Hi Everyone, this is a short but informative section….based on Your needs.

I understand that many of you have health issues and are looking for safer and healthier solutions.  Since I dont believe in pushy, dishonest people, I would simply encourage you to visit my “Get to know me section” on the top of this page.  I am involved in a business that uses these types of products.  Some of you are messaging me and requesting this information and that is why I am directing you to this section also.  Once again, this is not for everyone, and as always – Check with your Physician before starting ANY new medication or supplement.  Here is to your health.  Hoep this helps.

Let me give you a little background on myself.  I am a Cardiac nurse and I used to manage over 600 Coumadin patients.  I have run into a number of different situations that can be frightening for some of you.  I would like to share some tips on things you should be aware of while taking Coumadin.  I have been asked a number of questions on different forums and therefore, I decided maybe it would be beneficial to share these with you.  Before I begin, this is not meant to take the place of your managing physician, nurse or other, it is to help educate you.  If you have questions, you may leave me a comment and I will try to answer you as soon as I can because I dont believe I can place my email address on this blog.

1.  If you have been placed on Coumadin — make sure there is “1″ office managing you.

2.  Every one should have their PT/INR checked at least “once a month” – sometimes if you are not in range, it will require you to be checked more frequently.

3.  After every blood test, you should receive your result- instructions on your dose to take – and be told when you need to have your lab work repeated.

4.  Keep a Log of your results and the dose you were taking – this is important.

5.  Do not change your eating habits while on Coumadin – if you want to go on a diet and plan to eat more vegetables, make your managing physician aware of this – they will need to monitor your PT/INR

6.  Also, if you are sick and are placed on an antibiotic, cold medicine, steroid, etc – your doctor NEEDS to know–many medications and herbal supplements can interfere with the way Coumadin is processed – which can lead to a drop in INR or a rise.

7.  Although there is a risk taking Coumadin – the risk of not taking it is greater.  If you are educated on the things you as a patient need to be aware of, you can rest that developing a serious complication will be low.  Alot of people have asked about “bleeds” and the risk of dying because of Coumadin.  Out of the 600 patients that I managed, only 1 person died of a bleed – which was not diagnosed with certainty that it was caused by the Coumadin.  You do need to be aware that if you should have any blood in your urine, stool, or cough up blood, you should notify your physician immediately.  This is not to say it is always related to Coumadin. 

8.  There are very few side effects that I have seen with my patients on Coumadin.  The most common was:  nosebleeds.  In case of a nosebleed, you should squeeze the tip of your nose very tightly for 10 mins without letting go – if it does not stop – do this once more.  If your nose continues to bleed, you should consult your doctor because you may need to have your PT/INR checked and possibly have your nose cauterized.  Most of the time, this is due to all the tiny blood vessels you have in your nose that are close to the surface and sometimes harder to stop.  Many people read the side effects of Coumadin and because of their fear of taking it, cause themselves to become very anxious – which can cause some symptoms unrelated to Coumadin.  Not to say that no one will ever be the rare case – I know to never say never.

9.  Making adjustments to your Coumadin requires your doctor or nurse to “take their time” and look at you as an individual — it is important to look at your previous PT/INR and dosages.  While saying this, it is so important that you never allow any other doctor to give you instructions on stopping your Coumadin etc.  Always share with that doctor that you will need to consult with your managing doctor to see if it is okay to be off your Coumadin for a time.  I say this because: if you are taking Coumadin – it is critical for some diagnoses to not stop your Coumadin – sometimes you may be required to take a medication called Lovenox- this medication works a little differently than Coumadin – it is an injection that is taken twice a day – this drug can give you protection while being off the Coumadin and is used to protect you once you are started back up on your Coumadin until you are once again in your normal range.

**These are some tips for now – if you have further questions, please let me know, I am always willing to assist you or answer your questions if I can.  Please once again – I am not here to diagnose, treat, or take the place of your doctor.  If I have shared information that you were unaware of, you can always ask your doctor too. 

