Archive | June 2015

The recipe to knowing how to live healthier and longer, but don’t forget to do the cooking.

                           Healthy, Delicious, and Light

 

We live for generations relying more on treatment versus prevention (secondary versus primary care). Yes we have drastically improved in the health care system knowledge in leaning more to primary through further research and technology in the past 30 years and more but society has to make a better attempt in following the knowledge we know. Also, we have advanced in practicing prevention to some degree in our American country but not enough by the people in it. The society in our nation making up America has too many that rely on treatment rather than prevention, regarding prevention to diseases or illnesses that develop due to poor eating and poor health habits. Adults alone are 65% obese which is a main cause for certain diseases remaining on the rise in this country due to living lives like some did 30 years ago. These diseases are still on the rise due to our population increase from 30 years ago and some of our people regarding their eating habits out of and even in their homes. When I say American culture that includes the restaurant industries (fast food joints) and social acceptance of the do’s and don’ts in our communities (based on what’s allowed on TV and even radio to advertising companies promoting burgers with French fries on them for example). Out of homes in America we are exposed to many behaviors that can set back our health from fast foods, lack of allowing kids to play in a baseball fields playing all types of active sports with safe/ responsible adults in the fields or allowing kids to use playgrounds because in most cases they don’t have a permit to use that area due to their county rules causing children to have an increase in the desire to be non-active due to already being in front of the computer several hours a day or even watching TV instead of just doing 30 to 60 minutes of exercise squeezed in their daily schedules somewhere with their parents if needed for safety. If they could do it 50 years ago they can fit it in 30 or 60 minutes today or should you have had the child (meaning make the time, it is for their benefit). Enough of parents are both working today and can’t afford the time to even be in the play fields with their young ones trying to get food to the table or paying monthly bills. So if day care centers or better even schools get involved than they should be fitting in active exercising, again the least 30 to 60 minutes a day (that’s all, I’m not saying 4 hours like a football game). Because of this non-active and poor dieting behavior we inflict on ourselves and young ones either increasing risks of or the cause of or worsening of diseases or illnesses in American citizens (again due to poor diet and habits). Any citizen in this country that has these problems diagnosed already also; ending line its due to the diet or the poor health habits practiced in the individual’s life, unless born with, that in the end causes weight gain to obesity and sedentary lifestyle in a child besides an adult, as well. If you and others knew in our country the baby steps in becoming healthier NOW not tomorrow (Ex. You’ve heard the line I’ll start next month with next month never happening or this will be my New Year’s resolution on Christmas and it’s already forgotten on Jan. 1st) which over years could benefit your life line by giving it high probability that you would be extending it dramatically if you followed through with your goal, especially if you start in your younger years with no illness/disease or very little. Unfortunately a lot end up with the poor health due to their sedentary life style being started through their diet and poor healthy habits. Don’t put it off anymore, take the first step, and make the change our home sweet home needs to have happen which will increase the changes you need to a better mind and body. Join me with others in learning healthy habits. Prevent the following diseases that obesity (poor diet and habits) can cause, which are:

 

