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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Diabetes continues to be a top concern for many health professionals across the world. It is a condition that could easily be managed with proper diabetes treatment. Diabetes is not a debilitating disease. If properly managed and treated, people with diabetes could live fuller and more productive lives. However, the success of any diabetic treatment ultimately depends on the patients understanding and commitment to treatment.
3 Things to Remember in the Treatment for Diabetes
- The first step in the treatment of diabetes type 1 or 2 is proper education. This could be done by regular communication and establishing a relationship with your health provider. Learn everything about diabetes and make a lifelong commitment towards eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle.
- Diabetes can be managed by eating a healthy diet. Shedding some extra pounds could go a long way in controlling your blood sugar. A typical diabetic diet should consist of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and good fat.
- Living an active lifestyle also helps people manage their weight better. Exercising regularly helps maintain blood sugar levels. All it takes is thirty minutes of simple exercises like walking or climbing a flight of stairs to help you keep weight under control. Moderate exercises and activities like dancing, yoga or any aerobic exercise combined with a healthy diet helps you live a fuller life, with or without diabetes.
What is the Management and Treatment for Diabetes
- Proper Identification - People with diabetes constantly walk a fine line between having too much or too little blood sugar. This makes the possibility of a diabetic attack highly probable. Wearing a tag or bracelets that identifies you as a person with diabetes helps emergency services or people treat you more effectively. Having a glucagon kit readily available ensures quick treatment of diabetic symptoms.
- Regular Checkups - Diabetes poses serious medical complications if left untreated. Poor eyesight, glaucoma, cataracts and retinal damage for example are medical complications that can occur due to diabetes. Regular checkups help identify early symptoms of diabetes and help your physician provide proper care and treatment.
- Strengthen your Immune System - Diabetes symptoms include a weakened immune system. Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet and getting a flu shot every year. Hepatitis B vaccinations are strongly advised for diabetic patients who have no previous records of vaccination.
- Maintain Proper Blood pressure Levels - Elevated blood sugar levels can cause high blood pressure. Ask your doctor if medication is required to help you maintain proper blood pressure levels. Diabetes symptoms include headaches and dizziness that may be caused by elevated blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly prevents fat buildup that could complicate your current medical situation.
- Feet and Teeth Care - Check your feet regularly for cuts, sores or blisters. Consult with your doctor immediately if you see any of these signs. Regularly wash your feet with lukewarm water. Dry them thoroughly and apply moisturizers. A compromised immune system makes us susceptible to infections. The mouth is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Proper mouth care helps prevent the growth of bacteria and reduces your risk for infections and disease.
Switching to Healthy Lifestyle
We all know the health risks that come with smoking and this could be aggravated by diabetes. Smokers with diabetes have a higher chance of acquiring cardiovascular disease. Switching to a healthy lifestyle and quitting the smoking habit goes a long way in helping your manage your diabetes.
Alcohol when drank in large amounts could elevate or decrease blood sugar levels. Coupled with an unhealthy diet, this could complicate your medical condition. Alcohol also contains carbohydrates. Include the carbohydrate content found in your drinks to help you manage your blood sugar levels better.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Stress could elevate your blood pressure and affect blood sugar levels. Finding yourself with diabetes can be very stressful. The body reacts to stress in many different ways. This includes elevated blood pressures and the release of hormones. This could affect how the body reacts to insulin.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Ever wondered why some people have a longer life expectancy? It has often been said that we are what we eat. And if we took a closer look at the diets of countries that have the longest life expectancy then it would be no surprise that their diets have the healthiest mix of foods prepared over their table. The Japanese in particular have diets that are rich with fish and vegetables. So what makes it standout from most of today's modern diet and what are the benefits of taking fish oil?
Fish takes a centerpiece when we talk about Japanese diets. Its cuisine is characterized by fish often prepared raw combined with fruits and vegetables. One nutrient that is found in great amounts in fish particularly fish fat is Omega 3. This could not be found in fats found in animal meat making it special to fish fat.
Unlike many of the body's much needed nutrients which are produced by breaking down food, Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid that could only be taken directly from its source. Good sources of these fatty acids include cold water fishes like salmon, herring and calamari. It could also be found in plant based sources like flaxseed.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be categorized into three types; EPA, DHA and ALA. Fish fat and calamari or squid oil contain EPA and DHA while plant based sources have ALA. Those contained in plant sources however (ALA), needs to be converted to EPA and DLA before being used by the body.
