If you know someone with diabetes, you know their condition impacts many aspects of their life. Depending on their symptoms, they may need special equipment to manage their health. This may include a blood sugar monitor or special shoes, for example, which make great gifts for diabetics.

Fortunately, companies are manufacturing more gifts for diabetics to make their lives easier. Below, we’ll look at some of the best gifts for diabetics in 2019 and how they could help someone you love manage their symptoms.

These may include tools to improve their health or diabetic-friendly snacks to satisfy cravings. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or holiday, you’ll know exactly what to get someone with diabetes for their next gift-giving celebration.

7 GIFTS FOR DIABETICS:
DIABETIC-FRIENDLY SOCKS AND SLIPPERS
Foot care is crucial for people with diabetes. They’re prone to foot injuries at home. With proper care and a good pair of diabetic socks or slippers, it can really be a huge help.

If you’re buying slippers, we recommend buying a pair with hard soles and a closed-toe design. For men, the UGG Men’s Ascot Slipper is a great choice – it’s made with 100% leather and the inside features soft, comfortable wool.

For women, the LongBay Furry Memory Foam Diabetic Slippers are a great choice. They’re affordable, featuring a plush, comfortable design ideal for people managing edema.

Diabetic socks are another great gift, helping diabetics manage swelling in their feet. Socks are an affordable diabetic gift and they’re relatively easy to find – Amazon features dozens of listing, including value packs of various colors and styles.

BOOKS ABOUT DIABETES
Learning about diabetes is important for people managing the condition. The more they learn about their symptoms, triggers, and ways to prevent complications, the easier it is for them to live well.

If someone you love was recently diagnosed with diabetes, books about the illness can be great gifts for diabetics. They’ll learn about diabetes from the perspectives of experts and other people who understand.

Diabetic cookbooks are especially helpful. When a person has diabetes, they have special dietary needs. Accommodating these needs is crucial – if they don’t eat healthy meals without excess carbohydrates, they could exacerbate their symptoms.

By giving a diabetic-friendly cookbook, you give the person access to meals they need to sustain their health.

The Complete Diabetes Cookbook by American’s Test Kitchen is one of the best, offering a wide variety of diabetic-friendly meals. It includes appetizers, main meals, and desserts including recipes like Lemony Penne Pasta with Chicken and Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

If you’re looking for a non-fiction book, the 2004 classic Think Like a Pancreas is a great option. It covers all the diabetes basics, giving readers a lot of actionable information to manage their symptoms.

WEARABLE FITNESS TRACKER
When a person has diabetes, its especially crucial they incorporate fitness into their daily routine. Adequate fitness can minimize diabetes’ impact on a person’s life but it can be a challenge to create healthy exercising habits.

If you want to be encouraging and help someone achieve their fitness goals, a wearable fitness tracker makes a great gift.

Giving someone a fitness tracker is a two-fold gift:

It’ll help them monitor their daily activity
It’ll inspire them to be more active
Wearable fitness trackers used to be a niche product but today, you can buy them from assorted brands in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

The Fitbit is an obvious choice if you’re buying a wearable fitness tracker. It’s one of the most reliable on the market, showing users details like steps taken and stairs climbed.

With a wearable fitness tracker, diabetics can feel more confident about their daily routine. They’ll have easy access to their vital signs whenever they need it, giving them tools to stay healthy while they exercise and keep themselves from “overdoing it.”

AN EXERCISE CLASS
We mentioned above that daily exercise is crucial for people with diabetes. If you’re considering a fitness tracker for their next birthday or holiday, consider an exercise class to go along with it.

Exercises classes can be a fun way for people with diabetes to manage their symptoms and improve their health. They can meet other people who live with similar conditions, learning their favorite methods of managing symptoms.

Giving someone a gift card to a yoga class or Zumba can be an excellent way to support their diabetes journey.

BACKPACKS/BAGS FOR CARRYING DIABETIC SUPPLIES
Diabetics need to carry certain types of equipment with them when they leave the house. This may include a blood sugar monitor or insulin injection shots.

It can be hard to carry all those supplies around – fortunately, there are specially-made bags and carrying cases designed for diabetes equipment.

Myabetic is one of the most popular brands for diabetic carrying cases, offering a wide selection of compacts, crossbody bags, and backpacks in various materials and colors.

Getting your loved one with diabetes a bag for their carrying supplies is a great way to say you care. They’ll feel more secure knowing they have everything they need in one place and they won’t worry about leaving vital equipment at home.

MEDICAL BRACELET
Having diabetes means health complications can happen suddenly. If a person’s blood sugar spikes or drops too low, it can lead to dizziness, fainting, and other serious health conditions.

In these cases, having a medical bracelet is vital. When diabetics go in public alone, they need something to tell others about their condition in case of an emergency.

This is where a medical bracelet comes in.

The medical bracelet tells passersby the individual has diabetes in case they need help from strangers.

You can buy stylish, quality medical bracelets on the web or get something special from a premium retailer. Affordable medical bracelets are available for sale on Amazon, but Tiffany’s offers truly special tag chain bracelets your loved one can custom engrave.

LOW-CARB SNACK BASKETS
Minimizing carbohydrate intake plays a key role in managing diabetes. Today, sugary treats dominate the foods for sale at grocery stores – in fact, many diabetics feel stressed when they go shopping because low-carb snacks can be hard to find.

You can make it easier by gifting a low-carb snack basket, full of treats they can enjoy guilt-free.

The Sugar-Free Movie Night Bucket, available on Amazon. It contains a large assortment of sugar-free and low-carb snacks, including popcorn, chips, and more. It also features a handy tote bag so your loved one can take their snacks on the go!

