Weak Fitness

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not properly use insulin.   In response, the pancreas produces more insulin.  Over time, the pancreas won’t make enough insulin for the body’s needs.  This leads to increased amounts of glucose in the blood while the cells are starved of energy.  After a while, the high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels.  This damage can lead to complications.  Heart illness, capillary illness, kidney illness, nerve problems, and gum infections can result.  These problems can lead to stroke, blindness, and amputation.

What are the signs and signs for type 2 diabetes?

A lot of individuals  have no signs or symptoms.  Symptoms can also be so mild that you mightn’t even notice them.  More than six million individuals  in the United States have type 2 diabetes and don’t know it.  Here’s what to look for – o                                                              

o  Increased thirst

o  Increased hunger

o  Fatigue

o  Increased urination, specifically at night

o  Weight loss

o  Blurred vision

o  Sores that do not heal

Sometimes people  have signs but don’t think they have diabetes.  They delay scheduling a checkup because they don’t feel sick.  Many people  don’t find out they have the disease until they develop problems like blurry vision or heart trouble.  the earlier you find out that you have diabetes, the better.  Treatment can prevent damage to the body from diabetes.

How can type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Keeping blood glucose levels close to normal assists to delay or prevent complications.  But, it is better to prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes.  Some changes that could reduce  the risk of diabetes are –

o  Reach and maintain a reasonable body weight

o  Make wise food choices most of the time

o  Be physically active every day

o  Be certain to take prescribed medications as directed

Here are some action steps to help you manage your diabetes.  Ask your provider or diabetes educator to help you.

Be certain to check your blood sugar as instructed by your provider or diabetes educator.

•  If you are having difficulty with your home testing, let your provider or diabetes educator know.

Follow your diabetes food plan.

•  Be sure to eat less fat and salt.

o  Be certain to use herbs and spices to add flavor to your food.

o  Be certain to pick lean meats, poultry and fish.  Cut off visible fat and skin.

o  Make sure to select low-fat cheeses and dairy products.

•  Make sure to eat more fiber.

o  Make certain to pick whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.

Be physically active every day.

•  an increase in activity can become part of your daily routine.  

Stay at a healthy weight.

•  When you need help, ask your provider about losing weight.

Make sure to take your medicines as prescribed.

Tell your provider about Over-the-Counter medicines.

•  Ask your provider or pharmacist about non-prescription medicines, vitamins or herbal supplements you’re taking.  

Make sure to check your feet every day.

•  Observe for cuts, blisters, red spots and swelling.  Call your health care team or telephone advice nurse about any sores that won’t heal.  If you cannot see your feet, have somebody else check them.

Be sure to keep your appointments.

•  Be sure to keep your appointments with your provider.

Taking care of your diabetes is like taking care of your car… practice routine maintenance.  

Are women at risk?

Yes. Heart illness is the leading cause of death among women over 65. It causes more deaths than all cancers combined.

What do women need to know about heart illness and heart attacks?

Women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men. Warning signs of a heart attack include –  

o  Chest discomfort

o  Discomfort in one or both arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach

o  Shortness of breath

o  Nausea, lightheadedness, breaking out into a cold sweat

What can women do to protect themselves?

Know your risk. Risk factors are conditions that make a individuals more likely to develop a disease. There are risk factors we can’t change, for example, family history (heredity) and age. Important risk factors that we can change include –  

o  Make certain to use of tobacco

o  High blood pressure

o  High blood cholesterol

o  Overweight

o  Inactivity

o  Diabetes

Will hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reduce risk for heart disease?

No. Research results reveal the risk for heart attack and heart disease might actually be increased. HRT can help minimize the signs of menopause (such as hot flashes) and reduce the risk of osteoporosis (weakening of the bones). Consult with your women’s health care provider about your specific questions and concerns.

When you think you or somebody else is having a heart attack, seek help immediately.

Having your blood pressure (BP) taken is easy. Here are a few tips to get ready for your appointment.

o  Make certain to take your blood pressure medicines on the day of your appointment, unless you are specifically told not to by your provider.

o  Prevent drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages for at least 30 minutes before your appointment.

o  Do not smoke for at least 30 minutes before your appointment.

o  Avoid vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes before your appointment.

o  Wear short sleeves.

o  Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before your blood pressure (BP) is taken.

o  Sit and relax with your feet on the floor and with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your blood pressure (BP) is taken.

o  Sit and relax with your feet on the floor and with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your blood pressure is taken.

o  Do not talk while your blood pressure is being taken.

o  If you take your blood pressure (BP) at home, keep a log and write it down. Make sure to take your blood pressure (BP) log to your appointment. If you do not have a log, ask your main care team for one.

o  Bring your home blood pressure (BP) machine with you to your appointment. Have your team nurse/provider be sure that you’re using it correctly.

o  Ask your nurse or provider what your blood pressure numbers are.

o  Ask your nurse or provider what your blood pressure (BP) goal is.

Stress is our body’s reaction to an event or change.  To some degree it’s part of our every day life. Each day we experience it in some way – when we deal with traffic, can’t find something, sleep past the alarm, company arrives unexpectedly… Even positive changes in our lives can result in stress – moving, getting married, beginning a new job…

Every person has different levels of stress in their lives. What’s stressful for one person may not be stressful for another. Every person reacts to stress differently.

In small doses, stress can be beneficial. It gives you a boost of energy. It makes you more alert. It keeps you focused.

As the level of stress increases or if it persists, it may be a problem. Stress can affect our physical and mental functioning. It becomes harder for us to handle. We may become less able to cope with it in a positive way.

