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Diabetes
Here are some disturbing statistics published by the American Heart Association. Much of this is taken from Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2009 Update.
Did you know?
* Nearly 2,400 Americans die of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) each day, an average of one death every 37 seconds.
* Preliminary mortality data for 2006 show that CVD accounted for 34.2% of all 2,425,900 deaths in 2006, or 1 of every 2.9 deaths in the United States.
* Good news: From 1995 to 2005, death rates from CVD declined by 26.4%.
* Cardiovascular disease claims about as many lives each year as cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, accidents and diabetes mellitus combined.
* Half of adults 50 and younger with low 10-year risk of CVD have high lifetime risk (News Release Jan. 13, 2009).
* One in three female adults has some form of cardiovascular disease.
* Since 1984, the number of CVD deaths for females has exceeded those for males.
* In 2005, CVD was the first listed diagnosis of 3,023,000 females discharged from short-stay hospitals. Discharges include people both alive, dead or of unknown status.
* More than 150,000 Americans killed by CVD in 2005 were less than 65 years of age.
* In 2009, an estimated 785,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 will have a recurrent attack. It is estimated that an additional 195,000 silent first myocardial infarctions occur each year.
* Each year, about 795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. On average, every 40 seconds someone in the US has a stroke. Good news: From 1995 to 2005, the stroke death rate fell 29.7% and the actual number of stroke deaths declined 13.5%.
Yikes!!
Are you at risk for heart disease? Do you know what to do in the event of a heart attack? Are you up to date on the latest CPR Myths & Tips?
Read 5 Ways to Celebrate American Heart Month for more information on how to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Here’s a Power Point Presentation for 2009 American Heart Org Stats in case you want to present these facts to your family, school or group.
Here is a summary of “Risk Factors for Heart Disease” from the American Heart Association:
* Diabetes Mellitus – At least 65% of people with diabetes mellitus die of some form of heart or blood vessel disease. Let Allegro help manage your diabetes with low cost Diabetes Supplies.
* High Blood Cholesterol and Other Lipids – High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol levels of less than 40mg/dL are associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease. Determine your cholesterol quickly and easily with a Home Cholesterol Test Kit.
* High Blood Pressure – About 69% of people who have a first heart attack, 77% who have a first stroke and 74% who have Congestive Heart Failure have blood pressure higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Do you know your blood pressure? Take it anytime, anywhere with your own blood pressure monitor.
* Metabolic Syndrome – Defined as having three or more of the following abnormalities:
– Waist circumference greater than 102 cm (40 inches) in men and 88 cm (35 inches) in women.
– Triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or higher.
– High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level less than 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women.
– Blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg or higher or drug treatment for hypertension.
– Fasting plasma glucose level of 100 mg/dL or higher.
Men and women with the MetS were approximately 1.5 and 2 times more likely to develop CHD. Among the components of MetS, elevated blood cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol exhibited the strongest associations with CHD. Similar associations were found between the MetS and incident ischemic stroke.
* Overweight and Obesity – You are considered overweight if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 25 and higher. You are considered obese if your BMI is 30 and higher. Get weight loss help!
* Physical Inactivity – The relative risk of coronary heart disease associated with physical inactivity ranges from 1.5 to 2.4, an increase in risk comparable to that for high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure or cigarette smoking. Get your heart pumping with these popular exercise/fitness products.
* Tobacco – a whole lot of bad news for smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke:
– From 1997-2001, an estimated 438,000 Americans died each year of smoking-related illnesses; 34.7 percent of these deaths were cardiovascular-related.
– An estimated 35,052 nonsmokers die from coronary heart disease (CHD) each year as a result of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
– One-third of those who receive percutaneous coronary artery vascularization are current smokers, and 50-60 percent continue to smoke after the procedure.
– Cigarette smoking remains a major cause of stroke in the United States. The evidence is sufficient to infer a causal relationship between smoking and subclinical atherosclerosis.
