How to survive Thanksgiving with Diabetes?

November is American Diabetes Month

How to survive Thanksgiving with Diabetes?

Thanksgiving is a day to reflect upon what we are thankful for. Most people say goodbye to their diets on this day, but people with diabetes cannot afford to do that.

However, Diabetics can still enjoy Thanksgiving in full if they follow some easy tips:

Plan Ahead – Get to know the menu beforehand and plan what you are going to eat.

Eat in Moderation – It is okay to indulge in potatoes, just remember to not pile them on your plate. One-quarter of your plate can be dedicated to carbohydrates.

Fill up on vegetables – Vegetables such as green beans, carrots, broccoli or brussel sprouts are free game.

Check your blood sugar often – Start by knowing how foods affect your levels… Then, start checking your blood sugar two hours after you finish eating, and every two hours or so after that.

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Photo Source: wtxl.com

Learn how to plan your Thanksgiving meal here.

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /

The History of Friday the 13th

Friday, November 13, 2020

In a good year, Friday the 13th carries its reputation of bad luck. In a pandemic year, who knows what it will bring.

The origins of the Western fear of the number 13 is unclear. Some date it back to a Norse myth about 12 gods having a dinner party and a 13th uninvited guest arrives.  Others relate the fear of the number 13 to the Code of Hammurabi. The Code allegedly missed a 13th law from its list of legal rules. This event is commonly viewed as simply, a clerical error. However, superstitious people will point to this as proof of 13’s longstanding negative associations. There is a biblical theory as well.  The Last Supper was attended by 13 guests.  Jesus and his 12 apostles attended and one of those apostles went on to betray Jesus.

Why Friday though? Most people look forward to Friday every week. It is the sign of another work week done and ushers in the happiness of the weekend. The negative association with Friday is linked to religious and cultural origins. Biblically, Friday is seen to be more ominous because it is the day Jesus was crucified.

Friday and the number 13, how did these two “unlucky” things get paired together? There are infinite theories and most have been dismissed. Friday the 13th really gained attention and hysteria in the 20th century.  An author by the name of Thomas Lawson published a book titled, Friday, the Thirteenth, which is about a stockbroker who deliberately chooses to crash the stock market on this given date. The following year, the New York Times became one of the first channels to recognize the superstition. Fast forward to the 1980’s when a new movie franchise was born. It featured the anti-hero, Jason Voorhees terrorizing infamous Camp Crystal Lake. “Friday the 13th” became a popular culture phenomenon and added to the superstitions attached to the date.

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Sources: wikipedia.com, History.com and CNN.com

 

Posted in Fun Facts /General Information /global interest /History /

November is National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects over 34 million Americans, 12 million of which are citizen 65 and older. As a prevalent and chronic disease, it is important to shed some light on some misconceptions.

It is a myth that only people who are overweight develop diabetes. Weight and obesity are risk factors but they are not the only ones to be considered. Age, family history, and ethnicity are also important risk factors. Many people diagnosed with diabetes are normal weight. Another myth, has to do with what type diet a person with diabetes should eat. A healthy eating plan for people with diabetes is generally the same as a healthy eating plan for anyone.  In addition, diabetics can eat sweets. The key is small portions and limited frequency.

People are able to live normal lives while managing diabetes. Sticking to a healthy lifestyle can control the symptoms and complications associated with the disease. There is no cure for diabetes. The best way to combat the disease is to: a healthy diet, exercise and if needed, medication prescribed by a physician.

Some patients require blood sugar testing. Some, may benefit from the uses of insulin or oral medications. Managing diabetes is often about finding the right combination of healthy living options and medication management to help maintain blood glucose levels. Each person with diabetes is different, so an individualized plan of action is required. For more information one should contact a medical professional. Additional information is available from the American Diabetes Association.

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Photo Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/

 

To find this and to learn more about Diabetes click here

Posted in General Information /Health Topics /Nursing /Senior Living /