Diabetes and Your Mouth

4 Signs You May Have a Problem

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs your ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:

• Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well

Control Diabetes to Keep Your Smile

Well-controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth. If you have poorly controlled or high blood sugar, your risk increases for dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, and fungal infections like thrush. Since infections can also make your blood sugar rise, your diabetes may become even harder to control. Keeping your mouth healthy can help you manage your blood sugar.

See Your Dentist Regularly

People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And your dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

Keep Plaque at Bay

Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack your tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse.

Brush Daily, Brush Right

Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid your mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point your bristles at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.

Floss Every Day

Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.

Take Care of Your Dentures

Loose-fitting or poorly maintained dentures can lead to gum irritation and infections. It's important to talk to your dentist about any changes in the fit of your dentures. When you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk of fungal infections like thrush. And poorly maintained dentures can contribute to thrush, too. It's important to remove and clean your dentures daily to help reduce your risk of infection.

Toss the Tobacco

Tobacco products -- including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and pipes -- are bad for anyone's mouth. But if you have diabetes and you smoke, you are at even greater risk of developing gum disease. Tobacco can damage gum tissue and cause receding gums. It can also speed up bone and tissue loss, leading to lost teeth. Motivate yourself to quit. List your reasons for quitting, set a date, and get the support of family and friends.

Prepare for Oral Surgery

Well-controlled blood sugar reduces your risk of infection and speeds healing. If you need oral surgery, tell your dentist and surgeon you have diabetes beforehand. Your doctor may recommend that you wait to have surgery until your blood sugars are under control.

4 Steps to Protect Your Health

The same steps that ensure a healthy mouth also help you manage your diabetes.

• Eat a healthy diet.
• Don't smoke.
• Keep up with your diabetes medications.
• See your dentist regularly to reduce your risk of developing a serious problem.

Know the Warning Signs

Regular dental checkups are important because your dentist can spot gum disease even when you don't have any pain or symptoms. But you should examine your teeth and gums yourself for early signs of trouble. Infections can move fast. If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding, loose teeth, dry mouth, pain, or any other oral symptoms that worry you, talk to your dentist right away.

© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Difference in blood pressure between both arms 'reveal real health risk'

A difference in blood pressure between the right and left arm could indicate an increased risk of dying from heart disease, say doctors.

They discovered that a difference in systolic blood pressure of 15mm of mercury or more between the arms is linked to hardening of the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet.

Their findings come after they reviewed 28 papers looking at variations in systolic blood pressure between the arms.

A high blood pressure reading is one that exceeds 140/90mm of mercury. The first figure is called the systolic pressure.

The study, published online in The Lancet medical journal, found that a difference of 15mm of mercury or more was linked with a 2.5-fold extra risk of peripheral vascular disease.

PVD is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet.

The risk of cerebrovascular disease, which affects the blood supply to the brain and may lead to strokes, was increased 1.5 times. Study leader Dr Christopher Clark, of the Peninsula College of

Medicine and Dentistry at Exeter University, said it was likely one arm was giving a lower figure because of a reduction in blood flow, which could signal arterial disease.

He said it was also important routinely to check whether there was a significant difference between arms because the arm giving the highest figure was the ‘true’ reading.

Dr Clark called for GPs to take blood pressure in both arms and for people testing their blood pressure at home to do the same.

‘PVD is often diagnosed based on symptoms such as difficulty walking,’ he said.

‘By finding a difference in blood pressure between arms it is possible we could investigate potential problems at an earlier stage, even in patients who do not have high blood pressure.

‘This means we can do further tests to measure the blood pressure in the legs and where there is PVD give advice on stopping smoking and lifestyle, and if necessary blood thinning drugs or statins.’

By Daily Mail Reporter

Diabetes: 5 Steps to Total Body Care

If you have type 2 diabetes, you know that blood sugar control, a balanced diet, weight management, regular exercise, and checkups are vital to your health. Taking special care of every part of your body to avoid serious complications is just as critical.

Among some of your biggest concerns with diabetes care are:

• Foot infections
• Chronic skin infections
• Gum disease and tooth loss
• Vision problems
• Heart disease and blood circulation problems

Diabetes Body Care: It's for Everyone

The need to take care of yourself isn't just for adults; with the epidemic of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes has also become more prevalent among children, teens, and young adults.
"In hospitals, we're seeing first-time patients in their late 20s and 30s who have uncontrolled blood sugar and severe skin infections that probably started as a boil or a spider bite," says Philip Orlander, MD, director of endocrinology at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
How can diabetes so dramatically damage the body? If blood sugar is uncontrolled, blood vessels and nerves become damaged, while the body becomes less able to fight infections.
Controlling blood sugar is the bottom line in preventing these problems, but personal care routines -- simple things you can do every day -- can dramatically reduce your risks, too.

