Spring 2009 Vol. IV

In This Issue:

185 Oser Avenue • Hauppauge, NY 11788 © 2009 Better Living Now, Inc.

Forging new relationships with doctors offices, medical centers, and educators, we strive to provide you with

the finest education support and medical products at the lowest cost to you.

- Elyse Montalvo, Nick Malerba, Kelly Abromowitz Better Living Now Sales Team

We’re Here For You

Fact or Fiction 2

Diabetes & Heart Disease 2

Heart Healthy Eating 3

Delicious & Nutritious 3

Lifestyle Works 4

What’s Your Diabetes Knowledge? 5

Upcoming Events 7

News You Can Use: Facts 7

Health Links 8

Letter From the President 8

We Moved!

See Page 7 for Details

2 www.BetterLivingNow.com 1-877-BET-LIV-NOW (238-5486)

People who eat irregular meals tend to be heavier.

Fact. A study of 4000 people age 60 in Sweden were studied. Those who skipped meals tended to have larger waist circumference, were heavier, had abnormal lipid (cholesterol, triglyceride) levels and had more symptoms of insulin resistance compared to those people who ate regular meals. Those who ate regular meals tended to be more active and ate more vegetables, fruits and fish. Erectile dysfunction in men with type 2 diabetes is NOT an early warning sign of coronary (heart) artery disease.

Fiction. Recent studies have shown that erectile dysfunction in men with type 2 diabetes was an early sign of coronary disease. The association is because high blood sugar damages the blood vessels of both the reproductive organs and the heart. The signs of erectile dysfunction usually are present years before the symptoms of heart disease appear. However, the risk of heart disease was lowered significantly in men who were taking medications that lower cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol levels are the same in people with diabetes as those without.

Fact. The difference is that people with diabetes have LDL particles that are smaller and denser. This type of LDL particle is more likely to cause the plaque deposits that cause coronary artery disease. An elevated LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol and high triglyceride levels have been termed “diabetic dyslipidemia.” This heart disease risk is estimated to be equal to an LDL cholesterol level of 150–220 mg/dl (goal is less than 100 mg/dl).

FACTFICTION?

or Heart disease is the leading cause of hospitalization and death in people who have diabetes. People with diabetes are 2 to 3 times more likely to have heart disease compared to those without diabetes. The reason why this happens is because high blood sugars damage the blood vessels in the body including those that lead to the heart. The good news is that the risk of heart disease can be lowered by making simple lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, reducing stress and making healthy food choices among others.Test your heart disease knowledge with the quick quiz below:1. Coronary artery disease is

caused when:a) blood vessels become narrow or are

blocked by fatty acid depositsb) blood supply to the brain is blockedc) narrowing or blockage prevents

your heart from receiving nutrients it needs

d) a and ce) all of the above

2. The following are signs of a

heart attack:a) shortness of breathb) indigestion or nauseac) sweating or light headednessd) a and ce) all of the above

3. All of the following are ways to prevent coronary artery disease EXCEPT:a) don’t smokeb) be active everydayc) maintain a healthy weightd) reduce your HDL cholesterole) maintain a healthy blood pressure

4. All are true about blood pressure EXCEPT:a) measures the force of blood inside

the blood vessels of the heartb) smoking increases your blood

pressurec) the recommended blood pressure is

below 140/90d) the recommended blood pressure is

below 130/80

5. All are true about blood lipids (or fat) EXCEPT:a) triglyceride is a kind of lipid that

increases risk of heart attackb) LDL cholesterol is sometimes

called the BAD cholesterolc) decreasing intake of animal fat can

help reduce cholesterol levelsd) fats from certain plants can lower

cholesterol levelse) certain fatty fish will increase

cholesterol levels

1) The brain’s main source of energy is glucose (or sugar). If you have diabetes, the minimum recommended carbohydrate intake for normal brain function is 130 grams per day. This is equal to:

a) 4 slices of bread, 1 cup of pasta, 1 medium orange, 8 oz milk

b) 2 slices of bread, 1⅓ cup of pasta, 1 medium orange, 8 oz milk

c) 2 slices of bread, ½ cup of pasta, 1 small orange, 8 oz milk

d) 1 slice of bread, ½ cup of pasta, 1 small orange, 4 oz milk

2) All of the following are considered sources of healthy fats EXCEPT: :

a) olive, peanut, canola oils, walnuts (monounsaturated fats)

b) salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines (omega 3 fatty acids or DHA)

c) palm and coconut oil, snack foods with hydrogenated oil, stick margarine (saturated and trans fats)

d) safflower, sunflower or corn oil (polyunsaturated fats)

