2012 World Diabetes Day Round Up

Yesterday was World Diabetes Day, and the Kovler community participated in many exciting ways!

• Dr. Lou Philipson held a press conference in conjunction with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and House Minority Leader Tom Cross to commemorate the first Illinois Diabetes Awareness Day. During the event, speakers used the opportunity to spotlight diabetes warning signs and the importance of preventative care. We are so honored to partner with representatives from so many wonderful organizations and look forward to continue these in the future!

• To reach out to the University of Chicago Medicine community, Kovler educator Julia Socke provided educational programming throughout the day at the Duchossis Center for Advanced Medicine.
• Katrina Sondermann, one of Kovler’s Collegiate Externs, spent World Diabetes Day in India, home to the world’s largest diabetes population. Last year, Dr. Philipson spent time in India speaking about global disparities in access to diabetes care.
• Kovler’s Diabetes All-Star Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program held a meeting to commemorate World Diabetes Day and celebrate the progress that has been made possible through the support that mentors and mentees are providing for one another. Program participant Leona and Kovler Extern Kirsten Gindler both wore blue, the official color of diabetes awareness, to mark the occasion.

For more photos, visit our World Diabetes Day 2012 Gallery:

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.

Announcing the InTransit Teen Advisory Panel

Kovler is proud to announce the creation of its InTransit Teen Advisory Panel!

This summer a group of seven Kovler InTransit teens in grades 7-12 met at the Kovler Diabetes Center for an evening of brainstorming, chatting, and connecting with other Kovler teens, their families, friends, and Kovler professionals.

Peggy Hasenauer, Executive Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center, worked with Dr. Beth Littlejohn, Amy Hess-Fischl, and Julia Socke to coordinate a casual meeting between families interested in sharing their ideas about living with diabetes as a teenager. It is the goal of the panel to identify needs and concerns of teens living with diabetes and their families. Kovler would like to work with teens to provide the best care possible at Kovler. It is our hope that teens and their families can use this group to find fun ways to support one another and to become involved in diabetes care and at Kovler.

At the first meeting, teens and parents discussed their thoughts separately and as a group and it was great to see that connections and common experiences could be discovered among the families present. Families ended their evening with an informative and impressive tour of the Kovler research labs at the Knapp Center for Biomedical Discovery. Teens and parents were excited to see where current and cutting-edge diabetes research takes place.

Member of the InTransit Teen Advisory Panel Kelly McGinnis, shares her thoughts on Kovler and on the newly formed panel:

Kelly McGinnis

I think that the teen advisory panel is a really great idea that has a lot of potential!  Seeing all that the Kovler Diabetes Center is doing to help treat type 1 diabetes makes me very excited and hopeful.  I am so glad to be a part of something that is really invested in dealing with this chronic disease.  No other hospital or doctor around is doing anything like the Kovler Diabetes Center.  The InTransit program is the reason I switched doctors and came to the University of Chicago when I was 15.  My parents and I knew that we would need a team and a program that could deal with teenage obstacles and the challenge of moving from a child to an independent adult.

The teen group and the staff involved with the panel all seem very interested in making a difference and giving input on how to make the lives of teenagers with diabetes easier and more manageable.  The small group atmosphere made it easy to share opinions and personal stories.  Another great thing about the group is the range of ages involved because it allows for a wide range of concerns to be addressed, from high school activities to going away to college.  I think we are all excited to see what the panel can accomplish in terms of raising awareness and helping others with diabetes like us.  We are all moving to different phases of our lives and it is helpful having a group who understands the life of a person with type 1 diabetes.

The InTransit Teen Advisory Panel will meet multiple times throughout the year and continue to form relationships with each other and with Kovler. We are truly looking forward to working with the Teen Advisory Panel this year!

If you would like information about becoming involved with the Teen Advisory Panel, please contact Peggy Hasenauer at peggy.hasenauer@uchospitals.edu.