5 Steps to Total Diabetes Body Care

Your feet, skin, eyes, heart, and teeth and gums need special attention if you have diabetes. Here are steps you can take to care for these parts of your body:

1. Foot Care and Diabetes
Common foot problems can cause many complications, including athlete's foot, fungal infections in nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, sores, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
While anyone can have these problems, they're more critical for people with diabetes because:

• If you have nerve damage, you may not feel small wounds that need treatment.
• Poor blood flow can slow wound healing.
• If you're immune suppressed, you may be more prone to infection.
• Damaged foot muscle nerves may prevent your foot from aligning properly, causing you to put more pressure on one area of the foot, leading to foot sores and pressure point ulcers.

Prevention tips: Make time for foot care daily. Wash, dry and examine the tops and bottoms of your feet. Check for cracked skin, cuts, scratches, wounds, blisters, redness, calluses, and other changes. Use antibiotic creams recommended by your doctor and apply sterile bandages to protect cuts. Prevent ingrown toenails by cutting toenails straight across; don't cut corners. Don't go barefoot and always protect your feet. Make sure you wear properly fitting footwear.
If you develop even minor foot problems, treat them right away or see a doctor. And see a foot doctor (podiatrist) every two or three months.
Checking your feet daily means you can catch small things and get them treated before they become serious. Make it part of your daily morning routine -- it doesn't take long.

2. Skin Care and Diabetes
Bacterial infections, fungal infections, and itching are common skin problems anyone can develop, but they're especially problematic for people with diabetes because of poor blood flow and because the body may not be fighting infection well. Avoid extremely serious complications. Don't ignore these problems:

• Bacterial infections like boils (hair follicle infections) require antibiotic treatment.
• Fungal infections include the yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans, which often occurs in warm, moist folds of the skin: under the breasts, around the nails, between fingers and toes, and in the armpit and groin areas.
  • Jock itch(in the genitals and thighs), athlete's foot (between the toes), ringworm (on the feet, groin, chest, abdomen, scalp, and nails) and vaginal infections are very common when blood sugar isn't controlled. These may require treatment with prescription medications, though occasional over-the-counter antifungal treatments may work.
  • A fungal infection called mucormycosis (contracted from soil fungus and decaying plants) can become extremely serious, especially for those with out of control type 2 diabetes. It may start as a sinus infection that gets worse, and can spread to the lungs and brain. Symptoms are sinus infection, fever, eye swelling, skin redness over the sinus area; occasionally ulceration can occur with drainage. See a doctor immediately; this can be life-threatening.
• Itching caused by dry skin, a yeast infection, or poor blood flow (in the legs especially) is often a result of diabetes. Using lotion or creams can provide relief.

Other skin conditions are caused by poor blood supply and some by your body's resistance to using insulin.
Rashes, bumps, and blisters can also occur; some require treatment, some don't. You need to know which is which and get them treated when necessary.
For instance, eruptive xanthomatosis, a skin condition, is caused by high cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. It appears on the backs of arms, legs, and buttocks as firm, yellow, waxy, pea-like bumps which are typically itchy and surrounded by red halos. Medication to control fat levels in the blood help, as does controlling blood sugar.
Prevention tips: Boost your body's ability to fight infection, and help prevent dry skin, by controlling you blood sugar. Use talcum powder in areas prone to infections and use moisturizing lotions and soaps when needed. (Don't put lotions between toes; extra moisture there can trigger fungus growth.)
And remember, see your doctor for treatment of skin problems that won't go away -- especially foot problems and fungal infections. These can be very serious, and require treatment with prescription medication.

3. Eye Care and Diabetes
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to serious preventable problems like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy.

• With a cataract, the eye's lens becomes cloudy, blurring vision. While anyone can get cataracts, they may develop at an earlier age -- and progress more quickly -- if you have diabetes.
• Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds inside the eye due to fluid not draining properly. The pressure damages the eye's nerves and blood vessels, harming vision.
• Retinopathy is caused by blood vessel damage in the eyes, and if not diagnosed and treated early, can lead to blindness.

Prevention tips: Prevent these problems from becoming serious by making sure your blood sugar is under control and see an eye doctor for an annual exam.

4. Teeth and Gum Care with Diabetes
Most people develop gum problems during their lives but, if you have diabetes, your risks are higher for serious gum disease -- and for getting it at an earlier age.
That's because, with diabetes, your body is more vulnerable to bacteria and infection. High blood sugar levels can make gum disease worse, resulting in bleeding, tender gums, and gums that pull away from teeth. In time, you may need gum surgery to save your teeth.
Other mouth problems that are a risk:

• Gum inflammation
• Poor healing after dental treatment
• Dry mouth
• Burning mouth or tongue

Prevention tips: Brush after every meal, floss daily, and see your dentist twice a year. Be sure to tell your dentist you have diabetes and bring a list of the medications you take.
Discuss any mouth infections or difficulties in controlling blood sugar levels with your dentist, and make sure blood sugar is under control before routine dental procedures. If you're having dental surgery, your dentist should consult with your diabetes doctor about your medications and the need for an antibiotic.

