http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/getFeed.kickAction?mediaType=BLOG&quantity=25&as=43145 New blogs from Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE on myhealthvillage Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:28:59 GMT Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:28:59 GMT info@longitudehealth.com (webmasterMHV) info@longitudehealth.com (webmasterMHV) KickApps Feed Builder 2009-04-09T20:28:59Z 70 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=43145&sortType=recent 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_BG-Testing-Techniques/BLOG/238037/43145.html BG Testing Techniques             “I don’t want to prick my finger!” Who would? But if blood sugar testing needs to be done, there are ways to minimize the discomfort.             First, select the meter (within your price range) that uses the smallest sample size of blood. Meters vary greatly in the amount of blood required. Most of the new meters don’t need a whole drop of blood. Many only need a “speck” about the size of the head of a pin.             Second, select your lancing device and lancet carefully. Lancing devices should be adjustable as far as the depth of the “stick”. Lancets come in different gauges. A larger gauge number means a finer point on the lancet.             Use a fine lancet and then set your lancing device to the lowest depth you need to get a blood sample. If you don’t know the size of your lancet, just ask the sales person.             Third, use the lancing devise on the right part of your finger. Not on the tip. Not on the pad. Not too close to a nail. Get the sample from the side of your finger, between the pad and the edge of the nail.  The tips and pads of a finger are generally the most sensitive spots. Good spots to avoid.             I’ve seen people follow all the guidelines listed above and still not get enough blood to do a test. Before they dial-up the depth on their lancing devices, I give them a few more tricks to try.  (See the next post to learn these tricks.)     BG Testing Techniques             “I don’t want to prick my finger!” Who would? But if blood sugar testing needs to be done, there are ways to minimize the discomfort.             First, select the meter (within your price range) that uses the smallest sample size of blood. Meters vary greatly in the amount of blood required. Most of the new meters don’t need a whole drop of blood. Many only need a “speck” about the size of the head of a pin.             Second, select your lancing device and lancet carefully. Lancing devices should be adjustable as far as the depth of the “stick”. Lancets come in different gauges. A larger gauge number means a finer point on the lancet.             Use a fine lancet and then set your lancing device to the lowest depth you need to get a blood sample. If you don’t know the size of your lancet, just ask the sales person.             Third, use the lancing devise on the right part of your finger. Not on the tip. Not on the pad. Not too close to a nail. Get the sample from the side of your finger, between the pad and the edge of the nail.  The tips and pads of a finger are generally the most sensitive spots. Good spots to avoid.             I’ve seen people follow all the guidelines listed above and still not get enough blood to do a test. Before they dial-up the depth on their lancing devices, I give them a few more tricks to try.  (See the next post to learn these tricks.)     Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:28:59 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_BG-Testing-Techniques/BLOG/238037/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-09T20:28:59Z myhealthvillage BG Testing Techniques             “I don’t want to prick my finger!” Who would? But if blood sugar testing needs to be done, there are ways to minimize the discomfort.             First, select the meter (within your price range) that uses the smallest sample size of blood. Meters vary greatly in the amount of blood required. Most of the new meters don’t need a whole drop of blood. Many only need a “speck” about the size of the head of a pin.             Second, select your lancing device and lancet carefully. Lancing devices should be adjustable as far as the depth of the “stick”. Lancets come in different gauges. A larger gauge number means a finer point on the lancet.             Use a fine lancet and then set your lancing device to the lowest depth you need to get a blood sample. If you don’t know the size of your lancet, just ask the sales person.             Third, use the lancing devise on the right part of your finger. Not on the tip. Not on the pad. Not too close to a nail. Get the sample from the side of your finger, between the pad and the edge of the nail.  The tips and pads of a finger are generally the most sensitive spots. Good spots to avoid.             I’ve seen people follow all the guidelines listed above and still not get enough blood to do a test. Before they dial-up the depth on their lancing devices, I give them a few more tricks to try.  (See the next post to learn these tricks.)     blood sugar testing, diabetes nonadult false BG Testing Techniques text blog blood sugar testing,diabetes 277 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 238037 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Painless-BG-Testing/BLOG/237996/43145.html Painless Blood Sugar Testing   Yes, it is possible. However, don’t fall for those ads that claim, “With this meter, you’ll never have to prick your finger again!”   What they conveniently neglect to tell you is that you do have to prick some part of your body. One day meters will be available to check blood sugar without taking blood from your body, but that day has not arrived.   What those ads are selling is a meter capable of “alternate site” testing. The alternate sites can include parts of the hand, arm, or leg.   Alternate site testing has been available for a while, but not many people I know use it.  There are a few drawbacks: In some situations, for example when blood sugar is low or changing rapidly, alternate site testing is not as accurate as finger tip testing. For many people, getting a blood sample from an alternate site hurts more, not less, than finger tip testing. Finally, and this is the deal-breaker for me, you must apply pressure to the alternate site using a plastic end cap. This pressure can leave bruises in tender-skinned people like me. If alternate site testing is not the answer to painless testing, what is?  More to come. Painless Blood Sugar Testing   Yes, it is possible. However, don’t fall for those ads that claim, “With this meter, you’ll never have to prick your finger again!”   What they conveniently neglect to tell you is that you do have to prick some part of your body. One day meters will be available to check blood sugar without taking blood from your body, but that day has not arrived.   What those ads are selling is a meter capable of “alternate site” testing. The alternate sites can include parts of the hand, arm, or leg.   Alternate site testing has been available for a while, but not many people I know use it.  There are a few drawbacks: In some situations, for example when blood sugar is low or changing rapidly, alternate site testing is not as accurate as finger tip testing. For many people, getting a blood sample from an alternate site hurts more, not less, than finger tip testing. Finally, and this is the deal-breaker for me, you must apply pressure to the alternate site using a plastic end cap. This pressure can leave bruises in tender-skinned people like me. If alternate site testing is not the answer to painless testing, what is?  More to come. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:03:54 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Painless-BG-Testing/BLOG/237996/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-09T20:03:54Z myhealthvillage Painless Blood Sugar Testing   Yes, it is possible. However, don’t fall for those ads that claim, “With this meter, you’ll never have to prick your finger again!”   What they conveniently neglect to tell you is that you do have to prick some part of your body. One day meters will be available to check blood sugar without taking blood from your body, but that day has not arrived.   What those ads are selling is a meter capable of “alternate site” testing. The alternate sites can include parts of the hand, arm, or leg.   Alternate site testing has been available for a while, but not many people I know use it.  There are a few drawbacks: In some situations, for example when blood sugar is low or changing rapidly, alternate site testing is not as accurate as finger tip testing. For many people, getting a blood sample from an alternate site hurts more, not less, than finger tip testing. Finally, and this is the deal-breaker for me, you must apply pressure to the alternate site using a plastic end cap. This pressure can leave bruises in tender-skinned people like me. If alternate site testing is not the answer to painless testing, what is?  More to come. alternate site testing, diabetes nonadult false Painless BG Testing text blog alternate site testing,diabetes 244 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 237996 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_BG-Meter-Challenges/BLOG/237980/43145.html  BG Meter ChallengesSome situations are especially challenging when it comes to using a BG meter:Having vision problemsHaving dexterity issuesBeing technically “behind the times” In each of these cases, there is a blood glucose meter that can meet the challenge. Ideally if you fall into one of these categories, you can see your local certified diabetes educator (CDE) and talk over the options with him or her.If you don’t have access to a CDE, call the customer service department of several meter companies. Explain your situation and ask what they have to offer. They may be willing to send you a sample meter so you can try it to see if it meets your needs.Don’t let challenges keep you from testing your blood sugar. There are even meters available for people who are blind. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.   BG Meter ChallengesSome situations are especially challenging when it comes to using a BG meter:Having vision problemsHaving dexterity issuesBeing technically “behind the times” In each of these cases, there is a blood glucose meter that can meet the challenge. Ideally if you fall into one of these categories, you can see your local certified diabetes educator (CDE) and talk over the options with him or her.If you don’t have access to a CDE, call the customer service department of several meter companies. Explain your situation and ask what they have to offer. They may be willing to send you a sample meter so you can try it to see if it meets your needs.Don’t let challenges keep you from testing your blood sugar. There are even meters available for people who are blind. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:46:19 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_BG-Meter-Challenges/BLOG/237980/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-09T19:46:19Z myhealthvillage  BG Meter ChallengesSome situations are especially challenging when it comes to using a BG meter:Having vision problemsHaving dexterity issuesBeing technically “behind the times” In each of these cases, there is a blood glucose meter that can meet the challenge. Ideally if you fall into one of these categories, you can see your local certified diabetes educator (CDE) and talk over the options with him or her.If you don’t have access to a CDE, call the customer service department of several meter companies. Explain your situation and ask what they have to offer. They may be willing to send you a sample meter so you can try it to see if it meets your needs.Don’t let challenges keep you from testing your blood sugar. There are even meters available for people who are blind. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  blood sugar meters, diabetes nonadult false BG Meter Challenges text blog blood sugar meters,diabetes 252 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 237980 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_BG-Meters-Money-Matters/BLOG/237953/43145.html  BG Meters: Money Matters When you consider the cost of blood glucose (BG) testing, look not at the meter, but at the test strips. Each strip can cost up to a dollar.When money matters, insurance comes into the picture. Let’s look at 3 cases: no insurance, regular insurance, and Medicare.If you are buying your test strips out of pocket, I encourage you to look at meters branded by big chains.  