Sunday, July 10, 2011
Rise in type 2 diabetes is an epidemic
http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/article/20110709/SPJ04/107090363/Rise-type-2-diabetes-an-epidemic?odyssey=modnewswelltextFRONTPAGEp
REPRINT: 11:00 PM, Jul. 8, 2011
Today, more than 26 million Americans (8 percent of the population) have diabetes. Estimates indicate that another 7 million Americans are not aware they have the disease.
In 2007, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention characterized the rise in type 2 diabetes as an epidemic. It is still characterized as such.
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and new global research indicates that diabetes can shorten a person's life expectancy by six years. In comparison, smoking is estimated to shorten a person's life by 10 years.
For some time, researchers have been aware of the toll diabetes takes on one's heart. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to heart disease and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. But, according to the research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in March 2011, new studies that examined medical information from more than 820,000 people in Europe and North America indicate that diabetes can cause a range of other medical conditions. Over the 13 1/2 years the participants were followed, more than 123,000 participants died; most of the participants had type 2 diabetes.
According to the study, the participants with diabetes were two times as likely to die from a heart attack or stroke than those without diabetes. They also had increased death rates from infections, pneumonia, lung and kidney disease, and falls. They were 25 percent more likely to die from breast cancer, and their risk was doubled for liver cancer. It also was noted that diabetics had a greater tendency to suffer from depression and commit suicide.
Researchers have not yet determined why diabetes has the above effects, but they do recommend cancer screenings for those with diabetes and emphasize the need to treat and prevent diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes can be rather nonspecific, and diagnosis can take a while.
Type 2 diabetics usually have a presentation that is slow and can be monitored over a few years. The usual type 2 diabetic symptoms can include increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, fatigue, poor-healing wounds and visual changes. Fasting blood glucose levels usually are higher than 110 mg/dl.
Many times, weight loss will cure the problem. With more severe cases, a variety of oral medications can be taken to address the problem. There are a few cases that require both oral medications and shots of insulin.
Dr. Randal F. Wojciehoski, also known as Dr. Wojo, is an emergency medicine physician at Ministry Saint Michael's Hospital.
Call us…Together we can make it happen!
gary
Friday, June 10, 2011
Why Many Men Need a Curved Catheter
Why a Curved Catheter May Help
Urinary retention can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. The bladder is full and distended. The patient feels the urge to pass urine but is unable to do so. This is condition that needs immediate medical attention. Initially the doctor or urologist will use a regular appropriate size straight foley catheter to catheterize the patient. If there is difficulty navigating over the prostate curve, a Coude catheter of an appropriate size will be used.
Other Uses
A coude catheter is commonly used for men but they are also used for catheterization of males or females with urethral blockage or narrowing when a straight catheter is unable to accomplish the task.
Contact us now for your curved catheter: 800.433.7622 because Together...We Can Make It Happen!
Home Care Together
gary l. Fenn
Friday, April 15, 2011
www.catheternow...Fast & Easy!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Hey! Weight Matters!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
What's the 2 "Magic Words?"
The Problem! OK, it may be simply bad manners; not being taught to be polite. However it usually runs deeper than that. It's the dreaded beast we all have deep inside....Pride! We are not used to letting others do our work for us. Senior citizens especially hate the feeling of losing their independence. It's easier to say nothing! However, a sincere "Thank You" can go along way in the attitude the care-giver has. Hey...if someone is going to do ANY insertions in me...I want them to be in a good mood!
The Solution! We live in a world that has become fast, cold, calculating (with the what's in it for me attitude) and at time people not feeling well can even be rude. This "me 1st" attitude can be avoided if we remember there are only 2 things you can do with pride:
A caregiver, even if it's our life-long mate, deserve those 2 simple magic words. You will receive more respect and dignity as well as the help you require. "Thank you for changing my catheter"; "thank you for checking my glucose level"; "thank you for helping me with my ostomy". True, it's two little words to say but they are huge "magic words" to hear!
By the way... Thank you for reading this blog! Together... we can make it happen!
Home Care Together
gary
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Three Ways to Take One Giant Leap Forward
1. CALL US! 800.851.4507 ~ A friendly voice will help!
2. CONTACT US! ~ On our website, fill in the Contact Us form.
3. FAX US! ~ Look for the easy to download Rx for your Physician to complete and fax: 888.299.5568.
Whether you are self-cathing up to 200 catheters/month; using a Foley; a Condom catheter or any other method; we can help you receive all you’re necessary supplies each month… on time…every time.
Home Care Together is a National Supplier of disposable medical supplies. With our 5-Star Service, no one (not even the Big Honcho’s) will work harder to help you receive your supplies with dignity and respect!
Just choose 1 of 3 easy steps and take that Giant Leap to no more infections or worries! While you are on the website, why not check out our TV Commercial? Together we can make it happen!
Home Care Together
gary
Let them SEE you coming!
No, don’t worry, you won’t smell like a perfume factory! Home Care Together recommends using drops that simply take away the odor, not cover them up. Many doctors don’t think of ordering these when writing out the prescription for catheters or ostomy, so be sure to remind your doctor to include: “1 btl - Deodorizing Drops/month” on your prescription.
Yes, Medicare will pay for the drops and you will have peace of mind that when people see you coming…they won’t smell you coming…and that will be a good thing! Remember: Together we can make it happen!
Home Care Together
gary