Health and Wellness

Three generations of women join forces over a common diagnosis of diabetes

Published

6 months ago

May 11, 2024

Courtesy of topics

In many families across the country, moms and daughters, grandmothers and their grandchildren are close to one another and have many traditions. They share secrets about many “new products” and pass on recipes and family heirlooms. The grandmother, daughter and granddaughter trio of Lilian Harvey, Ylonda Tomlinson and Lexie Peterson have all this and more. All three women suffer from diabetes.

Lexie Peterson, now 28, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 10. “I just remember being picked up from school and going to the doctor,” Peterson said. “I remember looking at my mother’s face because I didn’t know what diabetes meant when the doctor told me I had type 1. She looked scared and shocked. It scared me because I had never seen my mother scared before.”

Ylonda Tomlinson, Peterson’s mother, is a registered nurse and recognized the symptoms – though she hoped she was mistaken. “I think I was more in shock and denial because it was very hard for me to accept it. There was no one in my family on either side of me that I knew of that had juvenile diabetes,” Tomlinson explained. A 49-year-old woman was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on the age of 47. It was detected during preoperative tests before the planned procedure. The diagnosis wasn’t surprising because she developed gestational diabetes in each pregnancies. Lilian Harvey (65) discovered she had type 2 diabetes after a stroke.

According to American Diabetes Association (ADA)the prevalence of diabetes amongst non-Hispanic blacks is 12.1% in comparison with only 6.9% amongst non-Hispanic whites. Diabetes is common within the Black community related to our genesbut while genetics does play a role in predisposing people to diabetes, it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

C. C. Weaver, DO IHL concluded that it is crucial to know the connection between genetic aspects, environmental influences, and lifestyle to effectively prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. “Those who have a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes are themselves at increased risk due to shared genetic factors,” Weaver explains. “Several genetic variants have been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and these variants may affect insulin production, insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and other biological processes associated with the development of diabetes.”

Amber Robins, MD, MBA, certified family physician and lifestyle medicine physician, stated that certain foods consumed in excessive amounts can bring us closer to diabetes. “Eating more processed foods, especially those high in carbohydrates, can lead to high blood sugar and insulin levels,” explains Robins. “Ultimately, if the body is unable to process sugars properly, it can lead to diabetes.”

Peterson remembers her mother talking to her very directly about the implications of not taking a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis seriously. Her mother even filmed her own version of “Scared Straight,” she says, taking her to a dialysis clinic to see individuals with advanced kidney disease and have lost limbs, because they couldn’t address diabetes. When Peterson was first diagnosed, Tomlinson was very strict because she was so afraid. Over the years, she has relaxed and allowed her daughter more freedom to teach herself and make her own selections regarding her diagnosis.

Harvey was also an integral part of Peterson’s support team when she was first diagnosed with the disease. When she was along with her, she watched her like a hawk, afraid that something would go mistaken. Harvey’s husband and Peterson’s grandfather took over catering duties for his granddaughter. He adapted all of the recipes in order that she could eat what was prepared of their home. Ultimately, this also improved his health as he began to eat higher. For family holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, all of the recipes are modified to suit the needs of all three women, and on Valentine’s Day she makes diabetic candy for “her girls.”

The grandmother, mother and daughter have all the time been close, but they admit that sharing their diabetes diagnosis added one other dimension to their relationship. They talk an increasing number of openly about their health. “Let me tell you, I went to the doctor and here are my lab results. This is how I’ve been feeling lately. We all ask each other these kinds of questions,” Peterson explains.

She specifically serves as a link to their diabetes well-being, as she has lived with the disease for many of her life. “I’m always the one with the questions,” admits Harvey. “Just like once I began using the Freestyle monitor, this thing would come on at night. I didn’t know what was happening because nobody explained it to me. Peterson says he not only helps find answers to those questions, but additionally contacts the grandmother to easily ask if she’s been on a walk recently and to seek out out about her eating regimen.