– There’s hope yet: The 2004 Health Consequences of Smoking Report of the Surgeon General states that the risk of stroke decreases steadily after you quit smoking. Former smokers have the same risk as nonsmokers after five to 15 years.
– A study of women below age 44 found there was a strong dose-relationship for MI, with a risk of 2.5 for those smoking one to five cigarettes per day, rising to 74.6 for those smoking more than 40 cigarettes per day, compared with nonsmokers. – Another study on female smokers found the highest risk (6.8) for MI was in women younger than 55 years of age.
If you are at risk for heart disease or stroke, know that there are ways to manage these risk factors. Please talk to you doctor about your concerns.
Educate yourself and spread the word to your friends and family! Read Staggering Heart Facts, Heart Attack/Stroke Warning Signs: Men vs. Women and CPR Myths, Tips & Updates.
Valentine’s Day and President’s Day aren’t the only holidays we’ll be celebrating this month. February is American Heart Month! Cross my heart.
It seems that matters of the heart are quite serious. So serious that every year since 1963, Congress has required the President to proclaim February ‘American Heart Month’. The American Heart Association helps to draft this proclamation and get it signed. Who knew?
Even so, after 45 years of ‘proclaiming’, cardiovascular disease remains the number 1 killer (including stroke) in our nation today. Let’s join President Obama and the American Heart Association’s plight to fight heart disease and raise awareness, shall we?
Here’s how:
1. Get Heart Smart. Like the American Heart Association (AMA) says, “learn and live”. Did you know that the death rate from cardiovascular disease (CVD) is higher for females than males? And that the warning signs of a heart attack may be different for men and women? Read Staggering Heart Facts and Heart Attack & Stroke Warning Signs: Men vs Women.
2. Check yourself. According to the AMA, if you’ve made it to middle age (eg, 50) and you’re a non-smoker without high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes then congratulations! You can look forward to: a substantially longer life; lower risk for CVD; lower risks for CVD death and non-CVD death; better health-related quality of life in older age; and, substantially reduced Medicare expenditures. Start monitoring your cholesterol, blood pressure and glucose levels now. They’re sneaky and you might not even know you’re in trouble. The good news is, they are manageable with help from your doc. If you smoke, quit it. It’s gross and stinky and stupid and so uncool, unlike you. Here is a List of Heart Attack & Stroke Risk Factors and Guidelines.
Products to help you measure and track from home: cholesterol test kit, blood pressure monitors and diabetic meters & test kits. Monitor your heart health here.
3. Get Heart Healthy. Eating right, staying fit and managing your weight will go a long way to keeping a heart attack at bay. Learn how here. Get started with heart rate monitors.
4. Spread the Word. As with all diseases, I believe that awareness is half the battle. You could save someone’s life by sharing your knowledge about heart disease with your family, friends, schools, social groups, community groups. Even if it is just in casual conversation, try to work in “have you had your blood pressure checked lately?” or “did you know that… “. The AMA asks you to be part of the cure. Become an advocate! Another way to spread the word is to get involved with local heart charities. You can volunteer at hospitals, deliver leaflets door to door, start your own campaign or attend charity events. Here are some specific ways to give.
5. Cover your bases. Do you know what to do in the event of a heart attack? Do you know how to do CPR? Does your school, home, company and shopping mall have an Automated External Diffibrilator (AED)? They are so affordable now, there is no excuse. If you or a loved on is at risk for a heart attack you may also consider getting a 911 Medical Alert System.
See all Diagnostic Products.
If you’ve read all of these articles and you crave more, visit the American Heart Association website.
Happy American Heart Month! Please take care of yourself. We heart you.
-v
For many, this is a financially difficult holiday so I am proposing that we all gift “mindfully”. Pick gifts that your loved ones can really put to use – something that fits their lifestyle, ability, or hobby.
When they open it, it will be obvious that you had them in mind when you chose their special present. And your gift will be especially appreciated if it improves their health, comfort, independence or mobility.
So grab your list and see if you can fit each person into a category below. You’ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect gift.
Shop for everyone – fitness buffs, kids, skiers, snorers, active teens, diabetics, new mom’s, seniors, wheelchair users and more!
