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Understandingthe DIABETIC FOOT

Whatis DIABETES?

Top 10 HandyTOOLS to controlYour Diabetes

Premier Issue - Diabetes

Crossword Puzzle & Brain Teasers

Savings Coupons

Understand what complications may occur to the diabetic foot.

Things that help make life a little easier.

(See Ad on Page 5)

Page 13

Vol.1 Issue 1 Local Medical Services and Information

4325 N. 23rd StreetMcAllen, Texas 78504

(956) 664-9475

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Telephone: (956) 994-1837Toll Free: 1-877-383-1729

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As therapists we recognize your child’s uniqueness and

encourage this individuality and give the opportunity

to express their creativity through words & actions. We

also encourage parental involvement during treatment to

facilitate better rehabilitation. This creates a stress free

learning environment and benefits the child’s progress at

home & community where it makes a bigger impact in your

Kids’Role in life.

Visit us online: www.kidatric.com

Our Proffessionals at Kidiatric offer:Speech Language Pathology

Occupational TherapyPhysical Therapy

Social ServicesNutritional Services

Three Locations Throughout the Valley:

505 Angelita Dr.Weslaco, Texas 78596

956.968.8100

3611 N. Ware Rd.McAllen, Texas 78501

956.688.6970

844 E. Expressway 83La Joya, Texas 78560

956.584.8100

901 E. Redbud, Suite 8AMcAllen, Texas 78596

Telephone: (956) 994-1837Toll Free: 1-877-383-1729

www.PrimosDME.com

MAILING ADDRESS2721 Cornerstone Blvd.Edinburg, Texas 78539

956.225.4347

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Christopher Stowers

SENIOR EDITOR Sheila Eyster

ADVERTISING South Texas Promos 956.225.4347

GRAPHIC DESIGN Clear Design Graphics 956.351.2184

WEB DESIGN Clear Design Graphics

MedFacts Magazine is committed to providing our readers with factual information. All material and statements herein are based on information and sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. MedFacts Magazine accepts or assumes no liability for the material contained herein. This magazine is for information only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any product or service. All statements and expressions are the sole opinions of the editors and are subject to change without notice. While we believe all sources of information to be factual and reliable, in no way do we represent or guarantee the accuracy thereof, nor the statements made herein. The staff of MedFacts Magazine are not licensed health professionals and do not purport to offer personalized health related advice. Readers should verify all claims regarding any information mentioned. MedFacts Magazine reserves the right to edit any editorial, photos or ad submissions for the purposes of layout, design or grammar. MedFacts Magazine is published by South Texas Promos and is distributed free of charge. Copyright© 2011 by South Texas Promos, printed in Mexico.

4865 North McColl Rd.McAllen, Texas 78504

Located in the southwest corner of

the North McColl Business Park .

Cash, check, major credit cards and most insurance accepted.

Nathan Saffels, PT, DPT, OCS, SCS earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree from

the University of Scranton, PA after graduating from Rockhurst University in Kansas

City, MO with his Master of Physical Therapy Degree. He achieved Board Certifications

from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as a Clinical Specialist in both

Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. A member of the American Physical Therapy

Association and the Texas Physical Therapy Association, Nathan is the Team Physical

Therapist for several RGV professional sports organizations. He is proud to represent

Specialty Sports Physical Therapy as the Valley’s most advanced Evidence-Based

Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy facility.

Tel: 956.994.0177

www.SpecialtySportsPT.com

Vol. 1 Issue 1

Next to your partner or a very close friend, there is no more intimate relationship than the one you share with your OB/GYN. From babies to bladder issues, mood swings to menopause, the topics are decidedly delicate. At Womankind, we value your candor and know the bonds we build take time. Just trust that if it’s on your mind, you can share it with us. Please call today for an appointment.

Office HoursMonday - Friday9am to 1pm / 2pm to 6pm

We accept Medicaid, Medicare, most major insurance plans as well as most major credit cards.

Hearther A. Daley, MDBoard Certified Obstetrics & Gynecology

222 East Ridge Road, Suite 101(McAllen Medical Plaza) • McAllen, Texas956.688.5922

She is not just anOB/GYN...

She’s a mom.

Trust is a Must.

MedFacts Magazine | 5

MAILING ADDRESS2721 Cornerstone Blvd.Edinburg, Texas 78539

956.225.4347

FEATURES:

Premier Issue

Table of Contents

OTHER:

6

11

14

9

13

17

26

27

Understanding the Diabetic Foot

What is Diabetes?