3) The following are foods that help lower cholesterol EXCEPT:

a) green beans, corn c) beans, legumes b) rolled oats, oat d) strawberries,

bran, rye oranges, apples

What’s Your Diabetes Knowledge? Answers on page 5

Diabetes & Heart Disease

Continued on Page 6

3185 Oser Avenue • Hauppauge, NY 11788

Learning to make wise food choices will help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. See ideas below for general guidelines. Talk with a registered dietitian if you would like a meal plan designed to meet your specific needs. Cook using low-fat methods

Baking, roasting, boiling, sautéing or grilling foods using ●nonstick pans and cooking sprays Cook with fats that can help lower your cholesterol, such ●as olive oil or canola oil Add margarines that contain plant stanols or sterols to ●foods everyday (these have been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol)

Eat less animal or saturated fat and cholesterolLimit fatty meats and pork, poultry skin, egg yolks ●Decrease butter, 2% or whole milk, ice cream, cheese ● Avoid palm or coconut oils, products that have trans fats, ●hydrogenated oils, lard, and shortening Limit intake of bakery goods that are high in saturated ●and trans fatsChoose more lean meats and meat substitutes such as soy ●Select low-fat or fat-free dairy products ●

Have a meal with fish two or three times a week. Certain fish contain heart healthy fats called DHA or omega 3 fatty acids.

Albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, sardines, ●and salmon

Select foods that contain heart healthy plant fatsAlmonds, walnuts, peanuts, pistachios, cashews ●Sunflower or pumpkin seeds ●Olives, avocados ●

Select whole grains and beans that are high in fiberAim for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day ●Oatmeal, oat bran, rye ●Dried beans and peas like kidney beans ●

Choose foods with less salt and try different spices instead

Heart HealthyEating

&Delicious NutritiousEating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice great taste.

Salmon with Horseradish Mayonnaise

4 – 3½ oz Salmon fillets 2 tbsp shallots ¼ cup white wine or vermouth 2 tbsp lite mayonnaise

2 tbsp lite sour cream2 tsp lemon juice, fresh2 tsp horseradish 2 tsp capers (optional)

1) Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Prepare a shallow roasting pan or baking dish with nonstick pan spray.

2) Place the salmon fillets, skin side down, in the pan. Sprinkle the shallots over the slices; pour wine evenly over all. Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or just until the fish is opaque.

3) While the fish is cooking, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, horseradish and capers, if desired, in a small bowl; mix well.

4) Transfer the salmon and shallots to warm serving plates with a slotted spatula. Top each serving with a heaping tablespoon of horseradish mayonnaise. Garnish with capers, if desired.

Per Serving: Calories 231, Total fat 13g, Saturated fat 2g, Sodium 121mg, Carbohydrate 2g, Protein 25g

From: The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes

Makes 4 (3-1/2 oz servings)

Log on to www.BetterLivingNow.com today to find out more.

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4 www.BetterLivingNow.com 1-877-BET-LIV-NOW (238-5486)

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Breakfast

1 Breakfast Burrito (1 whole grain tortilla, chopped peppers, onions, 2 egg whites, 1 oz low-fat cheese)1 cup Red GrapesGreen Tea

1 cup Oatbran Cereal1 cup Blueberries½ cup Skim Milk

2 Oatbran Waffles with 1 tbsp Margarine1 tbsp Sugar-free Maple Syrup1 Small OrangeBlack Tea

1 oz Grilled Canadian Bacon and 1 oz Light Muenster or American Cheese on 2 Slices Flax Seed Bread1 ClementineGreen Tea

2 Egg White Omelet with Spinach & Garlic 2 Slices Rye Toast½ cup Grapefruit½ tbsp Margarine

Whole Grain French Toast, 2 Slices½ cup BlueberriesSprinkle of Powdered SugarOrange Tea