  1.                                                                                                                                                High Blood Pressure–High blood pressure is the primary cause of death among Americans older than 25. About 75 million people suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Blood pressure tends to increase with weight gain and age. It is through logic why high B/P is associated with obesity. However, research has shown that obese patients displayed an increase in blood volume and arterial resistance causing more stress to the heart=lack of 02 to the heart. For people who are overweight and have high blood pressure, losing as little as 8 pounds can help reduce blood pressure to a safe level the key is get in your body mass index or therapeutic weight.
  2. Diabetes (DM)–Obesity is considered one of the most significant factors in the development of insulin resistance, and insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, more than 90 percent of diabetes patients worldwide have type 2 diabetes. Being overweight or obese contributes to the development of diabetes by making cells more resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin allows glucose (simple sugar) to pass into our cells and tissues, if not hyperglycemia will happen=DM. A weight loss of 15-20 pounds can help you decrease your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  3. Heart Disease — According to the American Heart Association, obesity is a major risk factor for developing coronary heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. People who are overweight again stress the heart out, & are at a greater risk of suffering a heart attack before the age of 45. Obese adolescents have a greater chance of having a heart attack before the age of 35 than non-obese adolescents. If you are overweight, losing 10-15 pounds can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you exercise regularly, the risk of developing heart disease falls even more.
  4. High Cholesterol levels — High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of heart attacks. Cholesterol is transported through your blood in two ways: the low density lipoprotein (LDL), which transports cholesterol to the cells that need it, and the high density lipoprotein (HDL), which is the healthy cholesterol that reduces your risk for heart attack. Having high LDL levels raises your risk of having heart disease by 20 percent. Losing 11-20 pounds can help you significantly reduce your cholesterol level.
  5. Cancer — A study by the American Heart Association found that being overweight increases your chances for developing cancer by 50 percent. Women have a higher risk of developing cancer if they are more than 20 pounds overweight. Regular exercise and a weight loss of as little as 12 pounds can significantly decrease the risk.
  6. Infertility — Being obese can cause changes in the hormonal levels of women, which can result in ovarian failure. Women who are 15-25 pounds overweight are at a higher risk of suffering from infertility and ovarian cancer. Our bodies need to be at an appropriate weight to produce the right amount of hormones and regulate ovulation and menstruation. Don’t think men are immune to infertility. Overweight men have a greater chance of developing motility and a lower sperm count. Shedding 12-14 pounds can help you lower the risks.
  7. Back Pain — Obesity is one the contributing factors of back and joint pain. Excessive weight can cause injury to the most vulnerable parts of the spine, which carries the body’s weight. When it has to carry excess weight, the odds of suffering from a spinal injury or structural damage increase. Being overweight also raises the risk of developing osteoporosis, lower back pain, arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Losing 10-15 pounds can help you decrease the risk of developing these problems.
  8. Skin Ulcers & leading to infected ulcers — Obese and overweight individuals may have skin that folds over on itself. These creased areas can become irritated from the rubbing and sweating, which can cause alteration in the skin from a rash first forming to an actual ulcer of the skin occuring that can lead to ulcer skin infections (local infections) that can go further into systemic infections (which is an infection throughout the circulatory system).
  9. Gastric Ulcers — According to a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), obesity can be a contributing factor to the development of gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers occur when there is an imbalance between the amount of hydrochloric acid that is secreted and the enzyme pepsin. Overweight men are at a greater risk of developing gastric ulcers than women. A weight loss of as little as 7 pounds can help reduce the risk.
  10. Gallstones — Being severely overweight increases the risk of developing gallstones, especially in women. Gallstones are caused when the liver releases excessive amounts of bile, which is stored in the gallbladder. Gallstones are more common in older women and those with a family history of gallstones. Losing 4-9 pounds reduces the risk of developing gallstones. Moderate exercise also can help lower your risk.

If you are healthy but need to know the key to decreasing disease or illness later in life or suffer from type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, cardiac disease including high blood pressure or cholesterol and need to lose weight with living a better diet & practicing healthier habits, I can help you get the knowledge in understanding why it is s so imperative to manage without or with the disease through nutrition and fitness education including behavior modification in learning healthy habits that will help you lose weight or even prevent disease through Dr. Anderson.   Not meaning you have to join a gym necessarily or eat like grass like a bunny. You can simply do fast walking and increase in activity including what foods to eat based on your call. Take the right step in moving towards a healthier, happier and even longer lifestyle. Take a peek at my website healthierusa.tsfl.com at no price, no hacking, just viewing what you can do in making the choices you want, at your pace. I hope you, like myself and so many others, take the step in reaching a healthier body and spread the news to make America overall a healthier country. It is recommended anyone with a disease or illness to first check with their doctor with any diet changes and/or activity you plan to add to your life to prevent injury and maintain safety in your daily life.

QUOTE FOR FRIDAY:

“If you suspect that someone has had a brain injury, the first step is to talk with the person, share your observations, and encourage the person to get help. The next step is for the person to share a medical, family and military history with the physician.”

Harvey E. Jacobs, Ph.D. and Flora Hammond, M.D

Types of brain injuries.

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A Brain Injury is damage to the brain that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling.

Traumatic Brain Injuries can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury.