Omega 3 could be found in great amounts in fish fat. It is also referred to as polyunsaturated or essential fatty acids. Omega 3 or “good fat” helps clear clogged arteries and reduces the risks for cardiovascular diseases. This is the exact opposite the action of meat fat which is one of the main culprits in strokes or heart attacks.
The benefits of Omega 3 go beyond keeping our hearts healthy. It is also a vital building block for cell walls. It helps regulate the flow of nutrients to and from the cell and helps send signals to the brain. Omega 3 is essential for keeping our body's basic unit (cells) healthy and functioning at its optimum.
Omega 3 is required for normal brain development. Pregnant women are strongly advised to take their recommended dietary allowance of Omega 3 to ensure normal brain development. This is also important during their growing years for optimum brain growth.
Omega 3 also plays a role in the production of hormones. It is responsible for regulating the production of eicosanoids. This aids in the body's normal immune functioning by reducing inflammation. It reduces blood clotting and promotes the dilation of blood vessels. Omega 3 could also decrease the gravity of strokes and heart attacks by reducing blood clots.
A healthy diet means eating the right type and amount of nutrients. But many of us fail to follow a healthy diet because of the lack of food choices. Varying your choice of foods
The best way to get the most out of eating fish based diets is to have variety. You could have the recommended daily amounts of Omega 3 by eating cold water fish or squid oils. Omega 3 fatty acids could be sourced from a variety of food. These include cold fish, prawns and squid oils which are rich in DHA and EPA. ALA, the third type of Omega 3 fatty acid could be taken from vegetable oils and nuts. Plant sources for ALA include soy bean, flax seed, canola and olive oil.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Did you know that eyeglasses date all the way back to 1000 AD? Today, over a quarter of the world population require glasses. If you fall into that 25 percent, you have likely gone through some trial and error when it comes to shopping for the right type of glasses. Finding the right fit at a reasonable price can be a frustrating process. The good news is that there has never been a better time to find a pair of cheap eyeglasses that are a perfect fit.
Whether you require prescription or non-prescription reading glasses, you likely have personal preferences. The most important consideration when purchasing glasses is that they meet the needs specified by your physician or ophthalmologist.
Wearing the wrong pair of glasses can cause headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vertigo, and permanent damage to your eyes. It is not uncommon for one to experience a short adjustment period to new glasses; if you experience continued discomfort it is important contact a professional to assess your needs.
Getting the Best Deal
Some consumers spend on average spend hundreds of dollars and even up to a thousand for prescription glasses. The internet is packed with websites offering affordable glasses. If you opt to buy over the internet, be sure to take some time to research the vendor to ensure they offer a quality product. Customer reviews are a great way to measure the quality and reputation of the seller. You should also search around the web to take advantage of special sales and offers.
More than just a Fashion Statement
Sunglasses are not only fashionable—they save your eyes too! The sun's UV rays can cause extensive damage to your eyes. Medical experts agree that wearing a pair of glasses with UV protection is a vital step in maintaining ocular health. The most effective sunglasses block 100% of UVA and UVB rays; be sure to read the product label before purchasing to confirm the amount of protection the glasses offer.
Glasses with bigger or “wraparound” lenses tend to provide more protection as well. Don't be afraid to wear your sunglasses year round; eye experts recommend wearing sunglasses in the winter as well. Remember that some sunglasses are made for fashion only; be sure to double check that they offer appropriate protection.
Get a Spare
Unfortunately glasses tend to disappear. Don't tear out your hair looking for them—get a second pair! Glasses can have a short life. Whether we sit on them, scratch the lenses, or the dog chews on them, it is a safe bet to have a backup pair. Glasses are occasionally offered at a discount price when you buy two pairs. Take advantage of a two for one special and avoid being without them when you need them the most. You can always buy a much cheaper pair to get you by until you can purchase a better set.
Second Nature
There is a perfect pair of glasses out there for you; it may take some trial and error, but you will find a pair of eyeglasses that are the right fit, price, function, and look for you. The right pair of glasses will feel natural and let you get through the day without worrying about your vision or eye health. The right eyewear can be a great fashion accessory as well. Whatever your needs may be, don't settle for a mediocre pair. Get a set that works for you!
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
It is easy to make the connection between eating a healthy diet and optimum brain development. Of course, eating a healthy diet ensures that the brain has all the nutrients for building a healthy brain. But few are unaware that our diet also has a direct effect on our moods and emotions.