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the level of blood sugar in the body is too low. According to the American Diabetes Association, a value of 70 mg / dL or lower is a sign of Hypoglycemia in children, who are under treatment for diabetes. In a healthy child, without diabetes, these values should be lower than 55 mg / dL to be considered hypoglycemia.

Generally, children with diabetes are more prone to hypoglycemia than a normal child. Symptoms of hypoglycemia in a child with diabetes is more common because the diabetic child abstains from consuming sugar, which may result in the reduction of blood sugar to a dangerous level.

In rare cases, a non-diabetic child can also fall victim to hypoglycemia. However, hypoglycemia in non-diabetic children is usually associated with a disease or malfunctioning organs such as Pancreas and Kidney.

WHY DOES HYPOGLYCEMIA REQUIRE IMMEDIATE TREATMENT?
Hypoglycemia is associated with a low level of sugar in the blood. The sugar inside our body is also known as Glucose, and glucose is required by the body and the brain to function properly.

Accordingly, it is important to maintain a healthy glucose level: not too high or too low. If hypoglycemia is not treated immediately, it can worsen quickly and deprive the brain of glucose. If you do not act soon, the child may feel confused and unable to handle the situation. In severe cases, the child may even lose consciousness, experience seizures or go into a coma.

Hypoglycemia can also occur if children do not consume enough nutrition as per their daily requirements. It can also affect weak children if they skip a meal or exercise more than usual if the child has diabetes.

IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYPOGLYCEMIA AND DIABETES?
As suggested, diabetic children are more prone to hypoglycemia compared to a normal child. If a child is taking medication to control or lower glucose level, they may inadvertently lower their glucose levels to a dangerous level.

Medicines for diabetes affect insulin levels, which is a hormone inside our bodies that regulate blood sugar levels. If a child is taking one of the diabetic medicines, the blood level inside their body can decrease in a very short span of time. If it decreases below 70mg / dL in a diabetic child, it is usually a sign of hypoglycemia.

In a non-diabetic child, the lowering of blood sugar may be related to many other factors. For instance, a lot of sweating after a rigorous exercise schedule can lead to lowering of sugar levels. In fact, problems with the pancreas and other body parts are also a major cause of low blood sugar in non-diabetic children.

A normal blood sugar range is between 99mg / dL and 70 mg / dL. Depending on the symptom, hypoglycemia can be mild, moderate, and severe. Here are some signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia when the glucose level reaches below 70mg / dL:

Mild: below 70 mg / dL

• An intense feeling of hunger
• Nervousness and tremors
• Perspiration

Moderate: below 55 mg / dL

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking
• A feeling of anxiety and weakness

Severe: below 35-40 mg / dL

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness, coma

SIGNS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA
Hypoglycemia rarely occurs in children except those who are actively treated for Type 1 diabetes. Unlike adults, children should be looked after carefully because they are often not able to feel the warning signs. Under these conditions, doctors recommend supervising children while they are playing or when they’re engaged in activities requiring consistent energy. Recognizing the early signs of hypoglycemia in young children is an important aspect of controlling the disease, which can lead to long-term stability and cure.

Following are some examples of hypoglycemia symptoms in children with diabetes:

HEADACHE
hypoglycemia in children headache
Children who are old enough to talk can complain of a headache, which is a potential sign of mild hypoglycemia. A young child may indicate that he feels “funny” or the child may provide other signals indicating a headache. For instance, young children may try to grab their head indicating problems with the vision.

Adults should not ignore these signs. If this happens, you can either check the glucose level or ask questions to take appropriate action based on the answers provided.

INTENSE HUNGER
Not all episodes of hypoglycemia start with headaches. Often, the first sign of a mild attack triggers intense hunger. A child may complain of hunger pains or tell you that their stomach feels empty. If the child is well fed, complaining of intense hunger after a meal is a potential sign of a mild attack.

On the other hand, if the child is actively engaged in physical activity, complaining of the empty stomach should not cause panic. Under these conditions, it is better to let children relax and give treatment according to the situation.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Hypoglycemia can cause nausea and vomiting, especially in young children. Sometimes, vomiting and nausea can occur without any sign of a headache or hunger pains. Experts also suggest that vomiting is a natural reaction of the body to drain itself of the toxic substance.

Perhaps, the best thing to do is to watch for any signs of nausea. If the child vomits without prior signs of nausea, do not panic because any abrupt reaction to vomiting can make things worse. Just remain calm and try to diffuse the situation as calmly as possible.

SWEAT AND PALLOR
The body often responds to hypoglycemia by releasing adrenaline, which causes sweating and pallor. Often parents report that the child’s skin tone turns grayish when their blood sugar is low. If you notice signs of sweat or pallor, immediately react to these signs based on the course of action recommended by the doctor.

Remember, sweating is a normal process during physical activity. As such, parents should not overreact to sweating during the passage of play and energy-consuming activity.

DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO
Dizziness and vertigo are also common symptoms of hypoglycemia. In young children, you may notice that they frequently fall when trying to stand up. If you notice unusual behavior when the child tries to walk, make the child sit or lay down to avoid possible injuries. Let the child relax and administer the dosage as appropriate.

PROBLEMS WITH VISION
Without any prior sign of headache and weakness, blurred vision is often a major sign of hypoglycemia. Older children are always more prone to blurred visions compared to young children.

Whenever older children complain of blurred or double vision, tell them to sit down or lie on a flat surface. Whenever problems with vision occur, let children know that they should let others know about their condition to ensure that someone is always nearby to help.

ACCELERATED BREATHING AND TINGLING
A child with low blood sugar often breathes more quickly than normal. They can also complain of a tingling or stinging sensation around the mouth.

