If you live with an ostomy, or care for someone who does, it’s tempting to think that you’re the only one dealing with the issues associated with being an ostomate. The truth is that as many as 1 in 500 Americans lives with an ostomy and a vibrant community has grown up to provide support for those dealing with the medical issues, work and school concerns, and the emotional roller coaster that can accompany this life-changing procedure.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may have checked your blood sugar (glucose) thousands of times. Or, if you are new to the diabetes community, this whole fingerstick thing might still be a little strange. Either way, we think you’ll benefit from this update on best practices for using a traditional glucose meter (glucometer), plus tips for making monitoring as easy and effective as possible. An alternative to the glucometer for those diagnosed with diabetes is a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), a wearable device that tracks your glucose 24/7 mostly without fingersticks. Get answers to common questions about CGMs here.
For most of us, the ability to easily go into a bathroom and empty our bladders is one of those basic functions that is easy to take for granted. But when you have a urological condition that makes urinating difficult or impossible, life becomes a little more complicated. Luckily, help is available in the form of a urinary catheter, a tube inserted in the bladder that allows the urine to be diverted into a drainage bag that is regularly emptied.
Do you take a blood thinner? Blood thinners are lifesaving drugs that assist our bodies in keeping our blood flowing smoothly. First discovered about 100 years ago, blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are used by two to three million Americans. While they do not actually make the blood “thinner” or break up existing blood clots, blood thinners do stop blood clots from growing larger and prevent new ones from developing.
If you have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or are just determined to control your glucose levels, or improve your eating habits by scaling back on sugar, we applaud you. It can be difficult to cut down on sugar, because as everybody knows, nothing hits the mouth, and the brain, like a warm chocolate chip cookie or a cold ice cream cone.
Are you looking for a new doctor or primary care physician (PCP)? There are many reasons why you might decide you need to change doctors or healthcare providers. A new diagnosis or a change in your health status could be driving your search. Or maybe you recently moved to a new town and need a doctor near where you live. Perhaps your healthcare provider retired or maybe you just don’t “click” with your current doctor.
Do you live with diabetes? If so, you’ve probably heard about, or even considered using a Continuous Glucose Monitor. A Continuous Glucose Monitor, also known as a CGM, is a wearable device that lets you track your blood sugar without the need for frequent fingersticks.
Exercise. We’ve talked about it in this blog. Your doctor has probably recommended it. You may even be doing it. Many people with diabetes and pre-diabetes know that exercise is key to managing their condition. In fact, exercise in addition to diet, monitoring blood sugar levels, and taking insulin and other medications are key components of diabetes self-care and management.
Blood pressure (BP) is one of the most familiar metrics in healthcare. Most people have had their blood pressure taken dozens of times in their life and probably don’t think too much about what the resulting numbers mean. This blog is about to change that! Read on to answer questions about blood pressure such as: What’s an ideal BP? What makes your blood pressure rise and fall? What can you do to control your blood pressure? And how does blood pressure relate to chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes?
If you use a wheelchair or spend a lot of time in bed, you may be at risk of developing a bedsore. Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that develop when something is rubbing or pressing against the skin. The rubbing reduces blood flow to the area, which can cause the skin to break down, creating a sore.
