Shirley Bullock's Blog, page 3
August 1, 2011
This day in history August 1 1888
Hello, the nation seems quiet. It will be school time for the children before you know it. Pastor Watts is going to sponsor a dance for those children who don't have anything to put in those lunch pails. I am making a snood to go with my new blue dress. I will send the pattern shortly. Geri
Exercise and diabetes
Exercise
Hello all. Here in 1888 we don’t hear much about exercise and dangers of becoming a couch potato. From housework to farm work everything is pretty much labor intensive here.
Not so in 2011. Obesity has become a leading negative health factor, opening the way to other diseases such as heart, lung, and endocrine diseases such as diabetes.
Regular exercise is a key part of your diabetes treatment plan. For most people with type 2 diabetes, exercise helps keep blood sugars in a healthy range. Exercise may also: reduce stress, increase energy, increase strength and range of motion, help control blood pressure and cholesterol. It will also make your insulin work more effectively.
Choose an exercise you enjoy, make plans to include it in your day, and find an exercise buddy. If you haven’t exercised for a while start out slowly. Check with your doctor first. Adding a five minute walk to your day may be a good start. Work up to at least 30 minutes a day. I am not asking you to try out for the Olympics just add a little movement to your day.
Drink plenty of sugar free fluids like water. Check your blood sugar before and after you exercise since people with diabetes are at higher risk for a low blood sugar episode during, and several hours after exercise.
Wear good fitting shoes while exercising and check your feet before and after exercise.
Include a warm up and a cool down with each workout. Avoid intense workouts outdoors if it is humid, smoggy or cold. Water exercise is one of the best you can participate in.
There are several things you need to carry with you when you exercise. Phone numbers of family and doctors in case of an emergency. Make sure you have a cell phone or change to make a phone call. Blood sugar monitor, diabetes identification, something to treat a low blood sugar such as glucose tablets.
These are just a few extra reminders. I am off to horseback ride!
(Well, yeah the horse is the one exercising, but it does help keep my muscles supple! (laugh) Geri.
Hello all. Here in 1888 we don’t hear much about exercise and dangers of becoming a couch potato. From housework to farm work everything is pretty much labor intensive here.
Not so in 2011. Obesity has become a leading negative health factor, opening the way to other diseases such as heart, lung, and endocrine diseases such as diabetes.
Regular exercise is a key part of your diabetes treatment plan. For most people with type 2 diabetes, exercise helps keep blood sugars in a healthy range. Exercise may also: reduce stress, increase energy, increase strength and range of motion, help control blood pressure and cholesterol. It will also make your insulin work more effectively.
Choose an exercise you enjoy, make plans to include it in your day, and find an exercise buddy. If you haven’t exercised for a while start out slowly. Check with your doctor first. Adding a five minute walk to your day may be a good start. Work up to at least 30 minutes a day. I am not asking you to try out for the Olympics just add a little movement to your day.
Drink plenty of sugar free fluids like water. Check your blood sugar before and after you exercise since people with diabetes are at higher risk for a low blood sugar episode during, and several hours after exercise.
Wear good fitting shoes while exercising and check your feet before and after exercise.
Include a warm up and a cool down with each workout. Avoid intense workouts outdoors if it is humid, smoggy or cold. Water exercise is one of the best you can participate in.
There are several things you need to carry with you when you exercise. Phone numbers of family and doctors in case of an emergency. Make sure you have a cell phone or change to make a phone call. Blood sugar monitor, diabetes identification, something to treat a low blood sugar such as glucose tablets.
These are just a few extra reminders. I am off to horseback ride!
(Well, yeah the horse is the one exercising, but it does help keep my muscles supple! (laugh) Geri.
July 28, 2011
Today in history July 28 1888
Looks like nothing noteworthy is happening nationally today. But I have good news, the first meeting of the Shakespeare club is meeting tonight at Doc's. Sara told me that we will be getting a library soon! Yeah!
Looks like we all need to do something to make today a memorable one in our lives!
Cheers, Geri
Looks like we all need to do something to make today a memorable one in our lives!
Cheers, Geri
July 27, 2011
This day in history-July 27 1888
Hi this is Geri. I don't want you to be bored with just reading medical material so I decided to shake things up a bit.
This day July 27-1888 the first electric car was invented. Look what he started!
Cheers, Geri
This day July 27-1888 the first electric car was invented. Look what he started!
Cheers, Geri
July 26, 2011
A spoonful of sugar and some medicine go down
A Spoonful of Sugar and Some Medicine Go Down
Hello, everyone! I would like to introduce you to a very dear friend of mine, Dr. Patrick O’Neal. If it wasn’t for Doc and his wife, Sara I would not have survived my trip. He wants to share these medical facts that are now available to everyone in 2011.