INSTABILITY, WEAKNESS, AND AWKWARDNESS
Without enough glucose to sustain brain and muscle activity, an episode of hypoglycemia can cause loss of muscle strength and coordination. The child can drop things or stumble when walking. Their speech can be disjointed. In a baby, you may notice a lack of motion and slow physical movement.

IRRITABILITY, MOOD SWINGS, AND BEHAVIOR CHANGES
irribility, mood swings, hypoglycemia in children
Lack of normal behavior is the first sign of hypoglycemia in young children. In diabetic children, doctors often recommend looking for abnormal signs throughout the day. If children react differently to a normal situation, let them relax before investigating for signs.

Irritability and sudden mood swings are common symptoms of hypoglycemia. Children may seem anxious or nervous during such episodes. They may have a burst of anger or cry with no apparent cause. Erratic, inappropriate behavior, lack of cooperation, and combativeness are possible clues of low blood sugar.

CONFUSION AND LACK OF FOCUS
Brain activity decreases when blood glucose is insufficient to feed brain cells. As a result, an episode of hypoglycemia often causes confusion and inattentiveness. Teachers should be aware of these and other symptoms of hypoglycemia in case the child experiences an episode in school.

If your child is diabetic, let teachers, friends, and others know because they can help treat signs of diabetes and hypoglycemia by getting help. Sometimes children and parents are reluctant to share their feelings with others, which is a recipe for failure. Boost your child’s confidence by telling them that it is a normal disease that they can overcome with awareness, knowledge, and confidence.

DROWSINESS AND LACK OF ENERGY
A severely low blood glucose level causes drowsiness and lowering of the energy level. Signs of lack of energy are evident if you feel that your child is yawning very frequently. In certain circumstances, children also tend to look straight focusing on a particular spot.

Low energy levels are also imminent if children have difficulty waking up in the morning. If your child seems too pushy wanting to go back to sleep, this may also be a hint of hypoglycemia in a child with diabetes. It is also common for some children to sweat profusely at night or wet their bedding.

SEIZURES
If levels fall below 40 mg/ dL, children can experience seizures. If nothing is done to rectify the situation, a child can quickly go into a coma. As a responsible parent, you should try not to panic because it will create immense psychological pressure on your child, who would be struggling to get out of the trauma.

Consult your child’s doctor about emergency plans for when the child has a seizure. You should always have a plan to deal with the most awkward situations. In fact, make a backup plan if you’re unable to get assistance, quickly. Knowledge and awareness are always a parent’s first line of defense against such attacks.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY?
If your child is treated with hypoglycemia, you can use the following steps to deal with the problem. Before making plans for the treatment, always consult your doctor regarding the diet and the procedure.

As a first step, you can give 10 to 15 grams of simple carbohydrates orally to boost the sugar intake. For instance, you can use these diets:

• Glucose (2 Glucosport pills),
• Sugar (2 lumps),
• Fruit Juice or non-light Soft Drinks (100 cc),
• A glass of skimmed milk (200 cc)

After giving an energy boost, wait about 10-15 minutes to test the sugar level. If it has not reached the normal level, it is necessary to repeat the same carbohydrates diet. Don’t try to give more sugar than the recommended dose because an overdose can create a chemical imbalance in the body, which can be harmful to the recovering patient.

If glucose levels have not reached the normal level, give another 10 gram of carbohydrates. Try a long-lasting diet such as:

• 20 gram of bread
• 3 Mary cookies
• A glass of whole milk
• 2 natural yogurts
• A piece of fruit

If hypoglycemia levels are reached near a meal, the body will react quickly to absorb carbohydrates. As a result, you may see a quick recovery. On the other hand, if the child had just taken a meal, the rate of absorption may be slow; therefore, you need to be vigilant throughout the episode.

Under normal conditions, if the blood glucose reaches less than 70 mg / dL, you should give 5 grams of slow-absorbing carbohydrates to fulfill the appetite.

It should be mentioned that these quantities are examples of treatment options; however, the exact diet should be administered after consultation with an expert. Readers should treat these guidelines to gain knowledge and generate awareness of possible treatment options for hypoglycemia.

WHAT TO DO DURING SEIZURES?
If the child recovers after being unconscious due to an episode of hypoglycemia or if the child experience seizures, don’t give an oral dose. Instead, such situations are best handled by administering a hormone known as glucagon, which is injected into the bloodstream using a small painless syringe.

The amount of dosage depends on the age of a child. For a child under 2 years, ¼ ampoules are sufficient. For children between 2 and 6 years, ½ ampoules are recommended, and for children above 6 years, a full dose of 1 ampoule should be administered.

The dose can be easily administered at school. Parents should let school authorities know about the health condition. Any health official at school can control the situation by providing the required quantity. Parents should also provide a bottle of glucagon to school authorities, and keep a note of the expiration date.

Many schools also train teachers to administer such doses. If the school offers such teacher training, parents should exempt teachers from any kind of liability in writing because it will make a trained teacher react to the situation quickly without calling health officials to help. After the child has recovered from the seizure or an attack, it is better to take the child to a nearby health facility.

CAUSES OF DIABETIC HYPOGLYCEMIA IN CHILDREN
In 90% of cases, hypoglycemia or cases of low blood sugar is related to diabetes. In these cases, the lowering of sugar is usually caused by some mismatch between the dose of insulin supplied and food intake, or by any medication that interferes with the effects of insulin. Low sugar levels can also be caused by excessive exercise in diabetic children.

Children with diabetes suffer from hypoglycemia because it often gets difficult to control insulin and glucose balance in the body. As a result, diabetic patients are prone to the disease due to the potential mismatch of food, medicine, or exercise.

