When Allergies Can Become DeadlyHealth Mart 2010By Annie StuartWhen Allergies Can Become Deadly Anaphylaxis is rare. But it can be just as serious as a heart attack. This severe allergic response affects ...
Posted by Tim Vandehey
Sprains and StrainsSprains and StrainsYou stretch just a little too far for your tennis partner’s lob and. . . . down you go, right onto your wrist. Or, you don’t see the ...
Posted Feb 11, 2010 12:04 PM by Tim Vandehey
The Benefits of Managing Your WeightHealthMart 2009The Benefits of Managing Your WeightBy Annie StuartTwo out of three adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And our children are following closely ...
Posted Jan 11, 2010 9:02 AM by Tim Vandehey
Anaphylaxis is rare. But it can be just as serious as a heart attack. This severe allergic response affects the whole body. It can come on within seconds or minutes. Still, two of five people wait to seek medical help for it as shown by a survey of 58 people who landed in the E.R.
Why did these people delay? Because they thought the symptoms would go away. But this waiting game can be deadly. About 50 Americans die from insect stings and 100 from food-related allergies each year.
Half of those in the study used allergy medications to treat their symptoms. But less than a third used the only effective treatment that works quickly for anaphylaxis: epinephrine. And, this was true even though they had had a severe allergic reaction in the past and had a prescription for epinephrine. This manmade form of adrenaline works by relaxing airways and constricting blood vessels. It is available as a shot you can easily give yourself. EpiPen and Twinject are two examples.
Have you ever had a severe allergic reaction to a substance? These are signs and symptoms that you may need to have a supply of epinephrine:
Hoarseness, throat tightness, wheezing, or trouble breathing or swallowing from a swollen airway
Other symptoms – usually from two or more body systems. Examples include hives, swollen eyes or lips, runny nose, dizziness, abdominal pain or diarrhea, and confusion or anxiety
After taking epinephrine, have someone take you directly to the hospital emergency room. You may need other treatment.
What triggers these types of reactions? The most common triggers are insect stings, latex, foods, and medicines – often antibiotics. Common food triggers are:
Peanuts
Tree nuts such as walnuts and cashews
Fish or shellfish such as shrimp
Milk
Eggs
Soy
Wheat
Are you severely allergic to certain foods or medications? Once you know what you're sensitive to, be sure to read both food and medication labels carefully. Also discuss ingredients with chefs at restaurants. Sometimes it takes only a very small amount to cause a severe reaction. If you're allergic to insect stings, you can reduce your chances of getting stung. Don't wear perfume, cologne, or brightly colored clothing.
If you've ever had a severe allergic reaction, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. You will likely need epinephrine. And, I can teach you how to use it safely and with confidence. Carry it with you at all times.
When traveling, alert airlines about your life-threatening allergy. Also wear a medical alert bracelet or neck tag. And, carry a document with signs and symptoms of your allergy and instructions about treatment. If your child is the one with the severe allergy, be sure to share an emergency action plan with childcare providers and teachers.
You stretch just a little too far for your tennis partner’s lob and. . . . down you go, right onto your wrist. Or, you don’t see the edge of the curb and step down really hard, twisting your ankle. Yikes! Did you break a bone? Or is it simply a sprain or strain? How can you know for sure?
A sprain occurs when you force a joint out of its normal position, stretching or tearing a ligament. This is fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone at your joints. Ankles are the site of more than 25,000 sprains in the U.S. each day. The telltale signs of a sprain are pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble moving the injured joint. You might also hear a pop or tear during the injury.
A strain, on the other hand, involves stretched or torn muscles or tendons, which are fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Strains can happen suddenly from twisting or pulling or from overuse over time. Your back and the back of your thigh are two common sites of strains. Symptoms are similar to those of sprains: pain, muscle spasm, swelling, or trouble moving an injured joint.
How can you know whether to see a doctor or try self-care? Don’t put off a trip to your doctor if you have any of these signs or symptoms:
A popping sound at the time of injury
Severe pain, or pain, swelling, or redness over a bony part
Joint numbness
Lumps or bumps around the joint
Trouble moving the joint or bearing weight
Repeated injury to a joint
If you have a severe sprain, your doctor may recommend a brace or hard cast to protect tissues while they’re healing. In some cases, surgery is needed. In most cases, though, self-care fits the bill. During the first 48 hours, remember P.R.I.C.E:
Protect. If needed, protect the joint with crutches or splints.
