Problem: Stress can be a problem at work regardless of how physical your day-to-day activities are, but those who do exert themselves on the job can actually use some of their activities to ease their stress. If you're chained to a desk, however, you may be even more likely to have stress-related outbursts.
About one-sixth of workers said anger at work led to property damage, and 2%-3% of workers admit to pushing, slapping or hitting someone at work, according to Reuters.
"With roughly 100 million people in the U.S. work force ... that's as many as 3 million people," Reuters reports.
Additionally, about 22% of U.S. workers say they've been driven to tears because of workplace stress and 9% say that stress has led to physically violent situations, reports RJC Associates, a career development firm.
Prevention: Smaller stressors can be handled with breathing and relaxation techniques at your desk or a break outside of the office, but some conflicts may call for mediation by an unbiased party.
And believe it or not, video games have been suggested as a method for easing workplace stress, according to CareerBuilder.com. With the job market recovering and more companies hiring, however, it's starting to look like new job prospects could be a promising way out of stressful work conditions as well.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Bacteria
Problem: "The desk, in terms of bacteria, is 400 times more dirty than your toilet," University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba told WebMD (NASDAQ: WBMD - News). "People turn their desks into bacteria cafeterias because they eat at them, but they never clean them. The phone is the dirtiest, the desktop is next, and the mouse and the computer follow."
But bacteria problems at your desk could be more severe than Gerba thinks. Breadcrumbs and other food remnants get can get in between keys on your keyboard, attract rats and lead to unintended exposure to their germs. What's more, many raw and cooked foods need to remain refrigerated, and leaving them out for two hours or more is a food safety no-no.
Prevention: If you frequently eat your lunch at your desk, you may want to make sure you have hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to wipe down your work surface daily. That can also protect you from germs sprayed into the air by your coughing and sneezing coworkers.
If your office has a communal kitchen sink with a sponge, the American Dietetic Association suggests using paper towels instead, just to stay safe from bacteria.
The association goes as far as recommending that those who eat in the office bring a refrigerator thermometer and a meat thermometer as well.
But bacteria problems at your desk could be more severe than Gerba thinks. Breadcrumbs and other food remnants get can get in between keys on your keyboard, attract rats and lead to unintended exposure to their germs. What's more, many raw and cooked foods need to remain refrigerated, and leaving them out for two hours or more is a food safety no-no.
Prevention: If you frequently eat your lunch at your desk, you may want to make sure you have hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes to wipe down your work surface daily. That can also protect you from germs sprayed into the air by your coughing and sneezing coworkers.
If your office has a communal kitchen sink with a sponge, the American Dietetic Association suggests using paper towels instead, just to stay safe from bacteria.
The association goes as far as recommending that those who eat in the office bring a refrigerator thermometer and a meat thermometer as well.
Eyestrain
Problem: Office workers who spend hours a day staring at a computer screen might tell you that after a certain amount of time, their vision gets blurry and their eyes generally become more sensitive. Those symptoms (as well as too-watery or too-dry eyes, a headache or a sore neck) could be indications of eyestrain, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prevention: To prevent eyestrain at your computer, increase your font size so you don't have to squint, suggests Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT - News) (though the font on this informative page might cause readers to do just that). You may also want to rest your eyes frequently by looking away from your computer screen and reducing any glare on your monitor, the Mayo Clinic suggests.
Prevention: To prevent eyestrain at your computer, increase your font size so you don't have to squint, suggests Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT - News) (though the font on this informative page might cause readers to do just that). You may also want to rest your eyes frequently by looking away from your computer screen and reducing any glare on your monitor, the Mayo Clinic suggests.
Other Joint Problems
Problem: The human body is meant to move, and staying in one position for too long can make joints feel tight. Sitting at a desk especially shortens and tightens the hip flexors, the muscles than help pull your legs toward your body, according to the Yoga Journal. And tight hip flexors can actually contribute to back pain as well since tight hips force the pelvis to tilt forward, compressing the back, Yoga Journal says.
Prevention: Besides getting up from your desk at regular intervals and walking around a bit, the Mayo Clinic recommends a number of stretches that can help loosen up your hips.