5. Caring for Your Heart When You Have Diabetes
Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke are very serious concerns for anyone with diabetes, but they can also be prevented.
Buildup of cholesterol on blood vessel walls (hardening of the arteries) is the most common cause of heart disease and stroke. When blood sugar levels are higher than normal, this damaging process escalates - reducing blood flow to the heart and brain and increasing heart attack and stroke risks. The heart's pumping ability can also be affected, leading to heart failure.
Prevention tips: Follow your doctor's advice in keeping blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol in check.
If you have diabetes, your cholesterol and blood pressure levels must be lower than for the average person - so you must take your prescribed medications. Lose weight if you are obese, exercise regularly, and eat a heart-healthy diet low in fat and salt. Quit smoking and talk to your doctor about taking a daily aspirin.
And, finally, make sure you're getting good medical care for your diabetes. "If you're trying everything lifestyle changes, nutrition, medication but if blood sugar is not getting better, you may need a new doctor," says Orlander.

By Jeanie Lerche Davis

© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

The following Ad is not a part of nor has it been approved by WebMD.

Visit GoldenEraMart for all of your diabetic body care solutions.

Fighting Diabetes with a Knife and Fork

While genetics play a role in diabetes, the amount and types of foods that you eat are major players in fighting the disease.  According to the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) latest position statement, your diet is key in not only managing diabetes and reducing the complications associated with it, such as kidney failure, heart disease, and blindness, but more importantly, in preventing diabetes.

Individuals develop diabetes because they aren’t producing enough of the hormone insulin and/or have developed a resistance to insulin, such that their cells do not respond to the hormone when it arrives.  Obesity increases the cell’s resistance to insulin.   In fact, according to the ADA, the current epidemic of diabetes among Americans has been climbing because our weight has also been climbing.

Insulin’s job in the body is to direct glucose, the most abundant sugar in foods, into the cells to be used as immediate energy or stored in another form for later use.  With diabetes, insulin may be available in the blood but the cells’ decreased sensitivity to it interferes with its ability to work properly in the body.   The bloodstream ends up becoming flooded with glucose that can’t enter the cells for its use.   Because of this, many individuals have to take medication to help the insulin work properly and/or inject themselves with insulin to manage their blood glucose levels.

Over 25 million American adults—about 8 percent of the population—have diabetes.   Type 2 diabetes, which is the type both celebrity chef Paula Deen and American Idol judge Randy Jackson have, accounts for 90 to 95% of diabetes among adults.  Even more serious, it is estimated that 35 percent of Americans adults have prediabetes.  Those with prediabetes do not have blood glucose levels high enough to be classified as full-fledged diabetes but are on the road to developing it in the future.

According to the ADA, studies show that those with prediabetes who lose weight and increase their physical activity can either prevent diabetes by having their blood glucose levels return to normal, or at least, delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.  The ADA also recommends meeting with a registered dietitian for dietary guidance in both managing and preventing diabetes.  Click here to find a dietitian in your area.

Since diet and lifestyle are so important, here are 5 key recommendations from the ADA to fight diabetes and prediabetes with a knife and fork:

1.    Lose Some Excess Weight.  Research suggests that even a modest weight loss (approximately 5- 7% of your body weight) can reduce the cell’s resistance to insulin so that glucose will be taken up by the cells, and thus, improve blood glucose levels.

2.    Move at Least 2½ Hours Weekly.  Physical activity has been shown to improve the cells sensitivity to insulin and lower blood glucose levels.

3.   Choose Your Carbohydrates Wisely.  A well-balanced diet that contains carbohydrate-rich foods including fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes and low fat dairy, along with some lean protein and healthy oils, is the diet of choice in the fight against diabetes, as well as heart disease and stroke.  Cut back on the calories from the less nutritious, carbohydrate-rich sweets and treats to lose weight.

4.   Beef Up the Fiber In Your Diet.  According to research, dietary fiber, as well as whole grains, has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity, or the use of insulin by the cells.  While the current recommendation is to consume about 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily, Americans, on average, are consuming about 15 grams daily.  Choose whole grains (whole wheat bread, oatmeal, popcorn) over refined grains and beef up the whole fruits and vegetables in your diet.

5.   Watch the Alcohol.  While some studies suggest that moderate enjoyment of alcohol, one to three drinks daily, is associated with a decreased risk of diabetes, more than three drinks daily will increase the risk.

