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Health Promotion Programs and Ethnic Profiling.

In many segments of society, we  hear about ethnic and racial profiling in negative ways. But what about when it comes to wellness programs? When used for the specific purpose of beginning â.” or evaluating  â.” a wellness or disease management program, profiling isn’t just...

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Be sure to keep Your Blood Sugar Level Under Control

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Health Screening, blood test | Posted on 30-11-2010

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ontrolling blood sugar (glucose) levels is one of the most important aspects of diabetes management. It will make you feel better in the short-term and it will help you to stay fit and healthy in the long term.

The National Committee on Avoidance Detection Evaluation, the chromium and many intriguing articles. People who do not have diabetes keep their blood glucose levels within a narrow range for most of the time. The beta cells in the pancreas are able to produce just the right amount of insulin at the right time and they are constantly fine-tuning the blood glucose level. People with diabetes do not have this fine control over their blood glucose levels.

This could  be because the beta cells have been destroyed and there is no insulin production at all, as in Type 1 diabetes. Alternatively, it may be that the body does not respond to the insulin and/or not enough insulin is produced when it’s needed, as in Type 2 diabetes. The approach to managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is slightly different, but whichever type of diabetes you have, you will still need to step in and take over that fine-tuning of your blood glucose level.

Controlling blood glucose levels is a bit like trying to lasso an unruly animal. Blood glucose is dynamic; it changes constantly and it is influenced by a host of factors including your option of food, how much you eat, the timing of your medication or insulin, your emotions, illnesses, your weight, and your body’s resistance to insulin.

Some of these factors are relatively constant from day to day and are quite easily accounted for; some factors are more variable. No two days are ever exactly the same, or entirely predictable, and this makes it difficult. So, blood glucose isn’t easily lassoed.

In practical terms, you will need to learn about those things that raise your blood glucose level and those things that lower your blood glucose level. Then you will need to balance these factors on a day-to-day and possibly even hour-by-hour basis. This means coordinating medication, food and activity levels, whilst making appropriate allowances for stress, disease or changes in your daily activities.

You will be aiming to avoid the extreme highs and lows, trying to manipulate your blood glucose toward the normal range. You will be doing regular finger-prick blood glucose tests and using these results to help balance those things that make your blood glucose rise with those that make it fall. When you have evened out your blood glucose level you will still need to keep an eye on it and continue to make adjustments.

Controlling blood glucose is a continuous process and it’ll require your attention from now on, for the rest of your life. Don’t worry! It could sound daunting to you right now, but it’ll soon become second nature.

People who don’t have diabetes have blood glucose levels between 4 and 8 mmol/l for most of the time. In general, people with diabetes should try to aim for test results between 4 and 10 mmol/l most of the time. Some people – pregnant women, for instance – will need to aim for tighter control. Other people – young children, the elderly, or those at risk of severe hypoglycemia, for instance – will need to aim for higher levels.

Your diabetes team will give you individual guidance on the blood glucose levels that you should be aiming for.

In the short term, controlling blood glucose levels is important in order to avoid diabetic emergencies – very high or very low blood glucose levels. Both of these conditions are unpleasant and can be dangerous, so they should be avoided if at all possible.

High blood blood sugar levels in Type 1 diabetes, if caused by a lack of insulin, can lead to a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis or â..DKA’ which can be fatal if it is not treated in time.

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Blood Sugar Level

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Blood Tests, Health Screening | Posted on 30-11-2010

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Be sure to check your glucose levels regularly

Sweets are one of the most delectable and craved goodies that a person loves to eat. It’s probably one of the most favored tastes a person likes and whet for. Not only will it fill one’s hunger, but it also soothes the tongue and satisfies an appetite’s pleasure. And one of the most important things it does to the body is boosting the body cells’ energy, making the blood regulation flows smoothly and rejuvenated.