Closed Injury:  A closed injury occurs when the head suddenly and violently hits an object but the object does not break through the skull.

Penetrating Injury: A penetrating injury occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. As the first line of defense, the skull is particularly vulnerable to injury. Skull fractures occur when the bone of the skull cracks or breaks. A depressed skull fracture occurs when pieces of the broken skull press into the tissue of the brain. A penetrating skull fracture occurs when something pierces the skull, such as a bullet, leaving a distinct and localized injury to brain tissue. Skull fractures can cause cerebral contusion. Brain trauma occurs when a person has an injury to the brain, and can be mild or severe. When a person sustains trauma to the brain, he or she may lose motor functions along with cognitive and physical abilities. Physicians use the Glasgow Coma Scale to determine the extent of brain trauma. This is a neurological scale that measures the level of a person’s consciousness. The Rancho Los Amigos Scale is used to monitor the recovery of the brain.

There are several different types of brain injuries. A mild injury may cause temporary symptoms while a severe injury could require years of rehabilitation. The two most common types of brain trauma are 1. traumatic brain injuries and 2. acquired brain injuries.

1-Traumatic brain injury occurs from external force on the head or neck. These injuries can occur from blows to the head or aggressive twisting of the neck. Some ways this could happen include falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports, and vigorous shaking. In infants, Shaken Baby Syndrome is a type of traumatic brain injury.

2-An acquired brain injury means simply you got this injury after you were born and it was caused by a condition or illness after birth. This type of injury can result from several different causes like strokes, toxic poisoning or brain tumors. Degenerative diseases and lack of oxygen may also cause this type of brain trauma. Here are some examples of acquired brain injuries:

-Bleeding in the brain which can lead to brain injury.   Blood Vessels in the brain can rupture resulting in an intra-cerebral hemmorage (one of the causes of a stroke). Symptoms may include headaches, loss of vision, weakness to one side of the body and eye pain to even garbled speech.

-Anoxia Another insult to the brain that can cause injury is anoxia. Anoxia is a condition in which there is an absence of oxygen supply to an organ’s tissues, even if there is adequate blood flow to the tissue.  Common causes of anoxia are near drowning, choking, suffocation, strangulation, heart attacks, lung damage, or very low blood pressure.

-Hypoxia:  Hypoxia refers to a decrease in oxygen supply rather than a complete absence of oxygen, and ischemia is inadequate blood supply, as is seen in cases in which the brain swells. In any of these cases, without adequate oxygen, a biochemical cascade called the ischemic cascade is unleashed, and the cells of the brain can die within several minutes. This type of injury is often seen in near-drowning victims, in heart attack patients, or in people who suffer significant blood loss from other injuries that decrease blood flow to the brain.

-Toxemia, which is poisoning from chemical or biological factors that can damage the brain. Toxemia can be caused by drugs, chemicals, gases or even toxic foods.

-Viruses and bacteria. An infection of the brain can be very damaging like:                           *Meningitis is a inflammation of the lining around the brain or spinal cord, usually due to infection; Neck stiffness, headache, fever, and confusion are common symptoms.

*Encephalitis (en-sef-uh-LIE-tis) is inflammation of the brain. Viral infections are the most common cause of the condition. Encephalitis can cause flu-like symptoms, such as a fever or severe headache. It can also cause confused thinking, seizures, or problems with senses or movement..

*HIV can lead to brain injury. HIV, can affect the brain in different ways. HIV-meningoencephalitis is infection of the brain and the lining of the brain by the HIV virus. It occurs shortly after the person is first infected with HIV and may cause headache, neck stiffness, drowsiness, confusion and/or seizures. HIV-encephalopathy (HIV-associated dementia) is the result of damage to the brain by longstanding HIV infection.  It is a form of dementia and occurs in advanced HIV infection. Mild Neurocognitive Disorder is problems with thinking and memory in HIV, however is not as severe as HIV-encephalopathy. Unlike HIV-encephalopathy it can occur early in HIV infection and is not a feature of Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome – AIDS.                                                                                                     *Lastly Herpes. There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Either type can cause encephalitis. HSV type 1 (HSV-1) is usually responsible for cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth, and HSV type 2 (HSV-2) commonly causes genital herpes. Encephalitis caused by HSV-1 is rare, but it has the potential to cause significant brain damage or death.

