The Truth About Mercury Contamination and Eating Fish

August 15, 2006

802970253.jpgIt’s indeed a CATCH 22… The Benefits of Fish versus The Fear of Mercury Contamination!

It’s been reported that contamination of fish with mercury has stopped a lot of consumers from eating fish and therefore denied themselves of the benefits of fish.

Because of the many benefits of fish, the National Institute of Health, National Academy of Sciences, The US Dietary Guidelines recommend eating fish at least 2 x a week.

However, The Food and Drug Administration recommends to avoid shark, white tuna, swordfish and king mackerel because they contain high levels of mercury and therefore harmful to children and pregnant women.

The general consensus however is that…

The general public should not avoid FISH out of the concern for mercury. Because even eating high mercury laden fish… IF NOT EATEN FREQUENTLY… will cause no harm!

Likewise,according to Harvard School of Heath…” Neither the Mercury Concern nor the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (known to cause neurological disorders) conatamination in fish are enough for people to reduce their fish intake!”

There You Go…

Fear of Mercury Should Not Put The Fish At Bay….

Posted in Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 4 Comments »

The PAINKILLERS and Erectile Dysfunction

August 14, 2006

571729226.jpgNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen or Advil that we are familiar with have been shown in one study to not only Kill Pain but also Kill your Erection!… Whew… That’s pretty scary!

In a an item in Diabetes Control, 2006… it is a known fact that Diabetics are at highest risk of erectile dysfunction.  However drugs apparently are culprits of causing it too.

This study is the first to note the relationship between chronic intake of painkillers and the higher risk of developing impotence. This study involved 1126 men, between 50 and 70 years of age, without erectile dysfunction in 1994. Arthritis was the most common reason for NSAID use.

FINDINGS:

For whatever reason they were taken…

 NSAIDs increased the risk of erectile dysfunction by 50% 

Although arthritis in itself has been shown to increase ones risk…this study noted that the presence of arthritis without NSAID use increased the risk of erection difficulty by only 30 percent …SUGGESTING  that NSAIDs were largely to blame for the link between arthritis and erectile dysfunction. 

Until further studies are done…before you Grab Another ADVIL….

Better Check….Down Below! Be Sure He’s A OK! 

Posted in General Health Tips | 3 Comments »

Being Forgetful Maybe Due To Your Blood Sugar

August 14, 2006

imagessdfg.jpgIf you are a diabetic… or if you have family members who are diabetics… then this post is for you!

We all know the major complications associated with Poor Blood Sugar Control.  We know it can lead to major disabling complications like heart attack and stroke.  Now comes this new finding that links poor blood glucose control and the early problem of forgetfulness!

Are there Vitamins to stop my being forgetful? … is one of the common questions I get from my diabetic patients.  Alzheimer’s or Dementia now becomes a part of why we need to control our blood sugar.

Dr Ronald Peterson of the Mayo Clinic and as spokesman of the Alzheimers Conference noted this study involving 22,000 patients with Type 2 Diabetes and looked at their records from 1997 to 2005.  The HBA1c: a measure of patient’s overall glucose control in the past 3 months were recorded and compared.  The Ideal level should be < 6.5%.

The FINDINGS:

1. Patients with A1c of > 10% but < 12% were 16% more likely to develop dementia.

2. Patients with A1c > 12% but < 15% were 34 % more likely to develop dementia

3. Those with > 15% were 78% more likely to develop dementia.

Suggesting That: 

Those with less well controlled blood glucoses are at high risk to develop early signs of forgetfulness and dementia!

The higher the level of A1C… the higher the risk!

As always…. I have been an advocate of INTENSIVE DIABETES THERAPY because lowering ones A1c to goal has been shown to prevent the onset and progression of complications especially heart disease and stroke…and now a potential benefit would be lowering ones risk to develop DEMENTIA!

Be Aggressive…Avoid Dementia…

Help in The Campaign for Aggressive Sugar Control!

Posted in General Health Tips, The Diabetes Facts | 9 Comments »

An Interesting Tip To Curb Consumption

August 13, 2006

8750941121.jpgMore interesting tips are coming our way to curb consumption.  The more practical the tips the better for consumers to follow.  The less need to medicate… the better! 

