The Diabetic Minute

We all know that life can throw some curve balls at us. Well I have been a batting practice! So many events and situations have plagued me the last couple of months. I am good and truly hope you are as well. Please forgive me for pulling a disappearing act on you. My passion is helping people, especially diabetics, to get and stay healthy. That has not changed nor will it. If you can be patient, I am coming back strong soon! Your POWER today is your understanding and I hope anticipation for what's to come!!!

Sun is out and the fun is in full swing! But do you know why heat is serious? All that fun activity can lead to debilitating problems if we are not careful! Heat exhaustion can make us sick but the next step is heat stroke and that can kill us! Do you know the difference, the symptoms and the prevention steps? Your POWER is being prepared, ready and careful. Enjoy the summer but be mindful of the severe heat we have sometimes and protect yourself!

Current studies indicate that one half of all couples in the USA will end up divorced! So what causes divorce? Many individual circumstances certainly but overall the bottom line is that we become dissatisfied with our relationship. Studies also show that married people live longer so it is to our benefit to make the marriage a good one that lasts. POWER is in understanding the underlying issues that cause us to either enjoy a healthy relationship or see a divorce in our future. We can make changes to help and evaluate clearly where our union can be better for us both!!!

Yes, artificial sweeteners in the news again! It is never good these days. While we know that too much sugar is detrimental to our health, we are learning more and more about how artificial sweeteners are hurting us as well. It is kind of like jumping from the frying pan to the fire! Just two cans of Diet soda can start the process of destroying our health. POWER is knowledge and we have an ever increasing amount of data that screams at us to use only natural sweeteners!!! This is the only way we can rest easy!

It's another feel Good Friday and we have Friday's Heroes! A fishy story and a chance conversation are the bases for this week. You know you feel better when you hear good news and the goal is to start your weekend off feeling great! POWER is in being open to how someone else's good fortune or heroics can inspire and motivate you! Go be a hero today!!

Unfortunately, we age every day and so does our mind. So how to keep a young mind? Lots of POWER today with suggestions to keep your mind vibrant and healthy! Simple things mostly that any of us can do on the daily. You don't have to be "OLD" to care about the aging of your brain! Have some fun, laughs and enjoy life as you keep the juices flowing!

Summer heat gets sweltering and we all want to just cool off! So how do we beat the heat? A cold drink or ice cream seems like a fix but it really is just a temporary solution. Turns out we can cool from the inside out and the cooling will last!!! POWER today is finding out how that works and what you can use to get the effect. HERBS? YES!!!

It seems there is a proven connection between coffee and liver disease. Drinking coffee appears to lower your risk of chronic liver disease. That is huge for diabetics who are often prone to develop liver problems. Several studies support the belief that coffee can help reduce your risk. POWER today comes in knowing what kind of coffee and how much is helpful. Yummmm.... love my coffee even more if that is possible!

Here is some food for thought! Let's eat nutrients not calories smart! We can only consume so much food in a day so it makes good sense to include foods that are rich in nutrients and low in calories. POWER is in this list of 11 foods to include in your diet to optimize your nutrition and good health. Eat smart and add what you can to your daily diet!

After a long week, it is a pleasure to hear about Friday's heroes and have my heart smile! The weekend has a positive start and we all are a bit healthier and happier! POWER is hearing the stories and embracing the idea that there are truly heroes all around! Even YOU can be a hero! We will all step up when the need is great and we will find we are much stronger than we ever dreamed!

We all want to get and stay healthy.... that is why you are here. I know you want to do the things to accomplish that but what about fake meat? Are you ready to go that far? Is it healthier and nutritious? POWER is getting the facts and applying what you learn to your personal health issues. Sometimes changes are tremendously effective and sometimes changes can cause MORE problems! Know what to look for and read the labels!!!

A couple of days ago, I talked about not being hungry for breakfast and the it was okay sometimes. Today I share, don't miss out! Breakfast is the foundation of your daily nutrition and if you don't eat it, the odds are you are nutrient deficient all day long. POWER is knowing what you may be missing out on and doing your best to fix it! Breakfast may truly be the most important meal of the day!