*Other herpes viruses. Other herpes viruses that may cause encephalitis include the Epstein-Barr virus, which commonly causes infectious mononucleosis, and the varicella-zoster virus, which commonly causes chickenpox and shingles.*Viral infections due to blood sucking insects like mosquitoes and ticks to animals with rabies a rapid progression to encephalitis once symptoms begin. Rabies is a rare cause of encephalitis in the U.S.

When a person is diagnosed with a brain trauma, doctors will decide if rehabilitation is needed. Rehabilitation programs may vary depending on the type of brain injury and estimated recovery time. Treatment usually consists of physical therapy and daily activities. In extreme cases, patients may need to learn how to read and write again.

Therapy for brain trauma typically takes place on an outpatient basis or through an assisted living facility. Therapy may last several weeks, months or even years, and sometimes the patient is not able to make a full recovery.

It may not always be obvious when a person has sustained a brain injury. The patient may have hit his or her head and not have symptoms until a few hours later. Some signs of a possible brain injury are headaches, confusion and loss of memory. If brain trauma is not treated, it could cause permanent damage or death.

Brain injuries can affect the patient and the patient’s family, with emotional and financial hardship. When problems arise with treatment or financial issues, a brain injury lawyer or specialist may need to intervene.

 

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DIABETES PART 2:

controldiabetes                     OR ELSE         diabetes-complications

Diabetes is becoming more common in the United States.  From 1980 through 2011, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes has more than tripled (from 5.6 million to 20.9 million).

DIABETES: The Signs & Symptom and How to control the them:

The signs and symptoms of Diabetes 1 or 2 with hyperglycemia (HIGH GLUCOSE LEVELS):

THINK OF THE 3 P’s=

1.)Polyuria-a lot of urinating due to your body trying to void out of the body excess glucose in your urine. This causes the next symptom due to your voiding a lot of urine which causes your body to lose fluid and in return you become very thirsty with hungry. This gives you:

2.)Polydipsia= very thirsty

3.)Polyphagia=very hungry

This should be a red light for a diabetic with these one or all 3 symptoms to finger stick themselves.   See where your glucose level is at and if over 200 this is why you have one or all of the “P” symptoms (listed above).

Other s/s of Diabetes consist of:

– Tingling / Numbness in the hands and feet (diabetic neuropathy)

-Very tired and fatigued

-Weight Loss (more common to see in Diabetes 1)

-Blurred Vision.

-Sores that do not heal; and if not healed, this can cause in time a severe condition.

Complications that can come about due to DIABETES:

Dental Disease – Diabetes can lead to problems with teeth and gums, called gingivitis and periodontitis.

Heart Disease – People with diabetes have a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

Eye Complications – People with diabetes have a higher risk of blindness and other vision problems.

Kidney Disease – Diabetes can damage the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure.

Nerve Damage (neuropathy) – Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves that run through the body.

Foot Problems – Nerve damage, infections of the feet, and problems with blood flow to the feet can be caused by diabetes.

Skin Complications – Diabetes can cause skin problems, such as infections, sores, and itching. Skin problems are sometimes a first sign that someone has diabetes. Sores that cannot heal due to constant high glucose in the body can lead into a severe condition=AMPUTATION of the foot or leg.

**. (At least 15 % of all people with diabetes eventually have a foot ulcer, and 6 out of every 1000 people with Diabetes have an AMPUTATION. Possibly first surgery with bypassing the blood can resolve the problem 100% or like many only temporary. It is based on your other medical history with how brittle the diabetes and how compliant you are in taking care of yourself with diabetes.***

All these complications are effected by hyperglycemia and in playing a part in the blood circulation of our body. Ending line the person is getting bad oxygenated blood supply sent to the lower extremities when the glucose is poorly controlled over a long time. Based on the principle of gravity; what happens here is the heart pumps our blood throughout our body and when it gets difficult for the organ to do its job due to thick high glucose blood than it has to compensate at some point. Simply a narrowing to a blockage is occurring in that lower extremity and the reason for this is it’s the furthest area from the heart=FEET/LEGS. This is why you never see or rarely see a diabetic having an arm amputated due to hyperglycemia.

