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Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that is first recognized during pregnancy. About 7 percent of all pregnant women in the U.S. are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Most women who have gestational diabetes give birth to healthy babies, especially when they control their blood sugar, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and keep a healthy weight.

Diagnosis

A glucose screening test is usually performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, which involves drinking a glucose drink followed by measurement of glucose levels after a one-hour interval.
If this test shows an increased blood sugar level, another test will be performed after a few days of following a special diet. The second test also involves drinking a glucose drink, and results are measured at three-hour intervals.

Causes

As the pregnancy progresses, the mothers energy needs increase. Coupled with this, the placenta produces hormones that help the baby grow and develop. These hormones also block the action of the mothers insulin. This is called insulin resistance. The pregnant woman needs extra insulin so the glucose can get from the blood into the cells where it is used for energy. From about 24 weeks, insulin needs in pregnancy can be two or three times higher than normally required. If the body is unable to meet this requirement, then diabetes develops. When the pregnancy is over and the insulin needs return to normal, the diabetes usually disappears.

Symptoms

Generally, gestational diabetes does not cause any symptoms. Subtle signs, such as fatigue or excessive thirst and urination, may sometimes occur, but many women without gestational diabetes also experience these changes late in pregnancy. Because the condition cannot be diagnosed on the basis of the mothers symptoms, glucose testing must be done to detect it.

Cure and Treatment

The cure for gestational diabetes is the cessation of those hormones that block it. This only happens when the patient gives birth, which may be several weeks from the time it was detected. Women who are predisposed should be checked early for their levels of glucose, lest they be affected by gestational diabetes. If you are diagnosed to have gestational diabetes, you are advised to lower down your blood glucose levels by eating a healthy diet. This means that the carbohydrates that you eat should be limited to be able to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Exercise is also suggested as part of the daily routine to lower blood sugar although it is not recommended in high risk pregnancies. The glucose levels in the blood should be monitored at least three times a day, after every meal. For those taking insulin, they also have to test themselves before meals to be able to keep blood glucose levels normal.

A cure for Diabetes has not been found yet. However, it can be controlled. Ways to control diabetes are: maintaining blood glucose levels, blood fat levels and weight. Controlling diabetes is very important and should be supervised by a medical doctor. When diabetes is controlled, it will help prevent serious complications such as: infections, kidney damage, eye damage, nerve damage to feet and heart disease.

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Mental illness is a mysterious condition in our world. As more information is found about mental disabilities, the more mysterious they become. Recently more research has shown worse news for those with mental illness. According to the National Council Fact Sheet, mental illness may be linked to a premature death for some. Those with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major clinical depression seem to die, on average, 25 years earlier than normal.

The cause of these premature deaths is yet unknown, but there are certain conditions that may point to an answer. For example, sixty percent of the premature deaths of those with schizophrenia involved cardiovascular conditions or pulmonary and infectious diseases. The linkage of mental illness and premature death is made worse by those with serious mental illness having less access to treatment for physical health conditions.

However, there is still work that can be done to aid with the problem of premature death of those with serious mental illnesses. Policy makers can provide assistance by creating programs that make more resources available to help give those with mental illnesses access to better physical healthcare. One example of such as policy change would be to require those providing public mental health to assess the mental and physical health of a patient.

Louisiana and Missouri have taken strides by financing the linking of mental and physical health treatment. Funding has gone to promote integrated healthcare between mental health and primary care providers in the states. Other state legislatures should follow in step by creating a link between public healthcare and mental healthcare. This would require the creation of new infrastructure in both industries.

Besides creating policy changes, the premature death of the mentally ill can be curbed through management of mental diseases. Although treatment for such diseases may not be possible, carefully monitoring may aid in catching problems leading to premature death. Typical medical care is not adequate for such instances and sometimes misses the needs of mentally ill patients.

