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National Diabetes Fact Sheet (PDF)
Posted By on Dec 02, 2008
| Take a look at the highly informative National Diabetes Fact Sheet (PDF)High and Low Blood Glucose (PDF)
Posted By on Dec 02, 2008
| Here is a guide to help you recognize and understand the symptoms of high and low blood glucose levels and how to treat them: High and Low Blood Glucose (PDF)*Please note that this PDF file is very large. It may be a much better idea to right click the file, 'Save Link As,' and open it separately.
Understanding Insulin Therapy (PDF)
Posted By on Dec 02, 2008
| Here is a guide to help you understand the importance of insulin in diabetes management: Medications and Diabetes: Understanding Insulin Therapy (PDF)*Please note that this PDF file is very large. It may be a much better idea to right click the file, 'Save Link As,' and open it separately.
Blood Glucose Monitoring and Diabetes (PDF)
Posted By on Dec 02, 2008
| Here is a guide that provides useful information about blood glucose monitoring: Blood Glucose Monitoring and Diabetes (PDF)*Please note that this PDF file is very large. It may be a much better idea to right click the file, 'Save Link As,' and open it separately.
Managing Diabetes Made Easier at System's Care Centers
Posted By on Nov 24, 2008
|November is National Diabetes Month, and if you are one of the nearly 600,000 adults in Michigan, 8 percent of the population, already diagnosed with diabetes, you can take advantage of the many tools Henry Ford offers to help manage the condition.
Type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, breaks down glucose, which is then used for energy. In a person with diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin, or ignores the insulin that is produced.
The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for type 2 diabetes, beginning at age 45, especially if a person is overweight. Being inactive, having a family history of type 2 diabetes, or being African American, Hispanic, Native American or Asian also increases the risk. Metabolic disease, or pre-diabetes, means an elevated blood sugar level has not yet become diabetes. People with this condition are also at higher risk for diabetes.
For at-risk individuals, or those who think they may have diabetes, the first step is an appointment with a physician for a blood test.
Getting the right information and using it effectively are keys to managing diabetes. The System has five Diabetes Care Centers, and offers three unique programs, including:
Diabetes Self Management Education
If you are newly diagnosed, or have never had instruction before, Diabetes Self Management Education (DSME) is the place to start. This 10-hour program is conducted by registered nurses and dietitians. It begins with a one-on-one session, followed by a series of stimulating, interactive classes, and ends with a private session with a registered dietitian to create a customized meal plan.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Healthy eating is a key part of getting diabetes into good control. Medical Nutrition Therapy offers a one-on-one meeting with a registered dietitian to:
- Develop a personal meal plan based on food choices, schedule, and personal preferences;
- Discuss healthy eating;
- Understand the effect of food on blood sugar and diabetes; and
- Set nutritional goals.
Diabetes in Active Control
Participants who may have experienced difficulty achieving or maintaining good blood sugar control can partner with certified diabetes educators when they join Henry Ford?s six-month Diabetes in Active Control program. These educators provide individualized coaching to help participants set and reach specific goals, and can monitor and adjust medication, order tests and make referrals to specialists.
Henry Ford offers several other services helpful to those managing diabetes, including:
- Weight management program;
- Eye exams from Eye Care Services or OptimEyes;
- Diabetes home medical supplies;
- Pharmacy services; and
- Smoking cessation.
To schedule an appointment at a Henry Ford Diabetes Care Center, call (800) 277-2740. For more information about the array of diabetes management services offered throughout the System, call (800) HENRYFORD.
Defibrillator
Posted By on Nov 20, 2008
A defibrillator is a device that delivers an electrical shock to the heart in order to stop certain types of rapid heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Also known as an automated external defibrillator or (AED), the AED can check a persons heart rhythm and recognize a rhythm that requires a shock. It can advise the rescuer through voice prompts lights or text messages to tell the rescuer the steps to take.
Automated external defibrillators are now available for use by persons with minimal medical training in emergencies when medical personnel are not available. There are some models designed specifically for non-professional people. Check out our defibrillators to find the right one for you.