Posted by Joan Salge Blake January 17, 2012 01:32 PM

Originally published on the blog Nutrition and You!.

High-Normal Blood Pressure Raises Heart Risks in Men

Earlier Study Showed Same Thing in Women

Jan. 17, 2012 -- Having high blood pressure in middle age is a major risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation later in life, and now new research links high-normal-range blood pressure with an increase in risk.

More than 2 million mostly older Americans have the heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation, which greatly increases their risk for stroke, heart failure, and death.

Researchers followed about 2,000 Norwegian men for an average of 30 years, during which time 270 developed atrial fibrillation.

Men whose systolic blood pressure (the upper number) was in the high-normal range at the start of the study were 50% more likely than men with normal blood pressure to develop the heart rhythm condition.

An earlier study in women who were followed for an average of 14 years also showed high-normal blood pressure to be associated with a higher risk for atrial fibrillation.

Prehypertension and Atrial Fibrillation

In the United States, high blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading of 140 or higher and a diastolic reading of 90 or more.

High-normal blood pressure, also known as prehypertension, is generally defined as having a systolic reading of between 120 and 139 and/or a diastolic reading of 80 to 89.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular -- and sometimes rapid -- heartbeat resulting when the two upper chambers and two lower chambers of the heart are not contracting in sync.

Symptoms can include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, general weakness, or no symptoms at all.
In an effort to determine if the earlier findings in women also applied to men, researcher Irene Grundvold, MD, and colleagues from Norway’s Oslo University Hospital analyzed data from a study of men who were in their 40s and 50s when first examined in the early- to mid-1970s.

The men were followed for up to 35 years.

The study revealed that:

• Men with systolic blood pressure readings of 140 or higher when they entered the study had a 60% increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation over the next three decades, compared to men with systolic readings below 128.
• Men with systolic readings of 128 to 138 at at the start of the study had a 50% increase in risk.
• Men with diastolic readings of 80 or higher were 79% more likely than those with lower diastolic blood pressure to develop atrial fibrillation over the next three decades.

High-Normal BP Is Patient Wake-Up Call, Says Doctor

On average, the men who developed atrial fibrillation did so around two decades after entering the study.

The findings appear in the February issue of the American Heart Association (AHA) journal Hypertension.
Prehypertension is common in people with metabolic syndrome, which is a group of risk factors associated with an elevated risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

“This study is another example of a metabolic syndrome trait being associated with higher [heart disease and stroke] risk,” says AHA spokesman Roger Blumenthal, MD, who directs the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center. Blumenthal says the findings should serve as a wake-up call for those with blood pressure readings in the high-normal range, adding that people with systolic blood pressure readings in the 130s and diastolic readings in the 80s should be counseled to make lifestyle changes that can improve the numbers.

"That means revving up your diet and exercise schedule and losing weight if you are overweight,” he says.

Earlier Study Showed Same Thing in Women

 

By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Diabetes in Men

Why should I care about diabetes?

After years of warning about an epidemic of diabetes, researchers are beginning to see clear signs that it's underway. The incidence of this devastating disease has doubled in the past 30 years, according to a 2006 report in the journal Circulation. And the biggest jump in diabetes diagnoses was among men.

The risk for type 2 diabetes typically climbs after the age of 45, although the disease is now showing up in younger and younger people. In fact, type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes because it usually didn't occur until middle age. No longer. "We're beginning to see type 2 diabetes showing up in people in their 20s now," says David Ludwig, MD, PhD, an endocrinology expert at Children's Hospital in Boston.

The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• being overweight or obese
• a sedentary lifestyle
• a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and low in fiber and whole grains
• a history of type 2 diabetes in your immediate family (mother, father, sister, or brother)

African-Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Native Alaskans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders also have an increased risk.
Having diabetes, in turn, increases the danger of heart disease, as well as a range of problems associated with impaired circulation, such as eye disease and nerve damage.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body can't control blood glucose levels properly. Normally, the digestive tract breaks down food into glucose, a form of sugar, which is released into the circulating blood. The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, stimulates cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy.

Type 1 diabetes, which typically shows up in childhood, is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes occurs when tissues in the body gradually become resistant to the effect of insulin. The pancreas responds by churning out more of the hormone. But eventually it can't keep up, and blood sugar levels begin to climb.

That's bad for many reasons. High glucose levels damage nerve and blood vessels, leading to heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and gum infections. Advanced type 2 diabetes can result in blindness and the need to amputate limbs that no longer get adequate circulation.

One of the main causes of the current epidemic of type 2 diabetes, researchers believe, is the rise in obesity. Over time, excess weight makes cells in the muscles, liver, and fat tissue less responsive to insulin -- a condition called insulin resistance.

Another contributing cause -- to both obesity and the rise in type 2 diabetes -- is likely to be increasing consumption of sugar and highly refined carbohydrates such as white flour.

