Thursday, March 03, 2011

Health Tips for March 3

Health Tip: If Your Child Has Diabetes

It can be stressful for any parent to leave a child in the care of a babysitter, particularly if your child is diabetic.

The American Diabetes Association says parents of diabetic children should ensure that babysitters know the basics about:

  • Checking blood glucose levels and ketones. Practice with the sitter before you leave.
  • The ideal range for your child's blood glucose, warning signs of a problem, and what to do if the levels are high or low.
  • Giving your child insulin, when to give it and how much. Again, practice before you leave.
  • What the sitter should do if there is an emergency, including administering medication, and how to reach you.

Health Tip: Diabetes May Contribute to Hearing Loss

Diabetics are twice as likely as non-diabetics to have hearing loss, according to the American Diabetes Association. It's thought that diabetes damages the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner-ear, the ADA says.

The association suggests diabetics heed these warning signs of hearing loss:

  • Asking people frequently to repeat themselves.
  • Having trouble keeping track of conversations with more than two participants.
  • Noticing that other people appear to be mumbling.
  • Having difficulty hearing in places where there's loud noise.
  • Having difficulty hearing young children and women.
  • Needing to turn the radio or TV louder than is comfortable for others.

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