See ya, Geri.
Hello, I am Dr. O’Neal, and if you are diabetic you need to be knowledgeable about your medicine regime. Remember that each person’s metabolism is different and you cannot do things exactly as your Aunt Hattie or your Brother Bob.
Know the name of your pill and the amount that you take. Know when to take your pill. Make a list of your medications and carry it with you. Call me, ahem, I mean your health care provider about any side effects you may experience.
Never stop or change the dosage of your medicine without calling your physician. A good resource is your pharmacist. Get to know them by name and become comfortable with asking them questions about prescription and over the counter medications.
Just a reminder if you have Type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin to live. With Type 2 diabetes you may be prescribed pills, insulin or both. Your health care provider will teach you how to take your medicine. It is always good to join a support group, most hospitals host them.
Thank you for allowing me to talk to you. Geri will be back next time. Oh, and Sara says ‘Hi’.
Best regards, Dr. Patrick O’Neal
Hello, everyone! I would like to introduce you to a very dear friend of mine, Dr. Patrick O’Neal. If it wasn’t for Doc and his wife, Sara I would not have survived my trip. He wants to share these medical facts that are now available to everyone in 2011.
See ya, Geri.
Hello, I am Dr. O’Neal, and if you are diabetic you need to be knowledgeable about your medicine regime. Remember that each person’s metabolism is different and you cannot do things exactly as your Aunt Hattie or your Brother Bob.
Know the name of your pill and the amount that you take. Know when to take your pill. Make a list of your medications and carry it with you. Call me, ahem, I mean your health care provider about any side effects you may experience.
Never stop or change the dosage of your medicine without calling your physician. A good resource is your pharmacist. Get to know them by name and become comfortable with asking them questions about prescription and over the counter medications.
Just a reminder if you have Type 1 diabetes, you must take insulin to live. With Type 2 diabetes you may be prescribed pills, insulin or both. Your health care provider will teach you how to take your medicine. It is always good to join a support group, most hospitals host them.
Thank you for allowing me to talk to you. Geri will be back next time. Oh, and Sara says ‘Hi’.
Best regards, Dr. Patrick O’Neal
July 18, 2011
Why should I control my blood sugar?
Why Should I Control My Blood Sugar?
Remember here in 1888 there is very little we could do for diabetes. Most people die at a very young age wishing they had the help you do now.
I don’t mean to scare you but: High blood sugar can lead to problems such as: heart disease, nerve damage, stroke, circulation problems, eye disease and kidney disease. We all know people who have lost limbs, sight, kidneys and their lives from complications of diabetes.
Here are some daily things to do to help prevent some of the above problems you can do the following: follow your diabetes meal plan, exercise, take your medication as prescribed, check your blood sugar, check your feet daily, brush and floss your teeth, find positive ways to cope with stress and don’t smoke, if you do quit!
Every six months get an A1C lab test and see your dentist.
Every year get a cholesterol and blood fat check, dilated eye exam, kidney exam, flu shot and foot exam.
At every office visit please get a foot inspection, and your blood pressure and weight monitored.
Take your blood sugar log and discuss taking a pneumonia shot.
Once again I don’t intend on superseding your doctor’s advice, these are just a few hints. Geri
Remember here in 1888 there is very little we could do for diabetes. Most people die at a very young age wishing they had the help you do now.
I don’t mean to scare you but: High blood sugar can lead to problems such as: heart disease, nerve damage, stroke, circulation problems, eye disease and kidney disease. We all know people who have lost limbs, sight, kidneys and their lives from complications of diabetes.
Here are some daily things to do to help prevent some of the above problems you can do the following: follow your diabetes meal plan, exercise, take your medication as prescribed, check your blood sugar, check your feet daily, brush and floss your teeth, find positive ways to cope with stress and don’t smoke, if you do quit!
Every six months get an A1C lab test and see your dentist.
Every year get a cholesterol and blood fat check, dilated eye exam, kidney exam, flu shot and foot exam.
At every office visit please get a foot inspection, and your blood pressure and weight monitored.
Take your blood sugar log and discuss taking a pneumonia shot.
Once again I don’t intend on superseding your doctor’s advice, these are just a few hints. Geri
July 13, 2011
Goodman Aspen
Hi it is hard to get the computer away from Geri (there aren't any in 1888!)
