1. Diabetes and Hypertension

2. Diabetes • Disease that prevents the body from producing and using insulin, which the body uses to process sugar and use it as energy • Diabetes can lead failure of the heart, kidneys, nerves and eyes and can lead to high blood pressure, blindness, poor healing of wounds

3. Diabetes • No cure, but can be controlled by carefully monitoring blood sugar and diet • More healthy diet high in fiber and whole grains and a lower amount of high fat foods • Less simple sugars (candy, cake, cookies, soda)

4. Hypertension • High blood pressure • Normal is between 90/50 and 120/80 • Over 140/90 is considered high • Blood forced against the artery walls can damage the body’s organs

5. Hypertension • Can be treated through a low salt, low fat diet • Exercise can bring pressure back down to normal • Avoid drinking and smoking • Based on age, race and family history as well

6. Activity • Choose a recipe from a book and make a few changes to make the recipe healthier for a diabetic (sugar substitutes, low fat milk, egg whites instead of whole egg) • Create a day’s menu (breakfast, lunch, dinner and a few snacks) for a person with hypertension • Remember to keep salt low, low fat and eat a variety of healthy foods