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Managing Diabetes When You’re Sick: Essential Tips

Many aspects of everyday life are more difficult when you’re managing diabetes, and that includes taking care of other illnesses. While colds and the flu can be inconvenient for anyone, having diabetes can increase your odds of getting seriously sick. Meanwhile, these conditions put extra stress on your body, potentially increasing your blood sugar levels…

How to Care for Diabetes: A Guide for Families and Caregivers

Navigating the journey of diabetes care can be complex, but with the right knowledge and support, managing diabetes becomes more manageable. At US MED, we’re dedicated to empowering families and caregivers with essential insights on how to care for diabetes, especially for aging loved ones who face unique challenges with their condition. No matter who…

The Effects of Smoking & Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease Smokers have a 30-40% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes over non-smokers.  Smoking also makes it difficult to control the disease and determine proper insulin dosage since it makes your body more resistant to insulin leading to higher glucose levels.  The more prevalent the smoking habit is, the higher the risk of…

The Medicare Competitive Bid Program

As a component of the Center of Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Competitive Bidding Program, diabetes testing supplies (DTS) are provided through mail order at a substantial discount for people with diabetes (PWD).  PWD must be enlisted in Medicare Part B to qualify for mail order service.  Covered DTS include blood glucose meters, replacement batteries for…

9 Steps to Better Catheter Self-Management

We share the 9 steps that every catheter user should know. Self-manage your catheter with these safety steps.

DIABETES ALERT! DAY

What’s Your Type 2 Diabetes Risk? One in three American adults is at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a serious disease that can lead to complications like kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, blindness, and amputations. But type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be permanent-it can be prevented or delayed with healthy lifestyle modifications. The…

Top 10 Reasons To Use Your CPAP Machine

Around 25 million Americans experience OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), and approximately 60% of them actually utilize a CPAP machine nightly.  Incorporating CPAP therapy can be difficult, but OSA is a risky condition that does not improve on it’s own.  Here are some top ten reasons to make CPAP a part of your nightly ritual: 1.…

More Than Two Types of Diabetes?

For the past 20 years diabetes has always been classified as either type 1 or type 2, but new revelations show that there could actually be five different types.  New research such as one found in an article out of The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology suggests a need for a revision to the diabetes classification system. …

A Healthy Social Life Reduces the Risk of Diabetes

Studies over at Maastricht University in the Netherlands have shown a link between healthy social ties and it’s influence over mental and physical health.  Being socially active can actually reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes according to this study published in the BMC Public Health journal. Study co-author Dr. Miranda Schram explains, “High-risk groups…

Cinnamon May Help Fight Against Obesity.

A 2017 study from the University of Michigan found how a common spice—cinnamon—can help fight against obesity. Researchers had previously noticed that cinnamaldehyde (a basic oil responsible for cinnamon’s flavor) seemed to defend mice against obesity and hyperglycemia, but it was not well comprehended what prompted this effect.  More study on this process was necessary…

Switch Jobs in your 50s for a Longer Career, Study Says

Switching jobs late in life might be the key to a longer career, according to Boston College’s Center for Retirement Research. But the key is switching job voluntarily. Those who were laid off late in life had difficulty finding new jobs. Those who switched jobs voluntarily worked longer, increasingly the likelihood of still working at…

Low-Sugar Fruits for Diabetic Diets

Naturally occurring sugar can be found in all fruits, although some may contain more than others.  Those trying keep sugar consumption under control usually give up a lot of the usual culprits such as soda pop and candy, but quite often overlook fruit.  Although a healthier way of satisfying a “sweet-fix” fruits such as watermelon…

Veteran’s Day Observed

Veterans vowed their allegiance to our country by serving in the military and fight for America’s liberty.  Showing gratitude can come in many forms, but a little appreciation can go a long way for those senior veterans in need on Veteran’s Day as their health and resources decline.   Here are some things you can do…

Have Medicare and Need to Manage your Diabetes?