Discount stores, drug stores, and even some grocery stores sell meters with their name on them. These meters (and the test strips they use) are often much less expensive than name brand meters and are usually made by the same companies.These meters have to meet the same standards of accuracy that any meter does. The drawback is that most of them do not have all the special features of more expensive meters and are probably not the “latest style”.If you have insurance, definitely go with the covered brand to get the best deal. An insurance provider will usually cover meters from a certain meter company. Within that company, there are different models to choose from.If you have Medicare, as the rules stand now, you may pick ANY meter you like. Some drug stores and medical supply stores may tell you that you may only pick between one or two meters, because those are the only meters that THEY carry. Find a place that will sell you what you want to buy.Even if you do have insurance or Medicare, your co-pay may be so high that you will want to look into the generic meters that are available.So, now we’ve talked about money matters. There are a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind before you head out to shop for your meter. We’ll look at those factors in a post to come.      BG Meters: Money Matters When you consider the cost of blood glucose (BG) testing, look not at the meter, but at the test strips. Each strip can cost up to a dollar.When money matters, insurance comes into the picture. Let’s look at 3 cases: no insurance, regular insurance, and Medicare.If you are buying your test strips out of pocket, I encourage you to look at meters branded by big chains.  Discount stores, drug stores, and even some grocery stores sell meters with their name on them. These meters (and the test strips they use) are often much less expensive than name brand meters and are usually made by the same companies.These meters have to meet the same standards of accuracy that any meter does. The drawback is that most of them do not have all the special features of more expensive meters and are probably not the “latest style”.If you have insurance, definitely go with the covered brand to get the best deal. An insurance provider will usually cover meters from a certain meter company. Within that company, there are different models to choose from.If you have Medicare, as the rules stand now, you may pick ANY meter you like. Some drug stores and medical supply stores may tell you that you may only pick between one or two meters, because those are the only meters that THEY carry. Find a place that will sell you what you want to buy.Even if you do have insurance or Medicare, your co-pay may be so high that you will want to look into the generic meters that are available.So, now we’ve talked about money matters. There are a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind before you head out to shop for your meter. We’ll look at those factors in a post to come.     Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:30:14 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_BG-Meters-Money-Matters/BLOG/237953/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-09T19:30:14Z myhealthvillage  BG Meters: Money Matters When you consider the cost of blood glucose (BG) testing, look not at the meter, but at the test strips. Each strip can cost up to a dollar.When money matters, insurance comes into the picture. Let’s look at 3 cases: no insurance, regular insurance, and Medicare.If you are buying your test strips out of pocket, I encourage you to look at meters branded by big chains.  Discount stores, drug stores, and even some grocery stores sell meters with their name on them. These meters (and the test strips they use) are often much less expensive than name brand meters and are usually made by the same companies.These meters have to meet the same standards of accuracy that any meter does. The drawback is that most of them do not have all the special features of more expensive meters and are probably not the “latest style”.If you have insurance, definitely go with the covered brand to get the best deal. An insurance provider will usually cover meters from a certain meter company. Within that company, there are different models to choose from.If you have Medicare, as the rules stand now, you may pick ANY meter you like. Some drug stores and medical supply stores may tell you that you may only pick between one or two meters, because those are the only meters that THEY carry. Find a place that will sell you what you want to buy.Even if you do have insurance or Medicare, your co-pay may be so high that you will want to look into the generic meters that are available.So, now we’ve talked about money matters. There are a few other things you’ll want to keep in mind before you head out to shop for your meter. We’ll look at those factors in a post to come.     blood sugar meters, diabetes nonadult false BG Meters: Money Matters text blog blood sugar meters,diabetes 242 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 237953 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Choosing-a-Blood-Sugar-Meter/BLOG/237489/43145.html  Picking your Blood Sugar MeterThe key word here is picking. And you should be the one to do that picking.Lots of companies make good blood glucose (BG) meters. But choosing the one that’s best for you can be a bit of a challenge. Let’s get the “don’t” rules out of the way first.            Rule #1: Don’t be drawn in by ads on TV or in magazines that make offers for “free” meters. Yes, they are free. However, the most expensive part of testing your blood sugar is NOT the cost of the meter. It’s the cost of the test strips.            Rule #2: Don’t feel like you have to use the sample meters that a nurse or doctor gives you for free. With the exception of diabetes specialists, I’ve never met a doctor who had the time to stay abreast of all the developments surrounding BG meters. Meter companies give away free samples and a person with diabetes is often given whatever happens to be on the sample shelf.             Unless your doctor or diabetes educator gives you a specific meter for a specific reason, you can just take the sample meter, use it temporarily, and give some thought to what meter you’ll get for your self.            Choosing your meter is so important. You need one you like. You should like the feel of it, the color, and the way the screen looks. A BG meter you don’t like is a BG meter you probably won’t use.            The next few posts will be about specific factors to consider when you choose a meter. The first factor we’ll look at is the cost.  Picking your Blood Sugar MeterThe key word here is picking. And you should be the one to do that picking.Lots of companies make good blood glucose (BG) meters. But choosing the one that’s best for you can be a bit of a challenge. Let’s get the “don’t” rules out of the way first.            Rule #1: Don’t be drawn in by ads on TV or in magazines that make offers for “free” meters. Yes, they are free. However, the most expensive part of testing your blood sugar is NOT the cost of the meter. It’s the cost of the test strips.            Rule #2: Don’t feel like you have to use the sample meters that a nurse or doctor gives you for free. With the exception of diabetes specialists, I’ve never met a doctor who had the time to stay abreast of all the developments surrounding BG meters. Meter companies give away free samples and a person with diabetes is often given whatever happens to be on the sample shelf.             Unless your doctor or diabetes educator gives you a specific meter for a specific reason, you can just take the sample meter, use it temporarily, and give some thought to what meter you’ll get for your self.            Choosing your meter is so important. You need one you like. You should like the feel of it, the color, and the way the screen looks. A BG meter you don’t like is a BG meter you probably won’t use.            The next few posts will be about specific factors to consider when you choose a meter. The first factor we’ll look at is the cost. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:11:29 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Choosing-a-Blood-Sugar-Meter/BLOG/237489/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-09T14:11:29Z myhealthvillage  Picking your Blood Sugar MeterThe key word here is picking. And you should be the one to do that picking.Lots of companies make good blood glucose (BG) meters. But choosing the one that’s best for you can be a bit of a challenge. Let’s get the “don’t” rules out of the way first.            Rule #1: Don’t be drawn in by ads on TV or in magazines that make offers for “free” meters. Yes, they are free. However, the most expensive part of testing your blood sugar is NOT the cost of the meter. It’s the cost of the test strips.            Rule #2: Don’t feel like you have to use the sample meters that a nurse or doctor gives you for free. With the exception of diabetes specialists, I’ve never met a doctor who had the time to stay abreast of all the developments surrounding BG meters. Meter companies give away free samples and a person with diabetes is often given whatever happens to be on the sample shelf.             Unless your doctor or diabetes educator gives you a specific meter for a specific reason, you can just take the sample meter, use it temporarily, and give some thought to what meter you’ll get for your self.            Choosing your meter is so important. You need one you like. You should like the feel of it, the color, and the way the screen looks. A BG meter you don’t like is a BG meter you probably won’t use.            The next few posts will be about specific factors to consider when you choose a meter. The first factor we’ll look at is the cost. blood sugar meters, diabetes nonadult false Choosing a Blood Sugar Meter text blog blood sugar meters,diabetes 274 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 237489 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-Police-Car-behind-Me/BLOG/236258/43145.html   The Police Car behind Me The first time I saw questions about my driving habits on the forms I filled out for my doctor, I did a double-take.The connection between health and driving habits should have been obvious to me, but I’d never given it much thought.I’ll bet if I’d ever worked in the ER as part of my nursing career, the thought would have entered my mind on a daily basis.Now, I’m not a wild and crazy driver, but I must admit I drive a bit differently when I notice a police car in my rear-view mirror. Do you?Instead of driving a bit over the speed limit, I’m careful to be a bit under. I keep a little greater distance between my car and the car in front of me. I definitely come to a full and complete stop at the stop light. And I definitely do not keep driving through an intersection if there’s a yellow light.I don’t need a police car behind me to have my seat belt on or to be sure I have plenty of time before I make a left-turn in front of on-coming traffic. Why not? Because I know with certainty that these behaviors are dangerous.But actually, those driving behaviors I “tweak” when a police car is behind me are important, too.So if there’s not actually a police car behind you, it might be a good idea to use your imagination and pretend there is.Drive safely. It’s important to your health.      The Police Car behind Me The first time I saw questions about my driving habits on the forms I filled out for my doctor, I did a double-take.The connection between health and driving habits should have been obvious to me, but I’d never given it much thought.I’ll bet if I’d ever worked in the ER as part of my nursing career, the thought would have entered my mind on a daily basis.Now, I’m not a wild and crazy driver, but I must admit I drive a bit differently when I notice a police car in my rear-view mirror. Do you?Instead of driving a bit over the speed limit, I’m careful to be a bit under. I keep a little greater distance between my car and the car in front of me. I definitely come to a full and complete stop at the stop light. And I definitely do not keep driving through an intersection if there’s a yellow light.I don’t need a police car behind me to have my seat belt on or to be sure I have plenty of time before I make a left-turn in front of on-coming traffic. Why not? Because I know with certainty that these behaviors are dangerous.But actually, those driving behaviors I “tweak” when a police car is behind me are important, too.So if there’s not actually a police car behind you, it might be a good idea to use your imagination and pretend there is.Drive safely. It’s important to your health.    Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:06:53 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-Police-Car-behind-Me/BLOG/236258/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-08T14:06:53Z myhealthvillage   The Police Car behind Me The first time I saw questions about my driving habits on the forms I filled out for my doctor, I did a double-take.The connection between health and driving habits should have been obvious to me, but I’d never given it much thought.I’ll bet if I’d ever worked in the ER as part of my nursing career, the thought would have entered my mind on a daily basis.Now, I’m not a wild and crazy driver, but I must admit I drive a bit differently when I notice a police car in my rear-view mirror. Do you?Instead of driving a bit over the speed limit, I’m careful to be a bit under. I keep a little greater distance between my car and the car in front of me. I definitely come to a full and complete stop at the stop light. And I definitely do not keep driving through an intersection if there’s a yellow light.I don’t need a police car behind me to have my seat belt on or to be sure I have plenty of time before I make a left-turn in front of on-coming traffic. Why not? Because I know with certainty that these behaviors are dangerous.But actually, those driving behaviors I “tweak” when a police car is behind me are important, too.So if there’s not actually a police car behind you, it might be a good idea to use your imagination and pretend there is.Drive safely. It’s important to your health.    driving nonadult false The Police Car behind Me text blog driving 246 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 236258 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Reasons-NOT-to-Exercise/BLOG/236222/43145.html Top 10 Reasons not (?) to Exercise:  Follow the link below for some laughs. These 10 reasons NOT to exercise may just send you straight to the gym or to the park for a walk! http://www.crankyfitness.com/2009/04/top-10-reasons-not-to-exercise.html Top 10 Reasons not (?) to Exercise:  Follow the link below for some laughs. These 10 reasons NOT to exercise may just send you straight to the gym or to the park for a walk! http://www.crankyfitness.com/2009/04/top-10-reasons-not-to-exercise.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:45:30 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Reasons-NOT-to-Exercise/BLOG/236222/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-08T13:45:30Z myhealthvillage Top 10 Reasons not (?) to Exercise:  Follow the link below for some laughs. These 10 reasons NOT to exercise may just send you straight to the gym or to the park for a walk! http://www.crankyfitness.com/2009/04/top-10-reasons-not-to-exercise.html exercise nonadult false Reasons NOT to Exercise?? text blog exercise 286 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 236222 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Ban-the-News/BLOG/234806/43145.html  Ban the News?!? Many years ago I read a suggestion (I think it was in one of Andrew Weil’s books) that NOT listening/reading/watching the news could be good for your health. At the time I dismissed the idea, but now I’ve decide to give it a try.  Remember the Simon and Garfunkel song “The Only Living Boy in New York”. It included the lyric “I get the news I need on the weather report. I can gather all the news I need to know from the weather report.” I’m not sure I’d go THAT far. But I can get all the news I need from the people around me. Sometimes I hear about something I want to know more about and then I do some research.  SOMEONE needs to follow the news, but personally I’d rather listen to music while I get ready for work or drive around in my car. All I can say is “try it”. Do you feel more peaceful as you go about your day? I’m not suggesting a person be ignorant of the world’s problems. Those problems need our attention. But for me, I think I’d been overdoing the need to know. I’d been filling my time and my head with TOO much news TOO often. And maybe it did affect my health. All those stress hormones can’t help but flow when I expose myself to the news.  But I still watch the weather report!    Ban the News?!? Many years ago I read a suggestion (I think it was in one of Andrew Weil’s books) that NOT listening/reading/watching the news could be good for your health. At the time I dismissed the idea, but now I’ve decide to give it a try.  Remember the Simon and Garfunkel song “The Only Living Boy in New York”. It included the lyric “I get the news I need on the weather report. I can gather all the news I need to know from the weather report.” I’m not sure I’d go THAT far. But I can get all the news I need from the people around me. Sometimes I hear about something I want to know more about and then I do some research.  SOMEONE needs to follow the news, but personally I’d rather listen to music while I get ready for work or drive around in my car. All I can say is “try it”. Do you feel more peaceful as you go about your day? I’m not suggesting a person be ignorant of the world’s problems. Those problems need our attention. But for me, I think I’d been overdoing the need to know. I’d been filling my time and my head with TOO much news TOO often. And maybe it did affect my health. All those stress hormones can’t help but flow when I expose myself to the news.  But I still watch the weather report!   Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:15:02 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Ban-the-News/BLOG/234806/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-07T14:15:02Z myhealthvillage  Ban the News?!? Many years ago I read a suggestion (I think it was in one of Andrew Weil’s books) that NOT listening/reading/watching the news could be good for your health. At the time I dismissed the idea, but now I’ve decide to give it a try.  Remember the Simon and Garfunkel song “The Only Living Boy in New York”. It included the lyric “I get the news I need on the weather report. I can gather all the news I need to know from the weather report.” I’m not sure I’d go THAT far. But I can get all the news I need from the people around me. Sometimes I hear about something I want to know more about and then I do some research.  SOMEONE needs to follow the news, but personally I’d rather listen to music while I get ready for work or drive around in my car. All I can say is “try it”. Do you feel more peaceful as you go about your day? I’m not suggesting a person be ignorant of the world’s problems. Those problems need our attention. But for me, I think I’d been overdoing the need to know. I’d been filling my time and my head with TOO much news TOO often. And maybe it did affect my health. All those stress hormones can’t help but flow when I expose myself to the news.  But I still watch the weather report!   stress nonadult false Ban the News!?! text blog stress 205 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 234806 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Good-Bad-Ugly-Fats/BLOG/229994/43145.html  The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly Fats! As I’m sure you know, not all fats are created equal. It’s all a little confusing, but I hope this post will help.The American Heart Association has a fun way of clearing up the confusion. They introduce folks to the “Fat Family”, which consists of the “Bad Brothers, Sat and Trans” and the “Better Sisters, Mon and Polly”.  Follow the link below to “meet the family”!http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3055397  The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly Fats! As I’m sure you know, not all fats are created equal. It’s all a little confusing, but I hope this post will help.The American Heart Association has a fun way of clearing up the confusion. They introduce folks to the “Fat Family”, which consists of the “Bad Brothers, Sat and Trans” and the “Better Sisters, Mon and Polly”.  Follow the link below to “meet the family”!http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3055397 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:58:37 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Good-Bad-Ugly-Fats/BLOG/229994/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-02T18:58:37Z myhealthvillage  The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly Fats! As I’m sure you know, not all fats are created equal. It’s all a little confusing, but I hope this post will help.The American Heart Association has a fun way of clearing up the confusion. They introduce folks to the “Fat Family”, which consists of the “Bad Brothers, Sat and Trans” and the “Better Sisters, Mon and Polly”.  Follow the link below to “meet the family”!http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3055397 fats nonadult false Good, Bad, & Ugly Fats text blog fats 234 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 229994 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-ZEN-of-Stress-Management/BLOG/228959/43145.html  The ZEN of Stress Management        If you are of a certain “vintage” you remember the brightly-colored paperback copies of Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.        I read it, but I must confess that I didn’t “get it”.  In fact, I only recently heard a definition of “Zen” that I do understand.        During pledge week on PBS, they aired some talks by Eckhardt Tolle. He defined Zen as “doing one thing at a time”.It made me think about “Zen & the Art of Stress Management”.        As with many things, when it comes to stress, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It seemed to me that doing just one thing at a time might be a good way to avoid stress in the first place.        I decided to try doing just one thing at a time. Wow! What an eye-opener that was. Try it yourself and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised how “alien” that feels.        We Americans are busy, busy, busy. We can’t afford to do just one thing at a time. There’s much too much to do! Or is there? Stress takes a toll on our health. All of those fight-or-flight hormones flood our systems and their effects are many. The stress response can be life-saving in truly life-threatening situations, but it does not do us much good (and probably does us much harm) when the stressor is not imminently dangerous.So give “zen” a try. See how it feels. Doing one thing at a time can slow life down enough that you might even be able “to stop and smell the roses”. http://www.eckharttolle.com/eckharttolle  The ZEN of Stress Management        If you are of a certain “vintage” you remember the brightly-colored paperback copies of Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.        I read it, but I must confess that I didn’t “get it”.  In fact, I only recently heard a definition of “Zen” that I do understand.        During pledge week on PBS, they aired some talks by Eckhardt Tolle. He defined Zen as “doing one thing at a time”.It made me think about “Zen & the Art of Stress Management”.        As with many things, when it comes to stress, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It seemed to me that doing just one thing at a time might be a good way to avoid stress in the first place.        I decided to try doing just one thing at a time. Wow! What an eye-opener that was. Try it yourself and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised how “alien” that feels.        We Americans are busy, busy, busy. We can’t afford to do just one thing at a time. There’s much too much to do! Or is there? Stress takes a toll on our health. All of those fight-or-flight hormones flood our systems and their effects are many. The stress response can be life-saving in truly life-threatening situations, but it does not do us much good (and probably does us much harm) when the stressor is not imminently dangerous.So give “zen” a try. See how it feels. Doing one thing at a time can slow life down enough that you might even be able “to stop and smell the roses”. http://www.eckharttolle.com/eckharttolle Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:30:25 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-ZEN-of-Stress-Management/BLOG/228959/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-04-01T21:30:25Z myhealthvillage  The ZEN of Stress Management        If you are of a certain “vintage” you remember the brightly-colored paperback copies of Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.        I read it, but I must confess that I didn’t “get it”.  In fact, I only recently heard a definition of “Zen” that I do understand.        During pledge week on PBS, they aired some talks by Eckhardt Tolle. He defined Zen as “doing one thing at a time”.It made me think about “Zen & the Art of Stress Management”.        As with many things, when it comes to stress, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It seemed to me that doing just one thing at a time might be a good way to avoid stress in the first place.        I decided to try doing just one thing at a time. Wow! What an eye-opener that was. Try it yourself and I’ll bet you’ll be surprised how “alien” that feels.        We Americans are busy, busy, busy. We can’t afford to do just one thing at a time. There’s much too much to do! Or is there? Stress takes a toll on our health. All of those fight-or-flight hormones flood our systems and their effects are many. The stress response can be life-saving in truly life-threatening situations, but it does not do us much good (and probably does us much harm) when the stressor is not imminently dangerous.So give “zen” a try. See how it feels. Doing one thing at a time can slow life down enough that you might even be able “to stop and smell the roses”. http://www.eckharttolle.com/eckharttolle stress nonadult false The ZEN of Stress Management text blog stress 203 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 228959 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Jewel-of-Midnight/BLOG/227065/43145.html  Jewel of Midnight Stop! If you’re not a pet-person, read no further.