Aging Seniors
UpEasy Lifting Cushion
Card Player Card Holders
3-Wheel Drive Hawk Scooter
Car Caddie Helping Hand
Suction Cup Grab Bars
Folding Shopping Cart
Tek Pal Large Button TV Remote
Light Relief – Light Therapy
Teak Spa Shower Chair
Portable Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor
See all Daily Living Aids
Diabetics
AccelWell Travel Pouch
Paraffin Heat System
Medi-Fridge Micro Fridge
Diabetic Crew Socks
Awesome Diabetic Shoes
See all Diabetic Supplies
Fitness Gurus & Athletes
X2 Vest Weighted Walking Vest – 12 lb
Lex Loops Exercise Band
Heart Rate Monitor
Complete Yoga Kit with Travel Bag
3300P Body Gym Elite Pilates Trainer
ProStretch Lower Leg Stretching System
Power Wheel II Core Trainer
Perfect Pushup
Bodyblade Classic Kit Fitness Trainer
Doorway Pull Up Bar
Personal PowerBlock Dumbbell Set
iJoy Ride by Human Touch
Mini Stepper Exerciser
BOSU Sport Balance Trainer
See all Exercise/Fitness
Gardeners
Easi-Grip Gardening Set
Gardener’s Easy-Up Kneeler and Seat
Easi-Grip Long Reach Gardening Set
See all Yard Equipment
Golfers
Power Swing Trainer Golf Gym
Superfeet Black Insoles for Golf Shoes
Bionic Golf Glove
Wobble Board Balance Trainer
Hotties
Chillow Pillow Cooling Sensation Pillow
ChillowPlus
Cool Care Comfort System Chillow Pak
Kids
Indo Board Balance Board
TRIKKE T5 for Kids
Hop Balls
Pink Lady Pedal Car
Police Pedal Car
Radio Flyer Little Red Scooter
See all Gifts for Kids
New Parents and Moms-to-Be
Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball
InStep Quick N’ Ez Bike Trailer
Safari Jogging Stroller
Comfort Body Pillow
Magentic Safety Magnet – Emergency Memo Board‘
See all Maternity Care
Pampered
Deep Kneading Rechargeable Hand Held Massager
Ultra Soft Plush Massaging Slippers for Women
Spacells Facial Sponge
HydraGel Infrared Massager
Alpaca Fur Fuzzy Slippers
Alpaca Fur Blanket
Alpaca Fur Pillow
Supracor St. Tropez Massage Sandals
iJoy 130 Robotic Massage Chair
Stimulite Bath Mitt
Stimulite Bath Pillow
Thermal Spa Bath Mat Massage Pad
Superfeet Berry Insoles for Women
Original Backnobber
Hand-Held Shower Massager
Soapy Soles Elite 3-in-1 Foot Care System
Spa Petite Personal Paraffin Wax Bath
Eye Pillow with ergoBeads
See all Pamper Products
Pets
Infrared Therapeutic Pet Bed
Canine Cooler Dog & Pet Bed
Singles
The Boyfriend Pillow
Skaters/Surfers/SnowBoarders
iJoy Board Electric Balance Trainer
Fitball Balance Disc
Indo Board Balance Board
Superfeet Performance Green Insoles
Skiiers
Trikke Skki
Superfeet Performance Green Insoles
Superfeet Wintergreen Insoles for Skiing, Snowboarding & Hiking
Wobble Board Balance Trainer
Hand Warmers
Peel-n-Stick Body Warmers
Snorers
The Snore Wizard
Better Sleep Pillow – Side Sleeper
Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock w/Bed Shaker
Snore-No-More Anti Snoring Pillow
See all Snoring Products
Sweetie Pies
Heart-Shaped Digital Picture Keychain
Sonic Boom Sweetheart Alarm Clock
Alpaca Fur Teddy Bear
Alpaca Fur Fuzzy Slippers
Alpaca Fur Blanke
Teens
Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock w/Bed Shaker
TRIKKE Convertible
Doorway Pull Up Bar
Vew-Do Balance Board
Indo Board Balance Board
Travelers
Personal Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer
Traveller Deluxe Neck Pillow
Aqua Bell Travel Weight ComboSet
Traveling Bed Rail
Portable Vibrating Travel Alarm Clock
Visually Challenged
Large Button TV Remote Control
Deluxe Framed Page Magnifier
Low Vision Watch
Jumbo Buttons Speakerphone
See all Low Vision Products
Wheelchair and Walker Users
Beverage Holders
Sheepskin Arm Rests
Sheepskin Seat Pad
Packs and Pouches
Wheelchair Desks
See all Wheelchair Accessories
See all Walker Accessories
I hope this helps you pick the perfect Christmas gift from AllegroMedical.com. See our entire Gift Ideas Category for more ideas and to shop by price range. Feel free to add a comment about the list and suggest other products and “types”. We love to hear from you.