I would like to announce that a short story entitled Goodman Aspen has been published in a Magazine called Other Sheep published by Written Word Communications. Check it out when you get a chance...Ok, Ok Geri you can have the computer back....lol
I would like to announce that a short story entitled Goodman Aspen has been published in a Magazine called Other Sheep published by Written Word Communications. Check it out when you get a chance...Ok, Ok Geri you can have the computer back....lol
Other places to visit me
Hi this is Geri, there are other places to visit my writing, one is Redroom for Authors, Library Thing and Foreverreadswriting@yolasite.com.
Sometimes Robinson and Patrick will join me as guest bloggers.
Sometimes Robinson and Patrick will join me as guest bloggers.
Tools of the Trade
Tools of the trade
Hi this is Geri. I hoped you enjoyed the little history lesson on diabetes. I want to be as easy to understand as possible. Many people have pre-diabetes for years before they are formally diagnosed.
If your doctor says you have pre-diabetes; with life-style changes many can avoid the disease all together.
If you have the symptoms of increased thirst, appetite, weight gain or loss, and vision changes the first thing to do is make an appointment with your primary care physician.
Depending on the doctor and your insurance he or she might take over your diabetes care or send you to a specialist called an ‘Endocrinologist’. Please go to your first visit ‘fasting, i.e. no food or drink since midnight. The doctor will want to do some lab tests, including a fasting blood sugar, an A1C (this test will tell how high your blood glucose has been for the past three months) and some kidney function tests.
If you have access to a computer, read a little on diabetes and write down your questions. Don’t rely on memory.
During the visit, if you are tested positive, the doctor will ensure you have an accu check machine or a blood glucose monitor. This machine will become your life line, ensuring how well you will be able to keep your diabetes under control.
Today’s blood glucose machine is not a ball and chain; many are very small, fitting into sports pockets and purses. Various machines allow you to take blood from other areas of your body avoiding sore fingertips. They are highly affordable enabling you to keep one with you and one at bedside.
The kit usually contains, blood check strips, monitor, and a finger pricking device. There will usually be a pocket in the back for a log to write down your results.
Most all insurances will pay for a monitor including Medicare. If you are uninsured, many pharmaceutical companies offer machines free of charge if you use their strips and finger sticks.
Read the directions thoroughly. Play with the machine enabling you to use it with ease.
See you all next week for other aspects of diabetes care.
‘
Hi this is Geri. I hoped you enjoyed the little history lesson on diabetes. I want to be as easy to understand as possible. Many people have pre-diabetes for years before they are formally diagnosed.
If your doctor says you have pre-diabetes; with life-style changes many can avoid the disease all together.
If you have the symptoms of increased thirst, appetite, weight gain or loss, and vision changes the first thing to do is make an appointment with your primary care physician.
Depending on the doctor and your insurance he or she might take over your diabetes care or send you to a specialist called an ‘Endocrinologist’. Please go to your first visit ‘fasting, i.e. no food or drink since midnight. The doctor will want to do some lab tests, including a fasting blood sugar, an A1C (this test will tell how high your blood glucose has been for the past three months) and some kidney function tests.
If you have access to a computer, read a little on diabetes and write down your questions. Don’t rely on memory.
During the visit, if you are tested positive, the doctor will ensure you have an accu check machine or a blood glucose monitor. This machine will become your life line, ensuring how well you will be able to keep your diabetes under control.
Today’s blood glucose machine is not a ball and chain; many are very small, fitting into sports pockets and purses. Various machines allow you to take blood from other areas of your body avoiding sore fingertips. They are highly affordable enabling you to keep one with you and one at bedside.
The kit usually contains, blood check strips, monitor, and a finger pricking device. There will usually be a pocket in the back for a log to write down your results.
Most all insurances will pay for a monitor including Medicare. If you are uninsured, many pharmaceutical companies offer machines free of charge if you use their strips and finger sticks.
Read the directions thoroughly. Play with the machine enabling you to use it with ease.
See you all next week for other aspects of diabetes care.
‘
Medical Minis from Geri
Geri is a nurse and the main character from Forever Promised. She has decided to write medical minis for the lay person.
Geri’s Medical Minis
In the United States there has been a surge in diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes is a leading health care burden. Along with the diagnosis of diabetes, there is a growing list of complications; including heart disease, kidney disease, and several other chronic diseases.
Is this a new phenomenon? Has the incidence of disease increased, or have we become better at detecting it?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the small blood vessels. Three symptoms are polyuria (frequent urination), polyphagia (increased hunger), polydipsia (increased thirst), weight loss and blurred vision.
The earliest known record on diabetes is in 1552 B.C. A Persian doctor named Avicenna. described gangrene, secondary to diabetes. In the first century, Arateus described it as "the melting down of flesh and limbs into urine." Greek doctor, Galen, mistakenly diagnosed it as a kidney ailment.