Letter from the Editor Book Review The Diabetes DTOUR Diet

Handy Tools to Help Control Diabetes

Brain Teasers

Word Search Crossword Puzzle

Word Search & Crossword Puzzle Answers

The Importance of Education of the Diabetic Foot

Food that is Diabetic Friendly

Diabetes Can be Diagnosed by Your Dentist

19

20

24

29

On the Cover

Compassionate,Excellent,

and ReliableHome Care

For 7 years, My Morning Star has been helping people at home to live safely with comfort, independence, and dignity.

• Personal care assistance.• Availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.• Thoroughly screened and fully insured staff.• Private pay, most insurances and Medicaid accepted.• Free nursing evaluation.

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My Morning StarHome Care, Inc.

4325 N. 23rd. StreetMcAllen, Texas 78504

(956) 664-947517

6 | MedFacts Magazine

Dear Valued Readers and Advertisers,

I would like to sincerely thank you for choosing to read and advertise

in MEDFacts Magazine. The main ingredient necessary for running and

producing a successful publication is YOU; without you we would not be here

today.

With health care at the forefront of valleyites’ mind-set, people often

have little idea what goes on behind the scenes of medicine today. Each

issue of MEDFacts will contain different medical topics and offer tips and

articles pertaining to various health concerns. In addition, each issue will

also give you insight into medical procedures and directory assistance. Being

entrenched in the medical field my whole life has motivated me to learn all I

can about medical issues and concerns. In doing so, I have obtained a better

understanding of the medical industry, and the way things are conducted.

I decided to create this publication in hopes of enlightening readers and

patients across the valley with factual articles and useful tips regarding

different medical concerns. MEDFacts’ first issue will be geared toward

diabetic patients. The following issues will cover different medical issues

such as Lasik eye surgery, obesity complications and treatments as well as

other pertinent topics.

Medical professionals who deal with these issues on a day-to-day basis will

write and verify all of our articles, thus making each article authentic and

distinct. Our featured article in this, our premier issue, is by local surgeon

Dr. Brad Stowers, who deals with diabetic patients and diabetic foot care on

a regular basis. Not only will MEDFacts magazine give firsthand knowledge

on various procedures and complications, it will also give you insight into

different medical conferences and events in your area.

Once again ALL of us at MEDFacts Magazine would like to thank you for your

ongoing support, and look forward to any and all questions, concerns, and

suggestions.

Best Wishes,

Team MEDfacts - Dedicated to a Healthier and Better Informed ReaderChristopher Stowers, editor and publisherAlong with:Sheila Eyster –Copy Editor Ed Rodriguez – Art DirectorAlex Trevino – Marketing Director

Christopher StowersMedFacts MagazineEditor/Publisher

[email protected]

Letter from the Editor

n recent years there have been several media reports of deaths due to improper use of

medication. These cases have included both regular people and celebrities. It is imperative that patients carefully follow dosage instructions as well as times to take medication and any special instructions such as taking them with or without food. It is very important to inform your pharmacist or medical provider of all prescription medications you are taking as well as over the counter medications and herbal preparations or vitamin supplements. Not all medications are able to work together successfully and mixing medications can be dangerous or even fatal. Taking more than one medication at a time can be risky business. Mixing medications without knowing for sure how they interact could result in an adverse drug reaction (ADR). An ADR is defined as a harmful, unintended, or unwanted effect of a medication. In the United States, ADRs are a leading cause of illness and even death. According to Dr. Julian Whitaker, MD director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute medical clinic, “Millions of Americans swallow pills that are supposed to make them feel better-physically or mentally- but covertly wreak havoc on their body and brain. Many older folks are dismissed as senile, when in fact their drugs are causing their memory lapses and confusion.”

Do Not FALL VictimThe importance of knowing the proper use of medications

Diabetic Foot CareIf you have diabetes you are more likely to have foot problems.

Call Today for an Appointment.

Two Valley Locations:3109 Center Point Dr.

Edinburg, Texas 78596T: 956.682.8488

2009 E. Griffin ParkwayMission, Texas 78572

T: 956.581.1643

Visit Us Online:www.SouthTexasPodiatry.net

Your Feet... Your Health...Your LIFE...