If I could advise you of one thing, it would be to beware of headlines! We are bombarded with stories everyday of how this or that can cure diabetes or keep us healthy. Some have merit but most are just trying to get your attention and then your money! There is POWER in knowing that there is NO MIRACE CURE or prevention from most diseases. We can understand we are at risk and adjust our behavior but that is about all. Don't be fooled, misled or ill informed by flagrant misrepresentation! Beware!!!

Do you ever wake up and wonder why you're not hungry? It happens to most of us sometimes. What causes that? Are there issues you need to address or is it just normal? POWER is in knowing what reasons there are for your lack of appetite and whether to be concerned. The bottom line is that people who eat breakfast are healthier than those that don't. So let's figure this out!

There is nothing like stories of Friday Heroes to start a weekend right! Simple feel good tales that make our heart smile! POWER is in letting the stories sink in and make you happy. Hopefully they will inspire you to realize that you too can be a HERO!!!

You have probably heard of these monitors but do continuous monitors help? Ask any Type 1 Diabetic if it helps them and I believe they would all have a resounding YES!. While that is terrific, what about us Type 2 Diabetics? Would we benefit as well? POWER comes from knowing how they work and what one could do for YOU! Interesting food for thought! If you really want to get healthy and stay there, tell you doctor you want one!

Did you know you have white fat and brown fat? WAT and BAT are in all of us and it looks like the BAT (brown fat) can help us to control our WAT (white fat). Serious new study shows promise! Your POWER is in understanding the difference in our fat and how we can cause our brown fat to dominate! YES... our brown fat may be the key to weight loss, ending obesity and control our diabetic problems!!!! HOORAY!

Did you know that one in four of us has arthritis? Did you know that there is a relationship between the pain of arthritis and food? The POWER today is in knowing 5 food areas to avoid so that your arthritis is less painful and perhaps goes away! You are what you eat is not just a phrase, it is the truth!

What day is it? Who do we love to hear about? Feel Good Friday Heroes!! Because I believe in Intentional Acts of Love and admire the everyday people who do them, I am always happy to share the stories of our heroes. A smile makes your health better and today should make you smile big! Your POWER is in what you do with that smile! For optimum results, pass it on!!!

We all want to eat the best food for our bodies and sometimes we are surprised by how amazing some foods actually are for our health. Have you wondered are mangoes super fruit? Probably not but you should. Mangoes offer us so many benefits that they are truly super heroes of fruit. Vitamin, minerals, fiber, anti-oxidants and even more come in this sweet and lucious fruit. Your POWER is in knowing what they can do for your body AND for many who have not tried them, how to cut them. Enjoy these amazing fruits often!!!

The question I hear most from diabetics is "What do I eat?". Today I share why eat fruit. There are so many things we should or shouldn't eat to get and stay healthy. Fruit is especially important and your POWER comes from understanding why. So learn why eat fruit, how much fruit and what kinds of fruits are best! Yummy!!!

So many things changed last year and we have tried to adapt. What about Telehealth? Did you try it? Did you like it? What about going forward? POWER is having a understanding of what doctors, insurance and patients feel about it now. Whatever your opinion, remember some things must be done in person!!! Take my poll and we can get an idea of what people are thinking. Have you had a Telehealth visit? Yes or No Did you like it? Yes or No

Feel Good Friday is here and there are so many heroes! To lift your spirits and make your heart smile, here are some of their stories. Our emotional health is as important as an other aspect of our complete good health. Take in the joy of admiring the heroes around us! POWER today is remembering that there are heroes all around and that we, ourselves can be one!!!

What could be the problem with salt? We know that getting too much salt/sodium is harmful to our health, but did you know that just a little can hurt you? POWER comes in understanding what salt actually does to our body. When we learn that, it is easier to cut back and get healthier. Studies show everyone can benefit from lowering their salt intake. Read the label and easy with the shaker!!!