“Lessons from the Family Dog” (title of the post by Dana Jennings) tells a familiar story, but a story well-worth repeating.        Dana tells the story from a unique perspective and tells it beautifully. By the way, “Jewel” is the family dog.   http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/life-lessons-from-the-family-dog/  Jewel of Midnight Stop! If you’re not a pet-person, read no further.“Lessons from the Family Dog” (title of the post by Dana Jennings) tells a familiar story, but a story well-worth repeating.        Dana tells the story from a unique perspective and tells it beautifully. By the way, “Jewel” is the family dog.   http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/life-lessons-from-the-family-dog/ Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:02:08 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Jewel-of-Midnight/BLOG/227065/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-31T16:02:08Z myhealthvillage  Jewel of Midnight Stop! If you’re not a pet-person, read no further.“Lessons from the Family Dog” (title of the post by Dana Jennings) tells a familiar story, but a story well-worth repeating.        Dana tells the story from a unique perspective and tells it beautifully. By the way, “Jewel” is the family dog.   http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/31/life-lessons-from-the-family-dog/ pets nonadult false Jewel of Midnight text blog pets 100 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 227065 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Insurance-Buyers-Beware/BLOG/226910/43145.html  Insurance Buyers Beware!Did you see the cover of Time dated 3-16-09? Next to the photo of a bottle of “pills” is the question “So You Think You’re Insured? (Think Again.)”I consider myself a fairly bright and educated person. Yet health insurance issues really baffle me both professionally and personally. The federal government will pay the phenomenally high cost of dialysis for a person with end-stage renal disease, but has precious-little funding for things like diabetes education that reduce the chance that a person with diabetes would ever get to end-stage renal disease.I highly recommend the article. It is written by a journalist who specializes in health policy issues. One of the most important things she discusses is how to be a smart shopper when it comes to buying an insurance policy.In these times when employment security is a thing-of-the-past for many Americans, some insurance companies are advertising “short-term, temporary health-coverage policies”. One company that is discussed in detail in the article has been advertising on TV lately.Remember that the purpose of an ad is to sell something. Few ads out-and-out lie about things. But, of course, they play up the positive and downplay or neglect the negatives about their product.In dealing with these companies, the adage “Buyer, beware!” definitely applies. I’ll let you read the details. If you or someone you know will be shopping for insurance, this is an article you won’t want to miss. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1883149,00.html  Insurance Buyers Beware!Did you see the cover of Time dated 3-16-09? Next to the photo of a bottle of “pills” is the question “So You Think You’re Insured? (Think Again.)”I consider myself a fairly bright and educated person. Yet health insurance issues really baffle me both professionally and personally. The federal government will pay the phenomenally high cost of dialysis for a person with end-stage renal disease, but has precious-little funding for things like diabetes education that reduce the chance that a person with diabetes would ever get to end-stage renal disease.I highly recommend the article. It is written by a journalist who specializes in health policy issues. One of the most important things she discusses is how to be a smart shopper when it comes to buying an insurance policy.In these times when employment security is a thing-of-the-past for many Americans, some insurance companies are advertising “short-term, temporary health-coverage policies”. One company that is discussed in detail in the article has been advertising on TV lately.Remember that the purpose of an ad is to sell something. Few ads out-and-out lie about things. But, of course, they play up the positive and downplay or neglect the negatives about their product.In dealing with these companies, the adage “Buyer, beware!” definitely applies. I’ll let you read the details. If you or someone you know will be shopping for insurance, this is an article you won’t want to miss. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1883149,00.html Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:19:49 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Insurance-Buyers-Beware/BLOG/226910/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-31T14:19:49Z myhealthvillage  Insurance Buyers Beware!Did you see the cover of Time dated 3-16-09? Next to the photo of a bottle of “pills” is the question “So You Think You’re Insured? (Think Again.)”I consider myself a fairly bright and educated person. Yet health insurance issues really baffle me both professionally and personally. The federal government will pay the phenomenally high cost of dialysis for a person with end-stage renal disease, but has precious-little funding for things like diabetes education that reduce the chance that a person with diabetes would ever get to end-stage renal disease.I highly recommend the article. It is written by a journalist who specializes in health policy issues. One of the most important things she discusses is how to be a smart shopper when it comes to buying an insurance policy.In these times when employment security is a thing-of-the-past for many Americans, some insurance companies are advertising “short-term, temporary health-coverage policies”. One company that is discussed in detail in the article has been advertising on TV lately.Remember that the purpose of an ad is to sell something. Few ads out-and-out lie about things. But, of course, they play up the positive and downplay or neglect the negatives about their product.In dealing with these companies, the adage “Buyer, beware!” definitely applies. I’ll let you read the details. If you or someone you know will be shopping for insurance, this is an article you won’t want to miss. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1883149,00.html insurance nonadult false Insurance-Buyers Beware! text blog insurance 103 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 226910 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_What-About-BOB/BLOG/222591/43145.html  What About BOB?        I was introduced to BOB when I was teaching a diabetes self-management class. My fellow instructor started talking about “BOB” (aka belly over belt).We all know that being overweight puts a person at risk for diabetes, but did you know that the location of the extra fat turns out to be important?In medical jargon, BOB is called “central obesity”.  Another way to describe central obesity is the “apple shape” vs the “pear shape”.  It turns out that carrying most of the excess weight around the middle of the body (the apple shape) puts a person at higher risk for diabetes than a “pear-type” person.Take a second right now and look down. Do you see BOB? Just like in the movie What About Bob?, this BOB can not only be a nuisance, but can be downright dangerous!   What About BOB?        I was introduced to BOB when I was teaching a diabetes self-management class. My fellow instructor started talking about “BOB” (aka belly over belt).We all know that being overweight puts a person at risk for diabetes, but did you know that the location of the extra fat turns out to be important?In medical jargon, BOB is called “central obesity”.  Another way to describe central obesity is the “apple shape” vs the “pear shape”.  It turns out that carrying most of the excess weight around the middle of the body (the apple shape) puts a person at higher risk for diabetes than a “pear-type” person.Take a second right now and look down. Do you see BOB? Just like in the movie What About Bob?, this BOB can not only be a nuisance, but can be downright dangerous!  Thu, 26 Mar 2009 21:17:41 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_What-About-BOB/BLOG/222591/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-26T21:17:41Z myhealthvillage  What About BOB?        I was introduced to BOB when I was teaching a diabetes self-management class. My fellow instructor started talking about “BOB” (aka belly over belt).We all know that being overweight puts a person at risk for diabetes, but did you know that the location of the extra fat turns out to be important?In medical jargon, BOB is called “central obesity”.  Another way to describe central obesity is the “apple shape” vs the “pear shape”.  It turns out that carrying most of the excess weight around the middle of the body (the apple shape) puts a person at higher risk for diabetes than a “pear-type” person.Take a second right now and look down. Do you see BOB? Just like in the movie What About Bob?, this BOB can not only be a nuisance, but can be downright dangerous!  diabetes, obesity nonadult false What About BOB? text blog diabetes,obesity 149 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 222591 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-Perks-of-Care-Giving/BLOG/222164/43145.html  The Up-Side of Care Giving        Yesterday’s post was about what I consider to be the “down-side” of being a primary care-giver. But there is, without a doubt, an up-side to giving care.        First, consider the emotional aspects. While there can be an emotional drain to giving care, there is usually emotional satisfaction as well.  I’m not talking about the unhealthy feelings of “being a martyr” or being a “super woman or super man” who can rescue “mere mortals in need”.        I’m talking about the good feelings inherent in helping others. Yes, sometimes we do it as part of a job and sometimes out of a sense of obligation. But aside from our motivations, helping others can provide a sense of purpose and, for some people, it gives a sense of spiritual fulfillment.        Second, consider all the learning opportunities. I’m the primary care giver for my dad, who is 90 years old and still living alone (with a bit of help from yours truly). He has a lot of practical experience, knowledge and skills that he’s willing to share with me. (Lots of opinions, too! But that’s another matter.)        As a nurse and a diabetes educator, I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned from my clients and how often they have inspired me.         So, as you continue to be a care-giver, open yourself to the gifts it can bring and, to the very best of your ability, devote all the time and attention you can to the care of your own health. Doing so is the very best way to care for others!        One day when the weather was bad, my dad called me to tell me not to drive the 30 miles down to his house. I assumed he was worried about my safety. And he was, in a way. He said, “I’d be 'done-in-for' if any thing happened to you!”            The Up-Side of Care Giving        Yesterday’s post was about what I consider to be the “down-side” of being a primary care-giver. But there is, without a doubt, an up-side to giving care.        First, consider the emotional aspects. While there can be an emotional drain to giving care, there is usually emotional satisfaction as well.  I’m not talking about the unhealthy feelings of “being a martyr” or being a “super woman or super man” who can rescue “mere mortals in need”.        I’m talking about the good feelings inherent in helping others. Yes, sometimes we do it as part of a job and sometimes out of a sense of obligation. But aside from our motivations, helping others can provide a sense of purpose and, for some people, it gives a sense of spiritual fulfillment.        Second, consider all the learning opportunities. I’m the primary care giver for my dad, who is 90 years old and still living alone (with a bit of help from yours truly). He has a lot of practical experience, knowledge and skills that he’s willing to share with me. (Lots of opinions, too! But that’s another matter.)        As a nurse and a diabetes educator, I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned from my clients and how often they have inspired me.         So, as you continue to be a care-giver, open yourself to the gifts it can bring and, to the very best of your ability, devote all the time and attention you can to the care of your own health. Doing so is the very best way to care for others!        