Health Tips for March 14

Health Tip: When You're Diabetic and Sick

A common cold, flu or infection that is an inconvenience to many people can cause much more serious health problems in diabetics.

When you're sick, your body is under stress and releases hormones that can affect your blood sugar. So it's important to know how to take care of yourself.

Here are suggestions for diabetics on dealing with an illness, courtesy of the American Diabetes Association:

* Closely monitor and regulate your blood sugar, which can fluctuate more than usual while you're sick.
* Keep a notebook where you record your blood sugar and urine ketone levels.
* Talk to your doctor to see if your medications need to be adjusted when you're sick. Have a plan ready ahead of time.
* In advance of illness, prepare a list of contact names and phone numbers of your doctor, dietitian, and diabetes educator.
* Know when you should call your doctor. For instance, if you've been sick for an extended period or can't get your blood sugar under control.

Health Tip: Early-Stage Alzheimer's

People with early-stage Alzheimer's disease may fear losing their independence and being reliant on someone else.

Here are suggestions on how to maintain independence longer, courtesy of the Alzheimer's Association:

* Hire a service or ask a friend to help with activities, such as paying bills, cooking meals, cleaning the house or going to the grocery.
* Write instructions on how to work appliances, place labels on items you frequently forget, and compose notes to help you remember to perform certain tasks.
* Help keep your home safe by reducing the risk of slips and falls. For example, install grab bars in the bathroom. Also, make sure appliances have automatic shutoffs.
* Enroll in a safety alert program, so you can immediately get help if you need it.
* If you can't drive, get a bus schedule, have a cab company's phone number handy, or ask friends and family to drive you.
* Try to stay as physically and socially active as you can, and don't be afraid to ask for help.