Tips on managing and controlling attacks

If you or someone you know suffers from Asthma or Allergy attacks, there are some simple things to check.  It is becoming more and more apparent to researchers that some people are reacting to products in their homes.  While there is not alot we can do about our outside environment, there are certainly things we CAN do about our homes.  Many times, it depends on an individuals sensitivity to certain irritants.  I would encourage you to go thru your homes and READ the labels on products you use for cleaning, toys that your children play with, your bath and body products, and even products in your garage.  You see, many products contain serious irritants or toxic chemicals in them.  These products even though they may contain “small” amounts of harsh or toxic chemicals CAN build up in our bodies.  Research cannot determine how long it takes or if everyone is suseptible to health issues BUT it is apparent there is a RISK of these products causing health issues.  Take a look at what is in your home.  Are you having attacks during or after cleaning your home?  Do your eyes, throat, breathing bother you when you smell products vapors?  When you walk down the aisle at a grocery store that contains cleaning products, does it bother you?  I dont have Asthma or Allergies but I cant stay in an aisle at the grocery store that contains cleaning products – my eyes burn.  This should tell us something – it isnt good!  Many smaller children are more suseptible to asthma and allergies due to them being in the house more – playing on the carpets, the kitchen floor, and playing with some of their toys etc.  I challenge you:  REMOVE these products from your home.  Find Natural cleaning products:  Read the labels on the products you purchase,  check out the websites that actually have checklists of products people use everyday and are not aware of the harsh/toxic chemicals in them.  If you are searching for ways to help prevent attacks or triggers – start in your homes.  I recently read an article of a women who was fighting with a teacher at a school because during “nap” time, her child was lying on a piece of carpet ( every child gets one), but she began having problems with her asthma.  What they found was that the cleaner they used on the carpets had harsh irritants in it that caused this child to have health issues.  It is all around us -be aware of the things that are triggering the attacks.  Some people have attacks due to weather – and there is not much you can do about that – but some are able to make some changes to their environment.  Make sure you are doing ALL you can to protect yourself and your family. 

Other tips to be aware of:  if you have an “emergency” inhaler, make sure it has NOT expired.  Many people have these inhalers but because they dont use them often, they dont usually check the expiration date.  It is so important to do this because if you dont and you need it, it may not be useful to you because it has lost its potency. 

If you are more aware of the issues that can be affecting your health, you are better able to help control them.  There is so much research being done on products we are using everyday and are unaware of the potential danger to our health.  The problem is:  there is little regulation on what companies are putting in products – many products dont list ALL of the ingredients.  Many products are not even tested for safety – IF it says - Dangerous- Toxic – Harsh – Irritant, BE AWARE!  Do more research on the ingredients – find out if it is safe for you.  There are so many Natural products out there which are BETTER choices and they do a BETTER job. 

These statements are not meant to treat,prevent, or diagnose – these are suggestions as to ways to possibly HELP you.  Always talk with your doctor if you are having unresolved health issues.  Know that some things we ARE able to change to live a healthier and safer lifestyle AND some things we have no choice over.  It is important to KNOW the difference.

I hope this information was helpful to you – do not hesitate to ask a question or leave a comment if you find this beneficial.  If you are looking for Natural, Healthier and Safer products – you may visit my “Get to Know Me” section to visit the company I am with that manufactures these products.  I promise you – they do work. 

Is Your Diabetes Under Control?

If you have recently been diagnosed with Diabetes, it can be very frightening or overwhelming.  Your first step is always: research.  As I have stated before, doctors do not always have the time to go over everything you need to know.  I encourage you to go the the American Diabetes Association Website – it is very informative and even a lay person can understand. 

