Note: File Photo
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
LOW FAT (SKIM) MILK VS WHOLE MILK
Did you know that drinking an 8-ounce glass of low-fat (skim) milk instead of whole milk cuts your calorie intake by more than 45% without cutting the amount of calcium?
Saturday, August 27, 2011
HEART ATTACK
As we diabetics know, diabetes over the long term causes damage to other areas and makes us more likely to suffer heart disease along with other problems. Did you know that many people, especially women, who have heart attacks do not have any or severe chest pain? In addition to chest pain, other signs of heart attack can include chest pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, indigestion, excessive sweating, fainting, dizziness, heart palpitations, and left arm pain. If you think you or a loved one may be suffering a heart attack, call 911 and chew an aspirin-full dose 325 mg. The sooner heart attacks are treated, the better. When blood flow is cut off to any part of the heart during an attack, that heart muscle may become damaged or die.
When I had a heart attack several years ago I had stayed home from work thinking I was coming down with the stomach flu that had gone around at work. I only went to the doctor after almost fainting going down the stairs. My only sign was nausea and sweating which I related to the nausea.
When I had a heart attack several years ago I had stayed home from work thinking I was coming down with the stomach flu that had gone around at work. I only went to the doctor after almost fainting going down the stairs. My only sign was nausea and sweating which I related to the nausea.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
NEUROPATHY AND THE DIABETIC
Neuropathy is a functional change or pathological disturbance in the peripheral nerves. Know anymore than you did? Probably not. Let's see if we can get a better understanding of what all that mumbo-jumbo means!
The human body's nervous system has two main parts with the Central Nervous System being the one we hear the most about. This is the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. The one we hear less about is also a very important one. The Peripheral Nervous System is made up of the nerves that connect the Central Nervous System to the other organs and muscles in the body. As you can imagine, the peripheral nerves affect a lot of areas of the body. Now back to our original definition of neuropathy, a functional change or pathological disturbance in the peripheral nerves, one can see how neuropathy can become a big problem.
The peripheral nervous system is made up of three different types of nerves. They are motor nerves, which are responsible for voluntary movements such as waving goodbye, walking, etc. Another is sensory nerves which allow us to feel pain, hot and cold, etc. The third type is the autonomic nerves. As the name implies, these nerves control our involuntary movements such as breathing, heart beats, etc. Obviously, the nervous system is very complex and one or more nerves may be involved in neuropathy.
Symptoms of neuropathy can come on suddenly or gradually over time, depending on the types of nerves involved. Unfortunately, diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy so we diabetics need to be aware of the symptoms because early intervention is important in treatment and recovery. In most cases, the early symptoms are weakness, pain, or numbness. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, stumbling or tiring easily, muscle cramps, trouble holding onto objects, an unsteady gait, dizziness when standing up may be symptoms. Some people complain of their hands and feet feeling as though they are wearing gloves or slippers when they are not. Because the peripheral nerves involve so many areas, there are many different types of symptoms. This can lead to problems getting a diagnosis since so many of these symptoms also relate to other illnesses. If you notice one or more of these symptoms for an extended time, check with your doctor. He or she may refer you to a neurologist, a doctor whose specialty is the brain and nerve disorders. A complete history of the symptoms should be presented and such tests as an EMG (electromyography), blood tests and urine tests will probably be done.
The key to recovery is to seek help as soon as you suspect problems. Recovery time depends on how much damage has been done and if nerve damage is left untreated for a long period of time, the symptoms could become irreversible. Don't ignore the symptoms! This is your life, your future and your comfort we are talking about here. Most of us human beings have a tendency to think it's our imagination, it will get better on its own, the doctor will think I'm just a complainer, I'll mention it when I see the doctor in six months, etc. Wrong! At the risk of repeating myself, I feel that I must stress early diagnosis and treatment is important for this one. Don't let yourself have permanent nerve damage because you waited too long to admit you had a problem.
The human body's nervous system has two main parts with the Central Nervous System being the one we hear the most about. This is the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. The one we hear less about is also a very important one. The Peripheral Nervous System is made up of the nerves that connect the Central Nervous System to the other organs and muscles in the body. As you can imagine, the peripheral nerves affect a lot of areas of the body. Now back to our original definition of neuropathy, a functional change or pathological disturbance in the peripheral nerves, one can see how neuropathy can become a big problem.