I just spent this weekend with my family at Shangrila Mactan and had dinner at the Tides Restaurant.  This place is famous for its sumptuous food and buffet dinner.  What’s interesting is how the place uses a small plate and after getting only few choices… you feel you’ve taken enough because the plate looks full! Smart move…

It seems to be more than common sense knowledge that small plate will entail less intake but studies need to be done to have these observations confirmed. This new study published recently in American Journal of Preventive Medicine looked at partygoers and see if size matters with regard to the bowl and utensils they have and the amount of food they eat!  An amusing study but really interesting….

The researchers provided the subject with either a 17 ounce or 34 ounce bowl as well as a 2 or 3 ounce serving scoops.  They were told to get the ice cream themselves.

THE RESULT:

Doubling the size of the serving bowl resulted in a 34% increase in consumption!

This study supports the fact that environmental factors affect the way we eat. Visual Illusion working overtime here… 2 scoops of ice cream may be too much for a small bowl but it may seem too little in a big bowl. Two scoops using a small ice cream scoop may be enough but 1 scoop from a big scoop utensil may be too little!

There you go…Change Your Plates!

Every Little Step Goes A Long Way! 

Posted in General Health Tips, Nutrition Health Tips | 4 Comments »

The Tylenol Controversy

August 12, 2006

imagesdfghhjj1.jpgI take tylenol everytime I have a headache.  I use Tylenol for my fever.  I use Acetaminophen or Paracetamol if my kids have fever! They are all the same with acetaminophen as the generic brand of Tylenol.

The recent controversy surrounding this drug started when an article published in Journal of American Medical Association in July of 2006 reported an increase risk of liver damage with intake of acetaminophen.

THE FINDINGS:

1.  Taking more than 4 gms of acetaminophen per day increases the risk of liver damage with 40% of study population having a 3 fold increase in liver enzymes considered a danger zone!

2. Taking the above dose for long periods of time from 3 days to 2 weeks (especially those with chronic pain and arthritis) increases the risk of liver injury.

3.  Taking other medications together with a high dose of acetaminphen increases the risk further.

The good news is:

The liver injury recovers with cessation of intake!

My recommendationS:

1.Take tylenol only as needed for headache or pain.

2. Do not exceed more than 4 gms per day.

3. Do not exceed taking it more than 2 to 3 days!

Read The Labels…Do Not Exceed The Limit!

Posted in General Health Tips | 1 Comment »

Interesting Tips on How To Comment on the Blog

August 11, 2006

imagesrcvb.jpgSo far, I’ ve had great comments from the readers of my blog.  But for those who are afraid to write comment for fear of not knowing how to write and what to write… I found this wonderful site  Lorelle on Worldpress that gives tips on:

How To Comment on A Blog:

1. Say something Intelligent

2. Ask something intelligent

3. Write Something Intelligent

4. Add To The Conversation

5. Regard Your comment as a mini resume.

So guys…If you have comments or questions regarding my posts or other health issues… just follow the tips!

Enjoy my Posts…But

 I Love To Hear What You Think!

Posted in Lifestyle Measures | 5 Comments »

Calcium, Vitamin D and Diabetes

August 10, 2006

1429976821.jpg Every morning before I start my work, I usually review my journals, read blogs and then scan for interesting topics about diabetes and health matters. Sorting studies whose results impact our decision making takes top priority making sure that the source comes from a reputable institution published in a reputable journal! So if somebody approaches me regarding the effect of this herbal preparation published in thick magazine which we consider “throw away journals”, these studies are labeled JUNK and not worth a first look.

A study published in Diabetes Care , March of 2006 looked at the intake of Vitamin D and Calcium and the risk to develop diabetes.  Researchers enrolled 83,000 women in the Nurses Health Study and were evaluated for a total duration of 20 years.  Huge number of subjects and long term follow up are parameters of a good study.

Interesting Facts from the Study:

1. Only 3 % had adequate Vitamin D intake. See My Post on Vitamin D… Low intake plus low sun exposure equals Vitamin D Deficiency.

2. Only 24% of the subjects had adequate Calcium Intake. Not a surprise…How many of our women readers are taking calcium supplements?

3. Among the subjects with the highest Vitamin D Intake, the risk to develop diabetes was 13% lower.

4. The subjects with the highest Calcium intake had 21% lower risk to develop diabetes than those who had the lowest intake. The result was irregardless of which calcium supplements were taken!