Prevention: Besides getting up from your desk at regular intervals and walking around a bit, the Mayo Clinic recommends a number of stretches that can help loosen up your hips.
Lower-back Pain
Problem: Sitting for hours on end, particularly if you have bad posture, can be devastating to your body over time if you don't get moving on a regular basis. And back pain is actually a major reason for missed work for adults of all ages, according to the Georgetown University Center on an Aging Society.
But bad posture at your desk goes beyond the obvious slouching. Sitting up straight but curving your back too much can be a cause of lower-back pain as well, notes the NIH.
Prevention: Besides being better aware of your posture as you're sitting at your desk, getting regular exercise including abdominal strengthening activities should relieve some of the pressure on your lower back.
Having too fat a wallet in your back pocket can be a bad thing as well. Sitting on a large wallet can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can cause sharp back pain, according to UAB Health System in Birmingham, Ala.
But bad posture at your desk goes beyond the obvious slouching. Sitting up straight but curving your back too much can be a cause of lower-back pain as well, notes the NIH.
Prevention: Besides being better aware of your posture as you're sitting at your desk, getting regular exercise including abdominal strengthening activities should relieve some of the pressure on your lower back.
Having too fat a wallet in your back pocket can be a bad thing as well. Sitting on a large wallet can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can cause sharp back pain, according to UAB Health System in Birmingham, Ala.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Problem: Any motion that is repeated over and over again can cause injury or pain, according to occupational-health-focused Denver Chiropractor Dr. T. Randall Eldridge. But carpal tunnel syndrome isn't just pain or soreness from too much typing. It's the tingling, numbness, itching or even sharp pain caused when a nerve that runs through the forearm is compressed by swollen ligaments and bones in the wrist, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Prevention: Before you're forced to treat carpal tunnel with acupuncture, drugs or even surgery, stretching and other exercises may help release tension in the wrist, the NIH says. And, contrary to what many believe, your wrists shouldn't actually rest on those cushy wrist pads that sit below your keyboard or mouse pad. They should actually be used as a guide for how high your wrists should be, according to occupational therapist to Marji Hajic. Hajic says hands should hover over the wrist rest and it should only be used as a rest in between bouts of typing.
Prevention: Before you're forced to treat carpal tunnel with acupuncture, drugs or even surgery, stretching and other exercises may help release tension in the wrist, the NIH says. And, contrary to what many believe, your wrists shouldn't actually rest on those cushy wrist pads that sit below your keyboard or mouse pad. They should actually be used as a guide for how high your wrists should be, according to occupational therapist to Marji Hajic. Hajic says hands should hover over the wrist rest and it should only be used as a rest in between bouts of typing.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Reducing your risk of Stroke
Strokes can happen to anyone. You may prevent a stroke by taking the following actions:
Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure (over 140/90) is the biggest risk factor for stroke.
Don't smoke. Chemicals in tobacco raise your blood pressure, reduce the amount of oxygen your blood carries to your brain, make blood thicker and stickier, and promote clotting.
Control your cholesterol. High LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels damage your arteries and promote the formation of plaque.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for high blood pressure.
Be physically active. Getting regular aerobic exercise helps overall cardiovascular health.
Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Some fad diets may be unhealthy if they promote too much fat or salt.
Control diabetes. People with the disease are more likely to have strokes.
Take little strokes seriously. A small clot will sometimes clog an artery briefly, causing temporary weakness, dizziness, or other symptoms. These transient ischemic attacks often precede a major stroke.
Follow your health care provider's advice for treatment of heart disease, including coronary artery blockage and abnormal rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
Find out if you need to have your carotid arteries--the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain--checked for narrowing.
Control your blood pressure. High blood pressure (over 140/90) is the biggest risk factor for stroke.
Don't smoke. Chemicals in tobacco raise your blood pressure, reduce the amount of oxygen your blood carries to your brain, make blood thicker and stickier, and promote clotting.
Control your cholesterol. High LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels damage your arteries and promote the formation of plaque.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for high blood pressure.