CPAP on Pop
Posted By on Oct 05, 2008
Living with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine can be challenging to adjust to. It's a new part of your daily routine and while it improves your quality of life it can be tough to deal with the changes to your lifestyle that you may be making at the same time. Those changes could consist of losing weight, quitting smoking, or adopting a new exercise regimen. That can lead to some misplaced resentment of the CPAP machine.
It's important to recognize when this happens to you and to keep in perspective that this challenging time will be rewarded by a better quality of life as your breathing improves. You body will start to feel better and in time the changes get easier.
You'll find yourself energized and better able to handle your busy days thanks to your better breathing at night. If you have kids you'll find that you have more energy to play with them, help them with their homework, and be a part of their lives.
Purchase CPAP products with a prescription from your doctor. Find a Henry Ford doctor by calling 1-800-HENRYFORD (1-800-436-7936).
Exercise and Stress
Posted By on Jun 20, 2008
As we all know, every day life situations can produce an enormous amount of stress in our lives. Stress can have large scale negative impacts on the body over time. It is vitally important to reduce stress and one excellent way is through exercise.
Exercise can be intimidating to some people, it can conjure images of blood, sweat, and pain. However, there are a few simple ways of obtaining some form of exercise including jogging, biking, and even walking. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise by far for our health; it's easy to do, it has no costs, and it works! All it takes is to put on a comfortable pair of sneakers and head out for a 15-30 minute walk. On those rainy or wintry days a treadmill in the comfort of your own home can provide you with all the exercise you need. Using these tips you can be on your way to a healthier self!
An easy-to-use and setup alternative to biking is the Aerobic Exercise pedlar, which allows you to get a great aerobic workout in your own home!
You can find the Standard Aerobic Exercise Pedlar here.
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Using a Peak Flow Meter
Posted By on Jun 19, 2008
A peak flow meter is a portable, inexpensive, hand held device used to check your asthma by measuring how well air moves out of your lungs.
During an asthma episode, the airways of your lungs usually narrow slowly. The peak flow meter may help warn you if there is a narrowing in the airways hours before you have any symptoms.
The peak flow meter measures how hard and fast your can exhale in liters per minute.
To use the peak flow meter:
- Slide movable indicator to the zero position on meter
- Breath in as deeply as you can
- Place mouthpiece in mouth and maintain a good seal around mouthpiece
- Blow out as hard and fast as you can
- Repeat two or more times
- Record your highest reading
A peak flow meter can also especially helpful for people who must take asthma medicine daily.
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The Importance of Taking Vitamins
Posted By on Jun 19, 2008
Did you know that most people do not consume enough vitamins and minerals in their daily diet? The reason is that most of us do not have enough time, energy, or even money to eat enough nutrient-enriched food. Although vitamins can not replace food, they can definitely help your body stay healthy, energized, pure, and strong; just the way you want it. They may also help you live a longer life.
Most vitamins and minerals should be consumed with food to aide in absorption. A full meal is not needed, so even a small amount of food is sufficient. This is particularly true with oil-soluble vitamins, such as coenzyme Q10, vitamins A and E, and the carotenes. Water-soluble vitamins (i.e. vitamin B and vitamin C) are normally absorbed fine without food, even though it is still recommended to do so.
We offer a wide variety of different vitamins, minerals, and herb supplements that could aide you in everything from bone strength, metabolism, energy, immune support, and eyesight just to name a few. Every product is designed specifically to do one thing: keep your body at its best!
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Tips from Dr. Huggiebear
Posted By on Apr 03, 2008
Frank Barnhill M.D. offers Tips on Using CPAP to Treat Your Sleep Apnea. His tips include:
- Make sure your mask fits properly - make sure to choose an experienced technician to help fit your mask
- Fix dry nasal passages - use a humidifier or saline nasal gel
- Fix dry eyes - check for a leaking seal and get you mask refitted to keep air from leaking and drying out your eyes at night
- Warm air rises - place your CPAP machine on a chair or nightstand to pull in warmer air for increased comfort
- Get a longer hose - a longer hose can keep your mask from being pulled off when you roll around at night.