To manage mental illnesses, planned care needs to be provided. This may require reorganizing provider roles and common practices in order to focus on new problem areas. Also, patients should be encouraged to manage their own disease. This would require careful training and easier access to those trained in monitoring mental illness.

One way to acquire the above goals is to implement a disease management program or DM program. These programs aid those with persistent medical problems and provide greater quality with lower cost. In these programs, patients are given education on self management and healthcare is coordinate across the spectrum. The adoption of DM has been encouraged by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and is currently used for asthma, diabetes, hypertension and other chronic medical conditions. The implementation of such a practice to those with mental illnesses is not a far step.

Dealing daily with a mental illness is enough of a struggle for patients and families without the addition of linking early death to mental illness. The research and prevention of this problem is crucial and hinges on changes in policy and practice. These policy changes will aid in helping researchers find the links between mental illness and premature death. The method used to find these links will not only improve the physical health of the mentally ill but will, in the case of DM programs, also give them the ability to manage the disease that plagues them daily.

The author is the Director of Marketing and Communications at The National Council. The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) association. For more information, visit http://www.thenationalcouncil.org.

Infectious diseases have always been afflicting humankind since, well, humans existed. These infectious organisms are not always winning the battle.

All of them have one thing in common - not all their victims succumb to their morbid or lethal effects. In fact humans always strive to eliminate these insidious agents and we have actually been successful in eradicating smallpox from the face of the Earth.

Our next target is the stamping out of polio. Both these diseases are caused by viruses and only with the aid of vaccines can we eliminate these agents.

A disease can only be eliminated with vaccines if the infecting agent circulates among humans exclusively. If it is infects other animals it is impossible to vaccinate these animals therefore we can never attain eradication.

Unfortunately, hepatitis C is not an infectious disease for which a vaccine is available, yet. This means that we will have to learn how to live with hepatitis C without yielding to it.

Hepatitis C is considered a lifestyle disease so we can prevent being infected by practicing a safe lifestyle. What do we need to take heed of to prevent being infected? Here is a list of points to be conscious of while going about our daily chores to prevent from being infected ourselves:

- Use screened blood if transfusion is needed
- Wear rubber gloves is you are a health care provider and get trained on how to handle hepatitis C patients
- Do not share instruments e.g., syringes, toothbrush and razor blade
- Take precautions against contact with someone else’s blood
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Being infected with either or both of these other hepatitis diseases will increase the chances of hepatitis C infection.

What about if you already have hepatitis C and do not want to infect others? Here are some things that a hepatitis C patient should practice.
- Modify your diet. Some food types are unsuitable as they tax the liver excessively
- Abstain from alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid anal sex or any sexual acts that could cause exchange of blood
- Avoid multiple sexual partners
- Avoid body piercing, tattooing and acupuncture so as to prevent further transmission
- Discuss with your dentist your situation before your appointment

Can hepatitis c be sured or is it a curse for life? The good news is that with recent advances in research a cure has been discovered. However these treatment regimens and cure is limited only to serotype 1, which is the most common. Serotype 2 and 3 patients unfortunately have no recourse to curative medication yet.

There is a seventy percent probability that hepatitis C patients can be cured with the use of a cocktail of drugs. It involves a weekly injection and a twice-a-day regime of tablets for between 24 to 48 weeks. This combination therapy is not recommended for the following groups of people:
- Those with depression
- Alcoholics
- Pregnant women
- Untreated thyroid diseases
- Those with kidney and heart conditions

Although such treatment exist to cure hepatitis C sufferers, it is often a herculean task tolerating the drugs. Many patients undergo even depression as a result of the treatment.

James T Pereira provides more information on hepatitis C including signs, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, myths and facts, treatment options and prevention techniques at http://www.hepatitisc.jamestpereira.com

Benzene poisoning has emerged as a disquieting issue, especially in those working in oil and petroleum refineries. But, the fact is that benzene has developed its roots in our houses and is weaving a net around us with products like cigarettes and soft drinks. The human health has found an enemy in the form of benzene, which may cause cancer and sudden deaths in humans.