For Tomlinson, her daughter became a responsible partner. Peterson emphasizes that as an adult, she respects her mother’s decisions, but tries to support her with honesty. Tomlinson recalls when she was eating a bag of candy and Peterson walked in. “He’ll come and say, ‘Mom, what do you think that you are doing?’ Do you think that you need to eat this candy now? What is your blood sugar level? Show me your Libre app in your phone,” he says.

As evidenced by the lives of the women on this family, Robins says a diagnosis of diabetes can actually result in a healthier lifestyle. “We often don’t learn which foods will help and which may harm us. Living with diabetes means you possibly can pay more attention to what fuels your body,” he says.

Tomlinson agrees. If you suffer from diabetes, moderation is vital. You can still eat and live a good life, but every thing have to be sparsely. “It’s never too late to prioritize your health,” she says. “You may have had prediabetes or type 1 or type 2 diabetes for many years and then pushed it aside or not taken care of yourself. But you can start taking care of yourself today. You can improve your quality of life for the rest of your life.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

Ant stings can be painful. Here’s how to avoid getting stung this summer (and what to do if it happens)

Published

5 hours ago

November 22, 2024

IAM

The starting of summer is just a couple of days away, and plenty of of us will be looking forward to long, sunny days spent on the beach, by the pool, camping or having a picnic within the park.

Insects love summer too. Most of them right then grow and feed. However, this shared appreciation of the season can sometimes lead to conflict.

Insects have long been preyed upon by many species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and other insects. Accordingly, quite a lot of defense mechanisms have evolved – perhaps none more familiar to humans than the sting.

Many ants have a stinger on their rear end which they use to deliver venom. It will not be the sting itself that causes pain, but relatively venom. Ant venom accommodates a mix of various chemicals, a few of which have evolved specifically to manipulate the nerve endings in our skin to cause pain.

Let’s take a have a look at the several ant stings chances are you’ll experience this summer in Australia and how to respond.

Bull ants

Bull ants (also often called bulldog ants, jumper ants, or jumper ants) are large for an ant. Some species can grow to length 4 centimeters. They are easily identified by their large eyes, long mandibles (jaws), and aggressive nature.

Their sting is immediate, hot, sharp and unambiguous, similar to that of a honey bee. The intense pain will only last a couple of minutes before being replaced by redness and swelling across the sting site.

There are many differing kinds of bull ants in Australia.
Sam Robinson

Green-headed ants

Green-headed ants are also called green ants (but not to be confused with green ants). green tree ants northern Australia, which do not sting). Green-headed ants are common and love our lawns.

About Length 6 millimetersthey’re much smaller than bull ants. They can be recognized by their shiny green-purple exoskeleton.

Green-headed ants are frequently less aggressive than bull ants, but they can still deliver a big sting. The pain from a green ant sting can construct up step by step and cause intense, sticky pain.

Fire ants

Fire ants (or imported red fire ants) are native to South America. They were detected first in Brisbane in 2001it probably moved in containers and has since spread across south-east Queensland.

Fire ants are reddish brown and black and range in size from Length 2–6 millimeters.

You will almost certainly encounter fire ants of their nests, which appear like a pile of loose dirt. A hearth ant nest has no obvious entrance, which is way to distinguish it from other similar ant nests.

Disturbing a hearth ant nest will awaken an offended mass of a whole bunch of ants and expose you to being stung.

The initial pain from a single sting seems like an intense, hot itch, although it can be controlled. However, fire ant stings rarely occur in the only digits. One ant can sting multiple times, and plenty of ants can sting one person, which can lead to a whole bunch of stings. A hearth ant sting can cause pus-filled ulcers and scarring in the next days.

If you reside in an area where fire ants are present, it’s price taking a couple of minutes to learn how to do this recognize and report their.

Electric ants

Electric ants is one other nasty random import, coming from Central and South America. Currently limited to Cairns and surroundingsthese are tiny (1.5 millimeters long) yellow ants.

Like fire ants, these ants are frequently defensive, so lots of them will sting without delay. Their sting is more painful than you’ll expect from such a tiny creature. I compare it to being showered with red, hot sparks.

If you think that you see electric ants, please report it Biosecurity in Queensland.

