Ask Doctor Cory?

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Dear Dr. Cory:

Why do kids get diabetes?

Lauren M.

Iowa

Dear Lauren:

Some kids get diabetes because it runs in their families. This is called Type I diabetes. Researchers believe that a virus or something else in the environment may cause the disease to start. There is no cure yet for Type I diabetes and no way to prevent it.

Type II diabetes is often caused by being overweight. In the past, almost all the people with Type II diabetes were adults. Today, many children have it. Getting too little exercise and eating too many high-calorie or fast-food meals make it easy for kids to gain weight.

Children who are overweight, obese, or have a family history of Type II diabetes, have a high risk for developing Type II diabetes. Keeping a healthy weight, eating nutritious meals, and being active every day can help delay or even prevent this disease.

To help prevent Type II diabetes:

* Eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole-grain breads and cereals, and low-fat dairy foods. Drink water often.

* Get plenty of fiber; it may help control your blood sugar.

* Avoid fast-food meals and ready made. or boxed meals.

* Limit sugary foods and drinks to avoid the extra calories that cause weight gain.

* Shop with your family for fresh fruits and vegetables that you like.

* Help your family plan dinner menus and eat dinner together often.

* Be very active for at least an hour and up to several hours each day.

Diabetes is the leading .... cause of kidney failure and adult blindness. If not treated, it greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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Dear Dr. Cory: What are fingernails made of?

Sam

New York

Dear Sam:

Fingernails and toenails are made from dead skin cells called keratin (KAIR-a-tin). Nails grow from under the cuticle in an area called the nail root. As new cells grow from the root, the old ones get harder and move up along the nail bed. The hard cells protect the nail bed and eventually move to the fingertip. Your body also uses keratin to make hair and your top layer of skin.

Nail Notes

* It does not hurt to cut your nails because they are made from dead cells.

* Unborn babies begin to grow nails at 10 weeks of age. By 32 weeks, their nails reach their fingertips.

* Nails grow faster in the summer.

* Fingernails grow faster than toenails.

* The pale, half-moon shaped area at the bottom of the nail is called the lunula (LOON-yuh-luh), from the Latin word luna meaning "moon"

Dear Dr. Cory:

Why do people have to wait one hour after eating to go swimming?

Jamie A.

Massachusetts

Dear Jamie:

Experts say that having a full stomach makes it hard to swim well. Also, we often swallow water when we swim. If you do that with a full stomach, it may cause you to vomit. Not pretty--and not safe!

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Dr. Steven J. Anderson of the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these tips:

* Do not swim with a full stomach.

* Do not swim with food or other objects in your mouth.

* It is OK to stand or wade in water after eating unless there is a chance of having to swim unexpectedly (like standing in a river current or surf).

* Avoid floating on rafts or tubes on a full stomach in case you suddenly fall off and have to swim.

Muscle Cramps?

People used to think that swimming with a full stomach would cause stomach cramps. Today, experts know that stomach cramps rarely occur while swimming.

Do you have a health question? Send it to:

"Ask Dr. Cory"

Humpty Dumpty Magazine

P.O. Box 567

Indianapolis, IN 46206

Or e-mail your questions to: [e-mail]

This column does not replace your doctor's advice.