A Verry Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone from your Allegro Family. We appreciate your business and your referrals.
-v
On the road, in the air, or when you arrive, these popular travel products can make your holiday or winter travel a little easier. They also make great gifts!
Travel Easy
Travel Fit
Travel Smart
Travel Safe
Travel Well
Travel Kids
The Allegro family wishes you safe and comfortable travel this holiday season. And, as always, we thank you for your business.
Want to save some money on your next family vacation? Check out these 15 Money-Saving Travel Tips.
November is American Diabetes Month
Do you know someone with diabetes? Chances are, with an estimated 20.8 million diabetics (that’s 7% of the population) in the U.S., someone close to you is afflicted with the disease. With that many Americans affected and another 54 million people at risk, it is important that we are all aware of the causes and effects of diabetes, and what we can do to prevent the disease. American Diabetes Month was created to raise awareness of the disease itself, and of the importance of proper diabetes care. Here is some information on diabetes. For more, go to “http://www.diabetes.org”, home of the American Diabetes Association.
What is Diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association describes diabetes as: “a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.”
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of diabetes that have different effects on the body, and therefore require different care. In Type 1 diabetics, the pancreas does not produce insulin. In order for the body to convert sugars and starches into energy, the insulin needs it to be replaced with injections. Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in children and young adults, and includes less than 10% of all diabetics.
In Type 2 diabetes, usually the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and the cells do not take in enough glucose. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be controlled with diet and exercise. If this is not enough to bring the glucose level down to normal, there are several medications that may do the trick.
Diabetes Medications
Sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the beta cells of the pancreas to release more insulin.
Biguanides such as Metformin lower blood glucose levels by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver. Metformin also makes muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so glucose can be absorbed.
Thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone help insulin to work better in muscle and fatty tissues and reduce glucose production in the liver.
DPP-4 inhibitors prevent the breakdown of GLP-1, a naturally occurring compound in the body that reduces blood glucose levels. By interfering in the process that breaks down GLP-1, DPP-4 inhibitors allow it to remain active in the body longer, lowering blood glucose levels only when they are elevated.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Acarbose (brand name Precose) and meglitol (Glyset) block the breakdown of starches such as bread and pasta in the intestine, and slow the breakdown of some sugars. This action slows the rise in blood glucose levels after a meal.
Diabetes medications can be taken alone or in different combinations, in addition to exercise and proper diet to achieve the right glucose levels in Type 2 patients.
In all types of diabetes the blood glucose levels are too high. Therefore, blood glucose monitoring is the best way to keep diabetes in check. In addition to standard glucose monitoring and fasting tests which give current glucose levels, there is the hemoglobin A1C. The A1C test is said to have revolutionized diabetes care because it provides a “big picture” of glucose levels, giving a two to three month average. This average can help doctors to assess proper medication and diet for diabetics.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Untreated diabetes causes symptoms related to elevated blood sugar levels, such as increased urination, weight loss, fatigue and nausea, and can lead to infections of the bladder or skin. The disease is usually diagnosed with a glucose fasting test in a doctor’s office.
Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to chronic eye and kidney problems and nerve damage, all resulting from microvascular disease. In addition, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) caused by diabetes can lead to heart problems and strokes.
Prevention of Diabetes
It is possible to prevent or at least delay the onset of diabetes. Glucose levels that are higher than normal can be brought down with exercise and proper diet. According to the American Diabetes Association, in a recent Diabetes Reduction Program study, “just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in diabetes.”
To find out if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, take the ADA’s Diabetes Risk Test.
Diabetes Supplies From Allegro
Allegro has all you need for testing your blood glucose level, including meters, test strips and lancets. If you are on Medicare, it is possible for you to get free diabetes supplies from Allegro, delivered right to your door. Contact our helpful staff to find out if you qualify.
Supplies
Allegro has test strips in boxes of fifty or one hundred for all the most popular meters. Also, test your blood glucose monitoring system for accuracy with a control solution, which allows you to make sure the meter and test strips are working together, and that you are testing properly, without using actual blood.
Get lancets for less at Allegro, available in gauges of 21-30 for virtually pain free sampling- even for children. Allegro has many lancing devices that have varying penetration depths, and allow sampling from body sites other than the fingertips. Use a self-injection device to make injecting easier. Simultaneously inserts needle and administers insulin.
Syringes for insulin users are less expensive by the case. Get yours here! And dispose of your needles properly, in a sharps container.
Meters
Allegro features the latest in inexpensive, accurate glucose monitors that require less blood for testing. Or, get all your supplies in a kit – meter, lancets, lancing device, control solution and test strips, all included in one box, delivered to you. For the vision-impaired, a glucose meter with voice prompting makes testing easy, and helps to maintain independence.
Shoes, Skin Care and More
It is important that diabetics take good care of their feet. Loss of circulation and nerve damage can lead to infections, injuries and even amputation. Approximately half of diabetic amputations could be avoided with precautions taken to protect the feet. Allegro has many styles of Orthopedic-type shoes to help protect the feet from injuries. Increase blood flow and raise the temperature of your feet, while relieving foot pain with diabetic foot cream. And for a looser, more comfortable fit, try diabetic socks with wide tops and breathable fabric. For selection and low prices, take your foot care to Allegro.
Keep insulin cold in the office or when you’re on the go with a travel pack which includes places for all your supplies, and re-freezable ice packs to keep everything cold for hours. Or a portable fridge may be the way to go, to keep insulin, and whatever else you desire cold for as long as you need.
We have parts for insulin pumps, infusion sets and other insulin accessories. Check our stock. We may have what you need!
Alternative nutrition for diabetics is available here, for tube-feeding and supplementing.
The Mission of the American Diabetes Association is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
Diabetes Information
Call 1-888-DIABETES (1-888-342-2383) or go online to www.diabetes.org.
American Diabetes Month Fact Sheet (courtesy of the ADA)
November is American Diabetes Month (ADM), which is designed to
communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of proper
diabetes control. ADM also focuses on type 2 diabetes risk factors and
prevention, treatment of those diagnosed with the disease, type 1 and type 2, and support for their families. The theme for this year’s ADM is “The Many Faces of Diabetes” and throughout the month the ADA leverages opportunities both nationally and locally to raise awareness about a variety of issues relating to diabetes care and treatment.
Diabetes Prevalence Nationwide: 20.8 million people – 7.0% of the population – have diabetes
Diagnosed: 14.6 million people
Undiagnosed: 6.2 million people
Pre-diabetes: At least 54 million people
Worldwide: More than 246 million people have diabetes
Key Messages
– If current trends continue one out of three Americans, and one in two minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.
Since 1987 the death rate due to diabetes has increased by 45%, while the death rates due to heart disease, stroke, and cancer have declined.
Keeping blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol in control can
make a difference in reducing your risk for heart attack or stroke.
Annual dilated eye exams and routine foot exams and blood pressure
checks can prevent blindness, amputations, heart disease, kidney
disease, and strokes.
The ADA is a proud supporter of the United Nations Resolution on
Diabetes and the observance of the first World Diabetes Day on November 14.
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