Diabetes has 2 parts: high or low blood sugars.  Both can be serious health issues.  When you are first diagnosed, your doctor most likely ordered a FBS (fasting blood sugar) – this number should be below 100.  If it was between 100-125, this is a sign of pre-diabetes and your doctor most likely would order further blood tests.  Most Diabetics FBS runs in this range or > 126 and are controlled on medications and lifestyle changes.  The second blood test that will be ordered is called a HgA1C – this shows what your sugar has been over a period of time (3 months).  Your doctor will use this to determine if you need to be placed on medications.  Your doctor should be evaluating you every 3- 6 months depending on your risk.

Okay, let us say you are a Diabetic – what should you be aware of.  I believe the most important thing is: do you have other health risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, CAD?  It is very important that your doctor checks for this and treats you effectively.  You see Diabetes along with any of the above can put you at a higher risk for heart disease or health complications.  It is important to have all your health issues under control.  I have had people tell me that because their cholesterol “ratio” was good, their doctor isnt concerned about their HDL < 40 — in a person with Diabetes – it is “Critical” to have your cholesterol and blood pressure under control.  You see in my previous Health Tips – I shared with you the “Normal” limits — this is for the average person — this is Not for people with Diabetes.  People who have Diabetes have to maintain “lower” blood pressures and cholesterol numbers should be lower with the exception of the HDL. 

Make sure you are aware of the side effects of high or low blood sugars.  This is so important – go to the website above and read, read, read – there is too much to go into here.  If you are aware of the symptoms – you will be able to take steps to protect yourself.  Always let your doctor know if your sugars and running to high or low — you may need an adjustment in your medications.  It is also important for you to let your doctor know if you are dieting and lose weight.  Losing even 10 -15 lbs (sometimes less) can reduce the amount of medication you need to be taking.  Maintaining an ideal weight can prove to be so beneficial.  If you are overweight or even obese – it is important for you to take steps to lose weight.  Exercise can actually help lower your blood sugars – dont believe me – try it  

Now, what is your doctor checking at your appointments?  Your doctor should always check your feet.  Why?  Because many people with Diabetes can develop neuropathy – which causes a lack of “feeling” in your feet.  This means, if you cant feel your feet – if you would cut the bottom of your foot, develop a blister or infection — you dont know it.  It is so important because Diabetics have to be extremely careful about developing an infection as it takes so much longer to heal than an average person.  It can also lead to more serious issues – just from a small cut or blister.  So be aware of your feet and make sure your doctor is doing the same.  You should also have your toe nails cut by a pediatrist – if you cut your nail wrong and end up with an ingrown toenail, this can also cause serious problems.  I hope you are getting the picture of why you need to check your feet.

It is also important that you have your eyes checked “yearly”.  Some people can develop vision problems due to poor circulation to the eyes which can eventually lead to blindness – yearly check -ups can prevent serious problems. 

Never start a “special” diet without consulting your doctor.  As you know many diets limit proteins or carbohydrates etc.  Diabetics have to maintain a more complex diet to prevent drops in blood sugars or high blood sugars.  If you need assistance you can consult a nutritionist who can also assist you in a proper diet program. 

As you see, there are so many issues related to maintaining your Diabetes – I could go on and on – these are some tips of the issues I have seen that are most common.  Please take the time to do the research – there are also “Diabetic” classes for people newly diagnosed that are excellent resources – check with your local hospitals or doctors office they usually have the information.  Once again, the American Diabetes Association has newsletters, groups, topic searches etc that is also a very good resource.

You can live a healthy, happy life with Diabetes IF you realize the seriousness of the disease and are deligient in taking control of it!  Dont be afraid to ask your doctor questions – there is no stupid question.  Diabetes can be overwhelming with all the issues that you need to be aware of — BUT — it doesnt have to be.  Good Luck – learn about your health – you will be grateful you did!

This is not meant to treat, diagnose, or present a cure.  Nor is this a means for you to not consult your phsycian.  These are tips of which you should be aware and talk with your doctor about. 

Here is a link to the ADA website:  http://www.diabetes.org

Do You Know Your Cholesterol Numbers?