CAUSES OF NON-DIABETIC HYPOGLYCEMIA IN CHILDREN
In 10% of cases of hypoglycemia, diabetes is not the reason behind hypoglycemia. In these rare cases, hormone deficiency can be the leading cause of the endocrine-metabolic problem. The deficiency of hormone leads to an autoimmune disease or a disease related to the heart, kidneys or liver, which causes hypoglycemia in non-diabetic children. Often times, hypoglycemia in non-diabetic children can also be traced to the intake of a certain medicine used by the child.

It can also be related to some type of tumor. The organ most responsible for hypoglycemia in non-diabetic children is Pancreas. Pancreas balances the production of insulin in our body; therefore, hypoglycemia can be caused by a malfunctioning pancreas. Under these conditions, doctors try to identify a particular disease instead of focusing on diabetic solutions. Once the disease is rectified, symptoms of hypoglycemia tend to fade quickly.

In non-diabetic patients, hypoglycemia is usually caused by an enzyme deficiency, injury, or pre-diabetes. As such, there are two types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia:

REACTIVE HYPOGLYCEMIA
The condition is mostly caused by a pre-diabetic condition where the body has difficulty in making insulin to control glucose levels.

Another major cause of reactive hypoglycemia is a problem with Pancreases. As the food passes quickly through the body to the small intestine, it causes diabetes. Often, stomach surgeries can cause such problems. Another rare kind of diabetes is the inability of an enzyme in the body to break down the food. This also causes the pancreas to malfunction.

FASTING HYPOGLYCEMIA
Excess use of medicines such as aspirin, antibiotics, and pentamidine can cause hypoglycemia in non-diabetic patients.

Experts have also seen cases of a severe injury to a liver, heart, or kidney to induce signs of hypoglycemia in healthy children. In certain situations, the disease is genetically induced due to low levels of hormones such as cortisol, glucagon, epinephrine, and growth hormone. A tumor in the pancreas is also a type of fasting hypoglycemia.

DURATION OF HYPOGLYCEMIA EPISODE
An episode of hypoglycemia in non-diabetic children can often end within minutes. The child just needs to take some kind of sweetener that may include drinking orange juice, taking a sugar pill or eating candy.

On the other hand, hypoglycemia caused by long-lasting insulin in diabetic children can often take up to two days to last; however, almost all non-diabetic children are out of the danger zone if treated appropriately.

People with diabetes are prone to hypoglycemia throughout their lifetime. The patient needs to be vigilant to survive the attack. Often, patients are vulnerable at night because they cannot monitor their glucose levels. Similarly, there are no symptoms to alert them of the impending situation.

Repeated episodes of hypoglycemia can lead to impaired brain functions. To prevent the condition, experts recommend trying to reduce episodes where the levels may lead to an attack or coma.

IS HYPOGLYCEMIA TREATABLE?
Hypoglycemia is most commonly associated with diabetes. A simple answer to the question is, “Yes, it is treatable if diabetic children can overcome the underlying condition causing hypoglycemia”. Depending on the condition and severity of hypoglycemia, good eating habits, exercise, and regular monitoring of glucose levels can prove a long-lasting remedy to prevent damages and disease associated with hypoglycemia.

In non-diabetic children, hypoglycemia is mostly caused by a malfunctioning organ or a similar disease. Once doctors are able to rectify the problem, non-diabetic children recover quickly from hypoglycemia. Doctors also use surgery to treat tumors or replace missing hormones with medicine to cure the disease.

Diabetic socks are designed to help people with diabetes. The term diabetes mellitus refers to several metabolic conditions that directly impact the bodies ability to use and process glucose, also known as blood sugar. These conditions are chronic and can lead to dangerous, life-threatening levels of glucose within the blood. Glucose is one of the body’s prime energy sources. It is necessary for cellular function, for muscles and tissues, and for brain function. However, too much glucose in the blood can lead to a number of detrimental health conditions. The two main types of diabetes are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The symptoms of these diseases vary depending on how high the levels of glucose are within the blood. Long term consequences of untreated high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can be life-threatening. Some complications of high blood sugar levels may even include amputations. These are typically caused by infections due to impaired immune and circulatory function.

TYPE 1 DIABETES
This type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in younger individuals. In this type of diabetes, the body struggles to produce adequate levels of insulin. This type of diabetes is unfortunately irreversible. It is considered an autoimmune disease. Here, the body’s immune system attacks pancreatic cells and significantly impairs its ability to function. People with this type of diabetes are insulin dependent for blood glucose regulation and must take insulin everyday of their lives in order to function.

TYPE 2 DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes can develop at any time throughout a person’s life, even in childhood. This is the most common type of diabetes. These people are still capable of producing insulin, but not at optimal levels for the body’s health. Genetic factors can contribute to the development of this disease. Lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise and poor eating habits can increase the probability of developing this type of diabetes. There is an extremely strong correlation between obesity and this type of diabetes.

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES
Increased Urination

Excessive Thirst

Slow Wound Healing

Numbness and Tingling in Extremities

Blurred Vision

Low Immune System

DIABETIC SOCKS PURPOSE
While medication and doctor supervision are often highly recommended by doctors for treatment of diabetes, I like to consider other methods as well to help manage and mitigate symptoms. People with diabetes can sometimes suffer from unusually cold hands and feet, numbness and tingling, and/or swelling in the legs and feet. When blood flow is restricted, it can cause many uncomfortable or even dangerous symptoms. High blood glucose levels within the blood can seriously damage veins, nerves, and blood vessels. Circulation is often impaired or restricted in diabetes. This can lead to purple looking feet, swelling, or overall discomfort. People who are suffering from diabetes may find that diabetic compression socks help prevent clotting, which is always a risk when the body’s circulatory and nervous systems have become damaged. Diabetic socks work by reducing pressure in the lower leg and in the foot, prevent blistering on the skin, and minimize the accumulation of moisture.