A third cause of type 2 diabetes, also linked to the others, is inactivity. Lack of activity increases the risk of obesity, of course. But a sedentary lifestyle may contribute directly to type 2 diabetes risk as well. Studies show that overweight or obese people who become active improve their blood sugar control, even if they don't lose weight.

An estimated 6 million people in the U.S. have this serious disease and don't know it. It's easy for doctors to check for diabetes using a simple blood test that measures blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, many people aren't tested because they either don't have symptoms or the symptoms are so mild that they don't notice them. If you are 45 and overweight, you should be tested for diabetes, regardless of symptoms. If you have other risk factors for type 2 diabetes, no matter how old you are, talk to your doctor about being tested, especially if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• increased thirst
• increased hunger
• fatigue
• frequent urination, especially at night
• unexplained weight loss
• blurred vision
• sores that don't heal

What can I do to prevent diabetes?

Plenty. Studies show that 90% of cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented -- or significantly delayed -- simply through a healthier diet and plenty of physical activity. The big proof of that came in a study of 3,234 people who were overweight and had elevated blood glucose levels, putting them in the crosshairs of diabetes risk. Those who followed a lifestyle change program of exercise and diet geared to losing weight -- in this case, an average of 15 pounds -- lowered their risk of diabetes by 58%. Those in the 60-and-older set cut their risk by 71%. And these were people who already had a high risk of diabetes. Keep your weight in the normal range and stay active, experts say, and you stand an excellent chance of never getting diabetes.

How is diabetes treated?

A diabetes diagnosis isn't the end of the world. In some cases, lifestyle changes can keep the disease entirely under control. Still, many people with diabetes need to take oral medications that lower blood sugar levels. When these aren't enough to do the job, insulin injections may be necessary, sometimes in combination with oral drugs. Several new drugs that work in combination with insulin to improve blood sugar management have been approved by the FDA.
While treatment has improved, however, controlling diabetes remains a challenge, which is why experts emphasize prevention.

What else do I need to know about diabetes?

Experts agree that a healthy diet designed to prevent type 2 diabetes should emphasize whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and small amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates. One controversial area is alcohol. Traditional advice for people with diabetes or at risk for it was to avoid alcohol. But recent studies suggest that alcohol may actually protect against diabetes. Combining data from 15 studies, researchers writing in the journal Diabetes Care found that moderate alcohol consumption reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 30%. Excessive drinking, however, increased the risk. Here, as always, the word is moderation. For men, that would be a glass or two of wine or beer with a meal.

© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

FORA D20 2-in-1 Blood Glucose/Blood Pressure Monitor - FCI2444

FORA D20 2-in-1 Blood Glucose/Blood Pressure Monitor - FCI2444

25 Super Snacks With 100 Calories or Less

1/2 Cup Slow-Churned Ice Cream

Surprise! Ice cream tops our list of low-calorie snacks. The key is to look for slow-churned or double-churned varieties. This refers to a process that reduces fat and calories while retaining the creamy texture of full-fat varieties, so 1/2 cup has just 100 calories. As a bonus, you’ll get some protein and calcium.

• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Carbs: 15 g

6 Cups Microwave Popcorn

When you want a large snack with a small calorie count, popcorn delivers. Some microwave brands have just 100 calories in 6 cups. "You have to chew it, so it's satisfying," says Joan Salge Blake, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. It's also high in fiber, which can help you stay full longer.

• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Carbs: 24 g

Mini Quesadilla

You may not expect cheese quesadillas to make a list of low-calorie snacks, but try this recipe: sprinkle an ounce of grated low-fat cheddar cheese over a corn tortilla. Fold in half and microwave for 20 seconds. This quick and tasty snack has only 100 calories and 1.3 g of saturated fat.

• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Sodium: 182 mg
• Cholesterol: 6 mg

Cottage Cheese and Cantaloupe

Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse, with 1/2 cup delivering 14 g. Like fiber, protein can help you stay full longer. Enjoy low-fat cottage cheese plain or with a side of fruit. A small wedge of cantaloupe brings the total calories to 100.

• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Sodium: 468 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg

Three Crackers With Cheese

Choosing whole-grain crackers is the key to this classic snack. The fiber will keep you feeling full between meals, and the cheese provides protein and calcium. To stay under 100 calories, cut up one slice of low-fat cheese and split it over three crackers.

• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Sodium: 397 mg
• Cholesterol: 7 mg

Fourteen Almonds

When the munchies strike while you're on the go, there are few things more convenient than nuts. You can eat 14 almonds without hitting the 100-calorie mark. Plus, they're rich in fiber and protein, which help keep hunger at bay. "They're a great snack when you're stuck in traffic," Blake adds.