In Clinical practice…I always recommend calcium and Vitamin D to all my women patients irregardless of age to prevent osteoporosis ( brittle bones resulting in curved back and fractures).  Now this study further helps these women be more compliant to their intake of calcium and Vitamin D as a way to reduce ones risk to develop Diabetes.  Remember Diabetes is already an epidemic that is estimated to increase in prevalence to affect 300M individuals by year 2020.

A daily Multivitamin with 400 IU of Vitamin D plus elemental calcium from whatever calcium source 2 times a day should suffice.

Calcium and Vitamin D:

Our Partners In

Disease Prevention

Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, The Diabetes Facts | Leave a Comment »

Heavier Toys For Your Kids…

August 9, 2006

imagessdth1.jpgAs the world gets bigger problems with obesity… any intervention that works is really a welcome news. The blog Diabetes Notes  had a post of a recent study done in Indiana State University looking at the effects of heavier toys among children especially on their weight. 

The study showed …

…children playing with heavier toys burned

more calories and had higher heart rates… 

This is an interesting study because playing is part of growing up for these kids and if playing with heavier toys can in a way help them lose weight… the better! 

It is however advised that increasing activities is already a proven method of both losing and maintaining weight and therefore it is recommended to encourage our kids to be more active with outdoor activities than allowing them free time to spend indoors with their computers.

My Grade 1 kid is into soccer for 1 hour after school three times a week.  He’s enjoying it very much that we dont need to push him to do it. He has Taekwando every Saturday and he’s now a yellow belter and he refuses to stop! Then on sundays, a trainer comes to the house for an hour of swimming lesson.  All these activities are not forced BUT are liked by him because basically he’s just playing!

Any Little Help For Our Kids

Can Do A Long Way! 

Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Weight Loss Tips | 2 Comments »

The Baby And The Ultrasound

August 8, 2006

 imagesdfg.jpg Getting an ultrasound to know the sex of a baby is really for FUN!  The use of ultrasound for entertainment became a big media event when Tom Cruise bought one for his pregnant wife.  The FDA advisory strongly discourages this un-official use of the ultrasound for keepsakes and other non medical purposes.

One study I found intriguing that may change how we look at ultrasound in pregnancy was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.  The study showed that brain development in mice was apparently affected by ultrasound exposure.  A great number of brain cells failed to develop and if they grow…they were scattered in an incorrect manner.  Can one imagine the impact of this development if we are talking about a human fetus?  What was important in the findings was that the number of affected cells increased with longer exposure!

More research need to be done especially on the effect of ultrasound in humans…But for now…

This should be a Wake Up Call : to newly weds and new moms to

….abandon the use of ultrasound

for the benefit of entertainment!…

Knowing The Sex Of The Baby

Is A Matter Of Time!

Posted in Medical News Bits | 3 Comments »

The Need to Educate Our Patients…Why Health is Wealth!

August 7, 2006

2007039828 One very common question I get from new patients that have been diabetic for years is whether it is really necessary to check their blood glucoses.  From the time I get this question, one thing I know is that this patient has never received any education regarding his disease.

All too common scenario that’s very frustrating.  Because by the time these patients see me… most likely complications arising from poor diabetes control have already set it.

Knowledge of ones disease…why you have it…what to do about it…how can we prevent the next problems to come… is more important than starting medications. All too familiar with some doctors is the reflex to start medications to treat the disease.  But the more lasting prescription that will do the trick of educating these people is left unsaid.

If one knows what this disease can do to ones life and that something can be done about it and how… will have more lasting impact and solution to the problem itself.  I may take time to educate patients but it’s worth it.  You see the results and they see the great results on their sugar level.  To see the smiles on their faces, how great they feel and the fact that they have done something to reduce their risk to suffer from complications like heart disease or stroke… is more rewarding that anything else.

I guess the beauty of being a physician are the complements you get from your patients too happy to see you back and too happy to refer their friends to you.

Learn more about your health…the rewards will be more than your wealth!

Health is Wealth!

Posted in Personal Thoughts | 1 Comment »

Childhood Obesity…Now Comes Diabetes!