Rest. Don’t avoid all activity, but rest the injured area.
Ice. Do this for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times daily. Use a cold pack, bag of peas, or crushed ice wrapped inside a thin towel.
Compress. Elastic wraps or bandages can do the trick. If needed, ask me for guidance on these products.
Elevate. Keep the injured joint above the level of your heart as much as possible.
In addition, you may need nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), such as aspirin or ibuprofen to decrease pain and swelling.
After the first couple of days, begin gently using the injured area. Gentle exercises may help reduce stiffness, and improve flexibility and strength. Swimming or aquatic workouts may be great options while you heal. Ask your health care provider when it’s safe to return to sports.
Remember: you can prevent most strains and sprains by stretching daily, warming up before exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening any weak muscles, and wearing supportive shoes.
Two out of three adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese. And our children are following closely in our footsteps. It’s a recipe for a public health disaster with ripple effects felt far and wide. It’s easy to see why weight gain has become epidemic: Cheap junk food, everywhere you turn. Technological innovations that make it possible to rarely lift a finger. Car-dependent suburbs. Busy schedules.
Yes, the decks may seem stacked against you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take charge and make a change. And, in many cases, a little weight loss goes a verylong way. Did you know that losing weight can greatly improve survival for many obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer?
Consider this:
Even losing as little as 5 to 10 pounds can lower blood pressure.
People at risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease with weight loss and extra activity. If you already have the disease, losing as little as 10 to 15 pounds can lower blood sugar levels, making it possible to use less medicine.
A 10 percent weight loss results in improved sleep and reduced daytime sleepiness for people with obstructive sleep apnea (a sleep disorder).
People with asthma (a chronic lung disease) who lost an average of 30 pounds over a year experienced improved lung function, fewer asthma episodes, and better overall health.
Whether achieved through diet or exercise, moderate weight loss in healthy but overweight middle-aged adults restored the heart’s elasticity right away.
And, that’s not all. Weight loss also reduces levels of blood fats and stress on joints. You can move and breathe easier and have more energy to do all the things you love to do. 3
Do you need to lose weight? If so, what are the “damages?” Search online for the term body mass index (BMI) and you’ll find several places to calculate your BMI. These calculators compare your height and weight, and indicate whether you are underweight, overweight, or at a healthy weight.
If you need to shed some pounds, the formula is simple: the calories you burn must equal the calories you eat. A few steps in the right direction? Eat smaller portions, choose low-fat and low-calorie foods, and avoid sugary drinks. Also add activity to your day, whenever you can: walk during your lunch hour; grab a game of ping-pong with your kids; take the stairs, not the elevator.
Simple? Yes. Easy? Rarely. But here are a few strategies that may help:
Set realistic goals – don’t try to do too much too fast. For example, start by adding an extra serving of vegetables each day or 30 minutes of extra exercise each week. Make this a habit, and then move on to another change.
Avoid diets, but make rules you can live with. For example, don’t eliminate treats altogether, but limit them to once a week.
Stock up on healthier foods and keep tempting ones out of the house as much as you can.
Serve food on smaller plates and bowls.
Weigh yourself at least once a week.
Find an exercise partner for support.
Do you want to know more about over-the-counter or prescription weight-loss products? Are you taking medications that might cause weight gain? Our pharmacist staff can help answer your questions. For more information, visit www.healthmart.com and click on “Health and Wellness.” In the Wellness Library, you’ll find many articles about weight control.
posted Dec 14, 2009 10:29 AM by Tim Vandehey
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updated Dec 14, 2009 10:33 AM
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HealthMart 2009
Prostate Cancer Screening
If you’re a man pushing 50 or 60, its possible your prostate is starting to make its presence known. Part of the male reproductive system, this chestnut-sized gland surrounds the urethra, a canal that empties the bladder. That’s why an enlarged prostate often leads to some mighty annoying urinary problems.
As men age, both benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer are more likely to occur. What can you do to catch prostate cancer early? Digital rectal exams (DREs) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests can detect cancer in men without symptoms. But the jury is still out on how early and how often men should have these tests. Two recent large studies indicate that PSA tests save few lives and lead to unnecessary tests and treatment for many men.
