Diabetes Is On the Rise In Spokane!

According to the Spokane Regional Health District, Diabetes affects more than 25,000 adults in Spokane County and is the seventh leading cause of death.  Even more alarming, a study by the University of Chicago estimates that diabetes rates will double in the next 25 years.  It is already five times more common than in the 1940’s.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes affects the way your body uses food for energy.  In a healthy person, the pancreas releases insulin to help the body store and use sugar from the food you eat.  Diabetes happens when the pancreas does not produce any or too little insulin or when the body does not respond appropriately to insulin.

Type 1

Type 1 diabetics can’t make any insulin. The origins are not fully understood, though it can be caused by a genetic disorder.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetics have adequate insulin but the cells have become resistant.  Approximately 95% of all diabetes cases are type 2.  This is because it is considered a lifestyle disease caused…

In February we celebrate and raise awareness for heart health. Statistics show that heart disease is the number one killer of women, and contributes to more deaths each year than the next five causes of death combined.

Do you know your risk? The Spokane Go Red for Women luncheon raises awareness for heart health. This event is an annual feature in Spokane, providing information about heart health and promoting proactive care. The danger of strokes, heart attacks, and heart diseases may be the most overlooked health factor that Americans face today.  How important to you is your Heart Health? There are a few risk factors that we can’t control, things like gender, genetics, and age. But the good news is that the American Heart Association has identified several risk factors that you can take charge of.

To reduce the danger of suffering from a stroke, heart attack and heart disease, consider the following factors, and remember, you can choose NOT to be a victim. Prevention is key to your heart health!

Want to drop…

Dogs Will Be Dogs

That’s exactly what they get to be at SCRAPS’ Spokane Dog Park.  They can run around and act like the pack animals they are.  Without confining leashes, dogs act differently.  You’ll notice their owners do too.  People and pets just seem friendlier.

The Spokane Dog Park!

The SCRAPS’ (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services) Spokane Dog Park is located at 26715 E. Spokane Bridge Road.  The park sits just north of I-90 at the Idaho state line.

The park is open year-around, dawn to dusk.  With the mild winter Spokane has had thus far, it’s still a great time to visit the dog park.  When spring comes along, you’ll find activity picking up even more.

The 3 1/2 acre dog park includes an off-leash fenced area ideal for playing fetch and a nice wooded, natural area for walking.  There’s a paved path surrounding the grassy area, making it wheelchair accessible.  Plastic bags and waste receptacles are located throughout the park.

If you live downtown it may seem too great a distance  to travel just for…