Australian ants should not the worst

You may be surprised to hear that Australian ants don’t even make it to the rostrum when it comes to essentially the most painful ant stings. The winners include: harvester ants (North and South America), which cause severe, sticky pain, comparable to a drill slowly rotating in a muscle – for up to 12 hours.

The gold medal goes to the sting of the South and Central American bullet ant, which has been described How:

Pure, intense, sensible pain. It’s like walking on burning charcoal with a 3-inch nail stuck in your heel.

How to avoid getting stung (and what to do if you do)

Fortunately, the answer is frequently quite simple. Look around before you sit on the bottom or unfolded a picnic blanket, avoiding places where you see ant nests or a lot of foraging ants.

The selection of footwear might also be necessary. In my experience, most stings occur on the feet of those wearing thongs.

If you get stung, generally the situation will improve by itself. The pain often subsides after a couple of minutes (sometimes slightly longer within the case of a green ant sting). The redness, swelling and itching that sometimes follows may last for several days.

In the meantime, if mandatory, ice pack it will help with the pain. If it’s particularly bad, a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine may provide temporary relief. You can get it over-the-counter at a pharmacy.

A small proportion of individuals may experience an allergic response to ant stings. In very severe cases this may include respiratory problems or ingestion. If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms after an ant sting, you need to seek urgent medical attention.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

Health and Wellness

Health matters: WNBA star Napheesa Collier on her commitment to women’s reproductive health

Published

11 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Minnesota lynx

Napheesa Collier will not be only a WNBA superstar for the Minnesota Lynx and a two-time Olympic gold medalist, but additionally the mother of her daughter Mila and an advocate for women’s reproductive health rights.

It recently decided to partner with Opill®, the primary and only every day contraceptive pill available over-the-counter within the United States. This breakthrough represents a major step forward in women’s health care by providing a convenient and accessible contraceptive option. With Opill, women not need to visit health care facilities for prescriptions, making it easier than ever to take control of their reproductive health.

The collaboration relies on Opill®’s long-standing partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). “One of the reasons Opill® partnered with the WNBA is the great passion of players who use their platform to support causes they believe in,” said Leila Bahbah, leading women’s health brand at Perrigo within the US. “Napheesa exudes this passion, and together we plan to educate and empower people to take control of their reproductive health.”

Collier advocates for girls and says she is willing to have conversations, even in the event that they are difficult. “I just truly believe in everything they do at Opill®. I believe it’s important to talk to people who may become pregnant and to women about the reproductive health and contraceptive options available to them,” Collier tells ESSENCE.

He continues: “I want people to know that if they want contraception, Opill® is a great option. It is the first over-the-counter drug approved by the FDA. It is inexpensive, available. You don’t need a prescription to get it. I think that’s a key thing in today’s climate.”

Collier notes that within the off-season, he tries to travel to various colleges to talk to students about their reproductive freedoms. “Talking about this topic is essential to remove the stigma as it should not be considered a shameful topic or something that should not be discussed openly. My mother was a nurse, so it was casual to talk about it in our house, and I want to pass it on to other people too, so I’m very excited about it,” she says.

In the present political climate, many ladies with daughters are concerned about their future and reproductive health. Collier, included. “Especially because I am the mother of a young girl, it is very important to me to be able to raise her in an atmosphere where she knows her reproductive rights and health, that she has access to affordable health care and contraception if she wants it and that she can ask me these questions and have open conversations.”

Collier continues: “It’s back to education. Again, I think it’s harmful that we can’t have open conversations about birth control and other issues that are usually taboo. I think it’s harmful. I think this does a lot of harm to women. It hurts. This is harmful to our society. Being able to talk about these issues and empowering women to learn about their rights and bodies creates a safer and healthier society.”

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com

Health and Wellness

Yes, despite what you’ve heard on TikTok, you still need to use sunscreen

Published

12 hours ago

November 21, 2024

IAM

Summer is nearly here. But as an alternative of using sunscreen, some TikTokers just do that encouraging followers throw it away and forgo sunscreen.

They argue that it’s healthier to forgo sunscreen to get the complete advantages of the sun.

Here’s what the science really says.

How does sunscreen work?