DRE involves the doctor inserting a gloved finger into the rectum and feeling the prostate gland through the rectal wall. The PSA test measures blood levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. The higher the PSA levels, the more likely cancer is present. Although PSA can be what’s called a tumor marker, increased levels can also be due to other factors.
These are some of the limitations of the PSA test:
It may detect small tumors that grow slowly and don’t threaten your life.
It may not make a difference with fast or aggressive tumors.
It may produce false positive test results, resulting in unnecessary tests and procedures.
It may produce false negative test results, giving you a false sense of security.
TheU.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reviewed the benefits and problems associated with prostate cancer screening. Here’s the conclusion they drew: For men 75 and younger, more evidence is needed before recommending screening. As for those 75 and older? The USPSTF found few benefits. However, those with a life expectancy of more than 10 years might still benefit from testing.
At this time, the American Cancer Society (ACS) doesn’t recommend routine PSA testing. That’s because it’s not yet clear whether it saves lives or whether its benefits outweigh the risks. The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that you discuss the benefits and limitations of these tests with your doctor. Then your doctor may offer yearly PSA blood tests and DREs starting:
At age 50 for men at average risk of prostate cancer and with at least a ten-year life expectancy
At age 45 for men at high risk of developing prostate cancer (This includes African American men and those with a father, brother, or son who was diagnosed with prostate cancer younger than age 65.)
At age 40 for men at even higher risk – those with several close relatives who were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age5
Discuss any abnormal results with your doctor. You might need other tests, such as urine tests, imaging tests, or a biopsy, to confirm whether or not you have cancer.1
As always, don’t hesitate to ask our pharmacy staff about any questions you have. You can also find more information at www.healthmart.com/.
posted Nov 10, 2009 10:21 AM by Tim Vandehey
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updated Nov 10, 2009 10:22 AM
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HealthMart 2009
Signs of Depression
You’re not just down in the dumps. You’re not simply singin’ the blues. Depression is no laughing matter (although laughing might make you feel better). A disorder of the brain, depression is similar to other chronic diseases: If left untreated, it can last a long time, making it hard to enjoy – or simply do – your day-to-day activities.
Somewhere around 20 million Americans suffer from depression. It can begin at any age. If you or a loved one is depressed, these signs and symptoms may sound familiar:
Sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings that last
Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Irritability or restlessness
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, including sex
Fatigue
Trouble concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Overeating or losing your appetite
Thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that don’t go away, even with treatment
No single culprit has a corner on depression. Depression can run in families, for example. And, people with pessimistic or dependent personalities may be more vulnerable. Trauma or a major illness, loss of a loved one, a poor relationship, or major stress can also trigger it. Some medications may contribute, especially if you’ve taken them for a long time. If you suspect one of your medications, you can discuss this with our pharmacy staff.
Women and men tend to experience depression differently. Twice as many women as men are diagnosed. But this number could be skewed because women are more likely to seek treatment. Life cycles and hormones can contribute to depression in women. For example, women may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Or they may have depression following pregnancy or heading into menopause. Women tend to talk more openly about their feelings of despair, for instance, while men may simply report changes in energy or interests. Men may display risky behaviors or workaholism. Men are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs, becoming irritable and angry, sometimes even abusive. Although more women attempt suicide than men, men are successful more often.
Are you or a loved one experiencing depression? Know that treatment can be very effective. Often the best approach is a combination of medication and talk therapy. This can leave you feeling much better soon. But know that it can take up to 12 weeks to experience the full benefits of antidepressants. The most commonly prescribed ones are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa. If they are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe others. Our pharmacy staff can explain their pros and cons.
Researchers are continually uncovering other promising approaches for treating depression. Though not thoroughly studied just yet, brain stimulation and complementary treatments such as St. John’s wort, SAM-e, and Omega-3 fatty acids help some people. Consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
Does the phrase “breast cancer” strike fear in your heart? If so, maybe it’s because you’ve lost a loved one to the disease. Or, it could be that you worry what might lie ahead if you need breast cancer treatment. Or, possibly you’ve read these statistics: for American women, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
These can be scary thoughts. Fortunately mammography, which uses low-dose x-rays to examine the breasts, can help find breast cancer early – when it’s most successfully treated. Did you know that mammograms can help detect breast cancer up to two years before either you or your doctor could feel any breast changes?2That’s a pretty powerful screening tool. Newer advances, such as digital mammography and computer-aided detection, enhance its effectiveness even more.