It is significant though to know that what the body needs is not just any intake of sweets, but rather the body needs to absorb the glucose of those sweets, since its that particular glucose or sugar that gives energy to the body and its cells. The glucose also is the main sugar that is measured to determine one’s blood sugar level. Although fructose and galactose are sugars additionally, it is the glucose that’s measured so that one would know if the blood sugar level of the body is within normal range or if one needs to take insulin to control this.

The blood sugar level is measured to know and check the amount of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. The reason why the blood sugar levels must be maintained within the normal range is because somehow an imbalance of the blood sugar levels would lead to damage in the small blood vessels. This in turn would result to other health related problems, which would attack the cardiovascular organs like the heart and arteries. What makes this even worse is that, the effects or complications brought about by diabetes will oftentimes appear after a couple of years or decades. This is why it’s one’s responsibility to look out for his own blood sugar levels by having regular check-ups and consultation with a doctor, so as to monitor the blood sugar levels. It’s better if one doesn’t take any risk when dealing with blood sugar issues.

If one is too busy and cannot spare a day with the doctor, then he can avail of the home testing kits to measure his blood sugar levels regularly. Just be sure you familiarize yourself with the testing kits to ensure that you have the correct information of your blood sugar levels or else it defeats the purpose. If you are using a home testing kit, you also have to know the normal blood sugar levels and ranges, so that when you check your results later, you’d know if you are doing fine or if you should be more careful with your sugar intake.

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Investing In Fitness and Health Promotion Programs.

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Employee Health, Wellness Programs | Posted on 30-11-2010

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In order for companies to be performing at their maximum potential they must create fitness and wellness programs that all their staff can participate in.

Fitness and wellness programs are essential for a successful organization because they decrease the stress felt by personnel, they help the physical and psychological health of person, and they develop safer and sometimes more fun work environments.

The effect of those changes is an increase in productivity by workers because there are less sick days and when they are at work they are more willing and able to do so.

In order to have a successful fitness and health promotion program the corporation must create an outcome-oriented operating plan. There are eight steps to create a complete and successful operating plan for health promotion programs.

1. Come up with a vision statement which includes objectives the company is trying to meet.  The fitness and health promotion program vision statement must also satisfy the overall company’s vision statement.

2. Make certain to set goals that the organization and the staff are trying to accomplish through the use of a fitness and health promotion program.

3. Come up with goals that the business and employees can use to accomplish their goals.

4. Create a timeline which tells when the wellness program is being implemented and when the objectives and objectives set must be accomplished.

5. Come up with a realistic budget which includes the cost of the incentives used to encourage workforce, materials used for the wellness program, and individuals employed to teach classes, or promote safety while exercising.

6. Advertise and market the health promotion program to all workforce via email, bulletin boards, newsletters, and meetings.

7. Develop an implementation plan which includes detailed information on what health promotion programs are going to be offered, and when.

8. Come up with an evaluation plan which includes surveys and participant examinations to determine whether the wellness program is working or not.

With these eight steps companies can create successful fitness and health promotion programs that better the health of staff members while decreasing stress and increasing the overall productivity of the individuals and the organization in general.

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Blood Sugar Testing Gets Colorful

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Health Screening, blood test | Posted on 29-11-2010

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While having a option of colors can make digital devices such as cell phones and mp3 players more fun, many may not realize they can now get colorful personal medical devices-and that might help their health.

People with diabetes have a new option of colors in a stylish blood sugar meter, and some experts are suggesting that the addition of color can influence the way patients feel about managing their diabetes-making it feel less clinical and more personal.

Why does color matter? Jill Morton, professional color consultant and owner of Colorcom, which advises businesses, designers and architects on the subject of color, explains that color can affect how people feel. “People with diabetes will definitely benefit from using a blood sugar meter in a color that they get to choose, because it brings in that element of personal option. Once you have a chance to choose a color, you feel better about using something, you feel happier and it just sets some powerful forces in motion.”

Feeling comfortable about blood sugar testing, and incorporating testing into a diabetes treatment plan-as recommended by healthcare professionals-is important for anybody with diabetes.

