Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 23, 2021 avy eniiooravvy S iorn or avvyavy y io iori by Jim Miller Could You Have Prediabetes? Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about prediabetes, and how can you know if you have it? My 62-year-old husband, who’s in pretty good shape, was recently diagnosed with prediabetes and didn’t have clue. Could I have it too? Wondering Spouse Dear Wondering, Underlying today’s growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes is a much larger epidemic called prediabetes, which is when the blood sugar levels are higher than they should be but not high enough to be called diabetes. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 84 million Americans today have prediabetes. Left untreated, it almost always turns into type 2 diabetes within 10 years. If you have prediabetes, the long-term damage it can cause – especially to your heart and circulatory system – may already be starting. But the good news is that prediabetes doesn’t mean that you’re destined for full-blown diabetes. Prediabetes can actually be reversed, and diabetes prevented, by making some simple lifestyle changes like losing weight, exercising, eating a healthy diet and cutting back on carbohydrates. Or, if you need more help, oral medications may also be an option. Get Tested Because prediabetes typically causes no outward symptoms, most people that have it don’t realize it. The only way to know for sure if you have it is to get a blood test. Everyone age 45 years or older should consider getting tested for prediabetes, especially if you are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) above 25. See CDC.gov/bmi to calculate your BMI. If you are younger than 45 but are overweight, or have high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes, or belong to an ethnic group (Latino, Asian, African or Native American) at high risk for diabetes, you should get checked too. To help you determine your risk of diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has a quick, online risk test you can take for free at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Diabetes Tests If you fi nd that you’re at risk for prediabetes, there are three diff erent tests your doctor can give you to diagnosis it. The most common is the “fasting plasma glucose test,” which requires an eight-hour fast before you take it. There’s also the “oral glucose tolerance test” to see how your body processes sugar, and the “hemoglobin A1C test” that measures your average blood sugar over the past three months. It can be taken anytime regardless of when you ate. Most private health insurance plans and Medicare cover diabetes tests, however, if you’re reluctant to visit your doctor to get tested, an alternative is to go to the drug store, buy a blood glucose meter and test yourself at home. They cost around $20. If you fi nd that you are prediabetic or diabetic, you need to see your doctor to develop a plan to get it under control. The ADA recommends losing weight and doing moderate exercise – such as 150 minutes a week of brisk walking. And when lifestyle changes alone don’t work, medication might. The ADA recommends the generic drug metformin, especially for very overweight people younger than 60. For more information on diabetes and prediabetes or to fi nd help, join a lifestyle change program recognized by the CDC (see CDC.gov/diabetes/prevention). These programs off er in-person and online classes in more than 1,500 locations throughout the U.S. Over the course of a year, a coach will help you eat healthy, increase your physical activity and develop new habits. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Middlesex Sheriff’s Office announces upcoming correction officer exam B ILLERICA – Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian announced that the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) would open registration for its 2021 correction offi cer class on April 19. “The Middlesex Sheriff ’s Office is a recognized national leader in the fi eld of corrections,” said Koutoujian. “We are looking for candidates who share our team’s commitment to service, professional excellence, enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism. If you share these values and goals and want to make a diff erence in the lives of others, I encourage you to visit our website to register for our exam.” This year’s exam will be offered on a rolling basis with candidates able to select from a predetermined list of dates beginning on May 4 and running through May 22. Those interested in registering for the written exam must do so beMYRWA | FROM PAGE 8 “Scanner” Cheung, past winner of the Herring Run and Paddle’s Iron Herring Award. “Some of the biggest events here are the Head of the Charles and the Boston Marathon, but not many races can claim to combine the two...I could tell this race was refore 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10 at middlesexsheriff .org. All applicants must be 21 years of age at the date of the examination and be legally eligible to work in the United States in compliance with federal law. Candidates must also have a high school degree or equivalent and possess a valid motor vehicle license. A bachelor’s degree and/or prior law enforcement or security experience is preferred. In addition to the written exam, candidates must pass a physical fi tness test and criminal background check as well as psychological and medical examinations before being selected to participate in the 44th Basic Training Academy. The MSO was established in 1692 and has been recognized by the National Institute of Corrections and a host of organizations for its innovaally a grass-roots event – sponsored by local companies and dedicated to protecting the natural resources that make exercising outside in Boston so great.” “I had raced it a couple years earlier and remembered it being a fast, fl at course,” said Beverly Antunes, winner of the Hertive, cutting-edge programs, including the Medication Assisted Treatment and Directed Opioid Recovery Program, the Housing Unit for Military Veterans and the Commonwealth’s fi rst specialized unit for young adult off enders. This March the MSO opened a new prerelease center designed to help prepare incarcerated women for reentry. This program focuses on treatment, family engagement and reunifi cation. “These specialty programs and other initiatives provide our staff members opportunities for unique assignments and specialized training over the course of their careers,” said Koutoujian. To learn more about the MSO, fi nd a full list of qualifi cations or register for this year’s exam, please visit middlesexsheriff .org. ring Run and Paddle women’s 5k race. “It is a really well-organized community event.” Registration is open until through May 23 and is only $10 per person. For more details about the event, or to register online, head to www.mysticriver.org/herring-run-paddle. ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Much-sought-after Ranch style home offers 7 rooms, 2-3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, dining room, beautiful, updated kitchen (2001) kitchen with granite counters, granite island, built-in granite top desk, radiant heat, ceramic tile flooring, slider to “bright and sunny” sunroom with glass walls and ceiling leading to yard, hardwood flooring, central air, finished lower level offers fireplace family room, full bath and third bedroom. Desirable one-floor living located on dead-end street. You won’t be disappointed! Offered at $510,000 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com View the interior of this home right on your smartphone.
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