Be physically active. Getting regular aerobic exercise helps overall cardiovascular health.
Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Some fad diets may be unhealthy if they promote too much fat or salt.
Control diabetes. People with the disease are more likely to have strokes.
Take little strokes seriously. A small clot will sometimes clog an artery briefly, causing temporary weakness, dizziness, or other symptoms. These transient ischemic attacks often precede a major stroke.
Follow your health care provider's advice for treatment of heart disease, including coronary artery blockage and abnormal rhythms like atrial fibrillation.
Find out if you need to have your carotid arteries--the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain--checked for narrowing.
Stroke Awareness for All Ages
Stroke is the third-leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer and a leading cause of adult disability. Although more strokes occur in the elderly, stroke is also a major cause of disability and death among middle-aged people, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA).
What causes stroke?
Strokes occur when something interferes with the normal flow of blood to the central nervous system. Ischemic strokes are caused by clots that block the flow of blood through arteries. Hemorrhages occur when arteries burst inside or on the brain surface.
When blood flow is interrupted, the brain doesn't get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, and cells begin to die. Relatively few brain cells will be affected if the interruption is brief, and the person may recover fully. Otherwise, the ASA says, the damage may be severe and permanent.
The part of the brain that's damaged depends on the location of the stroke. Areas commonly affected include those that involve sensory perceptions, movement, memory, thought patterns, or behavior, and the ability to talk or understand speech.
Treatment for stroke victims includes medication, surgery, hospital care, and rehabilitation. If someone with a stroke goes to the hospital early enough, clot dissolving medication--called a thrombolytic or tPA--can be given.
What causes stroke?
Strokes occur when something interferes with the normal flow of blood to the central nervous system. Ischemic strokes are caused by clots that block the flow of blood through arteries. Hemorrhages occur when arteries burst inside or on the brain surface.
When blood flow is interrupted, the brain doesn't get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, and cells begin to die. Relatively few brain cells will be affected if the interruption is brief, and the person may recover fully. Otherwise, the ASA says, the damage may be severe and permanent.
The part of the brain that's damaged depends on the location of the stroke. Areas commonly affected include those that involve sensory perceptions, movement, memory, thought patterns, or behavior, and the ability to talk or understand speech.
Treatment for stroke victims includes medication, surgery, hospital care, and rehabilitation. If someone with a stroke goes to the hospital early enough, clot dissolving medication--called a thrombolytic or tPA--can be given.
Question and Answer: for... Pre-Diabetes
Almost 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). That is, their blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.
Although people with pre-diabetes haven’t yet developed full-blown diabetes, they’re still at risk because studies show that many people with pre-diabetes develop the condition within 10 years. They are also at higher risk for cardiovascular disease: The ADA says that people with pre-diabetes are 1-1/2 times more likely than people with normal blood sugar levels to develop heart disease.
“Fortunately, research has shown if you take action to manage your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from ever developing,” says Robert Rizza, M.D., a past president of the American Diabetes Association.
The following questions and answers from the ADA can help you understand your risks and your ability to prevent the disease from progressing.
Q: Could I have pre-diabetes and not know it?
A: Yes, people with pre-diabetes typically don’t have symptoms. These are symptoms of diabetes: increased thirst, increased urination, blurred or changing vision, fatigue, and unexplained changes in weight. These symptoms may not appear until actual diabetes has developed.
Q: What might make me suspect that I have pre-diabetes?
A: The first indication is that you are overweight or obese. If you are obese, no matter what your age, or if you are overweight after age 45, you are at greater risk for pre-diabetes. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides also put you at greater risk. A combination of excess weight, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and higher than normal blood sugar levels is called metabolic syndrome. This condition is considered pre-diabetes.
Q: Why do I need to know if I have pre-diabetes?
A: You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent by losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight and exercising moderately for 30 minutes daily. Taking these steps early on can return elevated blood glucose levels to the normal range for some people.
Q: Who should get tested for pre-diabetes?