This can be caused by just thick high glucose blood flowing throughout the body making it difficult for the heart to pump as effectively as opposed to someone that doesn’t have hyperglycemia which over time leads to further complications (listed above).

Diabetes with constant high glucose blood levels can leaded into poor circulation causes the feet and lower leg to first become cool to cold to changing colors of pale to cyanotic (purple) which takes over weeks to months to years, depending on the patient. Then the tissue gets necrotic (black=dead tissue) and an amputation has to be done to save the person or else this will get infected locally, at first, going into a systemic infection causing the person to go into septicemia and expire.

HOW we can decrease the risk of complications and decrease the chance of diabetes worsening or KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL = PRACTICING VERY GOOD MANAGEMENT IN CARING FOR YOUR DIABETES.

This is how you can reach this goal:

-Controlling your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol can make a huge difference in staying healthy. Talk with your doctor about what your goals should be and how to reach them but make sure you are given information on paper or write down what it is you have discussed in the doctor’s office based on your care for diabetes and what to do. Usually diabetic information on paper is available and given to you.

To reach this know the following:

-Your healthy eating plan that you and your doctor with a dietician have discussed.

-Overweight? Than diet down to your therapeutic weight range for your height after discussed with by you with your doctor.

-Be physically active for 30 to 60 minutes most days but if this is new get your doctor to clear this activity for you with what kind of activity you are allowed and not allowed.

-Take your medicines as directed and keep taking them even after you’ve reached your goals; or you will be at high risk of ending up the way you were earlier=Diabetes badly controlled with running into the problems you had earlier.

-If you smoke=QUIT.

-Check your skin daily in particular the FEET and LOWER LEGS to check for redness, swelling to blisters, sores and sore toenails

-Ask your doctor if you should be taking aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke by making the blood less thick to thinner making it easier for the heart to pump and less stress to the organ.

-Need assistance like others have needed? Here it is; knowing how to surviveee with Diabetes 1 or 2 and that is to reach the best goal you can in treating it:

The key is to controlling your DIABETES is to be living a healthy life! This consists of diet, exercise or activity and healthy habits learned and practiced routinely in your life that will help prevent or assist in treating diabetic disease. The better we treat ourselves regarding health the higher the odds we will live a longer and healthier life. There is not just one food to eat or one type of exercise to do or one healthy habit to practice in order to keep you healthy, there’s choices. Come onto my website which is no fee, no charge, no hacking, just letting you check us out to look further in understanding how to take a shape for your life with Dr. Anderson and even myself as your health coach in helping you learn what healthier habits or changes you want for a healthier way of living, learn how to eat out of the 4 food groups still following your diabetic diet as ordered by your MD. It allows you to make all the decisions in what you want to do regarding what to eat (diet), exercise/activity, and what healthy habits you want to add in your life. We just provide the information and healthy foods in your diet, if you decide you want it. You make all the choices.

Wouldn’t you want less disease/illness for yourself, for your family, others significant to you and even throughout the nation including our future generations. Wouldn’t it be great to see Diabetes decrease in America for future years and giving us an ending result of higher probability that we would overall a healthier country with less disease. If that included Diabetes what an impact it would play in decreasing other diseases alone caused just by Diabetes.

REFERENCES for Part 1 and Part 2 :

       1.)Center for Disease (CDC) – “National Diabetes Fact Sheet”

       2.)NYS Dept. of Health –Diabetes

       3.)Diabetic Neuropathy.org “All about diabetic neuropathy and nerve damage caused by Diabetes.”Copyright 2002 – 2013.

       4.)NIDDK “National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases”

        5.)National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NIDC) – U.S. Department Health and Human Services. “Preventing Diabetes Problems: What you need to know.”

QUOTE FOR WEDNESDAY:

Trying to manage diabetes is hard because if you don’t, there are consequences you’ll have to deal with later in life.