The poisonous effects of benzene are most prevalent in children as compared to adults and thus, every individual in this world must know this fact to save the future generation on this planet.

What Harm May Benzene Cause

Benzene inhalation may lead to a number of serious disorders, which are enough in destroying the health standards of people, especially young children. Here are most prominent health threats posed by the chemical:

* Leukemia is the most serious situation developed in human body due to consumption of foods containing benzene or due to the regular habit of smoking.

* Anemia results from damage caused by benzene to the bone marrow, due to which this critical part of human body becomes inefficient in forming new blood cells to fill the space of lost ones.

* The lymphatic system of human body is affected by the consumption of benzene and lead to serious conditions like Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

* Apart from these serious conditions, benzene entry in the human body may lead to obesity and weight gain in children. However, these mild problems are like trailers for the big serious health issues.

* In case of children drinking excess of soft drinks everyday, the benzene present in these soft drinks may enter their body, only to result in stunted growth.

* Also, the presence of benzene inside human body may cause different side-effects like skin problems, irritation in eyes, nose and throat, along with headache, vomiting, reproduction disorders and other similar problems.

* Benzene is also capable of intervening the functioning of DNA in human body, thus leading to destruction in various cells.

* As a last resort, benzene may lead to sudden death and other critical situations like coma.

What Is Your Responsibility as Parents

Do you belong to the category of responsible parents? Then, you must make it sure that you check the eating habits of your children. Though soft drink companies have been strictly instructed to restrict the usage of benzene in the drinks, still you must have the verification done about a particular company launching its new drink range in the market.

Also, you must prohibit the entrance of bad habits like smoking in the life of your child. Cigarette smoke is another culprit for introducing benzene in body. In fact, the inhalation of this smoke may quickly lead to death in case of children. Thus, you must put a barrier for benzene poisoning through any of these sources.

More than anything else, one may take assistance from benzene lawyers to fight against victimization caused by benzene poisoning to a family member of your. By doing so, you can sow the seeds for a healthy living, which is free from harmful chemicals like benzene.

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Before the cold sores develop, you will begin to feel the tingling sensation. Sometimes, burning and itching can be felt too. Gradually a number of tiny blisters will begin to form. Then all these tiny blisters will develop as one large blister which can be painful. You may be tempted to poke it but it is not advisable to do so. Once it is broken, the healing period will increase. At this stage, everyone is searching for cold sore remedies in the hope of relief and prevention of future outbreaks.

1. You can start by including lysine into your diet. Lysine is one of the amino acids that has shown its effectiveness to stop the vital infection. Studies demonstrated that by taking lysine, your sores can be healed within four days. You can eat foods that contains plenty of lysine such as eggs, almonds, legumes, peanuts, meat, eggs, dairy products, and vegetables. If you are worried that you are not getting enough lysine, you can buy supplements which are easily available in any health store. Make sure every day you have at least 2,000 mg of lysine in order to reduce the outbreaks.

2. Lemon balm is a botanical plant that has a lemony scent. It has antiviral properties which can help in soothing the itching, tingling and burning sensations of fever blisters. There are various methods to use it as a remedy. Tea brewing is one of them where you dab the tea on the sore. Some prefer to drink it as a beverage.

3. The anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties of St. John’s Wort has made this plant as an excellent treatment for different kinds of skin wounds. It is usually extracted and sold as an essential. Just apply it on the blisters. You should see almost instant result. However, it is a very potent solution and don’t use more than two drops at a time.

4. Aloe vera is widely used by people for centuries in treating skin diseases. As a natural treatment, it is effective in treating cold sores by accelerating the process of healing. Use it on the sore three times a day.

5. Tea tree oil is another traditional therapy for wounds. It can increase your ability to heal. Just add a drop on the affected area several times a day. You may also gargle with a solution of water and a few drops of tea tree oil.