• Sports Injuries• Bunions• Heal Pain• Ingrown Toenails• Arthritic / Joint Pain• Diabetic Ulcers• Bone Spurs• Hammertoes• Neuromas• Toenail Fungus


o understand what complications may occur to the diabetic foot,

one must first understand what can happen to the human foot. Once this is obtained then we add to the picture the complications that being diabetic offers. Those complications include nerve disease (neuropathy) circulation problems (micro & microangiopathy) short of any skin disorder (ingrown nails, cyst, and verrucae). The foot is viewed as a mechanical adaptor in walking, changing interval rotation of the upper limbs into ambulation. During this conversion mechanical problems can occur through compensatory mechanism. It is through compensatory motion of the foot that many structural problems develop then offer problems in conventional shoes which our society requires. For example the complaint of hammertoes, bunions and bunionettes, all develop a boney prominence on the foot which creates abnormal pressure/friction across them, continued pressure of a boney prominence in light of diabetic neuropathy (the in ability to sense pressure/friction) will cause breakdown of tissue resulting in an

ulceration of the site. This particular loss of integument will require good circulation to the infected area to heal, as well as avoidance of any other pressure and getting rid of any infections that may have ensued as well as keeping blood sugar under control. With a good understanding and constant inspection of the foot on regular basis, may prevent this scenario of events from occurring. It becomes evident a simple foot problem can turn into a drastic concern when dealing the diabetic foot. So if one has diabetes as one of their diagnosis it would be who of one to seek out the care of a podiatric physician for evaluation and treatment. One can be their best friend or worst enemy when it comes to dealing with diabetes and its possible complications. Self help would include daily inspections of their feet for any cuts, bruises, scratches redness or swelling and report any abnormal findings to there family physician and or podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

If you have any questions regarding

your or your families dental health feel free to contact

Dr. Stowers Telephone:

(956) 682- 8488or visit their website:

www.southtexaspodiatry.net

Understanding the Diabetic Foot

In everything your child does—in school, in sports, in life—you

want him or her to succeed and you want to provide the absolute

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facing challenges right now that most children don’t face. You

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We Accept: Medicare, Medicaid, Private Insurance, Private Pay, CSHCN, Medicare Managed Care, CHIP

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Phone: (956) 447-1444 • Fax: (956) 447-1550

1605 East Expressway, Suite EMission, Texas 78596

Phone: (956) 584-8980 • Fax: (956) 584-7874

2215 Cornerstone Blvd.Edinburg, Texas 78539

Phone: (956) 668-1203 • Fax: (956) 668-1462

The Agency is open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. The phone is answered 24 hours, 7 days a week. RN available 24/7.

Providing a full range of home health nursing services to the

senior, disabled, and rehabilitative patient, Stepping Stones

Home Health Care Services is one of the fastest growing home

health agencies in the Rio Grande Valley. Ninety percent of our

referrals come from hospitals and satisfied clients. Because no

two clients are alike, our goal is to tailor services to individual

needs by working creatively to solve problems.

Our mission as a leading provider of home health care to

pediatric and adult patients of the Rio Grande Valley, is to offer

committed professionals trained in delivering high quality skilled

nursing and rehabilitative care very step of the way– Our Services:

• Autism and Autistic Spectrum Disorders• Sensory Integration Disorder• Down Syndrome• Cerebral Palsy• Spina Bifida• Handwriting skills• Fine Motor Coordination• Gross Motor Coordination• Orthopedic Injuries•Nutrition

• Neonatal, pediatric, and geriatric services• Skilled nursing care: RN / LVN• Physical Therapy• Occupational Therapy• Speech Language Pathology• Home Health Aide• Medical Social Work• Wound Care Treatments –Wound VAC –Dressing Changes• Respiratory Therapy –O2 Therapy –Nebulizer and Aerosol Teaching

• Feeding Disorders• Lisp• Stuttering• Articulation and Fluency Problems• Oral motor apraxia• Dysphagia• Social/ Pragmatic skills• Childhood Obesity...and more!

• Preparation, Administration and Teaching –Intramuscular Injections –Subcutaneous Injections• Diabetic Management, Blood Sugar Monitoring, Insulin Administration• Care of Feeding Tubes• Ostomy Care• Lab Specimen Collection• Private Duty Nursing• Maternal Healthy Nursing• Medically Dependent Children’s Program for Nursing

Rehabilitation Services

P R O F E S S I O N A L N U R S I N G & T H E R A P Y


1. A pedometer – these can be bought in nearly any

sports department and can track all of the steps you

take every day. Challenge yourself to increase your total

steps per day. (Check with your doctor before making any

change in your exercise habits)

2. A digital food scale – look for one that subtracts the

weight of the container to show just the weight of the

food and keep it out on the counter

3. A notebook to write down the carbohydrates and other

nutrients of your favorite fast foods which can fit into your

diet plan. (Ask your dietician for nutrition information or

check online at the restaurant’s

website.)

