Program helps people cope with problems of diabetes

Dr. Ronald B. Sanders

Diabetes has been of special interest to me, more so as I have gotten older. My Grandmother had it and died in a nursing home after she had one of her legs removed due to the ravages of the dreaded disease.

There are two forms of diabetes: Type I and Type II. Type I diabetes usually is diagnosed early in life and will be termed juvenile diabetes. Type II diabetes usually is diagnosed later in life, but that trend is changing as younger and younger people are being diagnosed with the disease.

Individuals who have Type I diabetes do not produce insulin. Insulin is the substance that helps our cells to utilize glucose, or blood sugar. In Type II diabetes, the cells that produce insulin continue to produce insulin, but for some unknown reason the cells do not recognize insulin as the key messenger that enables the cells to utilize glucose. Due to the fact that the person with Type II diabetes’ cells do not recognize insulin, the cells do not receive the blood sugar and the blood sugar remains in the blood, causing the person’s blood sugar to elevate with all of its devastating results.

Some of the negative effects of elevated blood sugar are slow healing, loss of circulation, especially in the hands and feet, a condition called diabetic neuropathy, blindness due to retinopathy, obesity, fatigue, loss of libido and memory loss, just to name a few.

Anyone who is reading this article and who has any of these symptoms or has a tendency to use the bathroom frequently or suspects that they are starting to get diabetes should read a book that I have recently read. The name of the book is “Dr. Neil Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes”. This book is written for the lay person. It is easy to understand and when I read the book it made complete sense to me.

Dr. Barnard makes a comparison of our cells having doors that are opened by insulin so that blood sugar or glucose, can be utilized by the cell. Dr. Barnard explains that Type II diabetics produce insulin that the body’s cells do not respond to because the keyholes that the insulin fit into in the cells are gummed up with fat. The effect of the fat blocking the keyhole is that the insulin cannot unlock the door and let glucose into the cell. Dr. Barnard has a simple program that, when followed, obesity and blood sugar problems will dramatically change for the better. 

What is Dr. Barnard’s program? You should read his book. If you go online just punch in the title of his book and you will be able to purchase it. His program has three rules:

No animal products can be eaten.

Drastically decrease your consumption of all oils.

Eat foods that are low on the glycemic index.

I have tried this program myself and have met my goal of losing 20 pounds in just a little over six weeks. The diet change can be a little challenging at first until the sugar cravings die down. This takes a few days. On about the third day of the new program, I felt weak for about 1 day, and presumed that my body had depleted all of my fat in the blood and the cells and was converting over to fat burning. I am sure that this new way of eating isn’t for everyone, but those who are having a difficult time losing weight or having possible diabetic symptoms, it offers an affordable answer. 

Majority of people suffer from back pain at some point in life

A recent study has shown that at least 80 percent of the population will experience back pain during some time during their life.  Low back pain patients comprise a significant percentage of most any physician or physical therapy practice.

Research suggests that low back pain is not as innocuous as previously reported. The results of recent studies indicate that the reoccurrence of pain is common in 60-80 percent of patients with low back pain, and that approximately one half report pain and disability at five year follow up.

Additional research indicates that patients with chronic low back pain experience muscular atrophy (muscle wasting) of the multifidi and transversus abdominus muscles - two key back stabilization muscle groups. It is hypothesized that these muscles act as the body’s own “natural back belt” and with pain and atrophy, dysfunctional movement and potentially harmful forces are placed on the spine by the larger erector spinae muscles.

Physical therapists often address episodic pain and weakness with a variety of therapeutic exercise programs and treatment techniques. Lumbar stabilization employs a series of exercises that target the atrophied muscles mentioned above. While attractive in theory, recent literature indicates that a well rounded general exercise program of the trunk muscles may be the most attractive model used to address episodic low back pain.

Further research will continue to shed light on the most appropriate treatments for low back pain. But for now, we can safely conclude that low back pain is common, reoccurs in at least half that are afflicted, and a good trunk strengthening program can decrease pain and disability in the short term. (Information provided by ProRehab Physical Therapy.  For more information on evaluation of low back pain and the development of individualized core strengthening programs, call 381-5100 or 613-1500 or go to prorehabpt.com)

Summer heat creates special concerns and dangers for many

Nancy Craig RN,

It’s summer. Time for outings, vacations, fun and all the trimmings.  The summer heat also poses some special concerns and dangers.  Children with all their energy and carefree enthusiasm, persons with health issues, and those over age 65 are all at increased risk during the summer months. 