One day when the weather was bad, my dad called me to tell me not to drive the 30 miles down to his house. I assumed he was worried about my safety. And he was, in a way. He said, “I’d be 'done-in-for' if any thing happened to you!”           Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:05:35 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-Perks-of-Care-Giving/BLOG/222164/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-26T14:05:35Z myhealthvillage  The Up-Side of Care Giving        Yesterday’s post was about what I consider to be the “down-side” of being a primary care-giver. But there is, without a doubt, an up-side to giving care.        First, consider the emotional aspects. While there can be an emotional drain to giving care, there is usually emotional satisfaction as well.  I’m not talking about the unhealthy feelings of “being a martyr” or being a “super woman or super man” who can rescue “mere mortals in need”.        I’m talking about the good feelings inherent in helping others. Yes, sometimes we do it as part of a job and sometimes out of a sense of obligation. But aside from our motivations, helping others can provide a sense of purpose and, for some people, it gives a sense of spiritual fulfillment.        Second, consider all the learning opportunities. I’m the primary care giver for my dad, who is 90 years old and still living alone (with a bit of help from yours truly). He has a lot of practical experience, knowledge and skills that he’s willing to share with me. (Lots of opinions, too! But that’s another matter.)        As a nurse and a diabetes educator, I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned from my clients and how often they have inspired me.         So, as you continue to be a care-giver, open yourself to the gifts it can bring and, to the very best of your ability, devote all the time and attention you can to the care of your own health. Doing so is the very best way to care for others!        One day when the weather was bad, my dad called me to tell me not to drive the 30 miles down to his house. I assumed he was worried about my safety. And he was, in a way. He said, “I’d be 'done-in-for' if any thing happened to you!”           nonadult false The Perks of Care-Giving text blog 123 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 222164 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Caring-for-the-Care-Giver/BLOG/221234/43145.html Caring for the Caretaker Do any of you have comments or suggestions about making time to take care of your health when you feel overwhelmed by caring for others?I know it is a problem, both from first-hand experience and from listening to my clients in my role as a diabetes educator.I’d tell Ms Smith that her blood sugar was approaching the “pre-diabetes” range (fasting values of 100to 125 mg/dl). I encourage her to take action to avoid the progression from normal blood sugar to pre-diabetes to diabetes (fasting blood sugar 126 and greater).It can be done, I assure her. All is going well, she “gets it” that she needs to exercise and lose weight; however, there is a “but”.  She tells me she is working full-time at a doctor’s office and working weekends at a nursing home. Her son is in jail and she and her husband are caring for his three children. The name has been changed, but otherwise the story is true.What is Ms Smith to do? Have you found ways to make time to care for yourself when everyone around you seems to be calling for your time and attention? If so, please share your experiences and suggestions.  Thanks.  Cindy Caring for the Caretaker Do any of you have comments or suggestions about making time to take care of your health when you feel overwhelmed by caring for others?I know it is a problem, both from first-hand experience and from listening to my clients in my role as a diabetes educator.I’d tell Ms Smith that her blood sugar was approaching the “pre-diabetes” range (fasting values of 100to 125 mg/dl). I encourage her to take action to avoid the progression from normal blood sugar to pre-diabetes to diabetes (fasting blood sugar 126 and greater).It can be done, I assure her. All is going well, she “gets it” that she needs to exercise and lose weight; however, there is a “but”.  She tells me she is working full-time at a doctor’s office and working weekends at a nursing home. Her son is in jail and she and her husband are caring for his three children. The name has been changed, but otherwise the story is true.What is Ms Smith to do? Have you found ways to make time to care for yourself when everyone around you seems to be calling for your time and attention? If so, please share your experiences and suggestions.  Thanks.  Cindy Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:05:06 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Caring-for-the-Care-Giver/BLOG/221234/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-25T17:05:06Z myhealthvillage Caring for the Caretaker Do any of you have comments or suggestions about making time to take care of your health when you feel overwhelmed by caring for others?I know it is a problem, both from first-hand experience and from listening to my clients in my role as a diabetes educator.I’d tell Ms Smith that her blood sugar was approaching the “pre-diabetes” range (fasting values of 100to 125 mg/dl). I encourage her to take action to avoid the progression from normal blood sugar to pre-diabetes to diabetes (fasting blood sugar 126 and greater).It can be done, I assure her. All is going well, she “gets it” that she needs to exercise and lose weight; however, there is a “but”.  She tells me she is working full-time at a doctor’s office and working weekends at a nursing home. Her son is in jail and she and her husband are caring for his three children. The name has been changed, but otherwise the story is true.What is Ms Smith to do? Have you found ways to make time to care for yourself when everyone around you seems to be calling for your time and attention? If so, please share your experiences and suggestions.  Thanks.  Cindy nonadult false Caring for the Care Giver text blog 110 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 221234 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_That-Cold-that-Just-Hangs-On/BLOG/221198/43145.html  That Cold that Hangs On Ever had a cold you just couldn’t shake? Mine current one is still sticking around after several weeks. An older friend of mine gave me some advice: “Cindy, you need to call your doctor and get some antibiotics for that cold!”Is she right? Follow the link below and see what you think. I’m always open to suggestions, but I think I’ll pass on her advice, at least for now. http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/     That Cold that Hangs On Ever had a cold you just couldn’t shake? Mine current one is still sticking around after several weeks. An older friend of mine gave me some advice: “Cindy, you need to call your doctor and get some antibiotics for that cold!”Is she right? Follow the link below and see what you think. I’m always open to suggestions, but I think I’ll pass on her advice, at least for now. http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/    Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:36:57 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_That-Cold-that-Just-Hangs-On/BLOG/221198/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-25T16:36:57Z myhealthvillage  That Cold that Hangs On Ever had a cold you just couldn’t shake? Mine current one is still sticking around after several weeks. An older friend of mine gave me some advice: “Cindy, you need to call your doctor and get some antibiotics for that cold!”Is she right? Follow the link below and see what you think. I’m always open to suggestions, but I think I’ll pass on her advice, at least for now. http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community/    antibiotics, colds nonadult false That Cold that Just Hangs On text blog antibiotics,colds 107 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 221198 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Borderline-Diabetes/BLOG/214819/43145.html  “Borderline” Diabetes?? You won’t find the term “borderline” diabetes in current medical textbooks about diabetes. I tell my students that “borderline diabetes” is a little like a “borderline touchdown”. Neither of those terms makes much sense. There’s a line in the grass and if you cross that line you have a touchdown. There’s a line across the blood glucose levels that marks the “field” into three sections: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes.Fasting blood sugar less than 100 mg/dl is NOT diabetes. From 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered “pre-diabetes”. Fasting blood sugar 126 mg/dl and higher means “real” diabetes.Who says?!? The American Diabetes Association. Do those numbers surprise you? I’ve been a nurse for lots and lots of years and the numbers were different when I went to school in the olden days.But those are the numbers NOW. The numbers have been changed over time for very good reasons. We can talk about those reasons later. But for now, I encourage you to “know your numbers”. What’s your fasting blood sugar?  “Borderline” Diabetes?? You won’t find the term “borderline” diabetes in current medical textbooks about diabetes. I tell my students that “borderline diabetes” is a little like a “borderline touchdown”. Neither of those terms makes much sense. There’s a line in the grass and if you cross that line you have a touchdown. There’s a line across the blood glucose levels that marks the “field” into three sections: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes.Fasting blood sugar less than 100 mg/dl is NOT diabetes. From 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered “pre-diabetes”. Fasting blood sugar 126 mg/dl and higher means “real” diabetes.Who says?!? The American Diabetes Association. Do those numbers surprise you? I’ve been a nurse for lots and lots of years and the numbers were different when I went to school in the olden days.But those are the numbers NOW. The numbers have been changed over time for very good reasons. We can talk about those reasons later. But for now, I encourage you to “know your numbers”. What’s your fasting blood sugar? Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:48:45 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Borderline-Diabetes/BLOG/214819/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-18T21:48:45Z myhealthvillage  “Borderline” Diabetes?? You won’t find the term “borderline” diabetes in current medical textbooks about diabetes. I tell my students that “borderline diabetes” is a little like a “borderline touchdown”. Neither of those terms makes much sense. There’s a line in the grass and if you cross that line you have a touchdown. There’s a line across the blood glucose levels that marks the “field” into three sections: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes.Fasting blood sugar less than 100 mg/dl is NOT diabetes. From 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered “pre-diabetes”. Fasting blood sugar 126 mg/dl and higher means “real” diabetes.Who says?!? The American Diabetes Association. Do those numbers surprise you? I’ve been a nurse for lots and lots of years and the numbers were different when I went to school in the olden days.But those are the numbers NOW. The numbers have been changed over time for very good reasons. We can talk about those reasons later. But for now, I encourage you to “know your numbers”. What’s your fasting blood sugar? borderline diabetes, diabetes nonadult false "Borderline" Diabetes text blog borderline diabetes,diabetes 148 10 5.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 214819 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Insulins-Bad-Rep/BLOG/214782/43145.html   Insulin’s Bad Rep Poor insulin! It has such a bad reputation. Out of every 100 people, how many do you think use insulin? All of them. All of them have been using insulin since before they were born. In fact, 10 to 15 weeks after conception the newly-forming pancreas cells are putting out insulin.And it’s a really good thing to have insulin around whenever cells need energy. Becoming a human baby takes a lot of energy. It takes energy to grow from a baby into an adult. For every function the human body performs, it takes energy.Insulin is not the “fuel” the cells use for energy. The fuel is glucose, a really small sugar molecule. But if the fuel wants to get into the cell to provide the energy, it needs a “key” to unlock the door.  That key is “insulin”.People with diabetes don’t have enough insulin (or their insulin isn’t working properly). The result is a double whammy! #1: The glucose circulating in the blood cannot get into the cells to provide energy. #2: So, the glucose (sugar) gets stuck in the bloodstream, causing HIGH BLOOD SUGAR (AKA diabetes).What’s wrong with that? Again, the answer is two-fold. #1: the cells aren’t getting all the energy they need. #2: All that excess sugar is circulating throughout the body damaging the blood vessels.More about insulin later. For now, just remember that it really doesn’t deserve a bad rep.   