By Jan Boston Sellers / Chronicle columnist
Sunday marks the first of March and regardless of whether it roars in like a lion or sneaks in like a lamb, there are a few things you can do this month (besides watch college basketball) that will catapult you into spectacular shape by spring. March has numerous health observances and health care recognition dates so that if you heed the warnings and take precautionary measures your body as well as your home and car can get a spring checkup.
First of all, have your blood sugar levels checked, particularly if you have a history of diabetes or if you are overweight. Type II diabetes, not to be confused with juvenile diabetes, occurs later in life and can be more easily managed if diagnosed early. Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, means the person is non-insulin dependent but his/her body does not metabolize sugar as it should. As with any disease, early detection is the best case scenario for an effective treatment regime. The American Diabetes Alert Day is Tuesday, March 24. Those at risk for Type Il diabetes are those with weight problems, who are inactive, over the age of 45, a family history of diabetes or women who developed gestational diabetes while pregnant.
It is also a good idea, particularly if you are over 50 or have a family history, of getting your colonoscopy this month. This outpatient procedure allows your internist/surgeon to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) and check for polyps or cancer. A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 50 years of age or older or for anyone who has a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
March also is the month set aside to recognize Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. CFS is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by an unrelenting fatigue that is not improved with rest. It may get worse after physical or mental activity. This is a tricky disorder as there are no identifiable causes and no real specific diagnostic tests. Talk to your primary care physician if you are experiencing chronic fatigue, muscle pain, impaired memory and insomnia.
Problem gambling is another issue that is being addressed this month. March 1-7 is the week the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) will host its annual awareness campaign. This year's campaign includes its own Youtube page.
According to recent statistics as many as 15 million people just in America alone have a problem with gambling. Free literature is available on the Web site and Youtube page or interested individuals may call toll free 1-800-522-4700 to talk to a professional or by e-mailing ncpg@ncpgambling.org.
Save Your Vision Month is also this month. Which reminds me... I need to make an appointment for an eye checkup as well. It is important to maintain regular checkups because examinations can detect eye problems at their earliest stage — when they're most treatable. Regular eye exams, according the American Academy of Ophthalmology, can give your eye doctor a chance to help you correct or adapt to vision changes. Even if you think your eyes are healthy, you need to schedule regular eye exams.
Other observances for the month of March include Patient Safety Awareness, Kick Butts Day, Mental Retardation Awareness Month, Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month, School Breakfast Week and Safe Spring Break Week.
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A veteran Cumberland County Playhouse singer, dancer and actor has step ball heeled his way onto the Academy Awards stage. Nathaniel Flatt, 26, a student of the oh-so-talented Kiersten Mays, and who has more than 15 CCP shows and a host of dance performances under his belt, was one of the featured dancers at Sunday's Academy Awards. Flatt, of Cookeville, is also part of the new boy band V-Factory. Nathaniel's mom, Lana, says, "He was as excited about this as anything he has done lately. He was in awe of the setting and the production and said adrenaline was flowing. He saw lots of people backstage as well. I was so nervous for him... but he was very calm. He was going to a cast party afterwards."
Nathaniel also appeared on television's Grease reality show, has done several music videos and was featured in several major ad campaigns for Target, Sony, Heinz and Disney. If you want to check out some of V-Factory's new music, it's available on iTunes for 99 cents. Their latest song is "Lovestruck."