August 7, 2006

Imagesdfghjj With the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, it is expected that there will be a concomitant rise in the prevalence of obesity related diseases like diabetes.  And here comes this new study that proved our fear.  Published in  Diabetes in Control from Express Scripts of May, 2006… is the first study that looked at the number of diabetes med prescriptions among children between ages 5 to 19 years old.

The results are alarming:

A Doubling in the number of prescriptions

between 2002 to 2005!

On further analysis: the increase in the use of diabetes drugs was most pronounced in children 10–14 years ( the pubertal stage), with a dramatic rise of 106% during the study period.  Likewise, the treatment for type 2 diabetes was most prevalent among those 15–19 years, growing from 0.6 to 1.2 per thousand suggesting the need for us parents and health care professionals to do our share of helping these kids! 

With the rise in obesity comes diabetes…then comes the complications of obesity and diabetes and then comes the disabilty… Let’s stop the process to go on!

Before Diabetes Sets In… Lets

Fight Childhood Obesity!

Posted in The Diabetes Facts, The Truths on Obesity | 5 Comments »

If You Are Obese…Check Your Prostate!

August 4, 2006

19207111352.jpgBenign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) is a common dilemma among men. A recent article from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology, July 2006 issue showed that there is a relationship between ones weight and that person’s risk to have an enlarged prostate.  BPH is a condition that leads to difficulty in urination with symptoms ranging from urgency, discomfort, to incomplete voiding.

The study showed that of the men with enlarged prostates, majority were heavier and had a higher age-adjusted body mass index (BMI) than men without enlarged prostates. It was estimated that for each 1-point rise in BMI was associated with a 0.41 cubic centimeter increase in prostate volume.  Such that very obese men were especially likely to have an enlarged prostate, with 3.5-times the risk compared with their normal-weight counterparts.

In the same study, diabetics were more than twice as likely to have prostate enlargement compared with men without diabetes such that those with elevated glucose had 3-times the risk of having an enlarged prostate. The clinical implication of this study is that with the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes, this finding will have a definite impact in the rising prevalence of BPH.

So Guys… Another reason for us to take care of our weight!

Lose Weight, Control Your Sugar

Or Else…

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, The Truths on Obesity | 4 Comments »

Want To Live Long?

August 3, 2006

2837158878.jpg We all know the benefits of being active. We likewise know the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle. But as more concrete data on the benefits of physical activity come our way, the better informed we are about it!

In a recent article published in the Journal of American Medical Association this July comes a very timing article… at this time that the world is embracing a worldwide epidemic of obesity!

This is the better study so far analyzing the effect of exercise. The study showed that for every 287 kcal/d in free-living energy expenditure, there is an approximately 30% lower risk of mortality. This estimated energy expenditure is equivalent to performing 75 minutes of activity a day .

Some activities of daily living that can meet this metabolic equivalent include household chores like vacuuming, mopping the floor, and washing windows; child / adult care, walking at a pace of 2.5 mph, and non-sitting work, or volunteering. Of note, this accumulation of energy expenditure from activity comes from the usual daily activities and not necessarily from volitional exercise.

The study therefore has one clear message:

That Energy Exependiture From Activities of Daily Living like Walking, Climbing Stairs, or other Household Chores can enhance ones SURVIVAL!!!

No More Excuses…You Can Be

Active Anytime…Anywhere!

Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures | Leave a Comment »

Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe?

August 2, 2006

2383658624.jpg This fact sheet on sugar substitutes was recently published in the US FDA July issue titled: No Calories…Sweet!

In a recent survey done among users of sugar substitute, the primary reasons for using these products is “to stay in overall better health” in 73% of the respondents and “to eat or drink healthier foods and beverages” in 68% of those surveyed.

There are so far five FDA-approved sugar substitutes namely aspartame, acesulfame K, neotame, saccharin and sucralose. As stated clearly, the FDA notes that “For each of the approved sweeteners, the typical amount used by U.S. consumers is well within designated ‘acceptable daily intake levels (ADI),’ or levels that can be consumed safely every day over a lifetime.“

Furthermore the FDA further emphasized the benefits of using these products: “Artificial sweeteners can help consumers cut down on calories and control weight, help to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, and potentially prevent cavities.” 

Likewise, as an endocrinologist, I usually recommend to my patients to control calories with sugar-free and light foods and beverages, with exercise, as very effective ways to help them control or lose weight without necessarily feeling deprived!