2 Whole Grain Blueberry Pancakes, 4-inch1 Cup Fruit Salad (Seasonal Fruit)Lite Maple SyrupOrange Tea

Lunch

½ cup Tuna Salad on 2 Slices Rye BreadLight Mayonnaise1 cup Baby CarrotsSeltzer

2 oz Roasted Turkey & 1 oz Low Fat Cheddar Cheese on 2 Slices Pumpernickel BreadMustard1 NectarineSugar-free drink

½ cup Chicken Salad with Celery, Apples & Walnuts in Tomato Basil Wrap1 cup GrapesSugar-free drink

1 cup Minestrone Soup2 oz Lean Ham and 1 oz Swiss Cheese on 2 Slices Pumpernickel BreadSeltzer

2 oz Buffalo Chicken Slices with 1 oz Low Fat Swiss on Flax Seed Bread 1 Medium PearSeltzer

2-3 oz Tuna, Green & Red Bell Peppers, Black Olives and Broccoli on 1 cup Multi OR Whole Grain Pasta Shells1 Small AppleSugar-free Drink

2 oz Lean Roast Beef, Sliced Red Onion & Horseradish Mayonnaise on Whole Grain Wrap1 Cup GrapesSeltzer

Dinner

4 oz Pork Cutlet, Lean1 cup Romaine Lettuce with Tomatoes, Olives & Green Peppers1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar & Olive Oil1 cup Rice Pilaf1 cup Broccoli with Lemon Garlic4 oz Red Wine

3-4 oz Baked Savory Salmon 1 cup Spinach Salad with 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil DressingSmall Baked Potato with ½ Tbsp Margarine ½ - 1 cup Asparagus with Basil and GarlicSeltzer

4 oz Grilled Lean Steak & Black Pepper½ cup Black Beans with Chopped Green Peppers⅔ cup Rice½ - 1 cup Sautéed Zucchini & Onions, MarjoramSugar-free Drink

1½ cup Whole Wheat Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce½ cup Roasted Red Pepper and Black Olives with Garlic1 cup Tossed Salad with Mixed Greens, Carrots & Olives1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar & 1 tsp Olive OilSeltzer

4 oz Grilled Tuna Steak1 cup Arugula Salad with White Wine Vinegar & 1 tsp Olive Oil½ cup Mashed Potatoes with Skim Milk and 2 tsp Margarine & Parsley½ -1 cup baby Carrots with Lemon Ginger Glaze4 oz White Wine

3 oz Roasted Herb Chicken1 cup Spring Greens with Walnuts, Pear & ½ oz Gorgonzola OR Bleu Cheese1 tbsp White Wine Vinaigarette1½ Small Sweet Potato with 2 tsp Margarine½ cup Peas & Mushrooms, Mint LeavesSugar-free drink

3 oz Pork Tenderloin, Rosemary on Bed (1 Cup) of Spinach ½ cup White Beans & Onion with Sage (1 tsp of Broth from Pork Tenderloin)⅔ cup Wild Rice & 1 tsp Margarine½ cup Green Beans with Slivered Almonds, Lemon Juice & Black Pepper Seltzer4 oz White Wine

Snack(Optional)

1 oz AlmondsSeltzer

1 cup StrawberriesOrange Tea

1 Small Banana-Walnut MuffinOrange Tea

1 oz. Walnuts¼ oz Dark Chocolate

2 Small Oatmeal CookiesBlack Tea

3 cup PopcornSugar-free Drink

1 Small Slice Zucchini-Walnut BreadOrange Tea

Heart Healthy Diabetes Menu; 1300 to 1500 Calories:Amount of Carbohydrates Per Meal: Margarines with plant stanols are commercially available that have been

proven to lower LDL cholesterol levels, recommend light for less calories.

Heart healthy when canola, safflower or sunflower oils are used.

Meals containing carbohydrate that are lower than comparable meals.