• Saturated Fat: 0.63 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Six Whole-Grain Pretzel Sticks

For those who don't like nuts, pretzels are just as convenient when you're on the move. To stay under 100 calories, stick to six whole-grain pretzel sticks. This snack is cholesterol-free, low in fat and sugar, and provides more than 3 g of fiber to help tide you over.

• Saturated Fat: 0.4g
• Sodium: 257mg
• Cholesterol: 0 m

Baked Apple

Apples are still one of the healthiest snacks around, and there are plenty of ways to put a twist on this old standby. Blake recommends enjoying baked apples – they taste like dessert but provide the same vitamins and fiber as their fresh counterparts. You can even sprinkle cinnamon on top without adding calories.

• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Cheese-Stuffed Pita Pocket

Here's one that's easy to make and gives you the satisfaction of biting into a sandwich. Grab a whole-grain pita pocket and stuff it with 1/2 ounce part-skim ricotta cheese. The fiber and protein will help fill you up, and the whole snack has less than a gram of saturated fat.

• Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
• Sodium: 149 mg
• Cholesterol: 4 mg

Blueberry Smoothie

A fruit smoothie offers a scrumptious way to get in some extra calcium and antioxidants during your day. Try blending 1/3 cup of nonfat yogurt with 2/3 cup of frozen blueberries and ice. "It's very refreshing and very cold," Blake says. "That slows down your ability to drink quickly." Snacks that take more time to finish are often more satisfying.

• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 59 mg
• Cholesterol: 2 mg

1/3 Cup Edamame

These young soybeans are among the healthiest snacks you can find. A third of a cup has more than 8 g of protein and 4 g of fiber to help keep you full. As a bonus, you’ll get nearly 10% of your recommended daily allowance of iron. Edamame is available in ready-to-eat containers for a quick snack on the run.

• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 4.5 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

3/4 Cup Frozen Mango Cubes

You can buy these pre-packaged or make them yourself. "It's like having frozen candy," Blake says. "It's a great way to get beta-carotene and fiber while satisfying your sweet tooth." A 3/4 cup serving has just 90 calories and provides 60% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C.

• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Eight Baby Carrots with Hummus

When you're craving a satisfying crunch, dip eight large baby carrots into 2 tablespoons of hummus. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and beta carotene, while hummus adds protein. Pre-packaged baby carrots are convenient, and there are many varieties of hummus available.

• Saturated fat: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Apple Slices With Peanut Butter

Mixing sweet with salty is a tried and true way to satisfy the munchies. Measure 3/4 cup of apple slices and spread a thin layer of unsalted peanut butter on each slice. To stay near the 90-calorie mark, don't use more than 2 teaspoons of peanut butter in all.

• Saturated fat: 0.8 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Yogurt With Sunflower Seeds

Stir a teaspoon of sunflower seeds into 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt. The seeds add plenty of texture but only 19 calories. The yogurt is a good source of protein, and the entire snack has less than half a gram of saturated fat. Make sure to use unsalted sunflower seeds, especially if you are watching your sodium.

• Saturated Fat: 0.26 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Honey

Greek yogurt is known for its extra-creamy texture and high protein content. Just 1/2 cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt has 12 g of protein to help you stay full. Drizzle on a teaspoon of honey, and the whole snack totals 84 calories.  The best part is, you may feel like you're eating dessert.

• Saturated fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 53.5 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Half a Baked Potato with Salsa

Microwave a baked potato for an easy snack that's loaded with vitamin C, not with calories. Half of a medium-sized baked potato has 80 calories – keep the skin, which is packed with nutrients. Spread a tablespoon of salsa on top to spice it up without significantly boosting the calorie count.

• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 124 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Frozen Yogurt Sandwich

Nonfat frozen yogurt is a healthy alternative to ice cream, and it's easy to find varieties with no added sugar. Try making a "FroYo" sandwich by spreading two tablespoons of nonfat frozen yogurt between two graham cracker squares. Even with chocolate frozen yogurt, you're only looking at 84 calories.

• Saturated Fat: 0.13 g
• Sodium: 104 mg
• Cholesterol: 1 mg

20 Pistachios

Don't let the high fat content in pistachios scare you off -- most of the fat is unsaturated or "good" fat. Eat 20 pistachios, and you'll only take in 80 calories and less than a gram of saturated fat. Plus, they're rich in protein, fiber, and several key vitamins and minerals. To avoid an unhealthy dose of sodium, eat them raw or dry roasted without salt.

• Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Frozen Banana Pop

If you're looking for a creative way to add more fruit to your diet, try frozen banana pops. Slice several peeled bananas in half and insert popsicle sticks. Coat each half with an ounce of low-fat plain yogurt. Put the pops in the freezer, and soon you'll have ready-to-eat low-calorie treats. At just under 80 calories a pop, this is a snack you can feel good about.