A: See your health care provider if you are younger than 45 and obese—meaning you have a body mass index of 30 or more. Your provider will check your blood pressure and cholesterol. If these are high, your provider will test you for pre-diabetes. If you’re overweight or obese and age 45 or older, you should be checked for pre-diabetes. If your weight is normal and you’re over 45, you should ask your doctor during a routine office visit if testing is appropriate.
No matter what your age, your provider may test you for pre-diabetes if you have these risk factors: a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or you are African American, Hispanic American, or Asian American.
Q: How often should I be tested?
A: As long as your blood sugar levels are normal, you should be checked every three years. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you should be tested for type 2 diabetes every one to two years.
“Diabetes is a serious, often life-threatening, medical condition that has reached epidemic proportions,” says Dr. Rizza. “But because the disease can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes in the pre-diabetes stage, we have some hope of turning this around.”
Although people with pre-diabetes haven’t yet developed full-blown diabetes, they’re still at risk because studies show that many people with pre-diabetes develop the condition within 10 years. They are also at higher risk for cardiovascular disease: The ADA says that people with pre-diabetes are 1-1/2 times more likely than people with normal blood sugar levels to develop heart disease.
“Fortunately, research has shown if you take action to manage your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from ever developing,” says Robert Rizza, M.D., a past president of the American Diabetes Association.
The following questions and answers from the ADA can help you understand your risks and your ability to prevent the disease from progressing.
Q: Could I have pre-diabetes and not know it?
A: Yes, people with pre-diabetes typically don’t have symptoms. These are symptoms of diabetes: increased thirst, increased urination, blurred or changing vision, fatigue, and unexplained changes in weight. These symptoms may not appear until actual diabetes has developed.
Q: What might make me suspect that I have pre-diabetes?
A: The first indication is that you are overweight or obese. If you are obese, no matter what your age, or if you are overweight after age 45, you are at greater risk for pre-diabetes. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high triglycerides also put you at greater risk. A combination of excess weight, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and higher than normal blood sugar levels is called metabolic syndrome. This condition is considered pre-diabetes.
Q: Why do I need to know if I have pre-diabetes?
A: You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent by losing 5 to 10 percent of your weight and exercising moderately for 30 minutes daily. Taking these steps early on can return elevated blood glucose levels to the normal range for some people.
Q: Who should get tested for pre-diabetes?
A: See your health care provider if you are younger than 45 and obese—meaning you have a body mass index of 30 or more. Your provider will check your blood pressure and cholesterol. If these are high, your provider will test you for pre-diabetes. If you’re overweight or obese and age 45 or older, you should be checked for pre-diabetes. If your weight is normal and you’re over 45, you should ask your doctor during a routine office visit if testing is appropriate.
No matter what your age, your provider may test you for pre-diabetes if you have these risk factors: a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or you are African American, Hispanic American, or Asian American.
Q: How often should I be tested?
A: As long as your blood sugar levels are normal, you should be checked every three years. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you should be tested for type 2 diabetes every one to two years.
“Diabetes is a serious, often life-threatening, medical condition that has reached epidemic proportions,” says Dr. Rizza. “But because the disease can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes in the pre-diabetes stage, we have some hope of turning this around.”
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Update on "Solara Medical Supplies"
I recently received a Comment from someone stating that Solara Medical Supplies was a postivie experience for getting their Medications.
Originally, I had received a Comment stating that it was a bad experience. So, I'm glad to hear that they are doing a better job with Customer Service.
With this at hand, Solara Medical Supplies helps with the cost on your Mail Order Medications. You can contact them at ph # 1-858-259-8287 or http://www.solaramedicalsupplies.com/.
Thanks so much for the Comments! Keep them coming!
I take these Comments very serious - I want this to be a Good Source for Assistance with your Medical and Medication Needs.
Originally, I had received a Comment stating that it was a bad experience. So, I'm glad to hear that they are doing a better job with Customer Service.
With this at hand, Solara Medical Supplies helps with the cost on your Mail Order Medications. You can contact them at ph # 1-858-259-8287 or http://www.solaramedicalsupplies.com/.
Thanks so much for the Comments! Keep them coming!
I take these Comments very serious - I want this to be a Good Source for Assistance with your Medical and Medication Needs.