Create a Healthy MenuJeff is 42 years old and has diabetes. His blood pressure is in good control with medication. He is recently diagnosed with high triglyceride (245 mg/dl) and low HDL-cholesterol (30 mg/dl) levels. He exercises 1 to 2 times weekly. He eats lunch out everyday. His wife tries to limit his carbohydrate intake because of the diabetes. But now she is at a loss because the doctor said he should also limit his fat intake. They met with a registered dietitian who helped them prepare a 5-day sample meal plan that controls Jeff’s carbohydrate portions, increases his dietary fiber and contains healthy fats that will help lower his cholesterol. She also gave them alternatives to salt to spice up their food.

In this issue’s section, we will discuss creating a healthy menu.

Lifestyle W rksThis section of emPOWER highlights small lifestyle changes that over time result in permanent weight loss and better health.

Special margarines that are commercially available that have been proven to lower LDL cholesteol. If you have an elevated LDL cholesterol, these argarines are recommended for use in the menu plan instead of regular margarines or butter

Breakfast 30 - 60 gramsLunch 45 - 60 gramsDinner 35 - 60 gramsSnack 0 - 15 grams

5185 Oser Avenue • Hauppauge, NY 11788

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Breakfast

1 Breakfast Burrito (1 whole grain tortilla, chopped peppers, onions, 2 egg whites, 1 oz low-fat cheese)1 cup Red GrapesGreen Tea

1 cup Oatbran Cereal1 cup Blueberries½ cup Skim Milk

2 Oatbran Waffles with 1 tbsp Margarine1 tbsp Sugar-free Maple Syrup1 Small OrangeBlack Tea

1 oz Grilled Canadian Bacon and 1 oz Light Muenster or American Cheese on 2 Slices Flax Seed Bread1 ClementineGreen Tea

2 Egg White Omelet with Spinach & Garlic 2 Slices Rye Toast½ cup Grapefruit½ tbsp Margarine

Whole Grain French Toast, 2 Slices½ cup BlueberriesSprinkle of Powdered SugarOrange Tea

2 Whole Grain Blueberry Pancakes, 4-inch1 Cup Fruit Salad (Seasonal Fruit)Lite Maple SyrupOrange Tea

Lunch

½ cup Tuna Salad on 2 Slices Rye BreadLight Mayonnaise1 cup Baby CarrotsSeltzer

2 oz Roasted Turkey & 1 oz Low Fat Cheddar Cheese on 2 Slices Pumpernickel BreadMustard1 NectarineSugar-free drink

½ cup Chicken Salad with Celery, Apples & Walnuts in Tomato Basil Wrap1 cup GrapesSugar-free drink

1 cup Minestrone Soup2 oz Lean Ham and 1 oz Swiss Cheese on 2 Slices Pumpernickel BreadSeltzer

2 oz Buffalo Chicken Slices with 1 oz Low Fat Swiss on Flax Seed Bread 1 Medium PearSeltzer

2-3 oz Tuna, Green & Red Bell Peppers, Black Olives and Broccoli on 1 cup Multi OR Whole Grain Pasta Shells1 Small AppleSugar-free Drink

2 oz Lean Roast Beef, Sliced Red Onion & Horseradish Mayonnaise on Whole Grain Wrap1 Cup GrapesSeltzer

Dinner

4 oz Pork Cutlet, Lean1 cup Romaine Lettuce with Tomatoes, Olives & Green Peppers1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar & Olive Oil1 cup Rice Pilaf1 cup Broccoli with Lemon Garlic4 oz Red Wine

3-4 oz Baked Savory Salmon 1 cup Spinach Salad with 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil DressingSmall Baked Potato with ½ Tbsp Margarine ½ - 1 cup Asparagus with Basil and GarlicSeltzer

4 oz Grilled Lean Steak & Black Pepper½ cup Black Beans with Chopped Green Peppers⅔ cup Rice½ - 1 cup Sautéed Zucchini & Onions, MarjoramSugar-free Drink

1½ cup Whole Wheat Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce½ cup Roasted Red Pepper and Black Olives with Garlic1 cup Tossed Salad with Mixed Greens, Carrots & Olives1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar & 1 tsp Olive OilSeltzer

4 oz Grilled Tuna Steak1 cup Arugula Salad with White Wine Vinegar & 1 tsp Olive Oil½ cup Mashed Potatoes with Skim Milk and 2 tsp Margarine & Parsley½ -1 cup baby Carrots with Lemon Ginger Glaze4 oz White Wine