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

"Spring Flours" & Kovler's Interest in Celiac Disease

Kovler Team Members-
Julia Socke & Katrina Sondermann

Last Friday the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center’s held their annual Spring Flours benefit to raise money for celiac disease research. While celiac disease affects at least 3 millions people (and many more that are undiagnosed), Kovler has a particular interest in this cause as approximately 6% of those with Type 1 diabetes also have celiac disease.

As a diabetes educator, I work with patients that have both diseases, and I also have a sister with celiac disease; I have seen firsthand the impact the disease has on everyday life, and the challenges that come with eating gluten free.  Given both my work and personal connection to celiac disease, I was honored to represent Kovler at this fantastic and important event.

With tasting stations set up around the room, local Chicago-land restaurants had the opportunity to showcase their gluten free (and delicious!) cuisine and desserts.  Restaurants included Mastro’s Steakhouse, Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, Maya Del Sol, and Swirlz Cupcakes.  Executive Director of the Celiac Disease Center, Carol McCarthy Shilson, honored all of the restaurants and chefs for their dedication toward providing gluten free menus.

For many of us, going out to eat is an enjoyable experience and a chance to relax; the most difficult decision may be narrowing down from the many delicious menu choices.  But for people living with celiac disease, eating away from home can be challenging, and requires research and planning.  Their goal is simple: cross your fingers to find at least something that is gluten free and try not to get sick.   A person with celiac disease must constantly compromise what they want to eat in order to manage their disease.

Delicious gluten free cupcakes from Swirlz Cupcakes

Many restaurants do not understand the true definition of gluten free and the extensive measures that need to be taken to eliminate all contamination in the kitchen.  However, the restaurants honored at this event understand the complexities of executing gluten free cuisine, as well as how important it is to the overall dining experience.  These wonderful chefs have changed the lives of so many people who can now enjoy eating out in a way that many people often take for granted.

I was thrilled to be a part of such an amazing event.  The committee that organized Spring Flours did a phenomenal job, 12-year-old keynote speaker Luke gave a touching presentation, and overall, I am proud that the Celiac Disease Center is part of our hospital.  On behalf of my sister, and my patients, I want to sincerely thank them for the work they are doing to find a cure.

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

For more information on Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, please visit our website.

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

Six Easy Tips to Improve Your Diet

In Chicago, we’ve been enjoying spring…even summer-like…weather throughout the month.  And we’re not the only region breaking records!  The warm temperatures, t-shirts and al fresco dining remind me that the real spring and summer are just around the corner.  This is the time of year when it seems easier to make positive, healthy changes in our lives and in our diets, which is probably why it’s also National Nutrition Month.  So here are some easy tips to live healthier…now and throughout the year!

1. Cut the fat.
On average, a serving of a fat contains around 100 calories, and these calories can really add up fast. Remember that even healthy fats have calories. Olive oil is very healthy…BUT, 1 tablespoon is 120 calories! Consider using a cooking spray to coat your pans so that you use less oil and to bake your food more often than frying it. Also try to use reduced fat cheese, sour cream and salad dressings.

2. Mix it up.
No one wants to be bored with what we eat. All recipes can be modified to be healthier. Draw on inspiration from favorite dishes when eating out, or even from recipes you see in magazines or on cooking shows. This will help to give you ideas so that you don’t get into a food rut.

3. Get moving.
So often, many of us make up excuses as to why we can’t exercise. The most common excuse is that we don’t have time. But there are always opportunities for more activity! Consider marching in place or walking around your home during commercial breaks when watching TV. Or you could even do some chair exercises or arm circles. Choose the stairs instead of the elevator, or park in the last spot of the parking lot to walk farther to your destination. If you take public transportation, consider getting off a stop or two before your normal stop so that you can walk more.

4. Quinoa, please!
If you have been trying to increase fiber in your diet but find that you are not a fan of other whole grains, give quinoa a try. Not only is it easy to cook, but it is a complete protein and is gluten free. Try substituting it for recipes that involve cous cous, rice or pasta. It can be found in most grocery stores.