Are you goal oriented, competitive or a great team player? Well you just might want to play games for your health! New studies show us how we can play to lose! Lose weight that is. Yes a new way for us all...and especially diabetics to achieve weight loss and improved sugar numbers. So let's have some fun and use this POWER for sure! On your mark......

Different foods offer us different benefits to our health. However, some believe that our processed foods equal disease. Learn more about our possible sugar addiction. How bad is it, do food manufacturers do it on purpose, is it killing us? Our Power comes with the understanding of how it works, categories for our foods and what to watch for to include or eliminate. We each have the ability to change our situation, improve our disease and begin the journey to healthy again!

A year ago we were all hunkered down and dreaming of getting back to normal. Now we are worried about coming out after COVID. Relax, experts say a huge number of us are feeling anxious and hesitant to get back out there. The POWER is in not judging yourself or others because we all need to proceed at the pace that is best for us. Tiptoe your way back out into society and you will be fine!!!

We often judge ourselves by the numbers. The BMI is one of those numbers and this is why BMI is outdated. This is perhaps a tool our Doctor can use but it is designed as "one size fits all" and it is not. The POWER comes in understanding this test's failings and stopping judging ourselves by what it suggests. It is just a number. not who you are!

We have all heard that a glass of red wine may be good for you or heard don't drink at all. Well, before we say cheers, here is the latest research. A new study shows maybe there is something to that glass of wine. The POWER is knowing what is shows and what may be healthy for you personally. I am not telling the party people to drink up though. So hold on and listen!

We hear all the time what to eat or not eat but not HOW to eat. Your POWER today is in learning how to eat mindfully. The practice of mindfulness has been around a long time but now it is applied to how we eat. This smart approach can help you to lose weight, get control of bad eating habits and simply make you feel better. This is all about getting and staying healthy!

I am excited to be back with you!!! I need to share my story today so that everyone remembers that we are never DONE with this disease. We can get control and we can lose control. Focus is key! The POWER comes from not relaxing but staying engaged with this disease so we know exactly what is going on within us! Monitor your sugar.... ALWAYS!!

Do you ever get so busy taking care of others that you forget yourself. Taking care of me or you is very important. We take care of ourselves everyday by eating healthy and taking our medications but there is more. Take an assessment of what is going on in your life and determine if you are really doing okay or is there something you need. POWER is in taking time for you when you need it! Give yourself permission to give yourself a break!

Most of us have asked what do I eat to be healthy. You can get all kinds of answers for sure. Here are 10 practices, choices and suggestions that can set the base for your good health. POWER comes from having easy, sustainable habits that keep you from making bad decisions. Make these 10 ideas into habits and you will be amazed at how good you feel!!!

Have you seen the new nutrition label? Some products already include the new label but the deadline is July 2021 for companies to use them. The best way for us to stay healthy is to understand the label so we can choose our foods wisely. There are changes, additions and deletions on the new label. Your POWER today is knowing what is new and what it means to your nutrition. Read the label!!!!

Today's Feel Good Friday is about heroes and money. Three everyday heroes who made a heroic choice to do the right thing! So uplifting and inspiring that you cannot help but feel good! Good health is enriched when we feel good and and feel empowered. We can all be heroes if we keep our eyes and hearts open!!! The POWER today is in knowing how others make themselves heroes and realizing that we can do it too!

Shake it up and shake it off! Stress is part of our lives and can be as simple as running late for an appointment or as difficult as experiencing trauma of some sort. Either way, our health depends on how we handle it. A new approach is shaking it off! POWER is knowing another easy, free way to address our stress! Learn how to do it! Shake up your stress!

Who are you listening to and allowing to speak in your head? Do they have a name? They should! Anxiety is real and how we deal with it makes the difference in how it affects our health. Anxiety is natural but the lions, tigers and bears are not chasing us anymore. POWER will come when we understand steps to help us manage our angst and stay healthy!