Do You Know “What” they Mean?

Many people are unaware of the importance of “Having their Cholesterol checked”, AND “knowing their actual Results”.  I want to explain “WHY” you should.  Firstly, everyone over 30 y.o should have their Cholesterol checked.  If you dont have any Cardiac, Risk Factors or Family HX – it is okay to have it checked every 5 years.  Now, as we get older 40 and up, you should have your Cholesterol checked “Yearly”.  You should always take a “Log” with you to keep track of your Cholesterol readings.  You will Need to know: Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides.  Your Total Cholesterol reading “should be” under 200 — this is YOUR GOAL. One of the most important levels to keep track of is: HDL — this is considered to be YOUR “GOOD” cholesterol — this is the only one that “the Higher the number” the better.  HDL should be “At least” – 40 or above.  If your doctor tells you that 33, 38 is okay – they will “watch” it — you say “NO”, you will work on getting it higher.  Then you will need to follow instructions below for raising your HDL and then ask your doctor to repeat your cholesterol check in 3-6 months.  The “LDL” know as the “BAD” cholesterol – which it is, should be around 120– if you have “Cardiac, Risk Factors, or Family Hx – your doctor should instruct you to work on bringing that number down to 70 – 100.  I will share with you how to work on that also.  Now, the Triglycerides: this number should be around 150– this one is not as serious as the others but it should be kept in this range.  Lets see what to do about levels that are out of range.

Total Cholesterol – you will need to start paying attention to what you put in your mouth.  Limit the amount of cholesterol, saturated fats and trans fat in your food.  If you smoke, you need to consider quitting or talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit.  Get active: exercise helps lower cholesterol.  I will give you a website to check out to see foods you can eat that actually help Lower your cholesterol – begin incorporating them into your diet.

HDL- One of the  easiest things you can do is : Exercise.  Many people dont want to hear this but exercise can help increase your HDL alot.  Now, that being said, there are some individuals who do exercise daily and have low HDL’s – while these people are rare, they do exist.  If this is true of you, try to change your exercise program, either start a new activity or possibly try increasing your time.  If this doesnt work, I highly recommend that you ask your doctor to start you on a medication to help in increasing it.  I dont usually recommend taking medications, but it is that important that you get your HDL over 40.  Do not allow your doctor to let you stay under 40 for a year or more.  HDL helps to “Lower” your Risk for heart disease – this is why you want it high.

LDL- having an LDL out of range increases your risk of heart disease.  Watching your diet- the same as for Total Cholesterol – can help to lower the LDL.  Also, begin to incorporate “Soluble Fibers” into your diet.  Soluble fiber can help significantly lower LDL.  The website I will show you later, will give you a list of foods:  it includes things such as: nuts-walnuts,almonds etc/ legumes (beans)/certain fruits and more.

Triglycerides – watching the amount of carbohydrates – switching to “whole grains” instead of white breads and pastas, stop smoking, limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and start exercising.

Once again, YOU need to know what your numbers are so that you are able to work on getting these numbers into range.  Your doctor may say to you : Your “Ratio” is good so you dont need to worry about anything.   I say “wrong” – why would you want to “Not” work on getting your numbers into range?  You see, some doctors say well your LDL is good and so is your cholesterol so you dont need to worry about the other 2 because your ratio is good.  Remember what I have said to you about the importance of the HDL.  Know your numbers, get them  into range.  Its YOUR life, take care of it!

Website:  In my profession – I am a Cardiac nurse – I refer to the American Heart Association guidelines and I also use WebMD — on WebMD you will find an article ) you can type it into the search bar) titled “25 Heart Healthy Foods”– this is a wonderful resource.  Print it out and take it to the grocery store with you!  Get started on taking your health back.  Take a look around at both of these sites – there is ALOT of information that can help you succeed at getting your Cholesterol levels in range.  Remember: EXERCISE is awesome to help in getting these numbers into range.  Also, dont forget to log your numbers, keep track of them so YOU can see how your improving or what you need to work on.