In 2017 Medicare covered 58 million Americans, and to a lot of us, it can seem like a complicated labyrinth.  For those over 65 years of age, it is essential health coverage administered by the United States government.  It’s a daunting task to understand it right away, but here is some information to mitigate the…

Artificial Beta Cells that Release Insulin in Response to High Blood Sugar

A major hurdle in the patient-friendly treatment of Diabetes is the need for efficient on-demand control of blood glucose levels.  Normal pancreatic cells do this naturally, so creating an insulin delivery system has been quite a challenge for researchers. Insulin pills end up destroyed in digestive enzymes and acids making it an unviable option.  Pancreatic…

Common Health Issues for Seniors Over 65

With today’s higher life expectancy, 65 years of age can now mean looking forward to a meaningful rest of your life, given that you manage your health closely to avoid health risks associated with older age.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 41% of people over 65 say their health is great,…

Law Enforcement Agencies Offering a Safe Way to Get Rid of Unused Prescription Drugs

Unused prescription drugs can end up in landfills, water supplies, and into the hands of thieves as well.  It is safe and responsible to dispose these potentially hazardous substances by handing them over to the proper authorities. The state of Alabama is about to run the 14th Drug Take-Back Day in seven years.  These programs…

How to Make Halloween Enjoyable for Children Living with Diabetes

As Halloween approaches, it can prove to be a difficult time of the year for the parents of diabetic children. It can be easy for them to feel left out when faced with limitations to the treats they may consume.  Consulting with a healthcare professional to determine safe alternatives is key. Another important step is…

Shoes Make the Difference in Foot Pain

The workday can seem long when your feet hurt. Podiatrists at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine give this advice: Heels – Notoriously bad for your feet, heels cause a painful knot on the back of the heel, according to WebMD. Wearing heels constantly leads to a permanent, bony protrusion called the pump bump.…

New Food Nutrition Labels Now Lists ‘Added Sugars’

The useful nutrition labels on foods now contain a new element: Added Sugars. The listing now allows consumers to tell how much sugar is naturally occurring and how much is added. This can be important when comparing products. One example, according to the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter: Compare 12 ounces of lemon-lime soda…

US MED Employees Host Internal Fundraiser to Aid Hurricane Harvey Victims

“US MED is in the business of assisting people in need of care on a daily basis. This extends beyond the clinical community and into local communities. As a result, US MED has launched an internal fund raising initiative through our Employee Giving Program, to assist the victims of the Harvey hurricane,” said Chief Sales…

Did You Know Herbs Can Affect Prescription Medications?

Millions of people take herbal supplements and consider them completely safe, but there are nearly 1,500 documented interactions between herbs and prescription medications. According to poison.org, about 20 percent of North Americans take herbal supplements. Humans have been using herbs for thousands of years for common ailments. In fact, many medicines today, such as morphine…

How Lower Back Pain is Improved by Exercise

Most people suffer from lower back pain at one point or another, but treating it remains hit and miss. Research reported by Reuters says that 80 percent of all people will suffer from some sort of back pain during their lives. An estimated 90 percent of all chronic pain sufferers are prescribed opioid pain medications…

Seniors Swim Their Way To Health

High blood pressure, bad balance, arthritis — these are common problems for seniors. Still, all the experts say you should get out there and exercise. If traditional exercise just hurts, why not try swimming? Swimming is the ideal exercise for people with joint and muscle pain. The buoyant water takes the pain out of much…

Steps to Better Sleep

For Individuals with Sleep Apnea Here are some science-backed alternative options to help those with sleep apnea. Bear in mind, however, that since the root causes behind sleep apnea vary, a remedy that cures one person might do nothing for another. You’ll need to find the combination that works for you with some or all…

Get Moving

For better health: Get up, stand up, move around Researchers are studying the negative effects of sitting for extended time periods, both at the office and by the TV. Dr. Allan Hedge, a professor at Cornell University, says for every half-hour working in an office, people should sit for 20 minutes, stand for eight minutes…

More Boomers Want to Keep Working

It’s about more than money At age 70,  businessman, author and speaker George Fraser is not retired and he has no intention of retiring…ever! Fraser is one of a growing number of aging Baby Boomers who are continuing to work well into traditional retirement age. Robert Levinson is another example. He’s 89 years old and…

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