The OneTouch UltraMiniâ.¡ System, now available in four colors-Pink Glowâ.¡, Limelightâ.¡, Jet Blackâ.¡ and Silver Moonâ.¡-is small and provides just the basics of testing, giving an accurate test result in five seconds. The color palette was designed to appeal to users, making it easy and fun for them to bring their personal sense of style and individuality to blood sugar testing-and, hopefully, helping them to increase their comfort level with daily diabetes management.

Colorful blood glucose meters can help make diabetes management feel less clinical and more personal.

Many of my patients feel self-conscious about testing in public, said Steven Edelman, M.D., clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego and founder of the nonprofit organization Taking Control of Your Diabetes. “Having a cool, colorful, small device might help them be a bit more open with their diabetes and allow them to test on a more regular basis.”

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Different Signs Low Blood Sugar

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Blood Tests, Health Screening | Posted on 29-11-2010

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Symptoms low blood sugar may vary depending on the degree of each episode whether the case is mild or severe. As the level of blood sugar falls, symptoms low blood sugar become more severe. The normal level of blood sugar when fasting or in-between meals is usually within the range of 70 to 110 mg – dl.

Mild low blood sugar or hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar level is lower than 65 to 60 mg/dL. In this case, symptoms low blood sugar may include feeling nauseous, extremely hungry, jittery or nervous. Other symptoms low blood sugar for mild cases are sweating, heart palpitations, numbness in the lips or fingertips and trembling.

Moderate low blood sugar or hypoglycemia occurs if the blood sugar level continues to decrease, measuring less than 50 milligrams per deciliter, affecting the nervous system. Signs low blood sugar in moderate cases include mood changes and a feeling of weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and drowsiness. The person may also develop poor body coordination and will have difficulty in walking or speaking. Confusion, absent-mindedness and blurred visions are other moderate symptoms low blood sugar.

When blood sugar reaches below 30 milligrams per deciliter, severe symptoms low blood sugar will develop including convulsions or seizures and hypothermia. The person might also lose consciousness and slip into coma. Prolonged case of severe low blood sugar can irreversibly damage the brain and heart, especially in individuals who are already suffering from coronary artery disease. Severe symptoms low blood sugar are potentially fatal so immediate medical treatment must be provided to the individual when any of them occur.

Certain medications may hide symptoms low blood sugar such as beta-blockers. Likewise, if your blood sugar level drops frequently and considerably you may not notice the first symptoms low blood sugar such as rapid heartbeats, tremors, and excessive sweating. When this happens, you may later develop symptoms low blood sugar that affect the central nervous system, which means you already have a moderate case of hypoglycemia.

If you are not aware of whether your blood sugar level is healthy or not, watch out for the above mentioned symptoms low blood sugar. You want to catch the symptoms early and be properly diagnosed and treated. Have your blood sugar tested if you suspect that your blood sugar is low.

It is also important to note that the symptoms low blood sugar may be similar to symptoms of other medical conditions. The only way to find out if your symptoms are caused by hypoglycemia or another disorder is to take a blood sugar test performed by a health professional.

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Creating Successful Employee Wellness Programs.

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Employee Health, Wellness Programs | Posted on 29-11-2010

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In order for a business to be the most productive and successful it might be it needs to incorporate the use of wellness programs. Wellness programs use different forms of illness prevention, stress management, and exercise, to create and maintain a high level of well being in all staff.

Employee health promotion programs are becoming increasingly more popular in corporations because research has been done proving that health promotion programs increase the productivity in employees and decrease the costs of providing medical insurance premiums for employees.

There are lots of ways a organization can go about building health promotion programs, but the most successful way is to come up with an outcome oriented operating plan. In order to develop a successful operating plan, there are several steps that a organization must follow.

First, the company must come up with a vision statement for the health promotion program which also incorporates and helps to strive towards the overall vision statement for the company.

Second, they have to come up with objectives for which the employees and the organization as a whole must strive towards, and objectives which provide ways for the objectives to be met.

