The Back to School Backpack Program was a Success!

On August 16, 2018 / Blog, Events

The Back to School Backpack Program was a Success!

US MED’s Employee Care Program has participated in The Back to School Backpack Program and reached it’s goal of 72 backpacks with school supplies for children in our community. These children range from kindergarten to 12th grade and do not have the means to purchase supplies for school. US Med Employees donated a minimum of $10 to fill a backpack with school supplies for a child in need.

Supplies included:

1 – 17″ Backpack, assorted colors
4 – Double Pocket Folders
2 – One Subject Spiral Notebooks
1 – Compostition Notebook
1 – Pencil Pouch
1 – 12-inch Ruler
1 – Pack of 4 Pens
1 – Pack of 4 Colored Pencils
1 – Blunt Tip Scissors
4 – Erasers
2 – Glue Sticks
1 – Pack of 5 Crayons
1 – Dome Sharpener
3 – Highlighters

Employees who donate, placed their names on a backpack tag for our donation display wall. This program started on June 26, 2018 and ended July 25th, 2018. Our goal of 72 backpacks was reached and wish to give many thanks to the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, US Med’s Employee Care Program and all those who donated to help us make these school supplies possible.

Ways to Stay Healthy with a Desk Job

On August 15, 2018 / Diet & Fitness, Exercise

Ways to Stay Healthy with a Desk Job.

Physical inactivity, especially sitting for long periods, has been linked to increased mortality rates second only to smoking, according to research from the American College of Sports Medicine.

For those that reported sitting for more than 23 hours per week combined, there was a 64 percent greater chance of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who said less than 11. The American College of Chest Physicians even found a link between sitting at home during leisure time and suffering poorer sleep and decreased attentiveness during work the next day.

Although it is impossible to negate the effects of long hours of sitting entirely, there are many things that the average worker can do to help, according to Lifehack. First, plan to break up the day into 30-to-60 minute chunks, separated by a short walk, stretch, or other activity. Finding ways to walk at work could be as simple as having a walking meeting or bringing in a standing desk or even a cutting-edge treadmill desk. There are simple stretching routines that can be performed unobtrusively in an office that can reduce neck and back pain by 72 percent, according to studies at the Wheeling Jesuit University.

Good practices like parking far away from the office, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or even walking or biking for your commute can add movement to the day. Take care to schedule lunchtime so that you won’t be forced to grab unhealthy food or eat sitting at your desk instead of taking a real break. Drinking plenty of water will not only provide other health benefits, but it will also give you a reason to stand up and move around more often as you go to the restroom and refill your bottle. After work, several health-minded coworkers could even get together for athletics or group workouts as an alternative to sitting at home.

C.G.M. (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) A Beginner’s Guide.

On August 14, 2018 / Blog, Diabetes

C.G.M. (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) A Beginner’s Guide.

When you live with diabetes a common term you might hear is Continuous Glucose Monitoring, also known as C.G.M. For the uninitiated to the world of diabetes management, C.G.M. might seem an overwhelmingly daunting task. All types of questions can present you with a challenge but with a little information such as the kind laid out here can help clear up any concerns.

What is C.G.M.?

C.G.M. or Continuous Glucose Monitoring consists of a transceiver device with an attached small sensor that fits underneath the epidermal layer your skin. C.G.M. models may vary so it will usually be placed in an area on your arm or your stomach. This sensor measures glucose levels found in your interstitial fluid, the fluid found between your cells and is a good method of measuring sugar levels of the body.

These devices persistently analyze glucose levels and sends that data to a wireless monitor nearby. Depending on the type of device you are using and programmed settings the sensor can collect readings every 1-15 minutes. If glucose falls too low, it will trigger an alarm on the monitoring device, usually worn on a belt clip nearby. Some newer models are able to send collected data to a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Who Should Use C.G.M.?

If you suffer from a lot of blood sugar highs and lows, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, gestational diabetes, or use an insulin pump, speak to your doctor about using a C.G.M. system.

Pros of Using C.G.M.

Reduces the need for traditional glucose checks by pricking of the finger, although most will need to do so on a regular basis.
Helps keep blood sugar levels stable.
Understanding exactly when your blood sugar spikes can help tremendously on keeping the condition under control.

Cons of Using C.G.M.

These C.G.M. systems can be costly and possibly are not covered by certain health insurance plans.
Accuracy may be off with these systems at the time of this writing, so traditional glucose monitoring methods are still necessary.

What’s Included in a C.G.M. System?

All available systems now are somewhat different, but will usually include a sensor and a monitoring device. Some systems are now smartphone, tablet, and computer compatible with special software to interface with the sensor. Some research would be necessary to learn about the numerous apps and add-ons included with their corresponding systems. Here at US MED we offer systems from trusted brand names like Dexcom, FreeStyle, Animas, Tandem, and Eversense.

In Conclusion.

Should your health care provider suggest a Continuous Glucose Management system to help manage your diabetes or blood sugar condition, there are quite a number of options available. Make sure to do some additional research to make sure you get a system that best fits your lifestyle. US MED has more information on C.G.M. systems below, as well as a number to call should you need additional guidance in choosing the right C.G.M. system for you.

1-877-840-8218

Monthly archive for August 2018