By EVELYN PERRON

The Rainy River Diabetes Chapter met May 6.
Dr. Steve Phillipson, Duluth Clinic-International Falls was the speaker.
Dr. Phillipson said diabetes is a common disease that changes people’s lives and should be treated aggressively. The aim is to keep your A1C under 7 to help prevent stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and blindness But, nothing happens overnight. Using prescribed drugs and the use of calcium, fish oil, and exercise to control cholesterol will be a benefit.
Dr. Phillipson explained a couple of diets which may be helpful. The Orange diet is high in grains and fruit. The Dash diet is fresh fruits and vegetables along with chicken, fish and lean pork.
He also stated that the clinic is trying to set up foot care.
Stress makes control more difficult. The best medicine is exercise and it’s free.
Deb Polkinghorne spoke briefly on emergency preparedness. You should have at least a three-day supply of insulin and medications.
The 50/50 draw was won by Evelyn Perron.
The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. June 3 at First Lutheran Church. Andrea Schultz, Novo Nordisk drug representative, will speak on insulin pens.
All meetings are open to the public and free of charge.