The quality of our diet can have an effect on the duration and severity of depressions. Signs include a sudden loss of appetite, food cravings and skipping meals. Sudden mood changes could be the brains signal that something is wrong or it is severely lacking in some nutrients.
Carbohydrates are important in the structural and functional integrity of the body. Some studies have shown a direct correlation between the levels of carbohydrates and its effects on our moods and behavior. Eating carbohydrate rich food triggers the release of insulin that converts blood sugar into energy. It also simultaneously sends tryptophan in the brain.
Diets which are low in carbohydrate increase the chance for depression. This is because carbohydrates are important building blocks for serotonin and tryptophan or “good feel” hormones. However, it is important that people get their carbohydrates from healthy sources. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and pasta could provide carbohydrates but have a lasting and stable effect on brain chemistry, mood and energy levels compared to sugar sources that only provide temporary relief.
Here are some of the cause and effects of food on our mood:
- Changes in our blood sugar levels can affect our energy levels and mood. Sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels could lead to stress.
- Below average levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals could affect normal brain functioning.
- Certain allergies contained in food such as artificial colors and flavorings. People could also develop hypersensitivity to certain foods which they previously have not any difficulty eating.
- Protein rich foods contain amino acids which are essential to normal brain functioning. These are needed by the brain's neurotransmitters. Amino acids are also needed for the production of serotonin and dopamine, mood hormones. And any imbalance could lead to depression and even aggressiveness.
- Before cutting your fat consumption consider the important role they play in brain health. Brain cell membranes are largely composed of fats and the brain's gray matter is built from polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The connection between food and our brain go beyond supplying it with energy and nutrients. Food also plays an important role in our moods and emotions. Eating the right diet maintains our levels of “feel good” hormones that can fight depression naturally.
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- Written by Lisa Jillanza
Post pregnancy period in a woman's life is the time when a woman has that highest weight gain tendency and these tendencies amount only to three high risk periods in a woman's life. This is according to the research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Once a post pregnancy weight gain isn't shed in a period of six months after birth, the pounds she gained she will likely keep. And once you are already obese before your pregnancy, chances are you will be facing more problem there is.
Health concerns regarding post pregnancy weight gain includes:
- Diabetes (type 2)
- Higher risk of heart diseases
- Complications in later pregnancies.
The Truth About Losing Post Pregnancy Pounds
Most women who have given birth is likely to lose it with the right process. 61% of new moms expect that they will lose the extra pounds they accumulated at the time their babies turn one. It some cases, it can't happen. But mostly, with the well planned program, it can be possible.
Some women though may go back to their old weight but would wear larger clothes. 87% of women say that their stomach or tummy has not return to its normal shape.
Many new moms who have the difficulty in getting their weight down may opt for some attractive alternative such as tummy tuck procedures for slimming down. And given that many women now have been exposed to media and the wonders of medicine, they tried seeking some alternative solutions to their problems in the cosmetic world.
Exercise can be a Jumpstart
Weight loss can't happen in a day or two especially with post pregnancy gains. A series of exercise after giving birth can get you on track. Always give a time for it. Exercising is essential in losing weight, activity can burn fat. A simple exercise you may incorporate in your walk with your baby's stroller or in your other free time.
Exercise and other activities can help you lose fat and not muscles. Women who returns to work after a reasonable time, according to research, may lose weight more than those who stays at home.
Don't Diet too Soon; Watch your Calorie Intake at the Right Time
You should give yourself some time before you start dieting. It is essential especially if you are breastfeeding. Incorporate your diet with a good and regular exercise.
A diet plan that has been well planned (not done abruptly) may help you avoid the delay for your recovery and won't cause fatigue in you. And when on your diet regimen, keep everything healthy. No fasting, no over the edge solutions. Why not bank on some super foods?
Consult Doctor for Safety Purposes
Some exercises and diet plans may not suit you. Your diet program should also be approved by your doctor to be able to keep you safe and help you be on the right track. Remember, when you are still nursing, even though you are trying to lose weight, you should still give your motherly duties some consideration.
Some women though who seemed to have difficulty in slimming down and losing weight results to other cosmetic procedures. Liposuction is popular among many women hoping to loss flabs after giving birth. Some would even result to a make-over that wouldn't address tummy flabs alone but problems with saggy breasts and buttocks as well. Mummy makeover has been a long time popular in many countries all over the world.
Most women would want pre-baby bodies because they need to be assured that they are getting it back. Getting it safely though should be the priority of these Mums. And it isn't a race, it isn't about who get it back the fastest, but it's how it will stay. Once you have it back, maintain it.