Insulin’s Bad Rep Poor insulin! It has such a bad reputation. Out of every 100 people, how many do you think use insulin? All of them. All of them have been using insulin since before they were born. In fact, 10 to 15 weeks after conception the newly-forming pancreas cells are putting out insulin.And it’s a really good thing to have insulin around whenever cells need energy. Becoming a human baby takes a lot of energy. It takes energy to grow from a baby into an adult. For every function the human body performs, it takes energy.Insulin is not the “fuel” the cells use for energy. The fuel is glucose, a really small sugar molecule. But if the fuel wants to get into the cell to provide the energy, it needs a “key” to unlock the door.  That key is “insulin”.People with diabetes don’t have enough insulin (or their insulin isn’t working properly). The result is a double whammy! #1: The glucose circulating in the blood cannot get into the cells to provide energy. #2: So, the glucose (sugar) gets stuck in the bloodstream, causing HIGH BLOOD SUGAR (AKA diabetes).What’s wrong with that? Again, the answer is two-fold. #1: the cells aren’t getting all the energy they need. #2: All that excess sugar is circulating throughout the body damaging the blood vessels.More about insulin later. For now, just remember that it really doesn’t deserve a bad rep. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:08:10 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Insulins-Bad-Rep/BLOG/214782/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-18T21:08:10Z myhealthvillage   Insulin’s Bad Rep Poor insulin! It has such a bad reputation. Out of every 100 people, how many do you think use insulin? All of them. All of them have been using insulin since before they were born. In fact, 10 to 15 weeks after conception the newly-forming pancreas cells are putting out insulin.And it’s a really good thing to have insulin around whenever cells need energy. Becoming a human baby takes a lot of energy. It takes energy to grow from a baby into an adult. For every function the human body performs, it takes energy.Insulin is not the “fuel” the cells use for energy. The fuel is glucose, a really small sugar molecule. But if the fuel wants to get into the cell to provide the energy, it needs a “key” to unlock the door.  That key is “insulin”.People with diabetes don’t have enough insulin (or their insulin isn’t working properly). The result is a double whammy! #1: The glucose circulating in the blood cannot get into the cells to provide energy. #2: So, the glucose (sugar) gets stuck in the bloodstream, causing HIGH BLOOD SUGAR (AKA diabetes).What’s wrong with that? Again, the answer is two-fold. #1: the cells aren’t getting all the energy they need. #2: All that excess sugar is circulating throughout the body damaging the blood vessels.More about insulin later. For now, just remember that it really doesn’t deserve a bad rep. diabetes, glucose, insulin, pancreas nonadult false Insulin's Bad Rep text blog diabetes,glucose,insulin,pancreas 128 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 214782 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-Sugar-Free-Scam/BLOG/213679/43145.html   The Sugar-Free Scam  What’s not to like about sugar-free foods? Let me count the ways:1.     Many sugar-free processed foods are outrageously high in fat. I’ve seen sugar-free cookies that have “hydrogenated fat” as the first ingredient listed.2.    Sugar-free foods usually cost more than the regular version. People with diabetes have enough extra expenses in their lives without having to pay more for special products.3.    Eating sugar-free products can give people “license” to overeat in terms of calories. “If this is sugar-free, I can have the whole bag.” Not true!!4.    Sugar-free does NOT mean carb-free. (See my post on “Those Confounding Carbs”.)5.    Last, but not least, eating sugar-free foods that contain sugar alcohol can give people stomach cramps and diarrhea.  Besides the unpleasantness of those symptoms, there’s more to reason #5.Do you know anyone with diabetes? If you do, I’ll bet they are taking metformin. Metformin is a gem of a medication. Right now it is the most commonly prescribed medication for diabetes.It is inexpensive, does not cause weight gain, helps correct at least 2 of the problems that cause high blood sugar and rarely has serious side effect.However, many people who start this medicine have a bit of stomach cramping and diarrhea at first. It usually goes away or your doctor may adjust the dose.Here’s where the problem comes in. Imagine this: I’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes. My doctor starts me on metformin. She tells me to let her know if I have diarrhea.My wonderful family and friends try to cheer me up by giving me sugar-free chocolate. I have the chocolate. Just to be polite, right?Later that day, I develop stomach cramps and diarrhea. So I call my doctor. I tell her I can’t take the metformin. It gives me terrible stomach cramps and diarrhea. What caused the symptoms? Was it the metformin or was it the sugar alcohol? There’s only one way to find out. Don’t eat foods with sugar alcohols in them when you’re starting metformin! Personally I never eat foods with sugar alcohols in them. I just think about the side effects and “walk on by.”   The Sugar-Free Scam  What’s not to like about sugar-free foods? Let me count the ways:1.     Many sugar-free processed foods are outrageously high in fat. I’ve seen sugar-free cookies that have “hydrogenated fat” as the first ingredient listed.2.    Sugar-free foods usually cost more than the regular version. People with diabetes have enough extra expenses in their lives without having to pay more for special products.3.    Eating sugar-free products can give people “license” to overeat in terms of calories. “If this is sugar-free, I can have the whole bag.” Not true!!4.    Sugar-free does NOT mean carb-free. (See my post on “Those Confounding Carbs”.)5.    Last, but not least, eating sugar-free foods that contain sugar alcohol can give people stomach cramps and diarrhea.  Besides the unpleasantness of those symptoms, there’s more to reason #5.Do you know anyone with diabetes? If you do, I’ll bet they are taking metformin. Metformin is a gem of a medication. Right now it is the most commonly prescribed medication for diabetes.It is inexpensive, does not cause weight gain, helps correct at least 2 of the problems that cause high blood sugar and rarely has serious side effect.However, many people who start this medicine have a bit of stomach cramping and diarrhea at first. It usually goes away or your doctor may adjust the dose.Here’s where the problem comes in. Imagine this: I’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes. My doctor starts me on metformin. She tells me to let her know if I have diarrhea.My wonderful family and friends try to cheer me up by giving me sugar-free chocolate. I have the chocolate. Just to be polite, right?Later that day, I develop stomach cramps and diarrhea. So I call my doctor. I tell her I can’t take the metformin. It gives me terrible stomach cramps and diarrhea. What caused the symptoms? Was it the metformin or was it the sugar alcohol? There’s only one way to find out. Don’t eat foods with sugar alcohols in them when you’re starting metformin! Personally I never eat foods with sugar alcohols in them. I just think about the side effects and “walk on by.” Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:50:44 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-Sugar-Free-Scam/BLOG/213679/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-17T20:50:44Z myhealthvillage   The Sugar-Free Scam  What’s not to like about sugar-free foods? Let me count the ways:1.     Many sugar-free processed foods are outrageously high in fat. I’ve seen sugar-free cookies that have “hydrogenated fat” as the first ingredient listed.2.    Sugar-free foods usually cost more than the regular version. People with diabetes have enough extra expenses in their lives without having to pay more for special products.3.    Eating sugar-free products can give people “license” to overeat in terms of calories. “If this is sugar-free, I can have the whole bag.” Not true!!4.    Sugar-free does NOT mean carb-free. (See my post on “Those Confounding Carbs”.)5.    Last, but not least, eating sugar-free foods that contain sugar alcohol can give people stomach cramps and diarrhea.  Besides the unpleasantness of those symptoms, there’s more to reason #5.Do you know anyone with diabetes? If you do, I’ll bet they are taking metformin. Metformin is a gem of a medication. Right now it is the most commonly prescribed medication for diabetes.It is inexpensive, does not cause weight gain, helps correct at least 2 of the problems that cause high blood sugar and rarely has serious side effect.However, many people who start this medicine have a bit of stomach cramping and diarrhea at first. It usually goes away or your doctor may adjust the dose.Here’s where the problem comes in. Imagine this: I’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes. My doctor starts me on metformin. She tells me to let her know if I have diarrhea.My wonderful family and friends try to cheer me up by giving me sugar-free chocolate. I have the chocolate. Just to be polite, right?Later that day, I develop stomach cramps and diarrhea. So I call my doctor. I tell her I can’t take the metformin. It gives me terrible stomach cramps and diarrhea. What caused the symptoms? Was it the metformin or was it the sugar alcohol? There’s only one way to find out. Don’t eat foods with sugar alcohols in them when you’re starting metformin! Personally I never eat foods with sugar alcohols in them. I just think about the side effects and “walk on by.” sugar-free nonadult false The Sugar-Free Scam text blog sugar-free 132 10 5.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 3 0 213679 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_A-Little-TLC/BLOG/213617/43145.html   A Little TLCJust what the doctor ordered! Julie’s recent post about getting your cholesterol checked is especially important for anyone with diabetes. When I speak with PWDs (people with diabetes) I usually have to remind them that avoiding sugar is not the MOST important thing to do for their health. Quitting smoking holds the number one position.Take a look at the TLCs listed below. “TLCs” are therapeutic lifestyle changes. What's at the top of this list?These suggestions are from the “lipidologists”. (Until recently I didn’t know such a term existed.) They are the lipid experts. When you get your cholesterol checked, your doctor or nurse may call the lab test a “lipid profile”.     Anyway, here is their list. These TLCs are really for every one, not just people with high cholesterol. Give yourself a little TLC today!  The National Lipid Association’s recommendations for Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLCs) for CVD Risk Reduction ·       Smoking: If you smoke, stop. ·       Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week. ·       Alcohol use: If you use alcohol, do so in moderation. ·       Body weight: Maintain or attain a healthy body weight. ·       Nutrition1)   Limit your saturated fat intake2)   Keep trans fats at a minimum.3)   Consume fish regularly.4)   Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.5)   Eat whole grain products to provide fiber.6)   Limit salt to less than 2400 mg per day.     A Little TLCJust what the doctor ordered! Julie’s recent post about getting your cholesterol checked is especially important for anyone with diabetes. When I speak with PWDs (people with diabetes) I usually have to remind them that avoiding sugar is not the MOST important thing to do for their health. Quitting smoking holds the number one position.Take a look at the TLCs listed below. “TLCs” are therapeutic lifestyle changes. What's at the top of this list?These suggestions are from the “lipidologists”. (Until recently I didn’t know such a term existed.) They are the lipid experts. When you get your cholesterol checked, your doctor or nurse may call the lab test a “lipid profile”.     Anyway, here is their list. These TLCs are really for every one, not just people with high cholesterol. Give yourself a little TLC today!  The National Lipid Association’s recommendations for Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLCs) for CVD Risk Reduction ·       Smoking: If you smoke, stop. ·       Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week. ·       Alcohol use: If you use alcohol, do so in moderation. ·       Body weight: Maintain or attain a healthy body weight. ·       Nutrition1)   Limit your saturated fat intake2)   Keep trans fats at a minimum.3)   Consume fish regularly.4)   Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.5)   Eat whole grain products to provide fiber.6)   Limit salt to less than 2400 mg per day.   Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:08:04 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_A-Little-TLC/BLOG/213617/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-17T20:08:04Z myhealthvillage   A Little TLCJust what the doctor ordered! Julie’s recent post about getting your cholesterol checked is especially important for anyone with diabetes. When I speak with PWDs (people with diabetes) I usually have to remind them that avoiding sugar is not the MOST important thing to do for their health. Quitting smoking holds the number one position.Take a look at the TLCs listed below. “TLCs” are therapeutic lifestyle changes. What's at the top of this list?These suggestions are from the “lipidologists”. (Until recently I didn’t know such a term existed.) They are the lipid experts. When you get your cholesterol checked, your doctor or nurse may call the lab test a “lipid profile”.     Anyway, here is their list. These TLCs are really for every one, not just people with high cholesterol. Give yourself a little TLC today!  The National Lipid Association’s recommendations for Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLCs) for CVD Risk Reduction ·       Smoking: If you smoke, stop. ·       Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on at least 5 days a week. ·       Alcohol use: If you use alcohol, do so in moderation. ·       Body weight: Maintain or attain a healthy body weight. ·       Nutrition1)   Limit your saturated fat intake2)   Keep trans fats at a minimum.3)   Consume fish regularly.4)   Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.5)   Eat whole grain products to provide fiber.6)   Limit salt to less than 2400 mg per day.   cholesterol nonadult false A Little TLC text blog cholesterol 137 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 213617 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_This-ones-for-the-guys/BLOG/206541/43145.html  This one’s for the guys!      Move over, girls. The guys are here. Have you noticed that weight-loss commercials are taking aim at men? The most recent commercial I’ve seen is for 50millionpounds.com.For the record, I am NOT recommending or criticizing this program. I know very little about it. What does intrigue me is the tone of the ad campaign.Dr. Ian Smith, MD is the medical correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. He’s the force behind the 50millionpound challenge. His latest book is The 4-Day Diet.  His earlier books include The Fat Smash Diet and The Extreme Fat Smash Diet. Go to Amazon.com to read customer reviews about these books.The “smash diet” and “extreme smash” diet sound pretty macho to me. Do any of you girls have some advice for the guys who are being targeted? How to you tell if a program is a good one? Of the more than 300,000 diets books sold at Amazon, how do the guys know where to spend their money?Let’s face it, girls. We’ve had more experience than most guys in this department. Share your wisdom. Please.   This one’s for the guys!      Move over, girls. The guys are here. Have you noticed that weight-loss commercials are taking aim at men? The most recent commercial I’ve seen is for 50millionpounds.com.For the record, I am NOT recommending or criticizing this program. I know very little about it. What does intrigue me is the tone of the ad campaign.Dr. Ian Smith, MD is the medical correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. He’s the force behind the 50millionpound challenge. His latest book is The 4-Day Diet.  His earlier books include The Fat Smash Diet and The Extreme Fat Smash Diet. Go to Amazon.com to read customer reviews about these books.The “smash diet” and “extreme smash” diet sound pretty macho to me. Do any of you girls have some advice for the guys who are being targeted? How to you tell if a program is a good one? Of the more than 300,000 diets books sold at Amazon, how do the guys know where to spend their money?Let’s face it, girls. We’ve had more experience than most guys in this department. Share your wisdom. Please.  Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:00:09 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_This-ones-for-the-guys/BLOG/206541/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-10T15:00:09Z myhealthvillage  This one’s for the guys!      Move over, girls. The guys are here. Have you noticed that weight-loss commercials are taking aim at men? The most recent commercial I’ve seen is for 50millionpounds.com.For the record, I am NOT recommending or criticizing this program. I know very little about it. What does intrigue me is the tone of the ad campaign.Dr. Ian Smith, MD is the medical correspondent for NBC’s Today Show. He’s the force behind the 50millionpound challenge. His latest book is The 4-Day Diet.  His earlier books include The Fat Smash Diet and The Extreme Fat Smash Diet. Go to Amazon.com to read customer reviews about these books.The “smash diet” and “extreme smash” diet sound pretty macho to me. Do any of you girls have some advice for the guys who are being targeted? How to you tell if a program is a good one? Of the more than 300,000 diets books sold at Amazon, how do the guys know where to spend their money?Let’s face it, girls. We’ve had more experience than most guys in this department. Share your wisdom. Please.  dieting, men nonadult false This one's for the guys. text blog dieting,men 102 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 206541 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Lemon-Zucchini-Bread/BLOG/203336/43145.html One of my favorite sources for recipes is the “Recipe of the Day” at the American Diabetes Association site at www.diabetes.org.   Here’s today’s offering. Sounds good to me!     Zucchini Lemon Bread   Recipe for Friday, 03/06/2009   When your summer garden is overflowing with zucchini, try this good-for-you recipe. Zucchini has a mild taste and is very versatile, harmonizing well with the flavors of the other ingredients. To help trim fat, we decreased the amount of nuts and oil traditionally used in zucchini bread recipes. Number of Servings:  18 Serving Size:  1/2-inch slice Today's recipe is brought to you by:   Ingredients Measure Weight all-purpose flour   1 cup --- whole-wheat flour   1/2 cup --- sugar   1/2 cup --- baking powder   1 1/2 tsp --- salt   1 tsp --- baking soda   1/2 tsp --- packed shredded, peeled zucchini   1 cup --- walnuts, chopped   1/3 cup --- lemon peel, grated   1/2 tsp --- cinnamon   1/2 tsp --- milk, fat-free (skim)   1/2 cup --- canola oil   1/3 cup --- large eggs, or 1/2 cup egg substitute   2 ea ---      Nutrition InformationAmount per serving Calories 122 Calories From Fat 56 Total Fat 6 g Saturated Fat 1 g Cholesterol 24 mg Sodium 206 mg Total Carbohydrate 15 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Sugars 6 g Protein 2 g     Preparation Instructions   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9x 5-inch loaf with nonstick pan spray. Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Stir in zucchini, walnuts, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Combine the milk, oil, and eggs; add to the dry ingredients and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread stand in the pan for 5 minutes; turn the loaf out onto a wire cooling rack. When cool, cut in 18 slices. This recipe is from The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes, published by the American Diabetes Association. It features hundreds of delicious recipes for you and your family. These 'diabetes' meals aren't just for people with diabetes; they're great for the whole family! You can order a copy of this and many other cookbooks from our online bookstore or call 1-800-ADA-ORDER (1-800-232-6733).   One of my favorite sources for recipes is the “Recipe of the Day” at the American Diabetes Association site at www.diabetes.org.   Here’s today’s offering. Sounds good to me!     Zucchini Lemon Bread   Recipe for Friday, 03/06/2009   When your summer garden is overflowing with zucchini, try this good-for-you recipe. Zucchini has a mild taste and is very versatile, harmonizing well with the flavors of the other ingredients. To help trim fat, we decreased the amount of nuts and oil traditionally used in zucchini bread recipes. Number of Servings:  18 Serving Size:  1/2-inch slice Today's recipe is brought to you by:   Ingredients Measure Weight all-purpose flour   1 cup --- whole-wheat flour   1/2 cup --- sugar   1/2 cup --- baking powder   1 1/2 tsp --- salt   1 tsp --- baking soda   1/2 tsp --- packed shredded, peeled zucchini   1 cup --- walnuts, chopped   1/3 cup --- lemon peel, grated   1/2 tsp --- cinnamon   1/2 tsp --- milk, fat-free (skim)   1/2 cup --- canola oil   1/3 cup --- large eggs, or 1/2 cup egg substitute   2 ea ---      Nutrition InformationAmount per serving Calories 122 Calories From Fat 56 Total Fat 6 g Saturated Fat 1 g Cholesterol 24 mg Sodium 206 mg Total Carbohydrate 15 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Sugars 6 g Protein 2 g     Preparation Instructions   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9x 5-inch loaf with nonstick pan spray. Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Stir in zucchini, walnuts, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Combine the milk, oil, and eggs; add to the dry ingredients and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread stand in the pan for 5 minutes; turn the loaf out onto a wire cooling rack. When cool, cut in 18 slices. This recipe is from The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes, published by the American Diabetes Association. It features hundreds of delicious recipes for you and your family. These 'diabetes' meals aren't just for people with diabetes; they're great for the whole family! You can order a copy of this and many other cookbooks from our online bookstore or call 1-800-ADA-ORDER (1-800-232-6733).   Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:21:13 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Lemon-Zucchini-Bread/BLOG/203336/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-06T15:21:13Z myhealthvillage One of my favorite sources for recipes is the “Recipe of the Day” at the American Diabetes Association site at www.diabetes.org.   Here’s today’s offering. Sounds good to me!     Zucchini Lemon Bread   Recipe for Friday, 03/06/2009   When your summer garden is overflowing with zucchini, try this good-for-you recipe. Zucchini has a mild taste and is very versatile, harmonizing well with the flavors of the other ingredients. To help trim fat, we decreased the amount of nuts and oil traditionally used in zucchini bread recipes. Number of Servings:  18 Serving Size:  1/2-inch slice Today's recipe is brought to you by:   Ingredients Measure Weight all-purpose flour   1 cup --- whole-wheat flour   1/2 cup --- sugar   1/2 cup --- baking powder   1 1/2 tsp --- salt   1 tsp --- baking soda   1/2 tsp --- packed shredded, peeled zucchini   1 cup --- walnuts, chopped   1/3 cup --- lemon peel, grated   1/2 tsp --- cinnamon   1/2 tsp --- milk, fat-free (skim)   1/2 cup --- canola oil   1/3 cup --- large eggs, or 1/2 cup egg substitute   2 ea ---      Nutrition InformationAmount per serving Calories 122 Calories From Fat 56 Total Fat 6 g Saturated Fat 1 g Cholesterol 24 mg Sodium 206 mg Total Carbohydrate 15 g Dietary Fiber 1 g Sugars 6 g Protein 2 g     Preparation Instructions   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9x 5-inch loaf with nonstick pan spray. Combine the flours, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Stir in zucchini, walnuts, lemon zest, and cinnamon. Combine the milk, oil, and eggs; add to the dry ingredients and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread stand in the pan for 5 minutes; turn the loaf out onto a wire cooling rack. When cool, cut in 18 slices. This recipe is from The New Family Cookbook for People with Diabetes, published by the American Diabetes Association. It features hundreds of delicious recipes for you and your family. These 'diabetes' meals aren't just for people with diabetes; they're great for the whole family! You can order a copy of this and many other cookbooks from our online bookstore or call 1-800-ADA-ORDER (1-800-232-6733).   diabetes, recipes nonadult false Lemon Zucchini Bread text blog diabetes,recipes 139 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 203336 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-CKD-Epidemic/BLOG/202468/43145.html     The CKD Epidemic Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects many Americans. The impact of CKD can be utterly devastating. I couldn’t begin to give this topic justice the way the people on this video are able to do.  Please listen to their stories.http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/03/04/health/healthguide/TE_KIDNEY_DISEASE.html?ref=health     The CKD Epidemic Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects many Americans. The impact of CKD can be utterly devastating. I couldn’t begin to give this topic justice the way the people on this video are able to do.  