Our winter newsletter is devoted to “heart health”. What does diabetes have to do with heart health? A LOT! People with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease than those without diabetes. They are much more likely to develop problems such as heart attacks and strokes and congestive heart failure. Other conditions commonly encountered in patients with diabetes make the risk worse. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight, and smoking are just a few. Not exercising, not taking aspirin, and not getting enough fiber also add to your risk. So what can you do? Well, this issue has some information for you we hope will give you some insight into being heart healthy.

Start by “knowing your ABCs”.
A represents A1C – this is a blood test your doctor checks about every 3-6 months to see how well your blood sugar is controlled. It should be less than 7%. What is yours? If it is not less than 7% you need to make some changes!
B stands for Blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be less than 130/80 – if it is not….you need to make some changes!
C stands for Cholesterol. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dl but EVEN MORE IMPORATNT your LDL (bad cholesterol) should be less than 100 mg/dl if you have diabetes. If it is not…you need to make some changes!
Do you take a daily aspirin to prevent heart attacks and strokes? The American Diabetes Association recommends an aspirin for people with diabetes who can take it. So if you are not allergic to it, do not have ulcers or bleeding

disorders, or aren’t taking other blood thinning medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking a daily aspirin. It could lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke!
Coming this June…..an FDA-approved over-the-counter medication for weight loss!
Alli® (orlistat) will be hitting the shelves as the only FDA-approved OTC medication for weight loss. Orlistat is a medication that blocks the breakdown of fat which stops the body from absorbing it so you only absorb a fraction of the fat you eat. In clinical trials, participants lost about 50% more weight with orlistat, compared to dieting alone. What really sets this drug apart is that it is approved and regulated and therefore you can be confident you are “getting what you pay for” as opposed to all the supplements on the market which make promises they do not have to keep. Ask your pharmacist about Alli!

What questions do you have for your pharmacist? EVERYONE has questions for their pharmacist from time to time. Your pharmacist is the medication expert and the person most ideally positioned to help you with your medication related questions.
Have a question you would like to see addressed in this newsletter? If so, send the question to: Ask the Pharmacist – King Kullen Diabetes Newsletter King Kullen Pharmacy #11 3266 Hempstead Turnpike Levittown, New York 11756 Include your name and a way to reach you and we will answer your question in person and possibly print it in the next edition of the newsletter!

Diabetes dramatically increases a person's risk for heart disease and stroke and often is associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol disorders, obesity and insulin resistance. Unfortunately, most people with diabetes are not aware of these prevalent health risks.
The Heart Of Diabetes program was created by the American Heart Association to not only raise awareness of this issue, but help those with diabetes take action to lower their risk for heart disease and stroke.
This American Heart Association’s website: www.heart.org is filled with important information about type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and related cardiovascular risks -- as well as ways you can reduce your chances of heart disease and other complications of diabetes.
People with diabetes must control their high blood pressure.
High blood pressure can be a big problem for people with diabetes because it greatly increases their already high risk for cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure can also create problems for other organs, such as damage to the kidneys.

Get ready...Get set… Get fit!
With the Game Plan for a Healthy Life program, you'll be on your way to a new you in just 12 weeks. Create goals, become physically active, and learn new ways to change your diet for good. (Source: www.heart.org)

To Join The Heart Of Diabetes so you can be part of the Game Plan for a Healthy Life visit www.heart.org or contact the American Heart Association.

National Center Mailing Addresses
American Heart Association
National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231

American Stroke Association
National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas TX 75231
Telephone Information
AHA: 1-800-AHA-USA-1
or 1-800-242-8721