"Muévete Guadalupe 2" — Guadalupe Residents on the Move

Submitted by: Dr. Patricia Moore, Anita Alaniz-Molina, Maria Miranda, & Dolores Casillas

Guadalupe Diabetes Committee

GUADALUPE August 6, 2006 — Something seems different about the Town of Guadalupe but what is it? The sidewalks? Additional lighting? Speed bumps? New buildings?

Most definitely all of those things!!  But, have you noticed the people in Guadalupe are changing?  Ever noticed your family, friends and colleagues are drinking more water?  As you enter the Town Hall, have you noticed the vending machine is gone?  Have you noticed that people are talking about “walking” and some are actually “walking” everyday or several times a week?

The Guadalupe Diabetes Committee was established shortly after a study conducted by the ASU College of Nursing in 1997 concluded that 18% of the people in Guadalupe had diabetes.  This means, that in 1997, Guadalupe had 3 times more diabetes than the rest of the U.S. and it’s anticipated that at this time the rate maybe the same or higher.

It is easy to become overwhelmed with these types of statistics.  In the beginning of the educational efforts, many people said, “it’s in my family; it’s only a matter of time before I get it.”   Getting them to participate in the Platicas, walking groups or aerobic classes seemed almost impossible.  The services were offered and no one would show up.

Today, people are participating and they are asking important questions.  They are taking charge of their lives and asking, “What can I do to reduce my chances of getting diabetes or how can I delay getting diabetes until I’m much older?”

Walk into a healthy lifestyles presentation sponsored by the Guadalupe Diabetes Committee presentation and you see participants eating fresh fruits and vegetables.  As early as 3 years ago, some people in Guadalupe, especially men and young people had never tasted and/or seen broccoli or cauliflower.  Today, they are encouraging their peers to taste it.

There is also an increased interest in the community to use pedometers on a daily basis.  These small appliances help people keep track of the number of steps they take every day.  The goal is to work to 10,000 steps a day.  As the numbers of steps taken increases, the contagious enthusiasm is more apparent in the community.

Why is the community getting excited about walking?  For one, it is the most natural thing for a human being to do.  From the day we are born we are meant to walk.   This practice not only gives us mobility but it is a great prescription for our good health.

What are some of the benefits of walking?

• It is the anti-ageing treatment you can give yourself and with only 15 minutes a day you will feel the benefits.

• It prevents aches and pains later life and keeps your muscles and bones strong.

• It reduces excessive body fat which has been linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and bone and joint deterioration.

• It increases your metabolism.

• It improves your cardiovascular health.  As you become more fit, your heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood.

• In combination with a low-fat diet, regular fitness walking can reduce the risk of heart disease and it can help reduce your blood pressure.

• It helps reduces stress and makes you feel better.

• It improves self esteem and is a “free” way to socialize with others while doing something really good for your body.

• It helps with a deeper more restful sleep.

For more on the benefits of walking, log on to http://www.wondersofwalking.com/benefits.php

If you would like more information on the Guadalupe Diabetes Committee, the walking groups, or the cooking demonstrations call Maria Miranda, Chairwoman or Cruzita Armenta at 480-839-2926.