The peripheral nervous system is made up of three different types of nerves. They are motor nerves, which are responsible for voluntary movements such as waving goodbye, walking, etc. Another is sensory nerves which allow us to feel pain, hot and cold, etc. The third type is the autonomic nerves. As the name implies, these nerves control our involuntary movements such as breathing, heart beats, etc. Obviously, the nervous system is very complex and one or more nerves may be involved in neuropathy.
Symptoms of neuropathy can come on suddenly or gradually over time, depending on the types of nerves involved. Unfortunately, diabetes is the most common cause of neuropathy so we diabetics need to be aware of the symptoms because early intervention is important in treatment and recovery. In most cases, the early symptoms are weakness, pain, or numbness. Symptoms such as difficulty walking, stumbling or tiring easily, muscle cramps, trouble holding onto objects, an unsteady gait, dizziness when standing up may be symptoms. Some people complain of their hands and feet feeling as though they are wearing gloves or slippers when they are not. Because the peripheral nerves involve so many areas, there are many different types of symptoms. This can lead to problems getting a diagnosis since so many of these symptoms also relate to other illnesses. If you notice one or more of these symptoms for an extended time, check with your doctor. He or she may refer you to a neurologist, a doctor whose specialty is the brain and nerve disorders. A complete history of the symptoms should be presented and such tests as an EMG (electromyography), blood tests and urine tests will probably be done.
The key to recovery is to seek help as soon as you suspect problems. Recovery time depends on how much damage has been done and if nerve damage is left untreated for a long period of time, the symptoms could become irreversible. Don't ignore the symptoms! This is your life, your future and your comfort we are talking about here. Most of us human beings have a tendency to think it's our imagination, it will get better on its own, the doctor will think I'm just a complainer, I'll mention it when I see the doctor in six months, etc. Wrong! At the risk of repeating myself, I feel that I must stress early diagnosis and treatment is important for this one. Don't let yourself have permanent nerve damage because you waited too long to admit you had a problem.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
SMART BALANCE OMEGA BUTTERY SPREAD
Information on another margarine spread:
1 tablespoon of this spread = 80 calories, 5 grams (2.5 g sat)fat, 85 mg sodium
This product is made from a natural blend of soybean, palm fruit, fish, flaxseed, canola, and olive oils. Due to the fish oil there is a small amount of omega-3 fats which are heart-healthy fats.
Works well as a topping, and also for cooking and baking.
NOTE: This same product in the "Light" version has 30 calories less, 1 gram less saturated fat, and should not be used for baking as it has a high water content.
1 tablespoon of this spread = 80 calories, 5 grams (2.5 g sat)fat, 85 mg sodium
This product is made from a natural blend of soybean, palm fruit, fish, flaxseed, canola, and olive oils. Due to the fish oil there is a small amount of omega-3 fats which are heart-healthy fats.
Works well as a topping, and also for cooking and baking.
NOTE: This same product in the "Light" version has 30 calories less, 1 gram less saturated fat, and should not be used for baking as it has a high water content.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
KEEP MEALS EVEN
One thing diabetics (or anyone who wants to eat healthy) should never do is eat small meals or skip meals during the day so they can eat a big dinner/supper! Nutritionists warn that diabetics need to keep their carbs leveled out over the day. Skipping meals or eating light so one can eat a big meal later will cause a definite roller coaster of blood sugar levels.
No, no, no!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
MAKING KIDS CLEAN THEIR PLATES?
Do you remember your parents telling you to clean your plate? Were you told to be thankful for your food and not waste it because kids all over the world were going hungry? Those old adages need to be thrown out the window! With the obesity epidemic and diabetes being at epidemic levels, you should teach your children to take smaller portions of food and to stop eating when they feel full. Children used to be busy from the time they got up until they went to bed. They rode bikes, took walks with grandparents, played in the backyard on swing sets, played neighborhood games of stickball and baseball, etc. Now they sit in front of a TV or video game. Too much food on their plates and being forced to eat every bite could be setting them up for a lifetime of health problems.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
COMPLEX CARBS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD
Feeling down or depressed? Eat more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Yes, these are carbohydrate foods but they are the complex (or good) carbs. These carbs boost your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a mood-elevating chemical in the brain.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
BEWARE OF HIDDEN SUGAR
You will be amazed at the sugar in foods you never thought of as sweet. Always read the nutritional label on foods to check their sugar content. This is especially important for diabetics! Be especially cautious about frozen breakfast treats, mayonnaise, salad dressings, canned soups, crackers, breads, stuffing mixes, tomato and/or pasta sauces. You may be surprised at the sugar you are consuming while unaware. I am not referring to the natural sugar in fruits and some vegetables. I'm talking about "added sugar." Read all your labels for one week; I imagine you will be surprised at the sugar you are eating!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
BE AWARE! EARLY SIGNS OF OVARIAN CANCER
As a survivor of both breast and colon cancers, I want to always bring cancer awareness to the general public. While I have not had ovarian cancer nor known anyone close to me who has, I was struck to realize how easily the symptoms of this horrible disease can be mistaken for minor health problems. Don't take chances with your life, if you or someone you love shows any of the symptoms listed below, please go to your gynecologist and explain your symptoms.