The greatest risk is due to the heat and dehydration. Symptoms of mild & severe dehydration are:

Mild Dehydration

•           flushed face

•           extreme thirst, more than normal or unable to drink

•           dry, warm skin

•           cannot pass urine or reduced amounts, dark, yellow

•           dizziness made worse when you are standing

•           weakness

•           cramping in the arms and legs

•           crying with few or no tears

•           sleepy or irritable

•           feeling unwell

•           headaches

Severe Dehydration

•           low blood pressure

•           fainting

•           severe muscle contractions in the arms, legs, stomach, and back

•           convulsions

•           a bloated stomach

•           heart failure

•           sunken fontanels - soft spot on a infants head

•           sunken dry eyes, with few or no tears

•           lack of elasticity of the skin (when a bit of skin is pinched up it stays folded and takes a long time to go back to its normal position)

•           rapid and deep breathing - faster than normal fast, weak

 Kids are often too “busy” to even think about coming in to cool off and get a drink: they need reminders.  People over 65 and those with health issues need to be aware of the heat too.  Water intake is part of the picture and these people need to be drinking at least 140 oz a day, that’s about a gallon plus a couple of glasses of water daily (unless their condition restricts intake).  The use of air-conditioners or swamp coolers really helps to keep the temperature down.   If these are not available fans and wet cool cloths can be used.  Take a small hand towel or washcloth and wet it, use it to wipe the face and arms and then hang it around the neck, and aim a fan at the person needing relief. 

Another summer risk that is often over looked are minor cuts, scratches and scrapes. Kids playing, and people working in their gardens and yard often receive these small injuries and just keep going.  A small wound that is ignored can become a major infection.  Stop, wash the injury with soap and water and cover it for protection.  Sandals, flip-flops and bare feet put the feet at risk too and even these small injuries can lead to really big problems. Clean them, cover them and check on them daily until they heal.  Diabetics and people with circulation problems are at a higher risk and should check their feet daily for injuries and see their doctor if they find any open sores.

Sunburns are a health risk for all ages and the leading cause of skin cancers.  Children sunburn quickly and often don’t notice it; 30 minutes in the sun can cause blistering on fragile skin.  Some medications make the skin more sensitive too, everyone needs to use sunscreens.  The higher the SP number the better the sun protection, some of them are water proof, read the label.

Community Nursing Services wants everyone to have a fun summer, take the time to be safe and look out for one another.

Try natural products to help with weight loss

Julie Anderson

I have been asked a lot about how I have lost almost four pant sizes this year. And so I wanted to talk just a bit about weight loss.

Usually I am asked which is the best weight loss pill do you take. And I  return with what do you eat? What are your health issues? Where do you gain weight first? It is important to support the thyroid for best function, the pancreas for proper sugar and carbohydrate metabolism and the adrenals for proper energy. Also to have the right vitamins, minerals and fats.

And then there are the emotions! This is what I did. First, I used the Abuse Set of Essential Oils for myself. I addressed old and painful issues that were a barrier to me and my life. Many were issues that I had ignored and buried my head over rather than deal with, and others were just plain difficult. I did Theta emotional work to support my work.

Next, when I felt that I had cleared the biggest part of my emotional blocks, I went on a liver and bowel cleanse. I used two products for my liver, and one for my bowel and one for digestion. I suggest Detox, Liv-R-Support or Lipo Light. While using one of these I suggest Liver Love Essential Oil. I Used Essential Enzymes with every meal for digestion. With these I used Clean Review to cleanse the bowels and move out the garbage that had for so long been stagnant there.  I did this for six weeks. Next I did the cancer cleanse. Though we cannot claim it cures cancer, I can say that it resets your PH balance, helps to clear candida and cleanses the lymphatic system of the build up. I used it two times a day for about eight weeks. I used the Two Feathers Formula, the Essiac Herbal Formula, and the essential oils Frankincense, Clove and Rose, daily.