Self-care Steps for Diabetics
Important steps to take on your own include:
• Examine your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness or swelling. If you have an injury, seek care early -- a small problem that's not treated quickly can easily lead to serious complications. Other prudent foot-care tips include washing and carefully drying your feet every day, keeping toenails trimmed as needed, wearing shoes and socks at all times and protecting feet from heat and cold. If you have any numbness of the feet, make sure that someone else helps examine your feet carefully and trims your toenails.
• Check your blood sugar according to the doctor's recommendation. Keeping your blood-sugar levels under control is critical for preventing a wide variety of complications.
• Take care of your skin. Up to one-third of people with diabetes experience skin disorders, such as infections. Skin self-care includes keeping skin clean and dry; not bathing or showering in extremely hot water; avoiding bubble baths and scented soaps; and preventing dry skin by using a moisturizing skin cream.
• Manage your oral health. People with diabetes have an increased risk of oral infections and gum problems. To help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Lifestyle changes
Most of the complications from diabetes are related to its damaging effects on blood vessels. That means anything you do that further damages your blood vessels -- such as smoking, not exercising or eating high-fat, high-calorie foods -- can significantly increase your health problems.
A healthful lifestyle for a person with diabetes includes:
• Eating healthful foods. Aim for a balanced diet low in fat, cholesterol and sugar. Work with a nutritionist, and particularly ask for help in developing meal plans and learning how to shop for groceries -- eating well becomes much easier if you have healthful foods at hand.
• Exercising regularly. Physical activity improves circulation and helps you manage weight and stress levels, among other important benefits. Talk with your health care provider about choosing the best fitness options for you.
• Losing weight. Obesity increases the body's resistance to insulin and contributes to heart disease, blood-vessel disease and many other health problems. By losing weight, many people with type 2 diabetes can decrease their diabetes medications. Ask your doctor or nutritionist for help in maintaining a sensible weight-loss program.
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol. Drinking alcohol makes it more difficult to control blood sugar. Alcohol can severely lower blood sugar in some people with diabetes, and it can interact with certain diabetes medications.
• Managing stress. Physical or mental stress tends to raise levels of adrenaline and stress hormones, which can throw off your blood-sugar levels. Find ways to limit sources of stress, and explore relaxation therapies.
• Quitting smoking. Smoking damages and constricts blood vessels and raises the risk of nerve damage and kidney disease -- making it one of the unhealthiest habits a person with diabetes can maintain.
Key to success
How do you make self-care go smoothly? Make it a habit.
• Examine your feet every day for any cuts, blisters, redness or swelling. If you have an injury, seek care early -- a small problem that's not treated quickly can easily lead to serious complications. Other prudent foot-care tips include washing and carefully drying your feet every day, keeping toenails trimmed as needed, wearing shoes and socks at all times and protecting feet from heat and cold. If you have any numbness of the feet, make sure that someone else helps examine your feet carefully and trims your toenails.
• Check your blood sugar according to the doctor's recommendation. Keeping your blood-sugar levels under control is critical for preventing a wide variety of complications.
• Take care of your skin. Up to one-third of people with diabetes experience skin disorders, such as infections. Skin self-care includes keeping skin clean and dry; not bathing or showering in extremely hot water; avoiding bubble baths and scented soaps; and preventing dry skin by using a moisturizing skin cream.
• Manage your oral health. People with diabetes have an increased risk of oral infections and gum problems. To help prevent gum disease, brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Lifestyle changes
Most of the complications from diabetes are related to its damaging effects on blood vessels. That means anything you do that further damages your blood vessels -- such as smoking, not exercising or eating high-fat, high-calorie foods -- can significantly increase your health problems.
A healthful lifestyle for a person with diabetes includes:
• Eating healthful foods. Aim for a balanced diet low in fat, cholesterol and sugar. Work with a nutritionist, and particularly ask for help in developing meal plans and learning how to shop for groceries -- eating well becomes much easier if you have healthful foods at hand.
• Exercising regularly. Physical activity improves circulation and helps you manage weight and stress levels, among other important benefits. Talk with your health care provider about choosing the best fitness options for you.