Ovarian cancer is often known as the silent disease because so many women don't realize they have it until it's too late. As a cancer survivor, I always want to take advantage of getting any cancer information out to the public. According to Mark Messing, M.D., a gynecological oncologist with the Baylor Health Care System in Texas, some of the earliest signs of ovarian cancer are:
* Bloating
* Pelvic pain
* Abdominal pain
* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
* Changes in urinary or bowel functions
Unfortunately, these symptoms are very common to many women and can certainly be signs of other problems. However, if you or someone you love shows any of these symptoms and they persist over a few weeks, over-the-counter meds aren't working, etc, contact your doctor immediately. Dr. Messing says women too often try over-the-counter medications for too long, have bloating but assume they are just gaining weight, etc. It is better to be checked out by your physician than to try to doctor yourself or ignore the symptoms. Many times ovarian cancer will not be the problem. But in the cases where it is present, early detection is vitally important, as it is with all cancers! Don't take chances with your life; you only get one!
Remember, no one knows your body like you do!!
Ovarian cancer is often known as the silent disease because so many women don't realize they have it until it's too late. As a cancer survivor, I always want to take advantage of getting any cancer information out to the public. According to Mark Messing, M.D., a gynecological oncologist with the Baylor Health Care System in Texas, some of the earliest signs of ovarian cancer are:
* Bloating
* Pelvic pain
* Abdominal pain
* Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
* Changes in urinary or bowel functions
Unfortunately, these symptoms are very common to many women and can certainly be signs of other problems. However, if you or someone you love shows any of these symptoms and they persist over a few weeks, over-the-counter meds aren't working, etc, contact your doctor immediately. Dr. Messing says women too often try over-the-counter medications for too long, have bloating but assume they are just gaining weight, etc. It is better to be checked out by your physician than to try to doctor yourself or ignore the symptoms. Many times ovarian cancer will not be the problem. But in the cases where it is present, early detection is vitally important, as it is with all cancers! Don't take chances with your life; you only get one!
Remember, no one knows your body like you do!!
Apple Crisp For Diabetics (Tasty For Anyone!)
With this delicious Apple Crisp recipe, everyone can enjoy the same dessert and you won't hear one complaint. That is because this dessert doesn't taste like a "diabetic dessert". When you serve this recipe, no one will guess you just served them a diabetic crisp. If you and the diabetic don't tell, no one will ever know!
1/4 to 1/2 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend (depends on apples)
2 tbsp white whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (Rome recommended)
TOPPING:
1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
1/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend or equivalent of your favorite brand
3/4 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
To make the apple filling, combine brown sugar blend, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add apples, tossing to coat. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
To make topping, combine oats, flour, brown sugar blend and nuts in a bowl. Stir in butter. The mixture will be crumbly. Spoon over the apples mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Best when served warm.
NOTE: Yield: 9 servings at 310 calories, 38 carbs, 4 grams protein each. As with all fruits, there is the natural sugar of the apples and a high carb count. However, the oats and nuts counterbalance most of that. Enjoy this dessert after a meal that has a good protein count. You would not want to serve this dessert after a pasta or vegetarian meal. And as with all desserts, do not overindulge!
1/4 to 1/2 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend (depends on apples)
2 tbsp white whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (Rome recommended)
TOPPING:
1 1/4 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
1/4 cup Splenda Brown Sugar Blend or equivalent of your favorite brand
3/4 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
To make the apple filling, combine brown sugar blend, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add apples, tossing to coat. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
To make topping, combine oats, flour, brown sugar blend and nuts in a bowl. Stir in butter. The mixture will be crumbly. Spoon over the apples mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the apples are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Best when served warm.
NOTE: Yield: 9 servings at 310 calories, 38 carbs, 4 grams protein each. As with all fruits, there is the natural sugar of the apples and a high carb count. However, the oats and nuts counterbalance most of that. Enjoy this dessert after a meal that has a good protein count. You would not want to serve this dessert after a pasta or vegetarian meal. And as with all desserts, do not overindulge!
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