With early detection, you also have a greater range of treatment options available. Chances are the surgery and other therapies you might need would be less aggressive. Best of all, of course, your risk of dying is lowered when breast cancer is caught early.
It’s important to also know that mammograms have limitations. They can’t detect all breast cancers. Even when a cancer is detected, prognosis can still be poor. And sometimes mammograms indicate cancer where it doesn’t exist, prompting unnecessary tests and procedures.
The best time to schedule a mammogram is for the week following your period when your breasts are less tender. That’s because compression is needed to get clear images and check for any abnormalities. Just remember – the test is brief! Don’t forget to inform the mammography technician about any breast changes you have noticed and if there’s a chance you might be pregnant. Also, ask when you can expect to receive your results.
In addition to mammography, you can take other steps to catch breast cancer early. For example, it’s a good idea to get know how your breasts normally feel. Report any breast changes right away to your health care providers. Starting in your 20s, you can begin doing breast self-exam (BSE). However, the American Cancer Society (ACS) no longer recommends monthly BSE. A review of studies showed that BSE doesn’t reduce deaths from breast cancer and it doubles the number of unnecessary breast biopsies (a surgical procedure to remove and examine tissue). If you do BSE, have your doctor instruct you.
Even if you’re young, share with your doctor any family history of breast or ovarian cancer in relatives on either side of your family. That’s important because screening guidelines differ for women at higher risk.
Here’s what the American Cancer Society recommends:
Yearly mammograms, starting at age 40 and for as long as you are in good health
Clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of health exams – about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and older
Yearly mammograms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – which uses magnetic signals to create images – for women at high risk. (Factors that increase your risk include a family history of breast cancer, genetic susceptibility, or previous chest radiation treatment for Hodgkin disease.)1
Talk with your doctor about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to your yearly mammogram if your risk is considered moderately increased.
By now, you’ve heard a great deal about the 2009 H1N1 flu. Although this influenza has become a pandemic, it’s no time to panic. Are you a little unclear about how this flu is different than seasonal flu? Do you want to know how to protect yourself and your family? Here’s what you need to know.
H1N1 was originally called swine flu because it was similar to viruses that spread between pigs – yes, pigs get the flu, too. The virus changed so it was able to infect people, and spread quickly from person to person. Now we know that H1N1 virus has a combination of genes from pig, human, and bird flu viruses. In June, H1N1 became a pandemic. It began causing illness in several parts of the world.
Although 2009 H1N1 is a new type of flu, it causes many of the same symptoms as regular seasonal flu. If you get H1N1, you’re likely to have at least two flu symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills, fatigue, and fever of 100 degrees or more. Sound familiar? You may also experience diarrhea and vomiting.
Because this flu is so similar to regular flu, you may not be able to tell the difference between them. So what should you do if you get sick? First of all, stay home unless you need medical care! To prevent its spread, you need to stay home until at least 24 hours after your untreated fever is gone.
Prescription antiviral medications may be given to those who are at highest risk. Seek immediate medical care if you develop severe flu symptoms or if you become ill and are part of a group at higher risk for complications. This includes children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart or kidney disease, depressed immune systems, or neurological disorders. People over 65 are usually at higher risk with seasonal flu. So far, though, they have been less hard hit by H1N1 than younger people. This could be because they have acquired some immunity against this strain of flu.
Regardless of age or risk group, however, seek emergency care if any of the following warning signs appear.
In a child:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Severe vomiting or vomiting that lasts
Not drinking enough
Not waking up or interacting
Extreme irritability
Flu symptoms that improve, then return with fever and severe cough
In an adult:
Trouble breathing and shortness of breath
Chest or abdominal pain or pressure
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe vomiting or vomiting that lasts
Flu symptoms that improve, then return with a fever and severe cough
To prevent getting H1N1, get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially if you are part of a high-risk group. The virus is spread mainly through coughing and sneezing. Or you may get it by touching something that contains the virus, then touching your mouth or nose. So these steps can also help prevent its spread:
Wash your hands often with soap and water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand cleaner or gel sanitizer. If using a gel, rub your hands until they become dry.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with your hands.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or shirtsleeve. Then throw tissues in the trash.
Keep surfaces clean with a household disinfectant.
