Q.I heard that people with diabetes must
be more cautious when they get a bikini wax. Do you know anything about this?
A. Many individuals with diabetes use waxing
as way to remove unwanted hair. For
most people, waxing shouldn’t be a problem.
If you have any loss of sensation and aren’t able to tell if the wax
is too hot for your skin, you should probably skip this procedure.
Q. How can I tell if the advice I find on
the Internet is real or phony?
A. Here are a few ways you
can check out Internet advice:
· Ask your health
care team to review it.
· See if the source
of the advice is associated with a recognized medical center or is from a
well-respected member of the diabetes community. He or she should have recognized
credentials, such as MD (medical doctor), RD (registered dietitian), RN
(registered nurse), or CDE (certified diabetes educator).
· Visit www.quackwatch.org
This nonprofit group was founded by Dr.
Stephen Barrett. It provides
information on health-related frauds, myths, fads, and fallacies.
This site features articles, frequently
asked questions and basic information about false health and medical stories
that circulate on the web.
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Q. I have several boxes of test strips that
expired in December of 2007. Can I still
use them?
A. Sorry, but they should
be tossed. Once the expiration date has
come and gone, strips begin to experience chemical changes that can affect
their accuracy. I know that it seems
like a waste, but it is important to get the best results possible when
checking your blood glucose level. Using
something that may not provide those results is not a good choice.
Q. I love hiking. How can
I hike safely now that I have diabetes?
A. Hiking is a terrific
way to enjoy the great outdoors! Here
are a few suggestions that can help you get off on the right foot:
· Start with small
excursions and gradually build up to longer ones. This way, you can figure out
your body’s comfort level and how long you should make your hikes.
· Travel with a
friend, if possible.
· Let others know
where you are headed and when you plan to return.
· Take additional snacks
and water in case you get delayed.
· Bring some sort of
communication device, such as a whistle, phone or flare in case of emergency.
· Check your blood
sugar level frequently.
· Wear comfortable
hiking boots.
Q. I heard that resistant
starch is supposed to be very healthy for people with diabetes. What is it and what
can it do for you?
A. Resistant starch is a form of carbohydrate found
in beans, unprocessed whole grains, legumes, cooked-and-chilled pasta, cold
rice (like sushi), and potato salad that offers a number of health
benefits. Here are a few of the things
that it can do:
· Increase insulin
sensitivity
· Increase the body’s
ability to burn fat.
· Promote healthy
bowel function.
· Help you feel more
satisfied after eating.
- For more great articles by Janis Roszler, visit the e-version of our magazine at walgreensdiabetes.com
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