4. A list of all of your med-

ications kept up to date

and carried in your wallet

for emergency personnel

5. A list of contacts with

phone numbers to call in

case of emergency

Handy Tools to Help Control DIABETES6. A collection of diabetes cookbooks and online recipes

that you really like. (Make sure it lists nutrition for each

recipe, especially carbohydrates)

7. A blank weekly calendar with enough space to plan

menus and snacks a week in advance

8. Snack size zip top bags to portion out snacks to keep

them handy and ready to grab

9. Music to dance to when you are doing household

chores. Every move counts toward overall calories

burned. Whether it is an MP3 player or a CD player, put

on music that makes you want to dance. Have a collection

of your favorites so you don’t get stuck listening to a slow

song on the radio. Music can also put a smile on your face

which increases your energy.

10. A live furry pet or even a teddy bear. Stroking or pet-

ting something soft can reduce blood pressure and re-

duce stress. Reducing stress can also reduce food crav-

ings. So tell your troubles to something that won’t talk

back.

• Feeding Disorders• Lisp• Stuttering• Articulation and Fluency Problems• Oral motor apraxia• Dysphagia• Social/ Pragmatic skills• Childhood Obesity...and more!

Our mission is dedicated to the prevention of diabetes and its complications through educational services, early detection and awareness.

Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association2007 E. OwassaEdinburg, Texas 78539(956) 782-1900


What is diabetes?What causes diabetes?

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is classed as a metabolism disorder. Metabo-lism refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy and growth. Most of what we eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the blood - it is the principal source of fuel for our bodies. When our food is digested the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. Our cells use the glucose for energy and growth. How-ever, glucose cannot enter our cells without insulin being present - insulin makes it possible for our cells to take in the glucose. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. After eat-ing, the pancreas automatically releas-es an adequate quantity of insulin to move the glucose present in our blood into the cells, and lowers the blood sugar level. A person with diabetes has a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia). This is because the body either does not produce enough insulin, produces no insulin, or has cells that do not respond properly to the insulin the pancreas produces. This results in too much glucose building up in the blood. This excess blood glu-cose eventually passes out of the body in urine. So, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements.

Why is it called Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes comes from Greek, and it means a siphon. Aretus the Cappado-cian, a Greek physician during the sec-ond century A.D., named the condition diabainein. He described patients who were passing too much water (polyuria) - like a siphon. The word became “dia-betes” from the English adoption of the Medieval Latin diabetes.

In 1675 Thomas Willis added mellitus to the term, although it is commonly referred to simply as diabetes. Mel in Latin means honey; the urine and blood of people with diabetes has ex-cess glucose, and glucose is sweet like honey. Diabetes mellitus could literally mean “siphoning off sweet water”.

In ancient China people observed that ants would be attracted to some people’s urine, because it was sweet. The term “Sweet Urine Disease” was coined.

There are three main types of diabetes:

Diabetes Type 1 - You produce no in-sulin at all. Diabetes Type 2 - You don’t produce enough insulin, or your insulin is not working properly. Gestational Diabetes - You develop diabetes just during your pregnancy.(World Health Organization)

Diabetes Types 1 & 2 are chronic medi-cal conditions - this means that they are persistent and perpetual. Gesta-tional Diabetes usually resolves itself after the birth of the child.

Treatment is effective and important.

All types of diabetes are treatable, but Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes last a lifetime; there is no known cure. The patient receives regular insulin, which became medically available in 1921. The treatment for a patient with Type 1 is mainly injected insulin, plus some dietary and exercise adherence. Pa-tients with Type 2 are usually treated with tablets, exercise and a special diet, but sometimes insulin injections are also required. If diabetes is not adequately controlled the patient has a significantly higher risk of developing complications, such as hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and nonketotic hypers-osmolar coma. Longer term complica-tions could be cardiovascular disease, retinal damage, chronic kidney fail-ure, nerve damage, poor healing of wounds, gangrene on the feet which may lead to amputation, and erectile dysfunction.

For more information and useful links visit us online: www.MedFactsMag.com

What is DIABETES?What is DIABETES?


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DiabetesWord Search

Adult onset diabetes

Alpha ghocosidase inhibitor

Blood glucose level

Blood sugar

Glucose

Sugar

The object of the puzzle is to find the listed hidden words. The words may be hidden in any direction: horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and forwards and backwards.

Good Luck!

Answers can be found on page 29.