Continue Reading "Tips from Dr. Huggiebear"
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Defibrillators Save Lives
Posted By on Apr 02, 2008
When you have a heart attack a defibrillator can save your life. We've all seen the movies and TV shows where the doctor yells "CLEAR" and zaps the patient back to life. In real life a heart attack is rarely so dramatic, and often the ambulance takes more than a few minutes to arrive. Every minute they take reduces your chances for survival.
Continue Reading "Defibrillators Save Lives"
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Using an Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor
Posted By on Apr 02, 2008
It's simple to use an automatic blood pressure monitor at home to keep tabs on your health. Watch this short video for a quick introduction to how you can monitor your blood pressure.
When you are going to take a measurement remember a few simple tips:
- Rest for at least two minutes before taking your blood pressure
- Keep your legs uncrossed and a firm back support before taking your blood pressure
- Place the blood pressure cuff correctly - see your monitor's instructions
- Talking during the blood pressure taking can seriously affect the results
- Your arm should be supported at heart level
- Don't wear constrictive clothing while taking blood pressure
- Always use the same arm as your doctor to ensure results are consistent for comparison
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Using the Inogen One Oxygen Concentrator
Posted By on Mar 10, 2008
First there was stationary. Then there was portable. Now there is the Inogen One, the Independent System that defines a new category of oxygen device.
Designed to perform as both a stationary and a portable device, the Inogen One system is engineered to meet the changing demands of the oxygen industry. For patients, the Inogen One presents an opportunity for spontaneity and more active life both at home and on the road. For providers, the system can provide improved business efficiency.
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Sleep Review Magazine
Posted By on Mar 06, 2008
Sleep Review MagazineSleep Review: The Journal for Sleep Specialists is a controlled circulation bi-monthly publication that has been published since 2000. It is dedicated to helping its 20,000 readers stay on top of changes in the rapidly growing field of diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Each issue covers case reports, innovative research findings, business news, and product and service introductions, as well as offering inspiring stories of leading sleep centers and useful ideas for improving sleep laboratory operations.
Visit Sleep Review Magazine Here
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Working Out is Good
Posted By on Mar 01, 2008
A recent study on exercise and longevity found that people who were active on a regular basis lived longer than their couch-potato counterparts, and the more they exercised the longer they lived.
Before you start any new exercise program be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you have any history of injuries, heart disease, or asthma that could be aggravated by the wrong workout.
Continue Reading "Working Out is Good"
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The Importance of Being Healthy
Posted By on Feb 27, 2008
Everyone wants to be healthy, but so often we don't take time to pay attention to maintaining our bodies. Instead, we wait until something goes seriously wrong to do anything.
Keeping fit through exercise and eating well and seeing your doctor for regular physicals and exams can ward off more serious conditions as you age. Just 30 minutes a day of walking can improve your health and help you lose weight. Take Vitamins to supplement the nutrients you may miss in your diet and to keep your body running well. Early cancer screening can catch cancers while they are treatable. Regular physicals can catch high blood pressure and cholesterol before they cause a heart attack.
Some insurance companies will pay for your physicals and other screenings because they know that it is cheaper to treat things before they require a long hospital stay and expensive treatments. Check your policy to see what is covered and then make time to do it. If you don't have insurance there are government and charitable programs that can help you out.
Just like changing the oil on your car keeps your engine running, if you take the time to maintain your body you can live a longer, healthier life.
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ImPACT - Sports Concussion Safety Program
Posted By on Jul 12, 2007
Sports Concussion Safety Program
The Sports Concussion Safety Program is the only one of its kind in metro Detroit, taking a proactive and sophisticated approach to concussions.
Continue Reading "ImPACT - Sports Concussion Safety Program"
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Recent Articles
- National Diabetes Fact Sheet (PDF)
- High and Low Blood Glucose (PDF)
- Understanding Insulin Therapy (PDF)
- Blood Glucose Monitoring and Diabetes (PDF)
- Managing Diabetes Made Easier at System's Care Centers
- Defibrillator
- CPAP on Pop
- Exercise and Stress
- Using a Peak Flow Meter
- The Importance of Taking Vitamins