• Saturated fat: 0.35 g
• Sodium: 3 mg
• Cholesterol: 7 mg

1 Cup Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is full of disease-fighting nutrients, but contains as little as 74 calories per cup, no cholesterol, and less than 1 gram of saturated fat. Just keep in mind that there are many varieties. Cream of tomato is significantly higher in fat and calories. When buying canned soup, look for labels that say "low sodium" and check the calorie count.

• Saturated Fat: 0.19 g
• Sodium: 471 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

1/3 Cup Dry Oat Squares Cereal

If you're a cereal fan, try leaving out the milk for a convenient, low-calorie snack. Pour 1/3 cup dry oat squares cereal into baggies you can keep in the car or at your office. Each serving has 70 calories and barely any saturated fat. Other types of whole-grain cereals also work well. Just stay away from overly sweetened varieties.

• Saturated fat: 0.17 g
• Sodium: 83 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

1 Cup Grapes

Grapes are loaded with water, which means that a whole cupful has only 62 calories. The water content helps provide a feeling of fullness and keeps you hydrated. Grapes are also a terrific source of vitamin K and manganese, and contain some fiber to boot. They're great eaten fresh or frozen.

• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Smoked Salmon Pinwheel

For a savory snack under 60 calories, spread 1 tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese onto a slice of smoked salmon (lox) and roll it up. This salmon pinwheel is high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, though the salt used to cure the salmon boosts the sodium content. Use a little less cream cheese and you can have two pinwheels for under 100 calories.

• Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
• Sodium: 495 mg
• Cholesterol: 13 mg

One Cup Jicama Sticks and Salsa

Jicama root is one veggie that's often overlooked. Yet, it is incredibly low in calories and offers a satisfying crunch. Slice the jicama into French-fry sized sticks and dip them in salsa. You can munch on an entire cupful for only 54 calories.

• Saturated Fat: 0.03 g
• Sodium: 235 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Not-So-Super Snacks

Don't make a habit of snacking on 100-calorie packs of crackers and cookies, which are mainly made with refined flour. These snack packs may be low in calories, but they're also low in nutrients. It's better to make your snacks work for you by delivering protein, fiber, or antioxidants.

© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

Managing Urinary Incontinence With Absorbent Products

Your ability to control urination or defecation requires: a normal anatomy, a normally functioning nervous system and, being able to determine and respond to the warning signs of an impending bathroom call. Incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine or faeces due to a lack of control by the bladder or bowels and occurs because one or more of the afore-mentioned organs are not functioning as it should.

Its causes (urinary tract infections, neurological disorders. weakened pelvic and/or sphincter muscles, enlarged prostrate, medication and other pre-existing conditions) and types (urge, stress, mixed, faecal etc.) are varied and likewise is its treatment. The main approaches to treating incontinence are: behavioral (Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, bladder retraining, Toilet scheduling) medicinal and surgical. However, regardless of the type and treatment required, there’ll likely be a period during which a less invasive method of management is necessary. The focus of this document is to assist you in making the right decision in selecting an absorbent product that will enable you to continue participating in normal everyday activities. These are products which absorbs urine:  adult diapers, plastic-coated underwear and pads, or panty liners that can be used to manage any form of incontinence.You're Not Alone

Pads and Liners

There are number of pads and guards designed for men and women who experience the loss of small to moderate amounts of urine.  These pads are manufactured to absorb fluid more effectively with: a waterproof back, a pad containing a gel-forming polymer and an adhesive strip which fastens the product to your underclothing. They are meant to be worn inside your underwear, come in varying sizes, have different levels of absorbency and can be disposable. The padding and gel are made specifically to handle the chemical composition of urine thus ensuring maximum protection. Liners are similar in content to pads and are both longer and wider while offering better front-to-back protection; many are made with elastic gussets on the sides to fit the curvature of the body and help prevent leakage. Alternatively there are belted undergarments which replace ordinary underpants. This device includes: a belt with attachments of either buttons or velcro at the front and rear to which a pad is secured. The belt is made of elastic which facilitates easy removal (for toilet use) or change.

Disposable Underwear

Disposable briefs are designed for moderate to heavy incontinence and are similar in appearance to baby diapers. The difference being that, there are two or three tape closures on either side to provide additional security. They are manufactured with a plastic or thread-like waterproof and absorbent padding, which contains gel-forming polymer to absorb urine. They offer different levels of absorbency, shell structure. and odor control. In choosing one, you need to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Cheap briefs appear to save on cost. However, their level of absorbency is relatively low and their shell casing have a fragile plastic backing that tears easily,  are often noisy and the fasteners are unreliable. This means that the frequency of change occurs more often than the more expensive brands which offer a noiseless cloth-like or more robust shell covering with tapes which can be refastened repeatedly.  This type of product is also available as one-piece absorbent underpants (pull-ups). The preferred type of briefs depends on the choice of each individual, based on their precise situation. For an active person a disposable brief of good quality is more reliable, providing protection for a longer period of time and safely allowing for a greater range of activity than any of the other products.