Bryan Adams (born 5 November 1959) is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, musician, producer, actor and photographer. Best known for hit singles including “Summer of ’69“, “Run To You“, number one single “Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” and “18 Til I Die“.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DIABETES PART 1

Diabetes is becoming more common in the United States. From 1980 through 2011, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes has more than tripled (from 5.6 million to 20.9 million). Do you know it is costing in America millions and millions of dollars?

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes, working together with their support network and their health care providers, can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

There are 2 types:

Type 1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. This type of diabetes happens when the immune system ends up destroying beta cells in the body that come from our pancreas and they are the only cells in the human body that make the hormone INSULIN the regulates your glucose. Insulin allows glucose to transfer into the cells and tissues of our body to give them their energy to do their job in the body and nutrition to work properly=sugar-glucose. To live with this diabetes the person must have their insulin delivered by injection or a pump. This form of diabetes usually occurs in children or young adults but can occur at any age.

Type 2 diabetes was called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. In adults, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. It usually begins as insulin resistance, a disease in which the cells do not use insulin properly due to the pancreas not making enough or the pancreas not secreting the correct form o of insulin to do its function. Ending line the insulin isn’t working properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, OBESITY, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, physical inactivity and race/ethnicity.

Gestational diabetes is a form of glucose intolerance diagnosed during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs more frequently among African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians. It is also more common among obese women and women with a family history of diabetes. During pregnancy, gestational diabetes requires treatment to optimize maternal blood glucose levels to lessen the risk of complications in the infant.

Other types of diabetes result from specific genetic conditions (such as maturity-onset diabetes of youth), surgery, medications, infections, pancreatic disease, and other illnesses. Such types of diabetes account for 1% to 5% of all diagnosed cases.

Treating diabetes

Diet, insulin, and oral medication to lower blood glucose levels are the foundation of diabetes treatment and management. Patient education and self-care practices are also important aspects of disease management that help people with diabetes lead normal lives.

  • To survive, people with type 1 diabetes must have insulin delivered by injection or a pump.
  • Many people with type 2 diabetes can control their blood glucose by following a healthy meal plan and exercise program, losing excess weight, and taking oral medication. Medications for each individual with diabetes will often change during the course of the disease. Some people with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin to control their blood glucose.

Self-management education or training is a key step in improving health outcomes and quality of life. It focuses on self-care behaviors, such as healthy eating, being active, and monitoring blood sugar.

Criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes:

  • A fasting blood sugar level ≥126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) after an overnight fast, which is just taking the finger stick right when you wake up before breakfast OR
  • A 2-hour blood sugar level ≥200 mg/dL after a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), OR
  • An A1c level ≥6.5%.       (The A1C test is a simple lab test that measures average blood glucose levels over the past 3 months. A small blood sample to check your A1C can be taken at any time of the day=simply a blood test)
  • Pretty simple isn’t it.

Diabetes is not only common and serious; it is also VERY COSTLY! Let us take a look:

The cost of treating diabetes is staggering. According to the American Diabetes Association, the annual cost of diabetes in medical expenses and lost productivity rose for $98 billion in 1997 to $132 billion in $2002 to $174 billion in 2007.

One out of every 5 U.S. federal health care dollars is spent treating people with diabetes. The average yearly health care costs for a person without diabetes is 2,560 dollars; for a person with diabetes that figure soars to $11,744. Much of the human and financial costs can be avoided with proven diabetes prevention and management steps.

Turn into PART 2 tomorrow and learn what the symptoms and complications are of Diabetes with how to decrease your odds of getting Diabetes with knowing what measures to take to better control your Diabetes, with your doctor’s approval.

 

 

REFERENCES for Part 1 and Part 2 :

 

  1. Center for Disease (CDC) – “National Diabetes Fact Sheet”
  2.  NYS Dept. of Health –Diabetes
  3.  Diabetic Neuropathy.org   “All about diabetic neuropathy and nerve damage caused by Diabetes.   ” Copyright 2002 – 2013.
  4. NIDDK “National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases”                                                              5. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NIDC) – U.S. Department and Human Services. “Preventing Diabetes Problems: What you need to know”

 

QUOTE FOR TUESDAY:

“Most stings arise because an insect perceives a threat to their colony. Bees and wasps commonly sting because an intruder has neared the hive or nest.”