5. Snack smart.
Snacking is not a bad thing! Snacking can be an opportunity to add more nutrition to our diet, as well as help prevent overeating at meal times. Choose snacks that are nutritionally dense and high in fiber. Examples include: veggies with hummus or a low fat dip, fruit, high-fiber granola bars, low-fat cheese, peanut butter on whole grain crackers or a handful of nuts. Beware of “boredom snacking,” as this can add too many calories to your diet.

6. Make fruit a regular part of your day.
Fruit is packed in nutrition and is high in fiber to help fill us up. Consider adding fruit to your oatmeal, salads or even substituting applesauce for oil when baking.

Like I said, these are all very simple steps toward healthier living.  Stay tuned for more National Nutrition Month tips on our blog, Twitter handle or Facebook page.

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

Kovler Dietitian Encourages You to "Get Your Plate in Shape"

Registered Dietitians play a vital role in educating the public about healthy nutrition. With alarming rises of obesity and diabetes in our country, our role is as important as ever. National Nutrition Month is dedicated to spreading our message to help people make more informed nutrition choices and develop better habits to lead healthier lives. This year the theme is “Get Your Plate In Shape.” Below are some tips on how we get our plate in shape and improve our nutrition.

1. Make ½ of your meal vegetables.
Vegetables are low in calories and are packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. The fiber in vegetables will fill you up faster so that you won’t need as much of the higher calorie foods at your meal. Remember not to add a lot of oil, butter, margarine, or dressings to these veggies as those calories can add up quickly. Add more veggies to soups, pasta sauces and sandwiches. Frozen vegetables are just as good as fresh vegetables, so have these available in your freezer for convenience if you can’t make it to the grocery store.

2. Skip the juice.
The calories in juice can add up fast. Eight ounces of juice contains 50% more calories than if you ate the whole fruit. Eating the whole fruit is far more satisfying since the fiber and water content help to make you feel full. The whole fruit also does not spike the blood sugar as fast as juice.

3. Don’t fall victim to portion distortion.
Trade in your current plates, bowls and cups for smaller ones. A lot of us eat with our eyes…not our stomachs! Portions at restaurants can be HUGE – at least double, if not triple, the portion we should be eating. Consider asking your server for a take-home container to arrive at the same time your meal does. Before you taste your food, divide up half of it and put it the container. This way you have controlled your portions better and also have another meal for the next day. Or, order one entrée to split between you and the person you are dining with.

I’ll continue to share some easy tips throughout the rest of National Nutrition Month, and you can also visit our website for more information.  And I’d like to know…what are some of your tricks for staying healthy?

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

Kovler Welcomes a New Team Member, Recognizes Dietitian Day

Julia Socke, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at the Kovler Diabetes Center

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the newest member of the Kovler team, Ms. Julia Socke, RD, LDN, CDE…a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator. It only makes sense to make this introduction on what is also National Nutrition Month AND Registered Dietitian Day, “commemorating the dedication of RDs as advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world!”

Throughout her career, Julia has worked with patients of all ages with various dietary needs. Her areas of focus include diabetes, adult and pediatric weight management and community nutrition.

“The Kovler Diabetes Center is one of the most well-respected diabetes centers in the Chicagoland area. I feel honored to be a part of such an amazing center. In the short time I’ve been at Kovler, I’ve witnessed firsthand the exceptional teamwork between our physicians, nurses, MAs, coordinators, and Certifed Diabetes Educators that makes Kovler the special place it is, ” said Julia.

As a member of our team, Julia will act as both a diabetes educator and the outreach coordinator, supporting Kovler’s satellite clinics and working with both children and adults to effectively manage their diabetes. Additionally, she will participate in various nutrition and diabetes lectures and events and is a member of both the Chicago Dietetic Association and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Julia also enjoys spending as much time as possible with friends and family.  And as a former athlete, she stays active in organized volleyball leagues and loves trying new restaurants around Chicagoland.

You’ll be hearing from Julia throughout National Nutrition Month and beyond, as she’s an incredible resource for the diabetes community and for our patients.  On behalf of the entire Kovler crew, we welcome Julia to our team!

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

Click here to learn more about our team of educators at the Kovler Diabetes Center.