Evaluating Your Self-Worth

Ladies, please make sure that you check your breasts for the month of October, this month is considered the official National Breast Exam Month.
 
Diabetes I or II
 
For anyone who has been diagnosed with Diabetes I (Insulin) of Diabetes II (Non-Insulin) before it become colder as the seasons interchange, I will advise you to get an overall physical.
 
In addition, a diabetic eye exam, to rule out any type of abnormalities of the eyes, Glaucoma, Graves’ Disease, or Diabetic Retinopathy, just to name the most important one's that hinders vision acuity.
 
Glaucoma is an eye disorder, which primarily affects the aging population it is a disorder that could potentially damage the optic nerve. Take into consideration, damage to the optic nerve is most often always related to high pressure in your eye.
 
Graves’ disease although it is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). This disorder can be a crucial hindrance to the eyes as well. Although a number of disorders may result in hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease is a common cause.
 
Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a problem with your retina. It happens when a part of the retina called the macula is damaged. You do not have to be a diabetic for you to develop Macular Degeneration, however, it can be discovered during a routine eye exam.
 
Diabetic retinopathy is considered in the medical field as a complication that affects eyes. Keep in mind it is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
 
Foot Care and the Vascular System
 
Having diabetes is a major cause of amputation of a toe, foot, or leg. Nonetheless, many amputations could be prevented with simply basic foot care. I am quite sure no one who have diabetes would like to lose feeling in their feet due to damaged nerves in your legs and feet.  
There is a medial term for that, which is referred to as diabetic neuropathy.
 
Having diabetes can reduce the amount of blood flow to the feet, in the end can cause sores, deformities, and various infections.
 
In addition, diabetes also affects the flow of blood, which can make it take longer for a sore or cut to heal. That is referred to as peripheral vascular disease.
 
If you have high cholesterol, and hypertension, you definitely want to be the advocate for your own healthcare.
 
During a routine physical exam please make sure you asked your Primary Care Physical to give you a referral to the Podiatrist for a routine foot exam.  
 
Ladies if you have been diagnosed with Diabetes Type I or Diabetes Type II, please make sure you are watching your caloric intake, lessening your starches, and anything high in fructose, saccharine (sweeteners) and I would strongly advise you to stay updated with your Pap Smears, it is noted that women who have diabetes are more prone to develop yeast infections or reoccurring Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).
 
As a general reminder, make sure you are changing the batteries in your Smoke Detectors of Carbon Monoxide Detectors as well.  
 
If you are visiting a pumpkin patch, makes sure your selected pumpkin(s) are a deep orange in color, firm to the touch, and if you are carving, make sure the inside prior to removing the vine of pumpkins seeds is juicy in its appearance, and once the seeds are removed the hollowness should be clean and yellowish.
 
And do not decorate with real candles it is best to use battery operated tea-candles, the effect looks just as realistic if placed around the indoor or outdoor of your residence.  
 
Have a blessed Monday, have faith in all things not seen, and cherish your existence as you praise your worth and always be considerate of others in your daily mantras.  
 
Everyone please enjoy your autumn days going ahead and take in the vividness of the seasonal changes that Mother Nature provides.  
 
 
SKC, Interim DON, APRN