MEDICINENET.COM 12/11/2013 Bee and Wasp Sting

SUMMER STINGING INSECT VISITORS INCLUDING KNOWING WHAT TO DO!

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With summer around the corner we have had certain insects coming out of hibernation in the end of spring which are little insects with STINGERS and know how to deal with them.

Yes it’s that time of the year again better weather and getting warmer with certain individual insects waking up and popping into our site again that go BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Enjoy the weather but know these insect stingers and what to do.

At least 40 deaths occur each year in the U.S. as a result of serious anaphylactic sting reactions.

A bee sting is strictly a sting from a bee (honey bee, bumblebee, sweat bee, etc.). In the vernacular it can mean a sting of a bee, wasp, hornet, or yellow jacket. Some people may even call the bite of a horse-fly a bee sting. The stings of most of these species can be quite painful, and are therefore keenly avoided by many people.

Bee stings differ from insect bites, and the venom or toxin of stinging insects is quite different. Therefore, the body’s reaction to a bee sting may differ significantly from one species to another.

The most aggressive stinging insects are vespid wasps (including bald-faced hornets and other yellow jackets) but not hornets in general (e.g., the European hornet is less harmful). All of these insects aggressively defend their nests.

In people with insect sting allergy, a bee sting may trigger a dangerous anaphylactic reaction that is potentially deadly. Honey bee stings release pheromones that prompt other nearby bees to attack.

There are over 25,000 species of wasps found throughout the world. Some of the most common wasps include:

  • The yellow jacket and hornet, both of which live in groups, or colonies, in temperate climates.
  • Yellow jackets, which have black and yellow stripes on the abdomen, form underground nests.
  • Hornets are predominantly black with some yellow markings on the head and thorax. Hornets form paper-like nests that are attached to trees, bushes, or buildings.

 

  • Certain animals have developed stinging as a form of defense or hunting. Venomous stings can have a local reaction, meaning pain, swelling, redness, itching, and possible oozing around the sting site, or a systemic reaction, meaning with local symptoms plus hives or airway and circulatory problems across the whole body. Local symptoms meaning the reaction to the sting is in one local area and systemic meaning the reaction is generalized throughout the body.
  1. For starters let us begin with the types of Wasps.

A.) Hornets

Hornets are a type of wasp closely related to and resembling yellow jackets, according to National Geographic. While the majority of the approximately 20 species of hornets are found in tropical parts of Asia, these stinging insects can also be found throughout Europe, Africa and North America. Hornets are social insects that live in community hives dominated by queens.They are considered pests and potentially dangerous by many because they aggressively defend their hives by using their stingers. Reacting quickly after disturbing a hornets’ nest will help you prevent excessive stings and potential allergic reactions.

Hornets are a large species of wasp, growing up to 2 1/2-inches in length. Hornets become aggressive when they feel threatened or must defend their nest. Unlike a bee, hornets can sting multiple times, as their stingers are not barbed. A hornet sting delivers venom beneath the skin that causes a painful reaction for up to three days following. You can treat a hornet sting to relieve some of the pain and swelling, making the healing process tolerable. Hornets are very, very painful. As soon as you are stung by a Hornet a red welt will develop and the throbbing pain will begin. Before trying to treat a Hornet sting be sure you are safely away from the Hornet and nest. A Hornet will sting many times and if you kill a Hornet their Hornet friends back at the nest will come after you too. When a Hornet is killed it releases a scent and other Hornets will come to investigate. If you are allergic to Hornet stings seek emergency medical attention.

 

B.) Yellow Jack.ets–Stinging Wasps

Overall, stinging wasps have warning colors, either yellow, brown, to even blue or red. Wasps have pointed abdomens attached to the thorax by a thin waist called a petiole. They build papery nests from wood fibers, very common in the northeast. The colonies that live in these nests are led by one egg-laying queen. The female nest-building workers are the only ones with stingers, which are modified egg laying apparatuses. If threatened, they will gather into a stinging swarm to protect the nest. REMEMBER wasps have the ability to sting repeatedly.

Tune into to Part 2 for learning about BEES.