Aerobics

Antibodies

Blood glucose meter

Insulin

Type one

Alpha Cell

Aspart insulin

Blood pressure

Diabetes

Potassium

Type two

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Protect Your Home & Family

Call Now for a FREE ConsultationResidential & Commercial Home

P.O. Box 533152 • Harlingen, Texas 78553 • (956) 535-2582www.K9TechSecurity.com

• Security Systems

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Text byCrystal S. Beall RN

Life Touch Home Health Services

Good health starts from the ground up

Do you need to be set free

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Footcare, P.A.s’ specialists

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1404 East Ridge Rd., Suite EMcAllen, Texas 78503

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1015 South UtahWeslaco, Texas 78596

(956) 447-8911

702 East 12th StreetMission, Texas 78596

(956) 519-4567

4811 S. Jackson Rd.Edinburg, Texas 78539

(956) 683-8063


The Importance of Education of the Diabetic Patient

iabetes has become an epi-demic in the United States and

especially in Texas. One in 12 adults in Texas has been diagnosed with dia-betes. This is approximately 2 million people in Texas with many more not having been diagnosed as of yet. His-panics have a higher chance of being diagnosed with diabetes than blacks and whites combined. Due to obesity and diet, Hispanics continue to be at higher risk of being diagnosed with this disease. As a Home Health Registered Nurse, I know that 69% of the patient’s admit-ted for home health services in our company have diabetes as their pri-mary diagnosis. Our number one goal as nurses is patient education in order for patients to learn how to control and maintain their diabetes. As part of our teaching guidelines, we concentrate on instruction of diabetes, signs and symptoms, management, foot care and diet. Many patients state that their worst fear is to be placed on insulin. What these patients do not compre-hend is that there are far worse com-plications that can occur due to un-controlled diabetes other than insulin dependency, such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower ex-tremity amputations. Diabetes is a syndrome in which the production of insulin is absent or decreased. The two classifications of diabetes are insulin and non-insulin dependent. The action of Insulin is to control the levels of sugars within one’s body and a lack of insulin causes blood sugars to elevate. Typical signs and symptoms of diabetes are thirst, increased urination, changes in vision, fatigue and slow healing of wounds. In managing diabetes it is important to follow a prescribed diet, moni-tor blood sugars daily, maintain ideal weight, and exercise regularly. Daily

Text byCrystal S. Beall RN


foot assessment and care is crucial for a diabetic patient. A common problem associated with diabetes is neuropa-thy or a decrease or loss of sensation of the extremities, especially the lower extremities. Patients with neuropathy might step on a nail or tack and not even know it. As a nurse, instructing diabetics on foot care is imperative, es-pecially on clipping toenails correctly, drying feet especially between toes, wearing the correct foot wear to pre-vent ulcerations and avoiding walking barefoot. Other instructions given that are very important for a diabetic patient to know in order to help control and main-tain their blood sugars are knowing the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia (high and low blood sugars). By knowing these signs, pa-tient’s can then take the proper steps to correct the problem and stabilize their blood sugars. Some signs and symptoms of high blood sugar are nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, frequent urination and increased thirst. Signs and symptoms of low blood sug-ar are drowsiness, hunger, impaired vision and headache. Different causes for elevated blood sugars are infec-tion, lack of exercise, increased food intake, and lack of insulin. Causes for low blood sugars are not eating at the correct times, excess insulin, and in-creased exercise. As diabetes is a non-curable disease, our goal is patient education in order to stabilize blood sugars and prevent blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and amputations. Diet control and exercise are the number one ways to keep blood sugars within normal pa-rameters. Our future goals are that with the proper education, training, and prevention, diabetes will no longer be an epidemic.


home health feel free to contact


Telephone:(956) 664-0106

Hard work, dedication and consistent execution of the fundamentals define our commitment to our clients since 2010.