Depression is understandable these days with all that is going on. Are you depressed? It is okay to feel sad, frustrated and unhappy occasionally but if you feel hopeless for long, you may be suffering from true depression. Today's POWER is understanding depression, the symptoms, the causes, the complications and the treatments. If you are someone you care about is suffering from depression, get help now!

With the pandemic and lock down still hanging on, do you feel lonely? Are you wishing for the "old days" and longing to be out with friends again? Many of us have these feelings and are trying to cope with them....some of us daily! Power comes from a few simple steps that can help us to overcome these feelings and feel better about our life! If your feelings become more chronic and these tips do not help, please seek help and guidance!

How can we be sure that we can prepare healthy meals? We need to have healthy staples on hand. With the right long lasting ingredients, we can always come up with something nutritious for ourselves or our family. POWER is knowing what those healthy foods are that we should make sure to have around. Stock up slowly and you will be prepared to cook and enjoy!!!

Feel Good Friday Again.... they come fast! The warm feeling and good vibes cannot come fast enough! Two stories today to lighten your mood and make you smile! Smiling is an under rated health benefit. I think it is the BEST. So POWER up with a huge smile today!!!

Inflammation can lead to weight gain and lots of diseases. Some foods have been proven to fight inflammation and reduce our risks of all kinds of disease. The best anti-inflammatory foods should be part of our daily diet. We can have POWER over chronic inflammation by embracing these high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory goodies. Try to incorporate as many of these into your diet as possible. Get and stay healthy!!!

The nutrition world is full of misinformation that leads to confusion and distrust. Today we explore some top nutrition myths. Nutrition science is constantly changing and leaves us not knowing which way to go. Your POWER is in knowing and being able to separate fact from fiction so you can develop a nutritious diet that works for YOU!

So what the heck is NAFLD? Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, that's what. And, Yes, you may have or develop it even if you do not drink alcohol. Our liver is one of the most vital organs in our body and your awareness of this disease, the symptoms and understanding it is your POWER today. Type 2 Diabetics are believed to be at high risk for this and must know about this disease. Have you been checked? After listening, next time you talk to your doctor, ask about being tested. Studies show 65% of type 2 diabetes has this and is not aware! Be smart...be educated....be healthy!

Feel Good Friday is here again and I have more heroes! Such uplifting stories to share with the hope and belief that they will touch your heart and health today. The POWER is in a healthy, happy, hero kind of start to your weekend. You can be a hero too!!! Look around for your opportunity to be a lift to someone else today!!

Sleep deprivation is a global epidemic! Are you sleep deprived? Do you know how important good sleep is to your overall health? The POWER today is gaining more understanding of your sleep issues and how to correct them. Diabetics need to be especially aware of getting enough sleep! You need your rest! This is just one more piece of the puzzle that is diabetic health. Snoring is allowed!!!

There are so many components of good health and we should learn them all. The benefits of cinnamon are very surprising and especially good for diabetics! Today's POWER is in understanding what cinnamon can do for you and which cinnamon to buy! Go get some today!!!!

We all know that almond milk is healthy, right? So what is there about almond milk and the environment that you should know? Your POWER today is just that..... what you should know. I was distressed to learn some of the things in todays episode. You decide what is important to you and keep that information stored away! I am always happy to just KNOW!

Heart attacks and heart disease is one of the top killers in the USA. As diabetics, heart disease is our number one complication. So does our blood type factor into heart attacks? Diabetics need to be aware of any contributor to our health problems. Turns out that your blood type can play a role in your heart health. Today your POWER is from knowing how much more risk you may have because of this issue you cannot control! Store this away and if you are at more risk, keep an eye open for signs of heart issues!

I am feeling good on this Feel Good Friday!!! The joy and lift from stories about animals and Everyday Heroes is essential to good health! Your POWER today is having the warm feeling in your heart and and the positive impact of that on your health! Enjoy and remember that you can be an Everyday Hero too!!!

Most of us have baking soda around the house or kitchen. Do you know it goes bad? Do you know how to store it best? Baking soda is a valuable product but we need to use it correctly. Today your POWER is knowing it is probably time for a new box and why! Simple steps to good health.