Beech Tree News Network

The winter snows kept me in the house a bit, allowing me to read. Many of the articles I’ve read were related to health. The reading provided good material – some worth sharing.

First, I’ve learned a couple of things to help me manage my diabetes. The winter 2015/2016 Diabetes Health Monitor provided a few suggestions for those who want to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range. I didn’t know it, but postponing the first meal of the day may result in blood sugar spikes, leading to higher A1C levels – even when choosing healthy, balanced meals and snacks. I am often guilty of eating a late breakfast, and this was new information for me. The A1C result was also a mystery to me until I attended a diabetes education class. I knew that the A1C test shows an average of one’s blood glucose levels for the past two to three months. But, I didn’t understand the numbers. I learned that the A1C percent can be equated to the glucose meter readings (mg/dl):
•    6% = 126
•    6.5% = 140
•    7% = 154
•    7.5% = 169
•    8% = 183
•    8.5% = 197
•    9% = 212
•    9.5% = 226
•    10% = 240
This may be a generalization, but using the meter numbers helps me better to understand my A1C number.

In another recent article, Will Owen explained five common reasons a person might not be losing weight. Those reasons include stress, not getting enough sleep, not drinking enough water, poor digestion, and not eating enough fiber (https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/5-unusual-reasons-youre-not-losing-weight/... ). Additionally, an article in the March, 2016, Family Circle magazine, discussed six reasons that can prevent weight loss: high estrogen level, low magnesium, predisposed genetics, belly bacteria, lack of sleep, and poor diet choices. Based on past experience, this kind of information is on target: many of these conditions can cause my weight to plateau or cause me to gain. Articles like these help me to refocus on my health goals.

Last month, when completing medical history papers, I needed to know the date of my last tetanus vaccination (I still do not know the date.). Later, I found an article on WebMD called “Vaccine Schedule for Adults” (http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/adult-vaccine-schedule) that provided a schedule chart. The chart recommended that all adults have the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough) vaccination once, and then a Td booster every 10 years. Based on this information, I am overdue for a booster. But, of course, our health care providers are in the best position to know when vaccinations are needed.

Joseph Addison said, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/reading.html). Reading is a good pastime and provides a wealth of information. But, whether I actually put the knowledge into practice may be another story.