RISKS OF POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION
poor blood circulation-diabetic socks
I’ll go over a few of the risks of inadequate blood flow to illustrate just how helpful these socks can really be for someone who is struggling with diabetes and with the management of its symptoms. Diabetes is one of the major causes of poor blood flow within the body. Insufficient circulation is actually quite serious, and its signs should not be overlooked. Poor circulation can damage an individuals organs and limbs. Luckily, hope is not lost and there are many things diabetes sufferers can do on their own to help improve circulation, like wearing those compression socks that I discussed previously.

WHY DIABETIC COMPRESSION SOCKS ARE USEFUL
These socks have an immense amount of benefits for those who need a little more circulatory support. These socks can be used by men, women, and children alike. Some have inquired about the difference between socks for diabetes and actual compression socks. Socks designed for people with diabetes mesh with the exact shape of the foot. Being seamless and without elastic, these socks do not bunch or bind. Thus, this limits the amount of discomfort experienced by wearers. These socks also reduce friction injuries and abrasion on the skin. Some people with diabetes have decided to wear compression socks. However, compression socks typically utilize very strong elastic components to form their structure. This pressure encourages blood to safely and sufficiently flow back to the heart. I have seen them significantly reduce leg swelling. These socks also reduce the risk of clotting and other conditions such as deep vein thrombosis. Many people choose to wear these on long flights and drives or if their lifestyle lends itself to be more sedentary. Even so, not all people with diabetes need to wear these socks. Those who have symptoms of circulatory impairment or distress are the one’s who may most benefit from wearing these types of socks. These socks can truly help prevent damages from occurring. For some people, these socks are a major part of keeping their health in balance.

MORE ON HOW SPECIALLY DESIGNED SOCKS HELP DIABETICS
Unfortunately, those with diabetes often find themselves at a higher risk for developing major circulatory issues. When worn consistently, I believe that these special socks can really get rid of any major nerve sensitivities. Other conditions, such as foot ulcers and scrapes often go unrecognized in diabetes because they fly under the radar. Traditional socks are best avoided when one has diabetes because they do not provide proper support and care. The seams in these socks can lead to rubbing and abrasions. They can also cause unnecessary pressure. These socks also hold onto moisture in ways that can cause major problems. Excess moisture can contribute to fungal infections. Circulation can easily become restricted in these types of socks because they get tighter and tighter as they are worn throughout the day.

GENERAL FOOT CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES
Podiatrists recommend that diabetes sufferers stay on top of their foot care to prevent serious conditions from occurring. Daily checkups can ensure that a cut or even some swelling does not go unchecked. Every little detail matters here!

Stay on top of injuries so that seemingly minor problems do not turn into major issues that could become exacerbated over time.

Maintain a healthy diet/exercise regime and do not smoke! Smoking has been shown to impair blood flow and circulation by decreasing the amount of oxygen circulating throughout the body.

HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT SOCKS FOR YOU
The sock you buy depends on wearer preference, comfortability, and affordability. Bamboo is my preferred material because of its special antifungal and antibacterial properties. These socks should still be well taken care of and washed pretty immediately after wearing in order to hinder the growth of any bacteria. Additionally, taller socks are often recommended because their increased height allows for increased circulation. These socks should be washed in warm water and treated delicately. Each sock can last around six months to a year and should be thrown away immediately if they become damaged. However, they may last longer if they are treated with care.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ON SOCKS FOR DIABETES
There are ways to manage the uncomfortable symptoms that may accompany all forms of diabetes. The best socks for diabetes sufferers are the ones that meet these top criteria:
Moisture-wicking

Seamless

Anti-bacterial

Padded

Individuals typically wear these socks all day; that way, chances of injury are lessened as that person goes about their day. Being barefoot can actually be very risky for someone who has an impaired circulatory system. If feet have gotten dirty or sweaty, socks should definitely be changed in order to maintain the cleanliness of the foot. Each sock has been carefully designed to form to the wearer’s foot, while simultaneously allowing them to breathe. It is important to ask a doctor which type of sock they recommend for you depending on the severity of your symptoms because some socks may be inappropriate or inadequate. There have not been any downsides to these socks noted and even people who do not have diabetes may enjoy wearing these socks, if they choose to do so! These socks are available at many common stores. Some are cheaper than others, but it might be worth your penny to invest in a more reliable, sturdy brand. These socks come in many different colors. However, some people prefer to wear white socks because they more easily show blood or any signs of discharge emanating from one’s wounds. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you very well may benefit from wearing diabetic socks. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes may also find relief from their swollen feet by using these socks. Overall, diabetic foot care can be considered to be crucial for maintaining a person’s entire health. Diabetic socks are best used when the wearer is also maintaining a healthy diet, exercising as often as the doctor recommends (if he or she recommends exercise), and following their doctors orders. The feet can be one of the most sensitive parts of the body. It’s best to protect them! Please feel free to share this article on social media.

Avocados are notably high in calories but are also highly regarded for their high content of monounsaturated fats and potassium thus making it one of the most beneficial foods for combating high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. The heart pumps blood into the arteries, which is the transportation highway responsible for distributing blood throughout the body. Blood pressure comprises of two numbers: Systolic, the first and higher of the two reflects pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and they are filled with blood, diastolic, the second number, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading varies from 90/60 at birth to 120/80 in a healthy adult. For seniors age 6o and older a reading of 150/90 is an indication of high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s important to note that a reading slightly higher than 120/80 in young adults indicates a risk of developing pre-hypertension.