Thirdly, a timeline should be developed which includes when the staff and the business should strive to meet the goals set for them, and dates for when the wellness program will be implemented and eventually be investigated.

Next, a budget ought to be developed which includes costs for person employed to carry out the health promotion programs, materials used for the health promotion programs, and the health promotion programs given to staff members to encourage them to participate in the health promotion programs.

After the budget is finalized, the wellness program should be advertised to the personnel through the use of newsletters, meetings, emails, and bulletin boards. In conclusion, the wellness program should be initiated and sign-ups should become available for personnel to attend the classes, groups, and wellness programs provided.

After the wellness programs have gone on for a while, they must be examined through the use of surveys and personal wellness examinations.

Hopefully, after reviewing  the surveys and evaluations, companies will find that the employee wellness programs were a success and that the productivity of all staff members has gone up.

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Be certain to always Be certain to get Your Blood Sugar Levels Tested To Monitor Diabetes

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Health Screening, blood test | Posted on 28-11-2010

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It’s estimated that there are at least 16 million Americans who are diabetic. This is an alarming figure in itself but when one considers the fact that often people who are suffering from diabetes have virtually no symptoms of the disease, then the idea becomes even more worrying. Although it is now common hearsay that one can easily detect the symptoms of this disease, but one cannot be perfectly sure of being diabetic. It requires a blood test to establish for certain that one has diabetes.

The blood test that is done for checking diabetes is a test to check the glucose levels in the body. The test is carried out in two phases on the same day. The first blood test is carried out on the patient’s blood when he’s fasting. Also, a patient coming for the test arrives without taking his breakfast or even a cup of morning tea or coffee. If the glucose levels are found to be 126 milligrams per deciliter or higher, on two separate occasions, after fasting, then there is a likelihood of diabetes.

Following this, another blood test is taken after the patient has had his breakfast and a cup of tea or coffee. This time the glucose levels ought not go above 200 milligrams per deciliter. In case it is above this mark, then the likelihood of diabetes is high. At times the patient is given 75 gram glucose solution to drink. Then the glucose levels are checked for monitoring the glucose levels in addition to the measurement of ketones, which are the products from the breakdown of fats.

Once these kinds of tests have been successfully carried out, the individual is prescribed a in treatment which involves both the physical and emotional aspects of his being, as diabetes isn’t a malaise of the physical body alone. It is also a disease that affects one’s emotions and reactions.

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3 Common Questions and Answer on Diabetic Blood Sugar Level

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Blood Tests, Health Screening | Posted on 28-11-2010

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For people with diabetes, this may be a condition one needs to face for the rest of the life. Therefore, it is important for one to find out and understand more about the condition. Among the common issues associated with diabetes is diabetic blood sugar level. It’s also an important issue for people with diabetic to deal with. Let us discuss 3 common questions on diabetic blood sugar level.

Should I check my sugar level if I feel some differences?

Some people with diabetes might feel that they are able to judge whether their blood level is too high or too low. Sometimes this may work, but it does not work all the time. In other words, it’s unreliable to judge through feelings.

Studies have proven that diabetic blood sugar level can rise to an extremely high level or dropped dangerously with the person knowing it. Some people can tell when it’s rising, but most people cannot tell when it’s reducing rapidly. Some even has mistaken the sugar level to be low even though it’s high.

So this shows that isn’t precise to judge by ourselves. Therefore, always check your diabetic blood sugar level before taking insulin or exercising or driving.

Is sugar in common food harmful to my body?

Sugar is a powerful pack of energy for our body. Our body takes excellent care to monitor the sugar level as any unbalanced in sugar level can cause disaster to our body system. However, for people with diabetes, their body cannot regulate the blood sugar level well. This may cause high blood sugar level from occurring easily. If this isn’t solved, high sugar level can create problems such as damages to eyes, kidneys and nerves. That’s why for people with diabetes, it is important for one to watch what one eats.