I went back again to the liver bowel cleanse for another six weeks to two months immediately after.

During this time, I cut out meats from my diet. I replaced them with mixed grains, beans and legumes and brown rice. I began to feel so much better, that I cut out the dairy from my diet almost completely. I still eat a little cheese now and then and I don’t make a fuss if there is an egg in my favorite German pancakes. But mostly I use our wonderful Soy Garden Soy Butter, I use Organic Olive Oil, I drink Rice or Soy milk and I just don’t eat cottage cheese, yogurt or sour cream anymore. I only use our Veginase with grapeseed oil when I want mayonnaise.

I noticed that I had gone down about three sizes by this time but still had quite a belly out there. So I prayed a bit about this and felt it was then time to delete sugar. I immediately lost another half size and am in the process of sticking to this new level and not eating the sugar. Two times a good friend has made the best carmel corn in Carbon County, so I have digressed, but I am not detoured at  all. I just try again and do better.  I expect to get into the next pants size in about one week. My goal is  to get into the size after that by Christmas at least.

During this time, I have taken my best vitamins and extra calcium. At times as my kidneys have acted up, I have used our best Vitamin E for support. I think the Pioneer brand of vitamins, a whole food vitamin, is  superior to anything I have seen on the market so far.  I have also used certain essential oils particular to my emotional needs, as well as flower essences, that would support any emotions that I was experiencing and needing support to deal with.

It is a process to be sure, but it has made it totally possible to loose this much weight and to go forward. I am now ready to start some ‘diet’ pill aids, as I have significantly addressed emotions, general  cleansing, deep cleansing and diet needs. Here are a few of my favorites.

DIET-METABO-7 (new) my current favorite “supports seven major body systems involved in healthy and successful weight loss without the over-stimulation associated with other diet products”. It contains naturally occurring metabolic activators and calming neurotransmitters for a balanced approach to weight loss. Contains caffeine, phenylalanine and tyrosine. **Do not use if pregnant , nursing, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid disease, diabetes or hypoglycemia, glaucoma, seizure disorder, interferon, antidepressant drugs or any other prescription drugs.  Use in conjunction with diet.

DIET PHEN (non ephedra) uses caffeine like substances that speed up the metabolism while decreasing appetite. Proper diet is encouraged for faster weight loss. ** see above caution.

BODY BY GREEN TEA  a blend to burn up sugars and carbohydrates that have been stored as fats. Because of the green tea, it contains caffeine and may cause you to shake. Has four other ingredients to support proper pancreas function and balance. Do not use if
 pregnant or nursing.

CORTI RESPONSE the same blend as above but with a bunch of other product s to calm the emotions that often lead to over eating and weight gain. Blended to stimulate you to loose the fat stored around the middle that is associated with middle age and aging (meaning more stress and slower metabolisms).

RELORA minimizes stress induced eating for weight loss

CARBO SMASHER for those who eat a lot of carbohydrates that then get stored as fat. Also supports pancreas function.

DOWNSIZE blended to support excellent pancreas function and great for diabetics and hypoglycemics. Contains HCA to speed up fat metabolism.

LIPO-LIGHT blended to support the liver to function better and therefor work better with the pancreas to digest fats, increase digestion, reduce gas and bloating  so you do not overeat because you are in a nutrition deficit. Supports digestion, liver function, pancreas function and fat burning.

KLVB-6 blended to support those with slow or weak thyroid and who gain weight through the improper energy distribution, meaning the whole body is slowed and therefor not using energy properly and instead storing it as fat on the center of the body.

HOODIA decreases the desire to eat, leaving one feeling full. (not for pregnant)

Lastly, I have added exercise, mostly because I have felt so much stronger, so much leaner, so much prettier and so much better. When I walk, I notice that I never get winded and that I just love to walk.

With all the cleansing, emotionally and physically, as well as eating so many raw fruits, vegies, nuts with grains, beans and legumes, I really feel strong and energetic. I no longer crave candies, junk food, heavy or rich foods. I am content to eat well and feel great.

Remember to consult with your doctor before starting any program for health. (Julie Anderson is with Winters End Natural Health Store in Price.  She has 30 years experience in Natural products and consulting.)