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Book Review By Sheila Eyster

The Diabetes DTOUR Diet

Barbara Quinn MS RD CDEAnd the editors of PreventionWith medical advisor Francine R. Kaufman MD

This book gives you a diabetes diet plan that is written by a registered dietician and ap-proved by an MD. If you are currently working with a dietician in your diabetes care, please show this book to your dietician for approval as everything you do should be working together to help your diabetic condition. Also consult with your doctor to be sure that this diet is right for you and your condition. The first 6 chapters discuss diabetes and the importance of weight loss and balanced meals to level out your blood sugar. It is tempting to skip these pages and get right to the diet, but I highly recommend that you read all of these chapters. It gives a thorough explanation of the research behind the diet itself which should give you a better understanding of the diet. After reading the first 6 chapters about eating a diet balanced for blood sugar control, chapter 7 explains how to begin. My husband has diabetes and I have a weight problem so we decided to do this together. Chapter 7 told us how to get ready for the 2 week fast start which begins in chapter 8. While you are reading these chapters, continue whatever diet that has been provided by your diabe-tes care team. If you are prediabetic or just need to lose weight on a healthy diet, set a start date for after you have finished studying the introductory chapters. One of the most important things we did was to buy a digital kitchen scale that subtracts the weight of the bowl or con-tainer from the total weight of the food plus container. It makes it much easier to weigh food. The 2 week fast start gives you menus for 3 meals and 2 snacks everyday for two weeks. All of the meals are for one person. If you live alone or are eating a different diet from your family, you don’t have to worry about fixing a recipe for 8 when the leftovers won’t be used in other days’ diet menus. If you are dieting with a spouse or changing the habits of your whole family, the recipes are easy to multiply. Each day’s plan gives the option of a 1400 calorie or 1600 calo-rie daily total. We decided to eat exactly what the diet listed for the first two weeks. After that we repeated some of our favorites and dropped some of our least favorites. I liked nearly everything except garlic in scrambled eggs and hummus on flatbread. It wasn’t unpleasant, just not what I liked. My favorites were “Taco-no-taco salad”, “Pile ‘er high turkey and ham sandwich” and “Beef broccoli stir fry”. At the end of the 2 weeks, you are given two more weeks of meal plans, presented as 14 Breakfasts, 14 lunches, 14 dinners and 14 snacks which are each balanced and interchangeable, so you can plan your day around some of your favorites. In addition there are 60 extra recipes in the back. There is also a diary section to re-cord your daily food intake, blood sugar readings, exercise completed and notes about your mood, progress etc.

The book is available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore.ISBN-13 # 978-1-60529-843-6

Book Review

Gold Financial Services a Division of Highlands Residential Mortgage


Here’s a brain teaser

Tools needed: 10 regular sheets of copy paper (8x11)

Now find a way to stack them as high as you possibly can without tape or glue. You may fold, bend or manipulate the paper in any way, as long as you do not use anything other than paper and your brain. Measure it, take a picture and email to [email protected] and see if you can beat MEDFacts staff record.

Be the first to email and receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Longhorn Steak-house.

Bra

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Critical thinking

There is a bio-dome type building. Inside the building there are 10 people who all have good, bad, or indifferent qualities as well as a bomb shelter that holds up to 6 people.

A few days from now there will be an atomic bomb set off in the bio dome. Keep in mind that the bomb shelter will only house six people and you must decide whom to save and why. Also you will have to think about the future and how you will be re-building your community.

1) Medical Doctor – terrorist 2) Teacher – pregnant3) 17year old girl - cheerleader 4) Engineer – thief 5) Left-handed mechanic – missing his left hand 6) Lawyer – Cheats and lies 7) Chef – world-class food 8) Business man (MBA) – 4.0 GPA 9) College student – likes to drink a lot10) Elderly woman- she is retired and unable to work

Please submit your answers to [email protected]. The first person to email the correct answer will receive a $50.00 gift card to Tony Romas.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Q - WHAT STINKS WHEN LIVING AND SMELLS GOOD WHEN DEAD?

Q – When can you add two to eleven and get one as the correct answer

Q – How many letters are in the alphabet???

Q - A man wanted to enter an exclusive club but did not know the password that was required. He waited by the door and listened. A club member knocked on the door and the doorman said, “twelve.” The member replied, “six “ and was let in. A second member came to the door and the doorman said, “six.” The member replied, “three” and was let in. The man thought he had heard enough and walked up to the door. The doorman said “ten” and the man replied, “five.” But he was not let in.

What should have he said?

Please submit your answers to [email protected]. The first person to email the all the correct answers will receive a $50.00 gas card from Stripes.

Brain Teasers

Th

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1. A blood test which tells how effective your blood sugar control has been over the past 3 months. 3. Kind of diabetes in which the body is either not tak-ing enough insulin or not using it well.4. Food Substances that turn to glucose in the body and must be carefully monitored for blood sugar con-trol.6. Excellent alternative to meat used around the world to provide protein and fiber with no saturated fat or cholesterol.9. Large muscle exercises that condition the heart and lungs.14. Condition in which muscle, liver and fat cells do not properly use insulin thus causing glucose to build up in the blood stream and starve cells of the fuel they need to carry out their basic function.17. Medical device that can be used by patients to monitor their blood sugar on a daily basis.19. Also known as “good cholesterol”, high density lipoproteins transport cholesterol through the body.20. Undigested parts of food that slow down the diges-tion of you food, which in turn slows the rise in your blood sugar.