Lastly, in terms of safety issue: both the US FDA and the European Food Safety Authority have come up with the same conclusion: Aspartame is safe until proven otherwise by scientific data. 

No Calories…Really Sweet!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips, The Diabetes Facts, Weight Loss Tips | 7 Comments »

Check Your Numbers: Are You Obese?

August 2, 2006

2459156720.jpg We’ve been talking about the risks of obesity.  We know the prevalence is increasing worldwide.  We know the reasons… But Are We Obese?

Body Mass Index is one simple way to determine if you’re overweight or already obese.  It can be calculated as follows: Weight in Kg divided by your Height in centimeters times 2. Try computing your BMI and see where you belong.

The following are the different levels of BMI in adult Asian Population based on the International Obesity Task Force for the Asia Pacific with the Waist Circumference and the corresponding Risk for Co Morbidities like Hypertension, Diabetes and Heart Disease:

                                                               Waist Circumference

                                                  < 35 inches ( men)             > 35 inches

                                                  < 31 inches ( women)        > 31 inches

Underweight  :        < 18.5                  Low                             Average

Normal Range :        >18.5 to 22.9       Average                        Increased

Overweight   :         >23 to 24.9          Increased                      Moderate

Obese I         :           25 to 29.9         Moderate                      Severe

Obese II        :          > 30                   Severe                         Very Severe

Once you know where you belong… you know what to do! Remember, the risk to develop the diseases associated with lifestyle due to bad habits is closely related to how heavy you are.  And the risk to develop obesity and its associated co-morbidities can be reversed if we act now thru lifestyle changes to include proper food choices and constant daily activites.

Know The Numbers Then Do

Something About It!

Posted in General Health Tips, Medical News Bits, The Truths on Obesity, Weight Loss Tips | 2 Comments »

The PILLS and The Risk Of Heart Disease

August 2, 2006

Imagesase I received a very important query regarding the risk of heart disease among OCP users.  A lot of married couples not wanting for more babies are using OCP so I thought of sharing this news bit in terms of what the scientific community thinks with regard to this issue. 

A study published in The Sterility and Infertility 2006 Issue involving 672 postmenopausal women who participated in the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) showed that Past oral contraceptive use was associated with a reduction in coronary artery disease severity. The observation held true even after accounting for a variety of potential confounders, including age, diabetes mellitus, lipid profile, smoking, aspirin use, and use of lipid-lowering agents.  Likewise, the duration of past oral contraceptive use appeared to have no bearing on the extent of reduced coronary disease seen.

While the study suggests a potential protective effect for past oral contraceptive use, further studies have to be done to confirm this important finding.

For now… this is the first observational link between OCP and Cardiovascular Disease and the results are reassuring to our women OCP takers.

OCP Takers…Be Reassured!

Posted in General Health Tips | 1 Comment »

The Benefits Of Drinking MILK

August 2, 2006

3043116279.jpgA glass of milk is really a good prescription for health.  Heres why….

 For the prevention of osteoporosis, a high calcium intake is recommended especially for women. It is recommended that a daily intake of low fat milk or skim milk with 2 glasses per day can give the women sufficient levels of calcium especially if taken regularly during the premenopausal state.  Likewise other benefits of taking milk as shown in other studies showed it to lower ones risk to be overweight and develop Insulin Resistance Syndrome.

One recent observation with regard to another benefit of drinking low fat dairy product was published in the Diabetes Care, July of 2006 issue.

The study involved looking at the relationship between type 2 diabetes and dietary levels of dairy foods and calcium in 37,183 women in the Women’s Health Study.  The study then looked at a total of 1,603 women who developed diabetes during an average follow-up of 10 years.

The results were amazing: women with the highest intake of dairy foods were 21 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those with the lowest intake, with an estimated 4 percent decrease in the risk for each serving per day increase in low fat dairy product. This benefit was independent of the effects of dietary calcium intake and Vitamin D.

Although these results need to be confirmed …

The Message is Clear…

Taking low fat diary products should be aggressively advised to all women of all ages because of their health benefits with regard to preserving bone health, lower ones risk to be overweight but also the potential to lower ones risk to develop diabetes in the future.  Remember… The prevalence of diabetes is now increasing at an alarming rate and the Asians in general is one race known to be at risk!