Sugar in common food may not look harmful, but for people with diabetes, simple things like the food we eat can also create problems if we don’t take note of what we eat. So start to lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a well balance food diet plan.

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Simplified Health Promotion Programs.

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Employee Health, Wellness Programs | Posted on 28-11-2010

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Wellness programs are one of the many ways for businesses to encourage their workers to become healthier person.  The ways that workers behave, eat, and live inside and outside of the workplace directly affects their work ethics, productivity, and psychological health.

Employers can hope that their employees have healthful habits, but unless action is taking place and health promotion programs are created, the corporation is not taking an active role in gaining healthier and more productive employees.

While the physical attributes of an worker are often most noticeable, often overlooked is the worker’s mental health, which is just as important as physical health.

One way that businesses can include psychological health in their health promotion programs is to provide low cost alternatives or assistance with psychological health and counseling services.

Stress can also be relieved by massage therapy, which is a benefit that employers can offer as an incentive.

Physical health also directly relates to mental health; as people  who are in better physical health normally find that physical exercise helps to alleviate stress.

Organizations can encourage fitness by allowing employees to take short breaks to go for a walk, discounts on gym memberships, and informational meetings to give tips and ideas about keeping in shape.

A lot of companies also offer lunchtime courses like group fitness or yoga for encourage mid-day exercise. Some companies even offer contests with prizes for workforce who lose the most weight over a reasonable amount of time.

While physical health is sometimes more apparent than psychological health, psychological health often has a greater affect on workforce. Without health promotion programs and encouragement to remain mentally healthful, workforce are more likely to become stressed.

And when an staff member is stressed, burned out, or distracted by personal issues, that staff member becomes less productive and a greater financial burden on the company.

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What Are Normal Blood Glucose And Blood Sugar Levels

Posted by Health Screening | Posted in Health Screening, blood test | Posted on 27-11-2010

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This is the question my diabetic patients always ask. There are various methods to determine blood glucose level. Some tests give you accurate diagnosis of diabetes or pre-diabetes, while others will tell you how well you are managing your diabetes.

fasting Blood Sugar Test:

Measures the blood sugar level after 8 hours fast or overnight. Normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100mg/dl. If your fasting blood glucose level is from 100mg/dl to 125mg/dl then you will have impaired blood glucose level also known as Pre-Diabetes. If your blood glucose level is above 125mg/dl then your doctor will diagnose as a patient of diabetes. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may repeat the fasting blood glucose test on any other day. If you have blood glucose level of 126mg/dl or higher in two consecutive tests, then you might have diabetes. If you have blood glucose level greater than 200mg/dl and you have symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst or hunger, frequent urination, weight loss, blurred vision etc, then you may be diagnosed with diabetes mellitus without confirming it with second test.

Random Blood Glucose Test:

Random blood Glucose test gives your blood sugar at any time in a day. Normal random blood sugar level should be less than 200mg/dl. If your random blood glucose level is between 140mg/dl to 200mg/dl then you will have pre-diabetes.

Oral glucose tolerance test:

This test measures your response to sugar. First we measure fasting blood glucose level, and then glucose solution is given, after that we measure blood glucose after 1 hour and 2hours. A normal blood glucose level after an oral glucose tolerance test is less than 140 mg/dL. Level between 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL suggests pre-diabetes. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after you drink the glucose solution may suggest that you have diabetes mellitus.

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test

This kind of test is not for diagnosing diabetes, but it shows you how well you have controlled your sugar in last 2 or 3 months. Normal value is less than 7 percent, however if it’s more than 7 then you and your doctor ought to think of changing your treatment of diabetes.

Make sure to always Don’t forget, your blood glucose measurement alone isn’t enough to differentiate between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Your doctor might do some other tests to find out which type of diabetes you have.

Hope this article will help you understand, normal levels of blood glucose and blood sugar in your body. To know more about Diabetes Symptoms and Treatment please visit my comprehensive website given below in my resource box

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