Having untreated high blood pressure makes the heart work harder and contributes to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This in turn can lead to stroke, kidney disease, and to the development of heart disease. “Having high blood pressure puts you at risk of heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. About 75 million American adults (32%) have high blood pressure-that’s 1 in every 3 adults. About 1 in 3 American adults has prehypertension” 1 A diet low in salt and high in vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. Highly valued for its blood pressure combating properties within the fruit family is the Avocado (aka. alligator pear) a fruit of the avocado tree native to the Western hemisphere.

Avocados are reputed to be high in fats, but since they are a plant food, the fat they contain is therefore considered an oil and not a solid fat. However it’s important to note that the majority of fat (77%) in the fruit is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. There is conclusive scientific evidence which points to the fact that diets rich in monounsaturated fats are great for improving your cholesterol and reducing inflammation thereby reducing the risks of heart problems and strokes. In fact “The American Heart Association recommends the consumption of MUFAs (monounsaturated fats) to improve your blood lipid profile.” “(Lipid profile or lipid panel is a panel of blood tests that serves as an initial broad medical screening tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides.)” 2

Along with monounsaturated fats avocados are extremely rich in potassium (more so than bananas – Half a medium avocado contains 549 mg potassium, one medium banana provides 451 mg.). A diet rich in potassium helps regulate your heart beat, eases tension in your blood vessel walls, keeps muscles and nerves functioning efficiently, and lowers blood pressure by balancing out the effects of sodium on your system. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium is lost through urination. A high potassium diet can reduce systolic blood pressure 4.4 mm Hg and diastolic pressure 2.5 mm Hg.

To those who are averse to eating the avocado fruit the oil derived from it is a reliable alternative. A study done on lab animals and published by “Journal of Ethnopharmacology.” concluded that “a diet rich in avocado oils, altered levels of essential fatty acids in kidneys, resulting in changes in the way the kidneys respond to hormones that regulate blood pressure.” A tablespoon of avocado oil contains approximately 124 calories and 14 grams of fat (21 percent of the recommended daily fat intake), 9.9 of the 14 grams are monounsaturated healthy fat which lowers LDL ((Low Density Lipoprotein) ) cholesterol, while increasing HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and 1.9 grams are polyunsaturated fat which lowers LDL and HDL. Avocados contain no cholesterol or trans-fat and are richer in vitamin E than any other fruit. The fats of the avocado are also resistant to heat-induced oxidation thus offering an excellent substitute for vegetable, canola oils and similar saturated or trans-fat products.

While extolling the health benefits of the avocado it is important to keep in mind that the fruit is high in calories (a cup of avocado slices contain approximately 234 calories) so the quantity being consumed must be taken into consideration. Also due to its high potassium content, persons with kidney related problems need to be extra careful in its use. Consult your healthcare professional to know if a diet supplemented with avocado is good for you.

Fear can be a good thing. It starts the “fight or flight” response that helps get us out of danger whether it be attack or retreat. When it is a constant feeling it isn’t good. It can be deadly.

Defining Chronic Fear: Many people call this anxiety disorder or similar terms. It is the constant fear that something is going to happen. It could be something real, like an earthquake. It could be something imagined like a child who fears the monster under the bed. It could be the thought of simply setting foot outside the house.

What’s the Connection? Fight or flight hormones that never stop cause blood pressure to rise (and stay there), blurred vision and a near inability to accomplish anything related to what is feared. I’ll give you an example, using me.

I am afraid of water and I am afraid of heights. I live near the Pacific ocean and there are a lot of piers. Most of them have things to do on them, such as a restaurant or a ferris wheel. It takes every ounce of willpower I have simply to walk out onto any of them. I can feel my blood pressure go up. It’s a perfectly safe pier.

What Can I Do? For something like the example above you have to decide if what you want to do is more important than your fear. I wanted to say I’d walked out on the longest pier in Southern California, and I did it. I’m actually very proud of that. This is something you may be able to do.

When it comes to lowering your blood pressure, medication can be of great assistance. However, what you eat and drink is more important than medication itself. Studies have shown that food and drink is just as powerful as medication. This article will have a look at 5 foods that lower blood pressure.

Bananas

Banana’s contain approximately 450 milligrams of potassium. If potassium is consumed more, more water and sodium will go through your urine. Potassium removes the dangerous effects that sodium causes. In order to lower your pressure, the amount of sodium consumed each day should be less than 1500 milligrams. The amount of potassium should be increased to around 4700 milligrams.

Yogurt

Another food is yoghurt. An adult should have about 1000, to 1500 milligrams of calcium daily. Yoghurt that has a plain flavour and has no fat in it, will help your pressure to remain low. It is recommended that a couple of cups or more should be consumed each day. You could also consume this yoghurt with vegetables, dips or on the top of oatmeal.

Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate contains Polyphenols is also one of five foods that lower pressure. This is an important class that contains bioactive phytochemicals. Studies have shown that this can prevent vascular disease or heart disease. In order to keep your blood pressure low, it is best to go with the real dark chocolate. Coco powder that is natural and unsweetened can be used. So can Coco Powder that has less calories, sugar and fat in it.

Garlic

Garlic can also be included in one of the foods that lower blood pressure. It has been proven that Garlic reduces the chance of prostate and lung cancers. It can also remove cancer cells. Garlic can also prevent you from getting colds. In terms of lowering your blood pressure, it will often assist those who have hypertension.

Asparagus

Asparagus contains anti-inflammatory. This is what helps an individual recover from health difficulties including: heart disease and cancers. It also contains glutathione. Glutathione can free your body from radicals and other poisons. Also included in asparagus are: vitamins, B, C and K. iron, calcium and zinc and much more. As a result, this is another of the foods that lower pressure.