So for your breakfast or midnight snack….

Enjoy Your Skim Milk For

A Healthier You!

Posted in General Health Tips, Healthy Practice Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, Nutrition Health Tips | 43 Comments »

Factors That Affect The Willingness To Exercise

August 2, 2006

exerc.jpg The BIG E for exercise… you may like to do it but majority resort to too many excuses NOT to do IT!  One recent study caught my attention which looked at the MINDset and the patient’s willingness to exercise and to determine what factors affect this decision.

This study was conducted by the Harvard researchers and their analysis showed that among the 274 middle aged adults at risk of developing diabetes… those who were thinner and more confident in their ability to be active with lower stress and anxiety levels and depression were the ones more likely to exercise. 

The study is very important in the sense that coping mechanisms to stress and the determination of any depression should be addressed by the health care professionals as these may be factors that may help patients lead active lives.

Beat The Stress…Let’s Exercise!

Posted in Exercise and Activity Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Weight Loss Tips | 3 Comments »

A Trick For Children To Lose Weight

August 2, 2006

 It’s been alarming that childhood obesity is getting to be an epidemic.  We all know why… urban sedentary lifestyle, computer games, lack of supervision and the advent of less nutritious high fat foods. But what needs to be done to combat this disease is education but most times children don’t just get the message. They find it too abstract to understand that they will become diabetics…or  hypertensives… in the future if they don’t lose weight!

An innovative approach now in the US is being done at The Learning Channel. This information was sourced from the Endocrine Today publication.

The series, Honey We’re Killing the Kids, uses state-of-the-art computer imaging intended for the parents to show them and the kids how they will look like at the age of 40 if they don’t start making diet and lifestyle changes now. The digital images are developed based on the information obtained from the parents with regard to the children’s diet, exercise habits and family medical history.

It is now known that the view of the future among these obese children is not healthy with an estimated 60 to 80% of these overweight children  becoming overweight adults, with many of the accompanying medical complications.

Here’s a graphic representation of the digital image made:

This is how the child will look like at age 40 if he continues his eating habits and sedentary lifestyle.

The show only started September of 2005 and it has so far been a hit. I am not sure when this will show in our country but definitely this is a remarkable way to educate our children because indeed ” a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Teach Your Kids A Healthy

Lifestyle…They Deserve It !

___________________________

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Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures, Medical News Bits, The Truths on Obesity, Weight Loss Tips | 4 Comments »

Want To Quit Smoking?

August 2, 2006

2977173539 Smoking is one vice Ill never attempt to learn!  The mere smell of a smoke in a patient’s room is a no no to me… otherwise the patients will never see me enter that room again. As an endocrinologist that deals with diabetic patients, I’ve seen numerous diabetics who suffered from different complications due to smoking.  The recent INTERHEART Study which looked at risk factors for Heart Disease… especially among males- smoking in on the top of that list. 

Here are important facts regarding smoking and its effect on health:

1.  It decreases  the good cholesterol and therefore removes the safety net that we all have with regard to heart attack and stroke.  Remember the higher the HDL the less likely we get the heart disease.

2. Due to the person’s increase propensity to blood clot, a smoker will have a very high likelihood to getting a non traumatic amputation.  If losing one leg is no big deal to you… then enjoy smoking.

3. One problem with any person who is obese with family history of Diabetes is the increased likelihood to inheriting the genetic defect called Insulin Resistance state which initiates the whole process of diabetes and heart disease.  Smoking has been shown to increase that person’s insulin resistance further. So if we have risk factors for diabetes…stop smoking.

Here are some tips that I usually advise my patients on how through self discipline one can to stop smoking:

1. Avoid situations that will tempt you to smoke like bars, rest areas where you drink coffee.

2. Go to areas where smoking is not allowed like malls and do something that will distract you to smoke.

3. Find a substitute to a cigarette if the urge to smoke comes like a piece of candy or gum.

4. Just resolve to really stop smoking and do it ” cold turkey” rather than doing it slowly like 6 sticks today then 5 sticks tomorrow.

It may be difficult but again this is where discipline comes in handy!

By Not Smoking Is One Sure Way To

A Healthier Life!

Posted in General Health Tips, Lifestyle Measures | 2 Comments »

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