• Losing weight. Obesity increases the body's resistance to insulin and contributes to heart disease, blood-vessel disease and many other health problems. By losing weight, many people with type 2 diabetes can decrease their diabetes medications. Ask your doctor or nutritionist for help in maintaining a sensible weight-loss program.
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol. Drinking alcohol makes it more difficult to control blood sugar. Alcohol can severely lower blood sugar in some people with diabetes, and it can interact with certain diabetes medications.
• Managing stress. Physical or mental stress tends to raise levels of adrenaline and stress hormones, which can throw off your blood-sugar levels. Find ways to limit sources of stress, and explore relaxation therapies.
• Quitting smoking. Smoking damages and constricts blood vessels and raises the risk of nerve damage and kidney disease -- making it one of the unhealthiest habits a person with diabetes can maintain.
Key to success
How do you make self-care go smoothly? Make it a habit.
Diabetic Skin Troubles
We often take our skin for granted, but if you’ve ever had an itchy rash or a boil, you know how painful even a small skin problem can be. About one-third of people with diabetes get a skin problem sooner or later. Fortunately, most problems can be prevented or easily treated. Here are three common problems and how to prevent them.
Dry, itchy skin
When blood glucose is high, your body loses fluid. Diabetic nerve damage can decrease sweating. Both can lead to dry skin.
To prevent dry skin, manage your blood sugar and drink plenty of fluids. When bathing, avoid very hot water and use mild soap. Then, dry well and apply moisturizer, but not between the toes or in skin folds. Try using a humidifier in your home during cold, dry weather.
Fungal infection
Vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm show up as itchy, red rashes, sometimes with tiny blisters. They’re usually caused by Candida albicans, a fungus that takes hold in warm, moist folds of skin.
To prevent fungal infections, keep your skin clean, and dry well after bathing. Sprinkle talcum powder in armpits, between toes, under breasts or in other places where skin touches skin. If you get a fungal infection, tell your provider. You may need prescription medication.
Bacterial infection
Sores that are red, swollen and painful may be bacterial infections. Styes (an infected eyelid gland) and boils (an infected hair follicle) are the most common. A carbuncle is a deeper skin infection. Styes, boils and carbuncles are most often caused by Staphylococcus (“staph”) bacteria.
To prevent bacterial infections, take care of dry skin and avoid scratching it. Scratching can crack the skin, allowing an infection to start. Inspect your feet every day, and clean and bandage sores and cuts. Keep blood sugar controlled so that you can better fend off a bacterial infection. Check your skin daily. If a problem doesn’t go away, or you think you have an infection, see your provider right away.
Dry, itchy skin
When blood glucose is high, your body loses fluid. Diabetic nerve damage can decrease sweating. Both can lead to dry skin.
To prevent dry skin, manage your blood sugar and drink plenty of fluids. When bathing, avoid very hot water and use mild soap. Then, dry well and apply moisturizer, but not between the toes or in skin folds. Try using a humidifier in your home during cold, dry weather.
Fungal infection
Vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm show up as itchy, red rashes, sometimes with tiny blisters. They’re usually caused by Candida albicans, a fungus that takes hold in warm, moist folds of skin.
To prevent fungal infections, keep your skin clean, and dry well after bathing. Sprinkle talcum powder in armpits, between toes, under breasts or in other places where skin touches skin. If you get a fungal infection, tell your provider. You may need prescription medication.
Bacterial infection
Sores that are red, swollen and painful may be bacterial infections. Styes (an infected eyelid gland) and boils (an infected hair follicle) are the most common. A carbuncle is a deeper skin infection. Styes, boils and carbuncles are most often caused by Staphylococcus (“staph”) bacteria.
To prevent bacterial infections, take care of dry skin and avoid scratching it. Scratching can crack the skin, allowing an infection to start. Inspect your feet every day, and clean and bandage sores and cuts. Keep blood sugar controlled so that you can better fend off a bacterial infection. Check your skin daily. If a problem doesn’t go away, or you think you have an infection, see your provider right away.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Eye Problems
What eye problems are often associated with diabetes?