We all know that drinking water is good for us. It is drummed into us seemingly at every turn, and while it’s been proven time and time again, water is just, well, boring. While drinking water after a long run or having been out in the hot sun is very refreshing, sometimes we just want to kick it up a notch of two and that’s where spa water comes in.

No, it’s not a new brand, just an idea that has been around for as long as there have been spas. Back in the day, people would flock to the Alps to breathe in the fresh air and get back to nature. They’d also be given cucumber in water as the ultimate in a healthy drink. Spa water was born (as was bottle water, but that’s an article for another day!)

Today we put all sorts of things into our water to give it a kick of flavour, because we all know we drink more of it when it tastes good, right? Surprisingly, cucumber water is very tasty, it is fresh and clean tasting and really brings out the cucumber-y taste. While it may seem weird to put a vegetable into water, it’s really not, although fruits of course get more of a look in.

Strawberries, apples and cinnamon, oranges, lemons, limes and even pear can be put into water in any mix you’d like which not only livens up the water but gives you the goodness (vitamins, minerals and general good stuff) of the fruits all at the same time.

Any sort of berry also works well in water, simply prick berries with a toothpick or fork to get the juices flowing and you have yourself a fun drink.

Now you may be thinking that you need some fancy container to run around town with and of course there are many on the market, but in reality all you need is a water bottle with a top large enough to put what you want inside. Doesn’t have to be fancy, just has to work, right?

Talk about alternative therapies and reflexology may come into the conversation. A lot of people, including medical professionals think it’s a load of hooey and that it doesn’t help anyone ever. But then there are the people who swear by it and say that it helps them immensely, so who is right?

It of course depends on the person. If you enjoy reflexology and it makes you feel better then by all means keep it up! The medical community doesn’t say you should never partake, only that it won’t heal major diseases alone and that if you delay ‘proper’ treatment of those diseases it can become a life threatening issue.

So we’ll just deal with the day to day ailments, those that aren’t life threatening and those that may just feel better after some reflexology treatments. Reflexology itself is the ability to stimulate nerve function, give the body an energy boost and help with circulation. It is also said to be able to treat urinary tract infections and to reduce sleep disturbances but these claims are yet to be proven.

It consists of a therapist manipulating your hands, feet and sometimes even the ears as it is thought that each part of your foot and hand corresponds to another part of your body. If you have a problem in your leg for example, there is a pressure point on your hand or your foot that will help to alleviate that problem. Trouble with your liver? There’s a spot for that too.

Centuries ago, reflexology was thought to rebalance your qi, which isn’t just a great word to play in Scrabble, but an unseen life force that can become clouded over time and needs to be reset. This is where medical professionals become a bit confused as you can’t see the qi so how can you fix it? If you believe, however, that your qi is off and you want to see a reflexologist to get it back to normal, go ahead. Sometimes believing in something is a powerful aid in getting back to feeling good.

In short, reflexology shouldn’t be used solely to treat things like cancer or other diseases alone. If you have a problem you should consult a doctor and get second opinions as needed, but for little things that can benefit from a nice foot rub or a palm massage, reflexology is a nice treat for yourself at the spa.

Spas aren’t just a thing of extravagance. They are a place where you can go and unwind after a long, stressful week at work. If you have never been to a spa before, there is no time like the present to do so. Just check out some of the amazing health benefits that come from heading out to the spa today.

Eliminate stress.

Everyone needs some time to get away from the stress of the world and relax. A nice therapeutic massage can help you do just that. Surround yourself in a nice sauna and enjoy an hour-long massage from one of the trained professionals. Your stress will be gone, as well as your aches and pains.

Give your health a boost.

When you get a massage from a trained professional, they will be able to let you know which areas are too tense. Once you know what muscles you are overworking, you can begin focusing on what you can do to keep your muscles relaxed and live a healthy lifestyle. In fact, many massage therapists can provide you with a few suggestions on your eating habits and lifestyle.

Unwind mentally.

Whether you think you need a trip to the local spa or not, everyone deserves some downtime to pamper themselves and enjoy not having to worry about anything else. Trips to the spa will stimulate you physically and mentally. In fact, you might even notice that your self-esteem is higher when you leave the spa. Foot scrubs are great for invigorating your senses. Pedicures and manicures are ideal for giving your psyche a boost.

Eliminate toxins from your body.

Eliminate excess fluid and toxins from your body with the help of detoxification. A good detox will help you feel great and eliminate any excess water retention and bloating. You can also check into colon cleansing or juice fasting while at the spa.

With each procedure offering so many benefits, it makes sense why so many people head out to the spa and enjoy taking in everything that they have to offer. Make an appointment today to revitalize your body and rejuvenate your senses. You will feel wonderful and you deserve it. So go ahead and treat yourself with a great anti aging facial or a relaxing massage that will rejuvenate your body and mind to keep dealing with everyday issues, such as work, family and career.

Be Good To yourself.