Due to the acute UV environment in Australia, most individuals with pale to olive skin or other risk aspects for skin cancer must accomplish that protect yourself. Applying sunscreen is a key approach to protecting areas that aren’t easily covered by clothing.

Sunscreens work by absorbing or scattering UV rays before they reach the skin and damage DNA or supporting structures corresponding to collagen.

In this photo I (Katie) apply sunscreen only to the appropriate side of my face. Sunscreens absorb and scatter UV light (right side), although it can’t be seen with the naked eye (left side). The photo on the appropriate also shows where sun spots (dark spots) accumulate on my skin and where I do not care to apply sunscreen evenly – under the attention, on the cheek and completely missing the ear.
The creator provided/UQ

When UV molecules hit DNA, the surplus energy can damage our DNA. This damage might be repaired, but when the cell divides before the error is repaired, it causes a mutation that may lead to skin cancer.

The energy of the UV particle (photon) causes the DNA strands to break and reconnect incorrectly. This causes a tumor within the DNA strand, which makes accurate copying difficult and might introduce mutations.
NASA/David Herring

The most typical skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is less common but most definitely spreads throughout the body; this process known as metastasis.

Two against three At least the Australians will one skin cancer during their lives they usually reconcile 80% all cancers in Australia.

About 99% of skin cancers in Australia are attributable to overexposure to UV radiation.

Excessive exposure to UV radiation also affects the looks of the skin. UVA rays are able to penetrate deep into the skin, where they break down supporting structures corresponding to elastin and collagen.

This causes signs premature agingcorresponding to deep wrinkles, brown or white spots and broken capillaries.

Sunscreen may also help prevent skin cancer

Consistently used sunscreen reduces the danger of skin cancer and slows skin aging.

In Queensland studyparticipants either used sunscreen day by day for nearly five years or continued their usual use.

After five years, the danger of squamous cell cancer was reduced within the day by day group 40% compared to the second group.

Ten years later, the danger of developing invasive melanoma was reduced within the group of individuals taking the drug day by day 73%

Do sunscreens block the health-promoting properties of sunlight?

The answer is a little more complicated and involves a personalised risk-benefit trade-off.

First, the excellent news: spending time within the sun has many health advantages don’t rely under the influence of UV radiation and aren’t affected by the use of sunscreens.

A woman applies sunscreen — Sunscreens only filter out UV rays, not all light.
Ron Lach/Pexels

Sunscreens only filter UV rays, not visible light or infrared light (which we feel as heat). Importantly, a number of the advantages of sunlight are obtained through Eyes.

Visible light improves mood and regulates and possibly reduces circadian rhythm (which influences the sleep-wake cycle). myopia (myopia) in children.

Infrared light is being researched as a treatment for several conditions skin, neurological, psychiatric AND autoimmune disorders.

So what is the good thing about exposing your skin to UV radiation?

Sun exposure produces vitamin D, which is crucial for healthy bones and muscles.

Vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly common amongst Australians, peaking in Victoria at 49% in winter and lowest in Queensland at 6% in summer.

Fortunately, individuals who deal with sun protection can avoid vitamin D deficiency taking a complement.

Skin exposure to UV radiation could have advantages independent of vitamin D production, but these haven’t been proven. It may reduce the danger of autoimmune diseases corresponding to multiple sclerosis or cause the discharge of a chemical that may lower blood pressure. However, there aren’t enough details about these advantages to say whether sunscreen can be an issue.

What does this mean for you?

Exposure of the skin to UV radiation may provide some advantages that could be blunted by sunscreens. This determines whether it’s value giving up these advantages to avoid skin cancer how susceptible you have skin cancer.

If you have pale skin or other aspects that increase your risk of skin cancer, try to use sunscreen day by day on all days when the forecast UV index reaches 3.

If you have darker skin that rarely or never burns, you might want to skip using sunscreen on daily basis – although you’ll still need protection when you’re outdoors for prolonged periods of time.

For now, the balance of evidence suggests that it is healthier for people susceptible to skin cancer to proceed using sunscreen, supplementing with vitamin D as needed.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com