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that may occur in persons with diabetes as a complication. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. Diabetic eye disease can often be treated before vision loss occurs. All people with diabetes should have a dilated eye examination at least once a year.
Diabetic eye diseases include the following:
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Cataract
• Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease in persons with diabetes.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, retinal blood vessels may swell and leak fluid, while in others, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These changes may result in vision loss or blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy cannot be completely avoided, but the risk can be greatly reduced. Better control of blood sugar level slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and reduces the need for laser surgery for severe Retinopathy.
What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
A person with an early stage of diabetic retinopathy may be asymptomatic and without pain. Vision may not change until the disease progresses.
A condition called macular edema may occur when the macula, a part of the retina, swells from the leaking fluid and causes blurred vision. When new vessels grow on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye, blocking vision.
Who is at risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Anyone with diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely he/she will develop diabetic retinopathy.
Can Diabetic Retinopathy be prevented?
Although diabetic retinopathy cannot be prevented, the risk of developing it can be reduced by:
• having a dilated eye examination once a year.
• strictly managing diabetes by:
o taking medications as directed.
o using insulin as directed.
o eating appropriate foods to manage blood sugar levels.
o exercising to lower and help the body use blood sugar.
o testing blood sugar levels regularly.
o testing urine for ketone levels regularly.
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy:
Specific treatment for diabetic retinopathy will be determined by your physician based on:
• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference
Diabetic retinopathy is often treated with laser surgery to shrink the abnormal blood vessels or to seal the leaking ones.
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that may occur in persons with diabetes as a complication. All can cause severe vision loss or even blindness. Diabetic eye disease can often be treated before vision loss occurs. All people with diabetes should have a dilated eye examination at least once a year.
Diabetic eye diseases include the following:
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Cataract
• Glaucoma
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common eye disease in persons with diabetes.
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in American adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, retinal blood vessels may swell and leak fluid, while in others, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. These changes may result in vision loss or blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy cannot be completely avoided, but the risk can be greatly reduced. Better control of blood sugar level slows the onset and progression of retinopathy and reduces the need for laser surgery for severe Retinopathy.
What are the symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
A person with an early stage of diabetic retinopathy may be asymptomatic and without pain. Vision may not change until the disease progresses.
A condition called macular edema may occur when the macula, a part of the retina, swells from the leaking fluid and causes blurred vision. When new vessels grow on the surface of the retina, they can bleed into the eye, blocking vision.
Who is at risk for Diabetic Retinopathy?
Anyone with diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely he/she will develop diabetic retinopathy.
Can Diabetic Retinopathy be prevented?
Although diabetic retinopathy cannot be prevented, the risk of developing it can be reduced by:
• having a dilated eye examination once a year.
• strictly managing diabetes by:
o taking medications as directed.
o using insulin as directed.
o eating appropriate foods to manage blood sugar levels.
o exercising to lower and help the body use blood sugar.
o testing blood sugar levels regularly.
o testing urine for ketone levels regularly.
Treatment for diabetic retinopathy:
Specific treatment for diabetic retinopathy will be determined by your physician based on:
• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference
Diabetic retinopathy is often treated with laser surgery to shrink the abnormal blood vessels or to seal the leaking ones.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Allergy Tips
Dust Allergies
Keep doors and windows closed to reduce indoor exposure to outdoor allergens, such as pollen.
Vacuum at least twice a week to control indoor allergens. Change bags often and consider purchasing a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and cloth curtains, if possible. Clean them often if they can't be removed.
Consider treating carpets and upholstered furniture with tannic acid or benzyl benzoate to kill dust mites.
Replace your upholstered furniture with wooden, vinyl, or leather furniture.
Exterminate regularly for roaches and other pests.
Cover all mattresses and pillows with impermeable, plastic covers. Use synthetic products instead of feather pillows and quilts. Wash sheets, mattress covers, and blankets in hot water.
Remove dust ruffles and heavy drapes from your bedroom. Also remove knickknacks and stacks of books and papers or keep them in covered storage units. Clean and dust the bedroom at least twice a week.