6. Ice cube is another cold sore remedy which is easily done at home. Put a cube of ice on the sore for between 15 and 20 minutes several times a day. By bringing down the temperature around the infected area, the virus will not spread further. Furthermore, the pain is reduced as the area is numbed due to the coldness of the ice. This method is best when the tingling sensation starts to set in.

Beside the discomfort of cold sores, you may feel embarrassed during social times. These cold sore remedies are not able to cure your condition but they are effective in easing the pain and reduce the time taken for the wounds to heal.

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Once a patient is diagnosed as having diabetes, their world suddenly changes. Now they must monitor their glucose before meals and at bedtime, they must watch the sugars that they consume and be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and know what actions to take. This is a lot of information to process for a diabetic of any age. Type 1 diabetics tend to develop diabetes during adolescence.

Type 1 indicates that they are dependent upon insulin to control their blood sugar. Type II diabetics usually develop diabetes later on in life and they are prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents to control their blood sugar. A healthy diet can make a positive impact on the diabetic’s life expectancy. Knowing what foods to eat and what foods to avoid is the cornerstone of managing diabetes, as well as tight glycemic control. Therefore nutritional intervention is the responsibility of the nurse, to help promote the health and well being of the patient. Nutritional recommendations for diabetic’s is similar to that of the National Cholesterol Education Program.

In the diabetic patient, their production of insulin (a necessary enzyme produced by the beta cells on the Islets of Langerhan within the pancreas) is insufficient. In type I diabetes, insulin deficit occurs at an early age, whereas in type II diabetes this insulin deficiency takes years to deplete. Lack of insulin allows proliferation of large amounts of glucose to travel freely throughout the blood stream. Insulin administered subcutaneously or via pill form, helps to move glucose from the blood stream back into the cells.

Levels of normal blood glucose levels range from 70 -120 mg/dl, although some literature suggests levels up to 145mg/dl as normal. Excessive amounts of glucose in the blood stream can cause numerous health problems. Diabetes has been directly related to some of the following illnesses; kidney disease, high blood pressure, peripheral neuropathy, glaucoma and heart disease. Therefore it is essential for the diabetic patient to have a good understanding of the foods that will benefit them.

Recommendations include choosing carbohydrates from grains, fruit and vegetables. Consistency of carbohydrates eaten regularly for snack and at meal time is a crucial factor in glycemic control, more than the type of carbohydrate eaten. Diabetics who receive either insulin or Lantus (a long lasting insulin) at night should be instructed to eat a snack in the middle of the night to prevent a dramatic drop in blood sugar in the dawn hours.

Hypoglycemia can be just a dangerous as hyperglycemia. The signs and symptoms of each state mimic the other. The rule of thumb is to treat the onset of either with a source of fast acting glucose source, such as a hard candy or fruit juice, and then check the blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia can cause a coma. The brain is the only organ in the body that utilizes pure glucose. Therefore, by depleting the brains only source of food, the brain will cease to function. So, it is better to treat with fast acting sugar first. This is not going to raise the blood sugar appreciably if the blood sugar is already high. However, if the persons blood sugar is very low, then the addition of a fast acting sugar can save their life immediately.

Of course, in a hospital setting, the nurse would immediately check the client’s blood sugar with a glucometer. Sucrose can replace starch without effecting blood sugar levels dramatically. The client should make a list of the foods that they are used to eating on a regular basis and with the help of the nurse re-structure their diet with choices from the food pyramid. Allow the client to choose the foods that they want to substitute. This is going to be their life diet, and it is very important that they be the one to structure how and what they eat.

The patient should verbalize the benefits of the foods and what type of sugar source the foods represent. Once the patient can express their dietary plan, and the type of foods that are beneficial as opposed to those foods that are merely empty calories, the patient will feel encouraged and become more involved in their blood glucose monitoring.

References: Dudek, Susan G., Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice 5th Ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, copyright 2006

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