3 oz Roasted Herb Chicken1 cup Spring Greens with Walnuts, Pear & ½ oz Gorgonzola OR Bleu Cheese1 tbsp White Wine Vinaigarette1½ Small Sweet Potato with 2 tsp Margarine½ cup Peas & Mushrooms, Mint LeavesSugar-free drink

3 oz Pork Tenderloin, Rosemary on Bed (1 Cup) of Spinach ½ cup White Beans & Onion with Sage (1 tsp of Broth from Pork Tenderloin)⅔ cup Wild Rice & 1 tsp Margarine½ cup Green Beans with Slivered Almonds, Lemon Juice & Black Pepper Seltzer4 oz White Wine

Snack(Optional)

1 oz AlmondsSeltzer

1 cup StrawberriesOrange Tea

1 Small Banana-Walnut MuffinOrange Tea

1 oz. Walnuts¼ oz Dark Chocolate

2 Small Oatmeal CookiesBlack Tea

3 cup PopcornSugar-free Drink

1 Small Slice Zucchini-Walnut BreadOrange Tea

1) The brain’s main source of energy is glucose (or sugar). If you have diabetes, the minimum recommended carbohydrate intake for normal brain function is 130 grams per day. This is equal to: b) 2 slices of bread, 1-1/3 cup of pasta, 1 medium orange, 8 oz milk .

There is a misconception that people with diabetes cannot have carbohydrates. As this statement shows, carbohydrate is the only fuel the brain can use. Severely limiting carbohydrate intake increases risk of low blood sugars (hypoglycemia) and diabetic coma in people with type 1 diabetes. Although this occurs less often in people with type 2 diabetes, it can happen. The example above represents the minimal amount of food from carbohydrates per day. One serving of carbohydrate equals 15 grams. A serving of carbohydrate equals 1 slice of bread or ⅓ cup rice or pasta or 1 small piece of fruit or 8 oz of low-fat milk

2) All of the following are considered sources of healthy fats EXCEPT: c) palm and coconut oil, snack foods with hydrogenated oil, stick margarine (saturated and trans fats).

Saturated and trans fats that are found in the oils listed above, bakery goods and stick margarine raise cholesterol levels. There are certain fats that are considered heart healthy because they not only lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, but they also raise HDL

(good) cholesterol. These are the monounsaturated fats that are found in plant sources of fats such as nuts, seeds, olive, peanut and canola oils. Omega 3 fats (or DHA) are also helpful in decreasing triglyceride (a type of bad fat) and cholesterol levels. These are found in fatty fish listed in the examples above. The polyunsaturated fats lower cholesterol levels, but do not raise the HDL cholesterol, so the monounsaturated fats are recommended more frequently.

3) The following are foods that help lower cholesterol EXCEPT: a) green beans, corn.

All of the foods listed in choices b through d contain fiber that may help lower LDL cholesterol. Not all fibers have the same cholesterol-lowering benefits. The difference is that the fiber these foods contain ‘attach’ to the bad cholesterol thus helping to lower cholesterol levels. For example, green beans, corn and other foods similar to it contain fiber and are healthy for the lining of the intestine but do not help lower cholesterol.

What’s Your Diabetes Knowledge?

Get recipes & instructions for making the specialty dishes below plus a whole second week’s worth of recipes for just $2.99BLN Order # 88222000202

6 www.BetterLivingNow.com 1-877-BET-LIV-NOW (238-5486)

In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, identifying individuals at risk for metabolic syndrome has been recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program as a secondary target group to lower heart disease risk. The metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that together increase one’s risk of developing heart disease. The presence of 3 or more in the table is a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.

Clinical Identification of the Metabolic SyndromeRisk Factor Defining LevelAbdominal obesity (waist circumference) Men > 102 cm (> 40 inches)

Women > 88 cm (> 35 inches)HDL cholesterol Men < 45 mg/dl

Women < 55 mg/dlBlood pressure > 130/85 mmHgFasting glucose > 110 mg/dlTriglycerides > 150 mg/dl

1. If you smoke, find ways to quit. Smoking and high blood sugar levels together increase damage to the blood vessels especially to the lungs and heart.

