by mobrian on June 9, 2009
Diabetes is a disease that, at its most basic, is the body not producing enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin it has properly.
By Alan Ramsey
Let’s start with the key player, Insulin, it is the hormone needed for the body to convert food, sugars and starches mainly, into energy. An easy way to look at it is to see insulin as the key that allows the sugars (glucose) into the cells. Without it the glucose level in the blood will be high and the available glucose in the cells will be low. Without the key the glucose can’t enter the cells. As we will see this shifts the whole body out of balance.
Statistically speaking, approximately 18 million adults and children have been diagnosed. While another 5.7 million are unaware that they too have diabetes, bringing the total over 23 million people with diabetes.
Diagnosis is [click to continue…]
by mobrian on February 22, 2009
Part II, Related Cold Weather Injuries
Make sure you have read part I of this II part series first!
Cold weather injuries can occur even if temperatures are above freezing. Some of the more common are Chilblains, frostbite and trench foot
Chilblains
Chilblains is a common cold related injury. It may develop several hours after exposure to the cold. They are painful, itchy, red to purple areas of swelling usually affecting the fingers, toes, nose and ears; but can be seen on other areas of the body. Occasionally blisters and small sores will be seen in some individuals but not always. These lesions can take several weeks to heal and the area can remain sensitive to cold. If found, cover the area with a dry sterile dressing and address re-warming the patient.
Frostbite
Frostbite is the [click to continue…]
