Oklahoma City Indian Clinic takes steps to fight children’s diabetes

Clinic partners with Native Youth Preventing Diabetes for annual prevention camp

OKLAHOMA CITY – Diabetes is the number one health issue affecting American Indian children. American Indian and Alaska Native youth aged 10-19 are nine times more likely than non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to the Indian Health Service. In an effort to help fight diabetes among Oklahoma’s American Indian youth, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) is partnering with Native Youth Preventing Diabetes (NYPD) to educate Oklahomans on diabetes prevention.

“Studies show American Indians are at a greater risk of having diabetes than other races, and the clinic is dedicated to raising awareness of diabetes and assisting in diabetes prevention tactics,” said Dr. Paul Dasari, pediatric endocrinologist at OKCIC’s Harmon-y Pediatric Clinic. “Helping children develop a healthy lifestyle by setting a good example, promoting exercise and eating healthy can decrease their risk of developing diabetes.”

NYPD hosts an annual diabetes prevention camp each June that focuses on educating American Indian children about diabetes prevention and provides them with the necessary information and encouragement to lead a healthy life. Interested applicants can visit nypdkids.org.

For those who cannot attend the camp, OKCIC is offering everyday tips parents can use to keep their kids healthy:

Develop healthy eating habits. Encouraging your children to develop healthy eating habits at an early age will help them further down the road. Set ground rules when it comes to food. Limit snacks between meals and provide healthy options in place of common junk food.

Promote an active lifestyle. Along with eating healthy, exercising will help prevent obesity, which can increase the chances of developing diabetes. Children and teens should engage in at least 60 minutes of high energy physical activity each day. Getting your children involved in youth sports groups, afternoon walks and family bike rides are great ways to help them stay active without enforcing a strict exercise regimen.

Set the example. Children pick up on the things you do and may often copy older siblings and relatives. Setting the example by developing a healthy lifestyle for yourself and keeping up with it will encourage your children to do the same.

For more information, visit www.okcic.com.

– About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from more than 220 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please visit www.okcic.com.