2. Maintain your target blood pressure. Your blood pressure number measures the force of blood inside your blood vessels. When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder than it should. It is recommended that you keep your blood pressure below 130/80 (said as “130 over 80”) mmHg. Ask your doctor if you don’t know what your target blood pressure is. The lifestyle changes discussed in this newsletter will help you reach your blood pressure goals.

3. Lower and maintain a normal cholesterol (also called blood lipids). Sixty percent of individuals with diabetes do not believe they are at risk for cholesterol problems. This value tells you the amount of fat in your blood. Our bodies normally make small amounts of the different types of cholesterol. Typical lipid pattern for people with diabetes is elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol. This combination increases one’s risk for heart disease. See the News You Can Use section on page 7 for a description of the types of blood lipids.

Besides losing weight and physical activity, making heart healthy choices will lower cholesterol levels. See page 3 for heart healthy diet ideas.

4. Maintain a healthy weight. Studies have shown that even a small amount of weight loss significantly decreases complications from diabetes especially high blood pressure and heart disease risk.

● Physical activity Start with simple changes such as walking 5 to 10 minutes a day and add more time as you get use to the activity. Before starting a new physical activity program, check with your diabetes care team to find out which activities are safe for you. Come up with activities that are fun for you. Think of ways to add physical activity into your daily routine. ● Choose and prepare healthy foods Making small changes in our eating habits can go a long way towards reaching your health goals. See page 4 and 5 for Heart Healthy Ideas. Although many suggestions are listed, start with the ones that are easiest for you. As these good habits become part of your daily routine, add new ones.

5. Take your medications as prescribed by your health professional. In addition to medications for diabetes, your doctor may prescribe several medications depending on whether you also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or heart disease.

See the chart to the right so see what effects certain medications will have on your system.

How did you do? Knowing the answers to these questions are key to preventing or decreasing your risk of developing coronary artery disease.Coronary artery disease is caused when blood vessels become narrow or are blocked usually by fatty acid deposits. This narrowing prevents the heart from receiving the nutrients such as oxygen that it needs. When the blood supply to the heart is cut off by this blockage, the heart muscle dies (also called a heart attack). This is different from a stroke which is a similar type of blockage except the blood vessel leading to the brain is cut off. When the blood flow to the brain is blocked, brain tissue damage occurs. Often the result is problems thinking, speaking or difficulty using one side of the body. It’s important to get immediate medical attention if you have the warning symptoms of a heart attack. These include chest pain or discomfort, pain or discomfort in the arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach, shortness of breath, sweating or light-headedness, indigestion or nausea and feeling of tiredness.The good news is that by making simple lifestyle changes, heart disease risk can be decreased or prevented altogether.

Answers: 1. d, 2. e, 3. d, 4. c, 5. e

Diabetes & Heart Disease(continued)

Just A Reminder That We Moved!On December 21st, we moved to a larger facility in order to better serve you.Our new address will be 185 Oser Avenue

Hauppauge, NY 11788Our phone and fax numbers have remained the same. Please visit www.BetterLivingNow.com for more information.

7185 Oser Avenue • Hauppauge, NY 11788

UseNewsYou Can

Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Targets

Hemoglobin A1c <7%

Glucose: Pre-Meal 90-130 mg/dl Post-Meal* 140-180 mg/dl *(2 hours after finishing the meal)Source: Diabetes Care 27(1):s19, 2004

FACTSFACTS

Medication Examples of Generic Names*

What it Does

Aspirin Helps keep blood vessels clear, prevents cardiovascular (heart) disease

ACE inhibitors Ramipiril, Lisinopril, Captopril, Enalapril

Reduces cardiovascular events, high blood pressure and microalbuminuria (protein in the urine) by keeping blood vessels relaxed.

ARB Candesartan, Olmesartan Medoxomil, Valsartan

Reduces high blood pressure and microalbuminuria. It also keeps blood vessels relaxed.

Beta (ß) blockers

Atenolol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Propanolol

Reduces cardiovascular events and blood pressure by relaxing the heart, allowing it to beat slower.

Diuretics (water pills)

Furosemide, Spironolactone

Reduce stroke, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure by helping your body get rid of extra water and sodium through the urine.