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In the past 2 years, I have had four bone and reconstructive surgeries. In previous years I have had other types of surgeries, but from my own personal experience, I would love to share my experiences with others in hopes to help those going through the same experiences to feel more at ease and perhaps help those who have family members experiencing surgeries to understand what their loved ones are going through. The moments up to surgery are worrisome and emotional. There are ways that I will discuss on how to be reassured and keep calm. As well as before surgery, I will discuss the day of surgery, right after surgery, and recovery at home.
Let’s begin with being told you need surgery and you being ready for it. Most Doctors are more willing to help you with your issues of broken bones or pain if you yourself admit you need their help and want it. When I was diagnosed with ruptured discs in my neck, I honestly did not want surgery and wanted to find any other way possible to fix it. I went to chiropractors, therapists, home remedy therapists and to my avail, I waited too long until it was SO bad that I said, “I’m done.” I was finally ready. Our emotions about surgery sometime get the best of us and we are not willing to admit our issue is bad enough until the fact that much more damage is done. Sometimes, yes, it pays to be stubborn and wait it out, but many times over, it does not. In my case, my neck was much worse ten years after the fact than when I started. The idea of surgery and being “put out” under anesthesia frightened me, but much more, the “what if’s” that went with it. What if I died, was I ready? What if I was paralyzed, what would happen to me and my family? What if, what if, what if? I was worrying myself sick! surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Matthew 6:34 reads to not be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. And other verses about worrying started to fill my brain. I knew I had to get back into perspective that God has this. Of course, I still worried some.
In my worrying, I turned things around. I had to get prepared. Even though I hurt profusely and paid for everything I did that night or next day, things had to get finished. I knew that they told me after surgery that I wasn’t going to be able to do ANYTHING for a while and that included not getting into a vehicle for a month. I had to get my home in tip top shape and game on! My husband was going to be able to take off for a week after surgery, but he had to go back to work so I concentrated on meal planning and putting dinners in the freezer for later dates.
Some things beside the home and food may include things like the bed and where you will sleep. For neck and shoulder surgery, I recommend sleeping elevated as much as possible. You will be required to do so for some surgeries. If you do not have a lift bed, buy a wedge pillow or two. You will be limited on regular household chores. To bend and pick things up off the floor, nah, don’t plan on it. If you can find a cheap enough hand gripper that reaches to the floor and you can squeeze from your hand to open and close on the object, that would be a pretty good idea. Picking up a gallon of milk or other objects of weight will be an issue as well. Try freezing drinks in empty water bottles that you will be able to lift appropriately. Bringing pillows and a cover for the ride home may be something to keep in mind. This will help alleviate the bumps or curves in the roads. Keeping your mind set on prayer and preparation will help the worry disappear. Be sure to follow all of the surgery instructions faithfully so you are prepared for that day. So my advice to anyone emotionally worried about your upcoming surgery, give it to God and just breathe. Prepare your home however you need to. Occupy your brain with what will help you after surgery.
The day of the surgery, I have learned from my neck, lower back, left shoulder, and right knee surgery that it is a whirlwind. Of course, you will sign all kinds of permissions and forms and sign in to the hospital. This is normal and can be lengthy, but it must be done. Patience on your part may wear thin, but you got this. You will have the opportunity to speak with your Doctor and the anesthesiologist before surgery. If you have ANY concerns at all, DO NOT hesitate to ask them. Remember, they are being paid by you to do a service for you. Do not be intimidated by the fact that their job may seem more important. You are just as important and your needs and concerns must be met. I have seen many rude patients who have no care of concern for their caregivers and remember to be nice and respectful when asking questions or concerns.
You will be poked for blood and pic lines and what nots, but be prepared that it may hurt just a little, but soon it is over and once the IV’s are in and the proper drugs start pumping, you should will be properly monitored. The special someone with you may not be allowed to be with you during these blood processes, but they are usually allowed with you after and up until they take you back for surgery. I had the desire for prayer and my husband and family with me prayed. It is a comfort for myself and may be for you as well.
After surgery, they will have you in a recover room where they will monitor your blood pressure and any other issues that may come up. They will keep a close eye on your progress coming out of your anesthesia. Usually, you are in great shape and a lot loopy. At this time, the Doctor usually goes to your family member or whomever brought you in for surgery and give an account as to how things went. They will know ahead of you what went down and had to happen. When they see fit that you are ready, they will usually bring you back into the same room you were in when they put the IV’s in. Here, you will be able to be with your loved ones again. If your family is anything like mine, they will try to have a bit of fun with the idea you are “loopy” and ask you strange things or tell you oddities. Just smile and humor them!
And finally, if you do not have to stay in the hospital, they will send you home. For my neck surgery, I did have to stay overnight in the hospital, but for the others, they were all out-patient. The one thing I stress the most is BE SURE TO FOLLOW YOUR AFTER-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS!! Read them yourself and have the individual/s read them as well. Be sure to pay attention if there seems to be anything wrong at all! Usually your gut will let you know and don’t ignore them. For example, and this is not to scare you, but I know someone not long ago who had surgery and a few days after he was home, he was filling up with his own feces because his colon was accidentally severed. The ER sent him home after just an IV of antibiotics. Some things do happen, just be sure to know your body and listen to it. Do exactly what they tell you and if you are sent home with the appropriate drugs and instructions for pain and infection, be sure to take them on a regular basis until you feel yourself that you are ready to stop taking them. If you let the pain get too far out of hand, it can be a big issue. With each surgery I had, each was very different with the affects of nerves and other issues. Be sure to contact your Doctor if they are not helping you or if you are having issues with anything!! Stay on top of everything!
It is okay to ask for help. Do not be stubborn because it can cause yourself unnecessary pain and set you back. If you need help doing some simple chores, please call on a family or church member and even perhaps a close neighbor who can get to you quickly. More than likely, they are seeking to help anyway and would love to help. Keep an ice pac on hand because that will be a go to after surgery. Have someone get it for you if you need it. Having a phone by your side is also a must. It is good to call out and answer a call instead of beating yourself up trying to get to the phone. DO NOT OVERDO IT! You may feel like you are feeling so good one day that you think, “I can do this and that today,” but just be slow and little by little or you will pay for it. I had a note pad near me and wrote a lot of notes, especially for marking down who visited or brought me gifts or food. I was SO thankful for those individuals.