Archive for the ‘Disease Awareness & Prevention’ Category

Walk for Diabetes – UC Irvine

Saturday, November 14th, 2009

Almost a week has gone by and I haven’t written a thing about the Diabetes Walk last week.  It was a great success!  They predicted 1 million dollars in raised funds.  Way to go walkers!  We didn’t walk this year.  Instead we volunteered.  While others rounded the course and mingled with vendors, the All-Star and I manned the bouncy castle and slide.  Good times…and also a lesson in child-care.

diabetes walk

The kids were great.  I learned quickly that they actually appreciated direction and what I feared would be strictness turned into fun.

manning the bouncy castle

The rumors are true, kids like to be told what to do, within reason of course.  Here’s how it worked… As the line grew longer in front of my air-filled station, I opted for groups of five bouncing for 2 minutes to be ended with a trip down the connected slide.  “Slide-time” I shouted and they all raced for the inflatable ladder (if you could call that racing…it was more like tumbling. After all, they were in a bouncy castle.)  Next five in and so on it went.

The All-Star manned the slide.

john on the slide

The kids had a fabulous time and so did we.  Thanks to all involved.  See you again next year!

diabetes walk crowd

I have a new found love for volunteering.  It makes me feel good to go out there and do something for nothing.  The great thing about it is the gratification brings me more joy than a dollar any day.  I’m hoping to find more opportunities to lend a helping hand where I can.  I’m especially interested in offering my acupuncture services where they are needed.  If anyone knows of a local program, (I’m in the Orange County, LA area), or an event that needs an acupuncturist to stick people, let me know.

Who will Bail out your At-Risk Heart?

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

I’d like to follow-up on my post entitled Your Personal Health Care Reform.  I said it then and I’ll say it again…We need to now more than ever start looking towards prevention to save our lives.  I know, I know, we can’t run around like Negative Nancys, worrying constantly about random calamities.  Those we can never prevent.  What we can prevent is serious life threatening conditions like cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

In an article recently posted on the New York Times website, the writer  recommends acupuncture as a resource for your personal health care reform.  As a licensed acupuncturist I can agree that this popular form of Alternative medicine plays an active and successful roll in the art of prevention, but it doesn’t start there, and it does not need to be that costly.  Prevention starts with each individual.  It’s the choice between a burger or a salad, between a walk around the corner or an hour on the couch in front of the tube.  Did you know that 1 extra serving of fruits or vegetables each day (that’s 1/2 a cup!) can prevent your chances of heart disease by 4%?!  Think of the possibilities you have to save your life: that’s 1 apple, 10 baby carrots, 6 strawberries, half a sweet potato, 3 celery sticks, 1 banana…the list goes on and on and on.

Prevention is a commitment, it’s true, but not to your job or to your teacher or your government.  It’s a commitment to yourself and to those that love you, that you will try to make your life as healthy and happy as you can.  No more easier said than done people.  I will not admit that it is more convenient to clog your arteries than to snack on a carrot.  Or that being a couch potato will bring you more joy than a bike ride with your child.  Those statements are simply erronious.  I will admit that change can be a challenge and I invite you to accept the challenge.  You don’t have to run a marathon (unless you want to), and you don’t have to cut out every guilty pleasure that passes your lips (although the more, the better.)  It starts with a little each day.  You know what you have to do!

For those of you who are on the path, 2 kudos to you.  Now spread the word and share with others your success.  Help bail your brothers and sisters out of their personal health crisis through education and compassion.  We can beat the terror of heart disease and cancer, but it starts at home, and it doesn’t have to cost billions of dollars.   In fact, it can cost less than a value meal.

Read The NY Times article: An Economy in Need of Holistic Medicine…

Diabetes Act Now

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Another GREAT resource for those living with diabetes is DiabetesActNow.

dan_logo

On this website you can watch short, entertaining, and highly informative videos, called Easy Actions, which contain easy suggestions for you to better improve your health.  You can also sign up for a free account and receive emails that help you track your progress.  The truth is that anyone can benefit from the Easy Actions recommended on this website!

November is American Diabetes Month

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

diabetes month 2009The fight to end this serious disease rages on.  Every year people all over the United States walk, bike, and volunteer to raise money in an effort to walk for a curestop diabetes from continuing to afflict millions of Americans.  Yes, I  said millions.  There are 24 million children and adults in the United States living with diabetes and 57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  November is the month to join the movement.

American Diabetes Association

Diabetes, medically known as diabetes mellitus, refers to a disorder in which the body has trouble regulating its blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels. There are two major types of diabetes:

JDRFType 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys certain cells in the pancreas, called beta cells.  These cells normally produce insulin, a hormone that helps convert glucose into energy.  When the beta cells are destroyed, no insulin can be produced, and the glucose stays in the blood where it can cause serious damage to all organ systems of the body.  People with type 1 diabetes must carefully monitor their blood sugar levels and take insulin to stay alive.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.  This type is an acquired form of the illness and can be more easily moderated with diet and exercise.  People with type 2 diabetes do produce insulin, but the body cannot use the insulin adequately.  Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, however the highest risk is for those who are over-weight or obese, women who have had gestational diabetes, and people with a family history of type 2 diabetes.   In addition, people who smoke, have inactive lifestyles, or have certain dietary patterns have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

stop diabetesWhile there is no cure for type 1 diabetes, type 2 can be avoided and controlled.  Be mindful of your sugar intake, exercise regularly, and if you think you may have problems with your blood-sugar levels, have them tested by your doctor.  The American Diabetes Associate has donated a portion of their website to help those struggling with diabetes manage their Food and Fitness.