Statins Atorvastatin, Lovastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin

Lower cholesterol level

Types of Blood Lipids: •LDLCholesterol is sometimes

called BAD cholesterol because at high levels it can narrow or block your blood vessels. Reaching your target LDL is the best way to protect your heart and blood vessels. The ADA recommends a level below 100 mg/dL.

•HDLCholesterol is known as the GOOD cholesterol because of its role in removing fatty deposits from the insides of your blood vessels. This keeps them from getting blocked. The higher this number the more it protects you from heart disease. The current HDL goals are above 45 mg/dL for men and above 55 mg/dL for women.

•Triglycerides are another kind of lipid. High triglyceride levels increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke. The ADA recommends a target level of below 150 mg/dL.

* does not include all available

Diabetes Expo 2009Mar. 14 World Trade Center,

Boston, MAApr. 18 Connecticut Expo Center,

Hartford, CTTour de Cure 2009May 30 Brielle, NJMay 31 Gloucester, MAJun. 6 Basking Ridge, NJJun. 14 New York City, NYJun. 14 North Haven, CTJun. 14 Princeton, NJJun. 27 Riverhead, Long Island, NY

Tee Up to Cure DiabetesMay 4 24th Annual Golf Classic,

Westchester Country Club Westchester, NY

Jun. 15 2009 Golf Outing, Muttontown Club, East Norwich, NY

Ride to Cure DiabetesJun. 25 Sonoma, CAAug. 27 Killington, VTSept. 6 Whitefish, MT

Be sure to visit www.diabetes.org and www.jdrf.org to find out more about these and other events in your area. Participating in these events not only raises awareness, but needed funds for research and an eventual cure!

Get Involved!

American Diabetes AssociationCure • Care • Commitment

Better Living Now: 1- 877-BET-LIV-NOW www.betterlivingnow.com

For all diabetic supply needs:

For educational information about diabetes:

American Diabetes Association: 1-800-Diabetes www.diabetes.orgAmerican Dietetic Association: www.eatright.orgJuvenile Diabetes Foundation: www.jdrf.orgJoslin Diabetes Centers: www.Joslin.orgWeb MD: www.WebMD.comBayer Care Diabetes www.bayercarediabetes.comAbbott Diabetes www.abbottdiabetescare.com

All Recipes www.allrecipes.comADA Virtual Grocery Store vgs.diabetes.orgHealthy Meals Resource healthymeals.nal.usda.govMyRecipes myrecipes.com

Nutri-Facts www.nutri-facts.comFastFoodNutrition.org www.fastfoodnutrition.orgNutrition.gov www.nutrition.govNutritionData www.nutritiondata.comCalorieKing www.calorieking.com

For nutrition food facts:

For recipe ideas:

A Letter From The President

Better Living Now

Dear Valued Friends and Customers,

Spring is a great time to focus on a healthy lifestyle. Just like we tackle spring cleaning in our home, I urge you to do what you can to help your body function at its best. Take advantage of the warmer weather and go for a walk. Get plenty of sleep. Throw out any expired medication in your medicine cabinet. Try some healthy recipes.

This newsletter has a lot of tips about healthy living. Check out our Web site at www.betterlivingnow.com for products that will help you prepare nutritious snacks and meals – from cook books to juicers to rice steamers. We also have a wide variety of vitamins and supplements available at a low cost. Not sure what you can take with your current medications? Call one of our pharmacists before you buy.

Spring cleaning often means reorganizing, which is something that we at Better Living Now have been doing a lot of lately. We are proud of our company’s continued growth, but the progress meant that we were starting to feel too cramped in the building we had occupied for 18 years. So, we recently moved to a larger location (still in Hauppauge and still using the same phone number). This not only gives our employees a nicer workspace, it also allows us to continue to stock all of the products and medications you may need, so we can always ensure fast and accurate delivery.

We have also used this opportunity to expand our on-site Mastectomy Boutique. Call us at 1-800-854-5729 ext. 127 for more information about a private fitting with a Certified Mastectomy Fitter.

Have a wonderful spring, and don’t spend too much time indoors cleaning and organizing your home. Be sure to attend to your health, as well.

Daniel Pope, CEO

500 Wheeler RoadHauppauge, NY 11788

Warm Regards,

Daniel S. Pope and Family