Keep dogs and cats out of the bedroom because pet dander is associated with greater numbers of dust mites. A lower room temperature and lower humidity help keep the dust mite population down.
Mold Allergies
Clean and disinfect bathrooms weekly. To reduce mold, always run the exhaust fan during and after a shower. Keep under-sink areas dry.
Eliminate carpet and upholstered furniture in bathrooms or basements. They provide a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
Fix leaky faucets immediately.
Wash towels often using hot water and dry large beach towels in the dryer after use.
If you have a damp basement, bathroom, or any other room use a dehumidifier.
Pet Allergies
If possible, do not keep pets that have hair or fur. If you do have pets, keep them outside as much as possible and out of the bedrooms. Keep them off sofas, chairs, and other places where you sit, and away from coats and other clothing.
Wash your pets regularly. Wash your hands after playing with a dog, cat, or other pet.
Keep your distance from pet birds. Their cages contain numerous allergens.
Keep doors and windows closed to reduce indoor exposure to outdoor allergens, such as pollen.
Vacuum at least twice a week to control indoor allergens. Change bags often and consider purchasing a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Remove wall-to-wall carpeting and cloth curtains, if possible. Clean them often if they can't be removed.
Consider treating carpets and upholstered furniture with tannic acid or benzyl benzoate to kill dust mites.
Replace your upholstered furniture with wooden, vinyl, or leather furniture.
Exterminate regularly for roaches and other pests.
Cover all mattresses and pillows with impermeable, plastic covers. Use synthetic products instead of feather pillows and quilts. Wash sheets, mattress covers, and blankets in hot water.
Remove dust ruffles and heavy drapes from your bedroom. Also remove knickknacks and stacks of books and papers or keep them in covered storage units. Clean and dust the bedroom at least twice a week.
Keep dogs and cats out of the bedroom because pet dander is associated with greater numbers of dust mites. A lower room temperature and lower humidity help keep the dust mite population down.
Mold Allergies
Clean and disinfect bathrooms weekly. To reduce mold, always run the exhaust fan during and after a shower. Keep under-sink areas dry.
Eliminate carpet and upholstered furniture in bathrooms or basements. They provide a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
Fix leaky faucets immediately.
Wash towels often using hot water and dry large beach towels in the dryer after use.
If you have a damp basement, bathroom, or any other room use a dehumidifier.
Pet Allergies
If possible, do not keep pets that have hair or fur. If you do have pets, keep them outside as much as possible and out of the bedrooms. Keep them off sofas, chairs, and other places where you sit, and away from coats and other clothing.
Wash your pets regularly. Wash your hands after playing with a dog, cat, or other pet.
Keep your distance from pet birds. Their cages contain numerous allergens.
Beware of “Dust Off” Propellant
This craze is going around the middle schools and high schools for students to feel a “high”. This product is not just compressed air. It also contains a propellant called R2. It's a refrigerant like what is used in your refrigerator. It is a heavy gas; heavier than air. When you inhale it, it fills your lungs and keeps the good air, with oxygen, out. That's why you feel dizzy or buzzed. It decreases the oxygen to your brain, to your heart.
IT KILLS YOU.
The horrible part about this is that there is “No Warning”. There is no level that kills you. It's not cumulative or an overdose; it can just go randomly, terribly wrong. IT'S NOT AN OVERDOSE. You usually die as you're breathing it in. If not, you die within 2 seconds of finishing 'the hit.' The experts want to call this “huffing”. The kids call it “dusting”. There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor. Be aware if your child is complaining about his or her tongue hurting. This is a major side effect. The propellant does cause frostbite.
IT KILLS YOU.
The horrible part about this is that there is “No Warning”. There is no level that kills you. It's not cumulative or an overdose; it can just go randomly, terribly wrong. IT'S NOT AN OVERDOSE. You usually die as you're breathing it in. If not, you die within 2 seconds of finishing 'the hit.' The experts want to call this “huffing”. The kids call it “dusting”. There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor. Be aware if your child is complaining about his or her tongue hurting. This is a major side effect. The propellant does cause frostbite.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)