Understanding A Diabetes Diagnosis Getting diagnosed with diabetes can be life-changing. Patients will undoubtedly have questions about how best to manage the disease. A diabetes educator can help explain the basics and answer more detailed questions about potential health complications, ideal blood sugar levels, diet, and exercise. Diabetes introduction Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels. This can happen because the pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps usher sugar into cells for energy, or cells become res ..read more

Understanding High Blood Pressure Hypertension is the medical term for blood pressure (BP) that is too high. Blood pressure readings are broken down into 2 measurements: systolic and diastolic. The first number is the systolic measurement, which calculates the pressure in the blood vessels as the heart beats. The second measurement, diastolic, assesses the amount of pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests after beating. Hypertension occurs when the measurements are higher than normal. How is blood pressure measured? Medical professionals calculate blood pressure using units of mi ..read more

Managing Painful Diabetic Neuropathy In the United States, approximately 1 in every 10 people has diabetes. Complications of the disease can include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye problems, foot damage, and nerve damage. More commonly known as diabetic neuropathy, symptoms of nerve damage can range from minor pain and numbness to more severe problems with the digestive system, urinary tract, blood vessels, and heart. Diabetic neuropathy affects 50% of people with diabetes, so knowing how to manage the side effects is essential. What’s your type? Before divin ..read more

What Is A PCP? No matter how old or healthy a person is, a primary care provider (PCP) is essential. PCPs fall under four categories: family practice, internal medicine, nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA). This type of healthcare professional can help with a variety of health concerns. Preventative care, urgent issues such as infections or injuries, and chronic problems like diabetes all fall under the purview of a primary care provider. 1. Early detection Many people are only in the habit of going to the doctor when sickness strikes. However, there are many benefits of se ..read more

Diabetes-Friendly Vacation New foods, different time zones, changing weather, and navigating airport security can feel overwhelming when traveling as a diabetic. By planning ahead and taking a few additional precautions, people with diabetes can travel stress-free. From medication management to sufficient travel snacks, blood sugar can stay well controlled, whether on the road or in the air. Before you go Heading into a vacation in optimal health is ideal for most people, but a pre-travel clearance is essential for diabetics. A quick check-in with the doctor can ensure that blood sugar leve ..read more

Promoting Good Prostate Health In men, the prostate, a gland the size of a walnut, is nestled just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. This unassuming gland plays a pivotal role in male reproductive health by producing seminal fluid. Certain conditions in the prostate, like cancer, tend to go unnoticed without proper screening. Understanding the structure and function of the prostate and the importance of prostate screening can help prevent significant health problems in the future. What is PSA screening? The best way to check prostate health is with a prostate-specific antigen (P ..read more

Can You Breathe Better With COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that impacts millions of American adults. The umbrella term COPD encompasses various lung-related conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions cause blockages of the many delicate bronchial tubes of the lungs. Poor breathing impacts general health, work, relationships, and physical activity. While the condition creates a severe strain on the quality of life, there are ways to keep COPD under control. Using both medication and lifestyle changes, COPD can be m ..read more

Managing Menopause Without Medication Typically starting at ages 45-55, menopause is defined as the point in time 12 months after a woman’s last period. Women who undergo menopause can experience various symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and trouble sleeping. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help relieve the symptoms of menopause, but some women prefer to avoid medication during this life stage. Can supplements help? Although data is limited, some evidence suggests that certain dietary supplements can help control menopause symptoms. In particular, black co ..read more

Self Breast Exams Save Lives Most people know breast cancer is a serious disease. However, survival rates are much higher if the cancer is caught early. Self-exams are the best way for women to keep on top of breast health. If certain signs are identified, a visit to a healthcare provider for further assessment may be warranted. Paying attention to changes in the breasts and acting promptly can be the difference between life and death. A new lump Many people know that a new lump can be a sign of cancer, but detecting that lump can be difficult. A monthly breast exam is the best way to ident ..read more

Getting Cholesterol Levels Under Control People striving to live a healthy life should be aware of cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance found in every cell in the body. The liver makes all the cholesterol required by the body, but people can also get cholesterol from the diet. Eggs, meat, and dairy products are common food sources. Although some cholesterol is necessary to protect nerves, produce certain hormones, and build cells, too much can put a person at risk of health problems. HDL vs LDL There are 2 different types of cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprot ..read more