Down

2. Also known as juvenile diabetes this is a condition in which the body makes no insulin at all.5. Monosaccharide sugar in the blood that serves as the main energy source of the body.7. Type of diabetes which is only present during a woman’s pregnancy.8. A disorder of carbohydrate metabolism, character-ized by inadequate production or utilization of insulin.10. Also known as bad cholesterol, low density lipopro-teins can build up in the arteries and contribute to heart disease.11. Person certified to advise patients about proper diets for health and wellness.12. Organ of the body that produces insulin.13. A white soapy substance found in the tissues of the body and in certain foods, such as animal fats, oils, and egg yolks.15. Fasting blood glucose in the range of 100 to 125 mg/dl.16. The hormone that helps usher glucose(sugar) from the bloodstream into the cells.18. Doctor specializing in glands and hormones includ-ing the care and treatment of diabetic patients.

MedFacts Crossword Puzzel Topic: Diabetes

Answers can be foundon Page 29 if needed.

Striving to “Do the Right Thing”by providing reliable pre-owned

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& 20% OFF Dental CleaningIt can lead to more than just a nice smile. It can lead to early detection and management of a serious disease, like diabetes. Call or come in today!


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* Consultation for non-covered insurance only. X-Ray if needed not included. One per person. New Patient only. Present Cut out at time of check-in.

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Avocados

Defends against diabetes- If you have diabetes, you’re probably looking for ways to replace the saturated fat in your diet with more carbohydrates.

Instead, consider substituting some of those carbohydrates with monounsaturated fat, the kind you get from avocados. Not only do avocados lower your LDL cholesterol without lowering HDL cholesterol, they also can reduce the amount of triglycerides, another type of fat, in your blood. A high triglyceride level can be a warning sign of heart disease.

Eating high-fiber foods, like avocados, can benefit people with type 2 diabetes in several ways. One study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a high-fiber diet (50 grams per day) lowered cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and insulin levels.

Avocados have also earned the backing of the American Diabetes Association, which has included avocados in its collection of suggested recipes.

Nuts

Recently, interest has grown in the potential value of including nuts in the diets of individuals with diabetes. Data from the Nurses Health Study indicates that frequent nut consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Randomized controlled trials of patients with type 2 diabetes have confirmed the beneficial effects of nuts on blood lipids also seen in nondiabetic subjects, but the trials have not reported improvement in A1c or other glycated proteins. Acute feeding studies, however, have demonstrated the ability of nuts, when eaten with carbohydrate (bread), to depress postprandial glycemia. Furthermore, there was evidence of reduced postprandial oxidative stress associated with nut consumption. In terms of dietary composition, nuts have a good nutritional profile, are high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and PUFA, and are good sources of vegetable protein. Incorporation of nuts in the diet may therefore improve the overall nutritional quality of the diet.

Apples also contain polyphenols, which are antioxidants known to protect against disease, as well as fibre, which is good for the colon lining.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a whole grain — white rice before it has been refined and polished and stripped of the bran covering, which is high in fiber and nutrients. Brown rice also has a lower glycemic index than white rice, which means it doesn’t cause blood glucose levels to rise as rapidly.

Now a new study from researchers at Harvard reports that Americans who eat two or more servings of brown rice a week reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by about 10 percent compared to people who eat it less than once a month. And those who eat white rice on a regular basis — five or more times a week — are almost 20 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who eat it less than once a month.

Apples

Could eating three or four apples a day lower the risk of diabetes and other health problems for the overweight?This is the theory being tested in a new Danish trial involving obese men and women.

During the four-week study, the patients will be divided into three groups and given 550g whole apples, 22g of apple pomace (the pulpy mash left after fruit has been pressed for juice), or nothing.They will then have their cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels tested — these are markers of metabolic syndrome, a precursor to diabetes and heart disease. Other samples will be assessed for colon health.

It’s thought pectin, the soluble fibre in apples, can help lower both cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Food thatis Diabetic Friendly

Choice of foodsare very importantto diabetics.

Eat Healthy


Recent research indicates that dia-betics have an abnormally high risk for periodontal disease. Diabetes is associated with a higher than normal degree of gum inflammation. Treating periodontal disease and reducing bac-teria in the body are important in man-aging diabetes and saving your teeth.