Please listen to their stories.http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/03/04/health/healthguide/TE_KIDNEY_DISEASE.html?ref=health Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:34:47 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_The-CKD-Epidemic/BLOG/202468/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-05T17:34:47Z myhealthvillage     The CKD Epidemic Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects many Americans. The impact of CKD can be utterly devastating. I couldn’t begin to give this topic justice the way the people on this video are able to do.  Please listen to their stories.http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/03/04/health/healthguide/TE_KIDNEY_DISEASE.html?ref=health ckd, kidney disease nonadult false The CKD Epidemic text blog ckd,kidney disease 72 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 202468 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_In-Praise-of-Physicians/BLOG/201561/43145.html In Praise of Violinists  Making beautiful music with a violin may look easy when Itzhak Perlman picks up the instrument. But we all know it’s not easy and appreciate his incredible talent. However, I’ll bet that any one who has ever taken a violin lesson has an even greater appreciation for Perlman’s virtuosity.Imagine that doctors are violinists and nurses have taken a few violin lessons and then decided they’d rather play another instrument. (Personally I like playing the flute.) I think nurses are in a unique position to appreciate a doctor’s “virtuosity”. I used to host a Diabetes Support Group. I was present at the meetings, but tried to keep quiet and let people share and vent with one another. Yet sometimes I just had to jump in and settle things down when the doctor-bashing got out of hand.My message to them was this: Doctors are willing to do the time (usually “hard time”) and go into debt and sacrifice time spent with family & friends just to get to be a doctor. Then they pay their malpractice insurance,their office staff and their rent so they can get up each day and come to an office, clinic, or hospital to give their level best to help people who come to them in need. Thank goodness they have the courage and the willingness to risk making a mistake. That takes guts. Doctors are mere mortals like the rest of us and we cannot expect perfection from them or anyone else. We owe it to our doctors and to ourselves NOT to put them on a pedestal.         As patients, we are “The Deciders”. And as “W” would no doubt agree, that's not an easy job. Nevertheless, we must own that job.We need to be grateful that doctors, nurses and hospitals are there for us when we and our families need their help. But as tempting as it may be, especially when we’re sick or scared, we should not relinquish our role as the Decider.PS: Check out the YOU TUBE video of 13 yr old Itzhak playing Mendelssohn’s violin concerto. It will take your breath away!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZs6D-w0Ex4    In Praise of Violinists  Making beautiful music with a violin may look easy when Itzhak Perlman picks up the instrument. But we all know it’s not easy and appreciate his incredible talent. However, I’ll bet that any one who has ever taken a violin lesson has an even greater appreciation for Perlman’s virtuosity.Imagine that doctors are violinists and nurses have taken a few violin lessons and then decided they’d rather play another instrument. (Personally I like playing the flute.) I think nurses are in a unique position to appreciate a doctor’s “virtuosity”. I used to host a Diabetes Support Group. I was present at the meetings, but tried to keep quiet and let people share and vent with one another. Yet sometimes I just had to jump in and settle things down when the doctor-bashing got out of hand.My message to them was this: Doctors are willing to do the time (usually “hard time”) and go into debt and sacrifice time spent with family & friends just to get to be a doctor. Then they pay their malpractice insurance,their office staff and their rent so they can get up each day and come to an office, clinic, or hospital to give their level best to help people who come to them in need. Thank goodness they have the courage and the willingness to risk making a mistake. That takes guts. Doctors are mere mortals like the rest of us and we cannot expect perfection from them or anyone else. We owe it to our doctors and to ourselves NOT to put them on a pedestal.         As patients, we are “The Deciders”. And as “W” would no doubt agree, that's not an easy job. Nevertheless, we must own that job.We need to be grateful that doctors, nurses and hospitals are there for us when we and our families need their help. But as tempting as it may be, especially when we’re sick or scared, we should not relinquish our role as the Decider.PS: Check out the YOU TUBE video of 13 yr old Itzhak playing Mendelssohn’s violin concerto. It will take your breath away!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZs6D-w0Ex4    Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:13:10 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_In-Praise-of-Physicians/BLOG/201561/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-04T22:13:10Z myhealthvillage In Praise of Violinists  Making beautiful music with a violin may look easy when Itzhak Perlman picks up the instrument. But we all know it’s not easy and appreciate his incredible talent. However, I’ll bet that any one who has ever taken a violin lesson has an even greater appreciation for Perlman’s virtuosity.Imagine that doctors are violinists and nurses have taken a few violin lessons and then decided they’d rather play another instrument. (Personally I like playing the flute.) I think nurses are in a unique position to appreciate a doctor’s “virtuosity”. I used to host a Diabetes Support Group. I was present at the meetings, but tried to keep quiet and let people share and vent with one another. Yet sometimes I just had to jump in and settle things down when the doctor-bashing got out of hand.My message to them was this: Doctors are willing to do the time (usually “hard time”) and go into debt and sacrifice time spent with family & friends just to get to be a doctor. Then they pay their malpractice insurance,their office staff and their rent so they can get up each day and come to an office, clinic, or hospital to give their level best to help people who come to them in need. Thank goodness they have the courage and the willingness to risk making a mistake. That takes guts. Doctors are mere mortals like the rest of us and we cannot expect perfection from them or anyone else. We owe it to our doctors and to ourselves NOT to put them on a pedestal.         As patients, we are “The Deciders”. And as “W” would no doubt agree, that's not an easy job. Nevertheless, we must own that job.We need to be grateful that doctors, nurses and hospitals are there for us when we and our families need their help. But as tempting as it may be, especially when we’re sick or scared, we should not relinquish our role as the Decider.PS: Check out the YOU TUBE video of 13 yr old Itzhak playing Mendelssohn’s violin concerto. It will take your breath away!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZs6D-w0Ex4    doctors, nurses, patients nonadult false In Praise of Physicians text blog doctors,nurses,patients 117 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 201561 3503004 Member 0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Fixing-Meals-at-Home-the-2nd-Shift/BLOG/201460/43145.html    Whose Time is Money? Jane Brody recently wrote a column in the New York Times about healthy eating when money is tight. Any one in charge of meal preparation knows the allure of eating out or having a pizza delivered.That temptation is even greater if you’ve already been working all day and just can’t face the thought of going home to start your “second shift job”.How much time do you think you spend a day on meal preparation? According to the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, low-income women who work full time spend just over 40 minutes a day on meal preparation. I am assuming that these women are really tired at the end of the day and that most of them have children. They may even be single parents.  Here is Jane’s advice to these women: “With a little planning, another 20 or 30 minutes can provide healthy, economical fare.” (The emphasis was mine.)Excuse me? Another 20 or 30 minutes? Having first-hand experience as a not-really-too-low low-income woman who worked full time and was a single parent, I simply had to say, “Jane, you are out of touch with reality!”I am sorry to say this, but my kids had fast-food dinners more often than I would like to admit. But I did have a repertoire of mostly healthy meals and I got the preparation time down to well under an hour.I’m asking you to share any ideas you have for mostly-healthy, not-too-expensive, good-tasting meals. Maybe we could all contribute a recipe or two and make a MyHealthVillage recipe book, like one of those church fund-raising cookbooks. We could send a complimentary copy to Jane Brody. Just one thing: no recipes for molded Jell-O salads, please!    Whose Time is Money? Jane Brody recently wrote a column in the New York Times about healthy eating when money is tight. Any one in charge of meal preparation knows the allure of eating out or having a pizza delivered.That temptation is even greater if you’ve already been working all day and just can’t face the thought of going home to start your “second shift job”.How much time do you think you spend a day on meal preparation? According to the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, low-income women who work full time spend just over 40 minutes a day on meal preparation. I am assuming that these women are really tired at the end of the day and that most of them have children. They may even be single parents.  Here is Jane’s advice to these women: “With a little planning, another 20 or 30 minutes can provide healthy, economical fare.” (The emphasis was mine.)Excuse me? Another 20 or 30 minutes? Having first-hand experience as a not-really-too-low low-income woman who worked full time and was a single parent, I simply had to say, “Jane, you are out of touch with reality!”I am sorry to say this, but my kids had fast-food dinners more often than I would like to admit. But I did have a repertoire of mostly healthy meals and I got the preparation time down to well under an hour.I’m asking you to share any ideas you have for mostly-healthy, not-too-expensive, good-tasting meals. Maybe we could all contribute a recipe or two and make a MyHealthVillage recipe book, like one of those church fund-raising cookbooks. We could send a complimentary copy to Jane Brody. Just one thing: no recipes for molded Jell-O salads, please! Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:41:28 GMT http://community.myhealthvillage.com/_Fixing-Meals-at-Home-the-2nd-Shift/BLOG/201460/43145.html Cindy_Sears_RN_CDE 2009-03-04T20:41:28Z myhealthvillage    Whose Time is Money? Jane Brody recently wrote a column in the New York Times about healthy eating when money is tight. Any one in charge of meal preparation knows the allure of eating out or having a pizza delivered.That temptation is even greater if you’ve already been working all day and just can’t face the thought of going home to start your “second shift job”.How much time do you think you spend a day on meal preparation? According to the Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, low-income women who work full time spend just over 40 minutes a day on meal preparation. I am assuming that these women are really tired at the end of the day and that most of them have children. They may even be single parents.  Here is Jane’s advice to these women: “With a little planning, another 20 or 30 minutes can provide healthy, economical fare.” (The emphasis was mine.)Excuse me? Another 20 or 30 minutes? Having first-hand experience as a not-really-too-low low-income woman who worked full time and was a single parent, I simply had to say, “Jane, you are out of touch with reality!”I am sorry to say this, but my kids had fast-food dinners more often than I would like to admit. But I did have a repertoire of mostly healthy meals and I got the preparation time down to well under an hour.I’m asking you to share any ideas you have for mostly-healthy, not-too-expensive, good-tasting meals. Maybe we could all contribute a recipe or two and make a MyHealthVillage recipe book, like one of those church fund-raising cookbooks. We could send a complimentary copy to Jane Brody. Just one thing: no recipes for molded Jell-O salads, please! cookbook, cooking, meals, recipes nonadult false Fixing Meals at Home: the 2nd Shift text blog cookbook,cooking,meals,recipes 110 0 0.0 http://community.myhealthvillage.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=3503004&as=43145 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/43145/photos/PHOTO_1727688_43145_3503004_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 201460 3503004 Member 0