Good Luck — work hard — its your life — Live it!

**Once again, this information is for your use, it is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure or to replace the advice of your physician.  It is for you to be aware of your health and to use this in line with your doctors recommendation.  Dont be afraid to “research” on your own – be aware of what the optimal numbers are for you cholesterol and “Strive” to achieve them!

Visit my “Get to know Me” section to find out more about maintaining your health.

If you have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, do you know how you can control it?  Are you aware of the Natural ways you can help lower your Blood Pressure?  Lets talk about it for a minute.  First off, this article is not meant to replace the advice of your Physician but to give you tips on controlling your blood pressure.  If you have been diagnosed with High Blood Pressure – you should be checking your blood pressure at home.  Why?  Your blood pressure may fluctuate, it is important especially as you begin making Healthier changes in your lifestyle to know what your blood pressure is.  You may either purchase a cuff and have it checked for accuracy at your physicians office or perhaps you know of someone who can check it for you once a week or so.  The important thing is, you are checking it!  If your doctor has placed you on a prescription medication, KNOW the side effects before taking it – do a search on WebMD – look under “drug treatments” – this is your body and you need to know what to look for.  Many pharmacies give you the paper attached to your medications – but I know and you know, you usually dont read it — I encourage you to READ IT.  Starting a blood pressure medication can cause you to have a “drop” in pressure and sometimes your heart rate, due to the dose possibly being to much for you — you should start the medication at home – change positions slowly – make sure your doctor is aware of any differences you experience.  Okay, lets take a look at “Why” – you have to take the medication.  There are many reasons for high blood pressure – some of which YOU can control and some which you cannot.  Stress is one of the biggest factors that influence blood pressure.  Lifestyle is another big factor: smoking, alcohol, being overweight, eating habits and more.  Did you know that if you are overweight or extremely overweight, simply losing 10-15 lbs can significantly lower your blood pressure?  Did you know that beginning to exercise at least 3-5 days a week at 30 minute intervals: using cardio and weight training can lower your pressure?  The new recommendations for exercise is 7 days a week for 30/mins each day – but remember you are just starting out – you can increase slowly.  Did you know that lowering your cholesterol can also help lower your blood pressure?  We will talk about lowering your cholesterol in another segment.  Some people think high blood pressure is not a serious “disease” – I hate to tell you, it is very important.  High blood pressure can lead to serious heart problems – heart attack, and stroke of which are the most serious.  The normal blood pressure should be around 120/80– this is your target.  If you consistently have a blood pressure reading higher than this, it is time for lifestyle changes and time to see your doctor.  Now, what about more natural ways to lower your blood pressure.  Did you know that vitamin supplements can aid in lowering your blood pressure. Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, phytosterols, multivitamins and even a supplement to regulate platlet activity can assist in protecting your heart and possibly lower your blood pressure “Naturally”.  Before you start a prescription medication that can have side effects – make sure you do your research.  You can make changes on your own to lower your blood pressure – its your body – take control of your health by making changes today.  Your doctor is not responsible for your health, YOU ARE!  Doctors are available to help you in controlling your health issues – but make no mistake – it is YOU that needs to take part also.  Work with your doctor, ask questions, if you dont understand something – ask.  If you would like information on Natural Products that I believe work – feel free to send me a message.  Its time to take your health back – make changes – work with your doctor- ask him about Natural products – take them in and ask them what they think.  Always consult your physician – never start any intense exercise program, special diet or supplement without your doctors consent especially if you have serious health issues. 

I hope you have a better feel for how you can control your blood pressure – if you have questions that I havent answered, please feel free to contact me.  Once again, I am not trying to diagnose or treat your blood pressure, but I am giving suggestions on how to control your blood pressure and alternatives – always always consult your physican. 

Begin Today – its never too late!

Visit my “Get to Know me” section to find out more about maintaining your health.