Reusable Products

For many people disposable products may be the only option, however, also available are reusable (washable) products for persons who may be experiencing slight to moderate incontinence. These include incontinence undergarments which resemble normal underwear, with sewn in absorbent pads and are available in a variety of absorbency levels for both men and women. There are:  contoured cloth diapers with a plastic covering, adult cloth diapers and vinyl, nylon and rubber waterproof outer pants that are worn over the undergarments providing an extra level of protection.

Bed and Chair Protection

For in-house usage there are also bed and chair protectors.  Underpads are flat absorbent pads which are used to protect mattresses, bed linens and chairs. These may be made with absorbent cotton flannel on one side with a waterproof backing and are available in be disposable or reusable formats. While underpads offer partial covering to bedding, mattress pads are used to cover the complete mattress and come in varying sizes to fit all mattresses.

Your choice of product should be determined by: your degree of incontinence, the product’s absorbency, durability, odor control proficiency, its comfort and ease of use, your lifestyle and the cost. With the right product and its proper use you can live a normal life and continue to participate in most activities. Although cost is a factor you need to consider the old adage “it’s better to be safe than sorry” and not let it be the major factor in choosing the right product.

© 2012 Goldeneramart.com - All Rights Reserved

H. Nurse

http://www.goldeneramart.com

The CareGiver Partnership: 3 Dietary Rules for Managing Incontinence

The CareGiver Partnership: 3 Dietary Rules for Managing Incontinence

Salt-potassium ratio may trump blood pressure for heart disease

Folks who think low blood pressure means they can consume salt without worry may be in for a surprise. Research suggests that the ratio of sodium to potassium in the diet is more predictive of health risks than high blood pressure is.

Even healthy individuals with normal blood pressure should avoid a "sodium-saturated diet," according to an eMaxHealth article by Dr. Robin Wulffson.
He's no lone voice, either.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers published a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine that found an increased risk based on that ratio, as well. The scientists controlled for "all the major cardiovascular risk factors" and still found an association with deaths from heart disease when the sodium-potassium ratio was bad. Sodium raises blood pressure and reduces the elasticity of arteries. Potassium activates nitric oxide, which relaxes arteries and lowers the risk of high blood pressure. Sodium, by the way, blocks uptake of nitric oxide.

The Institute of Medicine last year looked at data from 12,000 American adults and reported that a high-sodium diet increases the risk of heart disease, as has been widely reported. But of greater portent, it said, is the balance between the two chlorine salts: sodium raises risk, while potassium lowers it.
That study concluded that "no one is immune to the adverse health effects of excessive sodium intake."

Research shows that when the sodium-to-potassium ratio is high, people are nearly 50 percent more likely to die from any cause within the 14.8-year follow-up period and twice as likely to die from ischemic heart disease, compared to those who consumed less sodium than potassium.

Three-fourths of salt in the American diet is eaten in processed foods or at restaurants. Wulffson pointed out that it also comes from water that has run through a water-softener. That can be charged with potassium chloride instead of with sodium chloride, although it costs more.

The human body only needs 220 milligrams of sodium a day; the average diet contains more than 3,400 milligrams a day. Current dietary guidelines cap it at a maximum of 2,300 milligrams for all but those at high risk, who should have no more than 1,500 milligrams a day. That category includes anyone over 50, African-Americans and those with high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

An article in the New York Times notes that because the Food and Drug Administration categorizes salt as "generally recognized as safe," food producers can put as much into products as they wish. Writes the Times' Jane E. Brody, "To make matters worse, not only does the amount of sodium rise precipitously when foods like tomatoes and potatoes are processed, but the natural potassium in these foods declines significantly, worsening the sodium-potassium ratio."


Wulffson noted that 28 national food companies, retailers and supermarket chains have agreed to the national Salt Reduction Initiative, which targets a 25 percent reduction in sodium in food products by 2014.

The American Heart Association has launched a campaign to make it easy to send comments to the FDA and Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which have been soliciting suggestions and reaction to reducing sodium consumption. One click and the association links you to their site.

It's going to take a harder push from the government to really make a change, according to the IOM report. "What is needed," it says, "is a coordinated effort to reduce sodium in foods across the board by manufacturers and restaurants — that is, create a level playing field for the food industry."

And an expert at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Dr. Jane E. Henney, who chaired the committee that produced the IOM report, told Brody that salt should lose its "GRAS" status with the FDA, so that it is no longer considered "safe" as it is currently being used.

By Lois M. Collins, Deseret News