How does stress make you feel?

Initially, your heart beats faster and you’ll breathe faster. You are preparing to meet the challenge. Over the longer term, you may feel mad or helpless. You can also have a headache, aches in you neck, jaw or back, have difficulty sleeping and have problems with weight gain or weight loss.

It is important to handle stress in a positive and healthful way. When you can remove yourself from the stress – do it. When that isn’t possible, develop a plan to help you manage the stress.

Pre-Diabetes is becoming more common in the U.S..  As many as 50 million individuals  have pre-diabetes.

In pre-diabetes, your blood sugar levels not in the normal range.  They’re higher than normal, but not as high as with diabetes.

What does this mean?

If you’ve pre-diabetes, you are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.  You’re at risk for developing heart illness.  You’re at risk for stroke.  A lot of people  go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Diabetes may cause  damage in almost every part of your body.  It can lead to blindness, damage to your heart and blood vessels, kidney problems, stroke and nerve damage.  For women, diabetes can complicate pregnancy.  

What can you do?

There are a few things you can do.  

o  Manage your blood sugars.  

o  Lose a little weight – 5-7% of your current body weight.  This can be done with moderate diet changes and physical activity. This can help to delay and even prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.

High blood sugar levels could cause  teeth and gum problems. If you’re older than 45, have diabetes and smoke, you’re at increased risk for developing gum disease. Gum disease also known as periodontal disease, can result in mouth pain, difficulty chewing and even tooth loss. Gum disease can even make your blood sugars harder to control.

What you are able to do –  

•  Manage your diabetes. Make sure to keep your blood sugar level in a good range.

o  Make sure to take your diabetes medicines as directed.

o  Follow your diabetes consuming plan.

o  Be physically active at least 30 minutes a day, for most days of the week.

•  Brush after meals and snacks. Make certain to use a soft toothbrush.

•  Floss your teeth at least daily.

•  Tell your dentist if you’ve diabetes.

o  Have your teeth checked and cleaned on a regular basis.

o  When you have dentures, keep them clean.

o  Tell your dentist when your dentures do not fit correctly or when your gums are sore.

o  Call dentist for any problems with your teeth or gums.

If you have questions or concerns about managing your diabetes, talk to your health care team for help.

Be certain to use of tobacco harms nearly every major organ in the body. Some of the chemicals from tobacco smoke include carbon monoxide, tar, arsenic and lead. All of these are poisonous. Tobacco also contains nicotine. Nicotine causes the addiction to tobacco products. Tobacco smoke contains at least 60 known cancer-causing substances.

Cigarette tobacco use is responsible for –

o  Almost 30% of all cancer deaths in the USA.

o  More than 75 percent of all lung cancer deaths.

o  Most cancers of the larynx (voice box), mouth, esophagus and bladder.

Cigarette smoking causes chronic emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It also causes heart illness, stroke and cataracts.

Your risk increases with the exposure of cigarette smoke over your lifetime.

Tobacco use during pregnancy may cause  complications including stillbirths and low birth weight. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has also been linked to tobacco use during pregnancy.

When you stop tobacco use, there are major and immediate health benefits.

Health benefits include decling the risk of lung and other cancers, heart attack, stroke and chronic lung disease.  The sooner you quit, the greater the health benefit.

Tobacco use = single most avoidable cause of death in the U.S..  Consult with your health care team about getting help to stop use of tobacco.

What’s arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation of your joints. Joints are where two bones come together, like in your knees or your fingers.  The word “arthritis” is used to describe more than 100 different kinds of problems that people  can have with their joints.  The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis.

What parts of the body are most commonly affected by arthritis?

Arthritis mostly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

What are the symptoms of arthritis?

The symptoms vary. Most individuals  with arthritis have pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in and around their joints. Sometimes their joints look red and feel warm.

How long do the signs last?

Joints could  be stiff for about an hour, ordinarily early in the morning. Some people  have pain or tenderness in their joints all the time.

Is there a cure for arthritis?

There’s no cure for arthritis. Arthritis is treated by relieving pain so that individuals  can enjoy life more.

Should I exercise when I’ve arthritis?

Moderate physical activity assists to reduce the pain and stiffness. Walking, swimming, riding a bike, gardening, or dancing are all easy on your joints. Being physically active can also give you more energy. You may even feel better.

Can arthritis be prevented?

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of developing arthritis in your knees. Protecting your joints from injury can also lower your risk.

Hepatitis A virus could cause  serious liver illness. Hepatitis A is found all over the world. It’s common in countries with poor sanitary conditions. Hepatitis A is contagious.

You can get Hepatitis A by close contact with somebody who’s it. You can get it by eating food prepared by somebody with Hepatitis A. You can also get Hepatitis A by drinking dirty water that contains the virus.

Everybody, in particular people  with Hepatitis A ought to clean their hands often with soap and water. Make certain to always clean after using the restroom or changing a diaper. Clean your hands before eating or preparing food.

You can also get Hepatitis A by drinking water that contains the virus.

There’s a safe vaccine to help prevent Hepatitis A. You won’t get Hepatitis A from the vaccine.

Talk with your main care provider about getting the Hepatitis A vaccine when –  

•  You’re planning to travel to a country where many individuals  have Hepatitis A

•  You have been told that you have chronic liver illness, including infection with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C

•  You use illegal drugs

•  You’re a man who’s sex with men

•  You’ve a blood clotting-factor disorder

You will need to get a total of two shots. You ought to get the second shot 6 months to 12 months after the first one. After each shot, you may have some soreness where the needle went in. You may also feel tired or have a headache.