Avoid crowded places or contact with sick people as much as you can.
Stay home if you show signs of illness.
Think about what you might need if you get sick. Store extra food and water. Come to the pharmacy and get a supply of tissues, over-the-counter medications, hand sanitizers, and other supplies. This way, you won’t need to make trips when you’re sick. Come talk to me about any of your concerns, including ways you can get your prescriptions filled if you’re ill. Or, if you’re sick and have questions, don’t hesitate calling or emailing your doctor or me.
posted Aug 11, 2009 1:13 PM by Tim Vandehey
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updated Aug 11, 2009 1:19 PM
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Health Mart Wellness Column September 2009
Back-to-school health checklist
The first day of school. . . ah, yes. The smell of new shoes and freshly sharpened pencils. It’s an exciting time. But have you done all you can to prepare your child? Be sure to add this health checklist to your back-to-school to-do list.
Get to the point. Ask your child’s pediatrician which shots your child needs before starting school. Or go to the website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (www.aap.org) to find an up-to-date list of the vaccinations recommended at different ages. Know that legal requirements vary from state to state.
Back off. Ever seen kids saddled with backpacks so full that they look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame? Not funny. Heavy backpacks can cause neck, shoulder, and back pain – and possibly longer-term problems. Make sure your child’s backpack doesn’t weigh more than 20 percent of his or her body weight. To ease your child’s load, look for lightweight or rolling backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps, padded backs, and waist straps for added support.
Learn to share (information). Make sure to provide the school with an up-to-date list of contacts. List people in the order they should be called, such as mother, father, aunt, and friend. Include your child’s doctor and dentist, too.
Give a list of any medications your child takes to the school nurse or secretary. Supply medication your child needs at school in a clearly marked pharmacy bottle. Provide instructions on how to take it and what to do in an emergency.
Does your child have asthma? Share your child’s asthma action plan with your child’s teachers and coaches as well as the school nurse and front office administrators. This action plan includes details about symptoms, medications, any limitations on activities, and what to do if prescribed medication doesn’t work.
If you suspect your child might have a learning disability, discuss this with your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Testing can confirm this and identify any steps you and the school can take to help your child succeed in school.
Listen up and watch out. Have you noticed your child pressing a book close to her face or turning up the volume when watching television? But if you suspect a problem, talk with your pediatrician right away. Luckily, some states also include hearing and vision testing as part of preschool and elementary school screening. Without a test, though, you can’t always tell your child is having trouble. Some children even try to fake out their parents! As you know, hearing or vision loss can lead to big challenges learning in school, so uncovering these problems is important. If your child needs glasses and plays sports, go for polycarbonate sports frames and lenses.
Fuel ‘em up. Food and rest are essential fora productive day at school. Help your child make the transition to school by gradually easing into an earlier bedtime. Then make sure your child is getting at least eight to 10 hours of sleep a day. Make breakfast a habit – kids who eat breakfast stay more alert in class.
Help your child take a “chill pill.” Do you have a child who is anxious in new situations? Who dreads the first day of school? You can help. Have your child meet the teacher and visit the classroom before school starts. Talk through what to expect. And have everything ready to go the night before school starts. Rushing around on the first day of school is a recipe for disaster.
Have questions? Need supplies? Just stop by our store for help
posted Jul 13, 2009 9:20 AM by Tim Vandehey
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updated Jul 13, 2009 9:41 AM
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OTC Medications and Kids
Giving drugstore medications to your child is no big deal, right? Well, it shouldn’t be... as long as you use them the right way. But just because a medication is sold over the counter doesn’t mean it comes with a risk-free guarantee.
If you’re like many parents, though, there’s probably been a time or two when you’ve fudged the dose or lost track of how much you’ve given. Maybe you lucked out and nothing horrible happened. That’s great, but why tempt fate?
If your child has ever had a bad reaction to an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, stop giving the medication right away. Tell the doctor and pharmacy staff about it. Keep a record of its name, dosage directions, the illness it was used for, and the side effects it caused.
How can you lower your child’s risk? For starters, remember to keep all medications out of reach of children. Also, make sure you’re using the right product for your child’s symptoms. We can advise you. Describe symptoms to your child’s doctor or our pharmacy staff. Also, tell us your child’s age, weight, medical conditions, and any medications your child is taking now or has in the past.