Until the 11th century "water tasters" were called in to taste the patient's urine. It was said a diabetic's urine tasted like honey, thus the Latin word for honey 'mellitus' is added to diabetes.
Indians saw if ants were attracted to the urine. Hippocrates made no mention of it, possibly because it was well known as an automatic death sentence.
Here in 1888, we are just now working with diet. Some chemical tests have come out to recognize sugar in the urine. Sadly, as researchers are trying to find how to help their patients with diet, they die within a year of malnutrition. Dr. O’Neal says that some doctors prescribe bleeding or opium.
Hello, I’m back with a little more information for the lay person on diabetes.
In the 19th century French researcher, Claude Bernard, studies the pancreas and links it and the liver to metabolism. Pavlov discovered that gastric secretions were linked to the nervous system.
I always wanted to visit Italy, but this information gives me pause; Italian diabetes specialist, Catoni, isolated patents under lock and key to get them to follow their specialized diets.
German scientist George Zuelzer found an injectible extract for high blood sugar but it had extreme side effects.
In 1919 Frederick Madison Allen opened the first United States clinic. It was named the Physiatric Institute of New jersey. Wealthy patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and Bright’s disease flocked to the clinic.
1920 Dr Banting conceives the idea for insulin. In 1921 a depancreatized dog was successfully treated with insulin.
In 1940 research made a link to diabetes and long term kidney and eye disease.
1944 Insulin syringes became standardized.
1955 Oral drugs were prescribed.
In 1959 two types of diabetes were recognized; Type 1 Juvenile, and Type 2 Adult Onset.
In the 1960’s home monitoring started. In 1969 a German student by the name of Paul Langerhans discovered that the pancreas contained two systems of cells. One set was named the “Islets of Langerhans”
In 1970 we see home use of the glucose meters. Doctors started performing laser eye therapy.
The first biosynthetic human insulin was made in 1983.
The advent of the insulin pen was in 1986.
The 1900’s diabetes researched surged by leaps and bounds.
Geri’s Medical Minis
In the United States there has been a surge in diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes is a leading health care burden. Along with the diagnosis of diabetes, there is a growing list of complications; including heart disease, kidney disease, and several other chronic diseases.
Is this a new phenomenon? Has the incidence of disease increased, or have we become better at detecting it?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the small blood vessels. Three symptoms are polyuria (frequent urination), polyphagia (increased hunger), polydipsia (increased thirst), weight loss and blurred vision.
The earliest known record on diabetes is in 1552 B.C. A Persian doctor named Avicenna. described gangrene, secondary to diabetes. In the first century, Arateus described it as "the melting down of flesh and limbs into urine." Greek doctor, Galen, mistakenly diagnosed it as a kidney ailment.
Until the 11th century "water tasters" were called in to taste the patient's urine. It was said a diabetic's urine tasted like honey, thus the Latin word for honey 'mellitus' is added to diabetes.
Indians saw if ants were attracted to the urine. Hippocrates made no mention of it, possibly because it was well known as an automatic death sentence.
Here in 1888, we are just now working with diet. Some chemical tests have come out to recognize sugar in the urine. Sadly, as researchers are trying to find how to help their patients with diet, they die within a year of malnutrition. Dr. O’Neal says that some doctors prescribe bleeding or opium.
Hello, I’m back with a little more information for the lay person on diabetes.
In the 19th century French researcher, Claude Bernard, studies the pancreas and links it and the liver to metabolism. Pavlov discovered that gastric secretions were linked to the nervous system.
I always wanted to visit Italy, but this information gives me pause; Italian diabetes specialist, Catoni, isolated patents under lock and key to get them to follow their specialized diets.
German scientist George Zuelzer found an injectible extract for high blood sugar but it had extreme side effects.
In 1919 Frederick Madison Allen opened the first United States clinic. It was named the Physiatric Institute of New jersey. Wealthy patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and Bright’s disease flocked to the clinic.
1920 Dr Banting conceives the idea for insulin. In 1921 a depancreatized dog was successfully treated with insulin.
In 1940 research made a link to diabetes and long term kidney and eye disease.
1944 Insulin syringes became standardized.
1955 Oral drugs were prescribed.
In 1959 two types of diabetes were recognized; Type 1 Juvenile, and Type 2 Adult Onset.
In the 1960’s home monitoring started. In 1969 a German student by the name of Paul Langerhans discovered that the pancreas contained two systems of cells. One set was named the “Islets of Langerhans”
In 1970 we see home use of the glucose meters. Doctors started performing laser eye therapy.
The first biosynthetic human insulin was made in 1983.
The advent of the insulin pen was in 1986.
The 1900’s diabetes researched surged by leaps and bounds.