Another GREAT resource for those living with diabetes is DiabetesActNowdan_logo

On this website you can watch short, entertaining, and highly informative videos, called Easy Actions, which contain easy suggestions for you to better improve your health.  You can also sign up for a free account and receive emails that help you track your progress.  The truth is that anyone can benefit from the Easy Actions recommended on this website!

Not enough money or insurance to test your blood sugar levels??  This month there are no excuses?  Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain, is joining the battle.  More than 1,500 stores nationwide will be hosting their first-ever Diabetes Wellness Events this month.  Each participating store will host a six-hour walk-in clinic offering free blood glucose testing, free A1C testing, pharmacist consultations, AND Walgreens will donate $1 to the American Diabetes Association for every test performed.  Each store’s clinic will be held on one day during either the Nov. 9-13 or Nov. 16-20. To find a Diabetes Wellness Event at a store near you visit the Walgreen’s website.  Just type in your zip code and make sure to check the box next to Diabetes Wellness Event.

World Osteoporosis Day

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009
Left: normal bone, right: osteoporotic bone

Left: normal bone, right: osteoporotic bone

The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has declared October 20, 2009 – World Osteoporosis Day.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone deceases leading to a higher incidence of fracture, particularly of the hip, wrist and spine.

According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation website, “one in three women over the age of 50 will experience osteoporotic fractures, as will one in five men.”

An active lifestyle, a healthy diet rich in calcium, and maintaining a healthy weight are just some of the ways to reduce your risk of developing this common condition.

Take this one-minute online test to find out if you are at risk for osteoporosis and to learn more visit the International Osteoporosis Foundation website.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Friday, October 16th, 2009

The battle against breast cancer continues.  Each year nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 lose their battle.  It is the number one cancer occurring in women in the U.S. and it occurs in men as well.  While there is still no cure, education and early detection can help against the fight.  To find out the facts about breast cancer, early detection and how you can help, as well as support for those with the disease, please visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s website.

breast cancer page

Get Smart about Antibiotics

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has declared this week, October 5 – 11, 2009, Get Smart about Antibiotics Week.  Their efforts originate from the need to educate the population about antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.

Antibiotics have been around since even before the hailed Penicillin was discovered.  Ancient Chinese, Egyptians, Greek and medi-evil Arabs all used plants and molds with antibiotic-like properties to fight infection.  Today no one has to go out to the field in search of plants, or set aside an slice of bread and wait for mold to grow in order to obtain these powerful antimicrobial compounds.  Antibiotics are as easy as a trip to your family doctor and their effectiveness is just as simple.  Well, almost…

While antibiotics are fabulous against bacterial infection, they do not fight infections caused by viruses, which, I hate to tell ya, is the category common colds and flu fall into.  Doctors everyday see children and adults for sore throats, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, all of which could be a bacterial infection, but more often than not are viral.  By prescribing an antibiotic to these patients before finding out the cause, they are doing more harm than good, both to the patient and the population.

When antibiotics are used too often for things they can’t treat, they can stop working effectively against bacteria.  Antibiotic resistance has been a concern for years and is considered one of the world’s most pressing public health problems.  Widespread overuse of antibiotics is fueling an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So the next time you or your child really needs an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, it may not work. ¹

Watch this short video put out by National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) to help parents and kids learn more about improper antibiotic prescription:

Also read NY Times columnist ANAHAD O’CONNOR’s Really? The Claim: Antibiotics Will Beat a Sinus Infection for facts about antibiotics and sinus infections.

References
¹ Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work

Good Bacteria

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

So despite your greatest effects, you’ve found yourself sick.  Maybe you’ve got strep throat or that sinus infection that just won’t quick.  In order to blast out those crappy germs, your family doctor has prescribed you an antibiotic.   Now what, all better?  Not all the time.   There are two rules of thumb to remember when taking any antibiotic.  The first is to make sure you take the whole course, meaning finish the bottle, even if you are feeling better.  Bacteria has been around for a lot longer than us and they are stronger than we’d wish.  If you stop taking your medicine before they are completely eradicated, they can grow into stronger strains that will be resistant to antibiotics.  Eek!

What’s the second rule?  Take a probiotic.

What are probiotics?  germsMost of us have heard the word.  In simplest terms, probiotics refer to the good bacteria that reside in our bowels and work to maintain an healthy environment there.  When we take antibiotics, the bad bacteria that make us sick are destroyed, but the good bacteria are killed as well.  Without these friendly micro-organisms, we can easily develop digestive tract issues such as gas, bloating and diarrhea.  It is also common to develop candida (yeast), especially in the female genital tract.

The best way to replenish our body’s natural bacterial balance is with probiotics.  While probiotics are found naturally in cultured and fermented foods like yogurt, miso and tempeh, these foods do not contain enough bacteria to effectively balance the flora.  Health care professionals recommend an intake of a minimum of 15 billion live bacteria daily, especially after an illness.  And don’t fall into the trap set by food manufacturers promising health promoting products.  Check out yesterday’s NY Times article to read about faulty claims.

The best way to go about supplementing is to consult with your health care provider.  They may carry a product line that’s right for you or know the right place for you to get them, and always follow their instructions.  While self-diagnosis seems easy enough, it’s best for your health if you get the facts and do it right the first time.

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