Here are some general guidelines that may also help.
Which ones?
Don’t give your child any medications that are intended for infants or adults.
Only use products that treat the symptoms your child has.
Don’t ever give OTC medicine to children to make them sleepy.
Give acetaminophen for pain relief.
Avoid ibuprofen if your child is younger than 6 months old.
Do not give decongestants, cough medicines, and cold medicines if your child is younger than age four. These medicines have caused serious side effects — even deaths — in this age group. For example, a recent study showed that Vicks VapoRub may cause inflammation of airways in infants and toddlers.
Don’t give aspirin to children under age 18. Children and teens are at risk for a reaction to aspirin that can cause permanent brain injury!
How much?
Getting the right dose is very important. Read labels and follow directions closely. Compare medications if you’re giving your child more than one. Cold and cough medications, for example, may have some of the same ingredients. Or, they may have ingredients that produce the same results, such as lowering fever. If you’re not careful, you could double a dose. Did you know that an overdose of acetaminophen could lead to permanent liver damage? No small matter.
Here are some other tips for getting the right dosage:
Use your child’s weight, not age, to determine dosage. Don’t guess, weigh your child.
Use the measuring device that came with the product.
Don’t use kitchen spoons. They come in different sizes.
If you’re using a measuring cup, put it on a flat surface, then pour.
Bring us your measuring devices and we can show you the difference between a mL and a teaspoon.
Remember: more is not better — be precise with measurements.
When?
Do you have a hard time keeping track of how much medicine you’ve given your child? Try keeping a simple log or write it on a kitchen calendar. In general, “every six hours” means that you give the medicine to your child four times a day. For example, give the medicine at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. You don’t need to wake your child to give medicine.
SOURCES
HealthDay Web site. “Vicks VapoRub Linked to Infant Breathing Problems.”
Diabetes is no stranger to many children. A life-long disease causing high levels of blood sugar, diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions in children and teens.1 Recent evidence suggests that a common family of viruses may help trigger diabetes, especially in children.2 Sadly, diabetes is becoming familiar to an increasing number of children. The nation’s largest study of diabetes in young people found diabetes is on the rise in every racial and ethnic group studied.3
What exactly is diabetes?
Often called juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system goes a little haywire. It mistakenly destroys pancreas cells that make insulin, a hormone that normally helps the body make energy from food. People with this type of diabetes must take daily injections of insulin for life.2
With type 2 diabetes, the pancreas cells still produce insulin, but they don’t work the way they should. This type was formerly known as adult-onset diabetes because it mainly occurs in adults 40 and older.1 Now it is showing up in more and more children. Lifestyles that favor junk food and video games over exercise and healthy food choices may be a big part of the problem. Children or teens most at risk are overweight or obese and have a family history of the disease. American Indians, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are also at increased risk.4
Type 2 diabetes may be hard to detect in children. That’s because they don’t always have symptoms.1 Once diagnosed with blood tests, though, diabetes is often well managed with weight loss, exercise, and changes in diet.1
When symptoms of diabetes do appear, they may include:
Frequent peeing
Extreme hunger or thirst
Unusual weight loss
Increased physical or mental fatigue
Irritability, jitteriness, or moodiness
Blurry vision5
So what’s the big deal about diabetes? What damage can it cause? Left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as:
Nerve damage
Damage to the eyes, which can cause blindness
Kidney disease
Heart disease5
Doctors once thought these complications were unavoidable. Today, we know that controlling blood sugar can reduce or prevent them altogether.5Doing this well does involve some big changes for your child – and possibly the whole family. And getting your child or teen on board at first may be tough. But you can do it!
To begin, you must check your child’s blood sugar often and keep accurate records. If your child takes insulin, you’re likely to check about four times a day, but you must test with either type of diabetes. It’s the only way to know what blood sugar levels are. You may need to do this more often on certain days, such as when your child is sick.5 Remember that our pharmacy staff can help answer your questions about these tests.
Managing diabetes well also involves exercise and meal planning. Your child will likely need to change what and when she or he eats. For example, healthy food choices require a careful balance and correct portion sizes of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. And, it’s important for your child to eat meals and snacks timed around insulin peaks. Sound complicated? With time, both you and your child can master these lifestyle changes. And, you can do it without depriving your child or teen of sleepovers, family vacations, extracurricular activities, and fun with friends.
