work together to ensure all of the patient’s needs are met during their hospitalization.

Over the past year we have developed an Inpatient Diabetes Multidisciplinary Work Team with the purpose of improving the care we give our kids who are newly diagnosed or admitted for complications related to diabetes.  We have representatives from all of the involved disciplines.

This year, some of the accomplishments of the group include:

• An admission informational sheet for families, outlining hospital course.
• An educational PowerPoint for residents.
• A discharge prescription-ordering sheet for diabetes medication and supplies.
• An informational take home kit.
• A 4-hour in-service program for nurses caring for newly diagnosed children.

Ongoing projects we are working on include:

• A DKA policy revision and standardization for ER, ICU, Gen floor.
• Standardization of insulin orders.
• A thorough policy for insulin pump use during hospitalization.
• Continued improvements in menus to improve carbohydrate-counting clarity, and encourage healthy food choices.

Our goal is to continue to improve the services we provide to our kids and families, so that we can offer the best possible care during this critical time. Hopefully we can make it just a little less stressful for both our patients and their families.

We would love to hear about your experiences and welcome any suggestions and ideas you may have.

Susan McLaughlin, RN, BSN, CDE
Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator

Susan.McLaughlin@uchospitals.edu

Kovler Joins The Fight to Lower Obesity in Chicago

The soaring rate of childhood obesity is extremely alarming.  For the first time ever, a child’s life expectancy is actually less than their parents due to the medical conditions that can accompany obesity.  According to the CDC, approximately 12.5 million children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese. What is more startling is that pre-teen and teen obesity rates in Illinois actually exceed U.S. levels.  As a dietitian and diabetes educator, I have seen firsthand how prevalent childhood obesity is in Chicago.

Kovler is committed to helping not only our patients but our community to become healthier.  We are proud to be involved with the local organization CLOCC (Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children).  They have been instrumental in promoting change in Chicago to lower the rates of childhood obesity.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the CLOCC quarterly meeting last month.  It was such a great experience to be surrounded by so many people that are passionate about reversing this epidemic in Chicago.  Additionally, I was able to learn more about the projects that are currently being led by CLOCC; their 5-4-3-2-1 Go! healthy lifestyle message is a great way to encourage  families to eat healthier and become more active.  They have also partnered with teachers and Chicago Department of Public Health to influence our schools and our city environment.

There is no doubt that the factors contributing to obesity are complex, but working together on a local level will get us closer to finding solutions that work.  We are excited to be involved with this amazing organization to promote healthy changes in our community.

Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and Outreach Coordinator

Love Your Loved Ones, Love Yourself

Today we celebrate Valentine’s Day…a holiday that embraces and promotes love, traditionally marked by chocolates, flowers, greeting cards and champagne.  And while the reason to recognize February 14 has certainly morphed from its original purpose established back in 496 AD, it can nonetheless be a very pleasant and cheerful holiday for most.

But Valentine’s Day has the potential to be more than just a “Hallmark Holiday.”  Why not use the occasion of expressing our love for other people to show love for yourself?  I found a couple of online resources that can help you make healthy choices…not only on February 14, but throughout the year!

If you click here, you can learn more about the CDC’s recommendations for a healthy Valentine’s Day, along with some other really great resources.

Medical News Today also explains why, if you’re going to indulge in any chocolate for the holiday, dark chocolate is the way to go.

So whether or not you have a special someone with whom to celebrate this holiday, please take the opportunity to take care of your own health!

Amy Hess-Fischl
Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Program Coordinator of InTransit Program
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center

Please visit our newly enhanced website for additional resources on managing your diabetes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Kovler CDE Goes the Extra Mile…Then Goes Home to Son with Diabetes

Susan McLaughlin, Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator at Kovler

When Susan McLaughlin’s son was 8 years old, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and her life changed forever.  She, like many other parents of children with diabetes, didn’t sleep well that diagnosis…for what felt like years.  She explained that, “You always have one ear out for a low blood sugar episode.”

Two years after her son’s condition was confirmed, McLaughlin – at the time, a critical care nurse – went back to school and earned her certification as a diabetes educator. Today, McLaughlin, RN, BSN, CDE, helps outpatients at the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center, as well as inpatients at the University of Chicago Medical Center and at Comer Children’s Hospital.

Today, McLaughlin’s son is grown, healthy and about to enter college. But because of his diagnosis, understanding and compassion are all part of a day’s work for her.

“Parents can be overwhelmed,” she said. “It can seem like their child’s diabetes just fell out of the sky. Parents ask questions like, ‘Is my son or daughter going to be OK, and can they live a normal life?’ I can relate to their fear.”

McLaughlin also sees adults admitted to the hospital with diabetes who are often frightened.  Their diabetes has been out of control for some time, and they’re stressed, feeling sick, and maybe a little panicked.

Whether young or old, McLaughlin treats her patients with sensitivity and compassion, as well as information that can restore a sense of hope. She has extensive knowledge about medications and treatments, and works as part of the medical team to create an optimal individualized care plan during hospitalization, and when patients return as an outpatient. Before each child or adult is discharged, McLaughlin makes sure they understand the prescribed medical plan and obtain the right prescriptions. Patients are also are trained in glucometer use, insulin injection and given a nutrition and exercise plan, developed in partnership with experienced dietitians.

Kovler's Team of Certified Diabetes Educators

For McLaughlin it’s important that her patients are safe and confident when they’re treating their diabetes at home.  That’s why the Certified Diabetes Educators and/or Endocrinologists are available 24 hours a day. When newly diagnosed children go home, their parents are encouraged to call every night to speak with a Pediatric Endocrinologist until they’re comfortable managing their child’s disease.

McLaughlin explains that, “The team at the Kovler Diabetes Center is very proactive with our kids. Parents often need to ask a lot of questions, and we’re sensitive to the newness of it all and to their emotional needs. I can say, ‘I know you’re overwhelmed, and I understand your fear.’  I just want all of our Kovler patients to feel comfortable managing their diabetes and live a life that’s fulfilling.”

To learn more about our team of Certified Diabetes Educators, which includes Susan McLaughlin, Amy Hess-Fischl and Donna Prost, please visit our website or contact us.  To read this article and others, please check out our most recent edition of Kovler Connection!

Peggy Hasenauer, MS, RN
Executive Director
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center