Health Insights on Diabetes and Wellness from Expert Sid Kurkure
Diane Suchet, M.D.
Dr. Diane Suchet is a pediatric endocrinologist practicing in Palo Alto, California. She completed her residency in pediatric endocrinology at Stanford University.
Q and A with Gopika Gangapantula, M.D.
Dr. Gopika Gangupantula is a diabetologist practicing in Modesto, California. She is a board-certified physician in both Advanced Diabetes Management and Family Medicine, completing a Diabetes Fellowship and Faculty Development fellowship at East Carolina University. She is passionate about diabetic education and family education. She strives to assist patients with a holistic approach to treating diabetes. Dr. Gangupantula is also involved in Project ECHO, a program designed to equip primary care providers with the tools needed to provide specialized care to diabetic patients.
Calvin Pon, M.D.
My name is Dr. Calvin Pon. My specialty was in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I was in practice for approximately forty years before my retirement.
I am convinced that there is a definite link between youth obesity and diabetes. The importance of youth education in the prevention of obesity and diabetes and its medical complications is of utmost importance and cannot be overemphasized. The ADASCOM website of “PUTTING TOGETHER A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE” which includes categories of Food, Physical Activities, Sleep, Hygiene, Feel Good Activities is an excellent source and example of youth education.
Calvin Pon M.D.
Karen Chastain, RN
I have been a registered nurse for forty years and over my career I have seen the explosion of diabetic and pre-diabetic patients. I am most troubled by the struggles that youth have faced with obesity, diabetes, and mental health. Therefore I am excited to support this non-profit and its goals.
Shanthi Madireddi, D.D.S.
Dental health is very important for children. Did you know that untreated cavities in children can cause pain, serious infections, and can lead to inadequate space for the permanent teeth?
Mouthwash is not routinely recommended for children, but a dentist may recommend a special rinse or paste designed for kids who are at high risk for getting cavities. Please do not give your young kids hard or sticky candy (including frequent snacks of dried fruit), lollipops, soda, any kinds of fruit juice (unless diluted), sports drinks, any sugary drinks, cheese puffs, chips etc. Unfortunately, they will get exposed to these things as they get to elementary school, but help them to form wise preferences beforehand. Remember that the baby teeth are very soft, and cavities can grow much faster and be more dangerous than on permanent teeth.
How do kids get the bacteria that cause cavities? Typically, the bacteria is transmitted from adults in the home. Germs spread when there is sharing of food, cups or utensils. As much as your kids are kissable, it’s best not to kiss them on the mouth. It may not be possible to avoid these behaviors all of the time. However, the healthier and cleaner the parents’ and caregivers’ mouths are, the less likely the child will develop cavities and gum disease.
Your child should receive a dental examination at least once or twice per year. The dentist may advise you to have your child evaluated for allergies, airway problems and associated sleep disorders. Any such disorders in children can lead to other health problems in childhood or later on, including tooth crowding, breathing issues, obesity, early onset diabetes, mood impairment, and learning difficulties. Evaluation and treatment should involve the pediatrician and may also involve an orthodontist and myofunctional therapist.
Eloise Beechinor, RD, MPH
My name is Eloise Beechinor and I am a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Public Health. I initially worked as a Registered Dietitian in a hospital. Afterward, I worked as a Public Health Nutritionist and a Health Education Coordinator for the Indian Health service and a Health Facility Evaluator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. I served 30 years in the United States Public Health Service, reaching the rank of Captain. I have worked for many years in diabetes education and am passionate about health education in youth.
Lisa Gerring, MSW, LISW
My name is Lisa Gerring, MSW, LISW and I am a School Social Worker for Minneapolis Public Schools. I work at an elementary school with a primarily Native American student population.
Around 92% of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch. During a normal, non pandemic year, we have anywhere between 20-30% students whose families are homeless. By that, I mean students who are living in shelters, or doubled up with family or friends, living in hotels, or in foster care.
Many of our students are affected by gang violence, domestic violence, chemical and drug issues, within their neighborhoods or family. Mental health issues and trauma also are very prevalent among our students and families.
Because the rate of diabetes is so high within the Native population, many of our students have family members that are dealing with this disease.
Thank you,
Lisa Gerring, MSW, LISW