If you do not see your doctor at least once a year, chances are you are not seeing your dentist either. Dentists play an important role in detecting undiagnosed diabetes and managing the dental effects of diabetes and peri-odontal disease. When you have diabetes, high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body — including your teeth and gums. The good news? Prevention is in your hands. Learn what you are up against, and then take charge of your dental health.

Cavities and gum diseaseWhether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your

Diabetes Can be

Save Your Teeth and Your lifeDiagnosed by Your Dentist

blood sugar level, the higher your risk of:• Tooth decay (cavities). Your mouth naturally contains many types of bac-teria. When starches and sugars in food and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the hard, outer surface of your teeth (enamel). This can lead to cavities. The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sug-ars and starches — and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.• Early gum disease (gingivitis). Diabe-tes reduces your ability to fight bacte-ria, which can cause more plaque to build up on your teeth. If you don’t remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it will harden under your gum line into a substance called tartar (calculus). The longer plaque and tar-tar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva — the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is gingivitis.Advanced gum disease (periodontitis). Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to


your or your families dental health feel free to contact

Dr. Eduardo Flores Telephone:

(956) 246-4100or visit their website:

www.appledentalcosmetics.com


a more serious infection called peri-odontitis, which destroys the soft tis-sue and bone that support your teeth. Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth and your teeth to loosen and even fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes be-cause diabetes lowers the ability to re-sist infection and slows healing. An in-fection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which makes your diabetes more diffi-cult to control. Preventing and treating periodontitis can help improve blood sugar control.

Proper dental care

To help prevent damage to your teeth and gums, take diabetes and dental care seriously:Make a commitment to managing your diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar level, and follow your doctor’s instruc-tions for keeping your blood sugar lev-el within your target range. The better you control your blood sugar level, the less likely you are to develop gingivitis and other dental problems.• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brush in the morning, at night and, ide-ally, after meals and snacks. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste that contains fluoride. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate

your gums. Consider using an electric toothbrush, especially if you have ar-thritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush well.• Floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque between your teeth and under your gum line. If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, use the waxed variety. If it’s hard to manipulate the floss, use a floss holder.• Take special precautions with dental surgery. If you are having dental sur-gery, make sure that your dentist con-sults with your doctor ahead of time. You may need to adjust your diabetes medications or take an antibiotic to prevent infection.• Look for early signs of gum disease. Report any signs of gum disease — in-cluding redness, swelling and bleeding gums — to your dentist. Also mention any other signs and symptoms such as dry mouth, loose teeth or mouth pain.• Don’t smoke. Smoking increases the risk of serious diabetes complications, including gum disease. If you smoke,

ask your doctor about options to help you quit.• Routine oral exams can help provide early detection by identifying health problems like diabetes, which left un-treated can lead to serious health com-plications, including kidney disease, heart disease and stroke, nerve dam-age, blindness, and death. What does he see in an oral exam that helps him diagnose diabetes? This is mentioned in the title and twice in the text, but it never explains how an exam leads to a diagnosis.We want people to understand that managing diabetes is a lifelong com-mitment, and that includes proper dental care. Your efforts will be reward-ed with a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

“Also we want people to know that routine trips to the dentist every six months can lead to more than just a nice smile. It can lead to early detec-tion and management of a serious dis-ease, like diabetes.”

So what are you waiting for? Call and make your appointment with your dentist today!

Choices Healthy Smile

for a

Nightly fluoride mouth rinsing.

Dietary instruction regarding foods that place your teeth at risk for decay.

Development of excellent hygiene habits now.

Treating old worn out dental fill-ings and teeth while the patient is still healthy and vigorous.

Strategies to promote future (as well as present) dental health should be instituted at an early age. Here are a few suggestions:

An infection such as peri-

odontitis may also cause

your blood sugar level to rise,

which makes your diabetes

more difficult to control.


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2nd annual

Date: July 30, 2011Time: 8:00pm - 2:00amPlace: Alyssa’s Acres | 2 mile & Glasscock | MissionAdmission: *$20.00 | VIP Table - *$250.00Tickets: May be purchased online: www.ez-tixx.com

Any EZ-TIXX Outlet Or by Phone 956-225-4347 956-292-3411*ALL ticket proceeds will be donated to the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA)

Rock Out DiabetesRock Out Diabetes

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Coahuila No. 221, Suite 5 • Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

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CleaningsCosmetic & General DentistryCrowns & BridgesDentures & Partials

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