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No matter how old I grow, I find that September is always a period of reflection and contemplation. The realization that summer is ending as the leaves start to colour and fall, temperatures cool and the excitement of children returning to school after the lazy, long days of summer are all reminders that we are back to the routines and frenzy that autumn brings.
As a child, the return to school and furthering ones education is usually filled with mixed emotions. Fundamental to the brain working and being able to absorb new information is its need or fuel, which we get from the food we eat. But not all children are fortunate enough to have access to healthy food. The cover story describes the importance of healthy eating in our children and the short- and long-term benefits. The article advocates for the implementation of universal nutrition programs in our schools.
The second feature article addresses one of the most dreaded consequences of having diabetes: amputation. This article looks at the events that can lead a person to lose one or more limbs. More importantly, it gives very practical advice on how to prevent the factors leading to neuropathy, foot ulcers and amputation.
The third feature article examines the potential benefits and risks of complementary and alternative medicine in the management of diabetes. Alternative medicine is a rapidly growing field, and when patients have the correct knowledge it can be a good complement to traditional medicine in helping them manage their diabetes and prevent complications. It is important to note, however, that these alternative agents do not replace traditional therapies and are not without potential side effects. Therefore, knowledge is key to using these alternative agents to your benefit.
The recurring theme in this issue is that education about diabetes is paramount to a patient’s success in managing chronic disease. The more you know about diabetes the better able you’ll be to care for yourself. So at this time of year, when so many people are returning to educational institutes, I urge you to reflect on what it means for you to have diabetes, to learn as much as you can and apply that knowledge to staying healthy.