13 minute read
HEALTH
Managing
Over 60
The main goal of diabetes treatment for over 60’s is to consistently keep blood glucose levels as normal as possible.
Diabetes is a condition where too much of a sugar, known as glucose, builds up in the blood because of a weakened production or bodily response to the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced to enable body tissues such as muscle, fat, bone and other types of cells to integrate, use and process glucose. If cells are unable to either burn or store this glucose effectively – glucose levels begin rising chronically and start circulating around the body, leading to various complications.
There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an immune disorder where the patient’s immune system begins attacking the insulin-making beta cells found in the pancreas - as a result, these patients require an artificial source of insulin. Type 1 is the most common form of diabetes in children and amounts to 8-10% of all diabetes cases.
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder which arises when the body’s cells stop responding to the insulin produced by the pancreas. Initially, the pancreas produces more and more insulin to compensate for this gap in homeostasis but eventually the pancreas reduces insulin production – making matters worse.
Available at your local pharmacy.
One less thing to worry about.
Right dose. Right time. Right medication.
Early symptoms
Frequent urination, Increased thirst, constantly hungry, feeling tired, blurry vision, slow healing from cuts/wounds, tingling/numbness of the hands or feet, patches of dark skin, recurring itching and yeast infections.
Diagnosis
The ways to definitively test for and manage diabetes is through blood tests, these include: A random plasma glucose test; performed at any time of the day to measure real time blood glucose levels. An A1C test; performed at any time of the day, to measure average glucose levels from the past 3 months. Fasting plasma glucose test; performed after fasting for at least 12 hours. And lastly an oral glucose tolerance test; performed after fasting 12 hours, then again 2 hours after consuming a sugary drink. Management
The main goal of diabetes treatment for over 60’s is to consistently keep blood glucose levels as normal as possible. However, doing this isn’t a matter of only taking a pill or an injection, setting up a diabetes management plan is of utmost importance. How to set up a Management Plan
1. Monitor Your Glucose Levels –
Having either too little or too much glucose in your blood is bad for health and can lead to complications. Your plan should include how often you need to get blood tests and integrating
an at home glucose testing kit along with a diary for recordkeeping. 2. Making The Right Food Choices –
The food you eat indefinitely affects your glucose levels, it is important to strictly make healthier food choices and setting up a diet regimen with a qualified practitioner to determine what food is best for you, how much to consume and when. 3. Be Active – Simply integrating even light exercise and walking into your daily routine can dramatically improve glucose levels. You can create a realistic fitness plan which involves setting fitness goals and planning days of the week on which you will exercise.
Take Your Medication – Even when you start feeling good, you should continue with the prescribed medication. Make sure to not miss a dose and never try to make up for a missed dose by doubling up. Use your dairy to keep track of your medication.
SOME MORE TIPS ON STAYING HEALTHY WITH DIABETES!
• Manage and monitor your blood pressure • Manage and monitor your cholesterol levels • Stop smoking immediately – smoking raises the risk for more health problems and weakens the body • Schedule yearly eye examinations – early diagnosis and regular checking can keep your vision healthy • Regularly check your kidney function via blood and urine tests • Get your vaccinations done indefinitely – for over 60’s, it is important to have flu and pneumonia vaccinations as directed by the doctor • Care for your teeth and gums by brushing, flossing and mouth washing regularly. As well as getting them checked by a dentist at least twice a year • Protect your skin by moisturising and cleansing to avoid wounds, cuts and infections • Check your feet regularly for any red patches, skin tears, blisters, calluses or infections • Follow your cancer screening guidelines provided based on your age, gender and other factors • Reassess your healthcare plan at least once a year with your healthcare team as conditions keep changing and must be adapted for.
THE CONSUMER’S GUIDE PROVIDES INDEPENDENT, IN-DEPTH LOOK AT HEARING AIDS
TRITON Hearing, New Zealand’s trusted name in hearing healthcare for more than three decades, has just released the latest edition of the popular Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids.
Independently researched and produced, the Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids provides a comprehensive review of the latest hearing technology and how much it costs.
A must-read for anyone considering a new pair of hearing aids, the Consumer’s Guide covers the whole process, from frequently asked questions about hearing loss, to what to expect from a new pair of hearing aids. It also offers a simple guide to the hearing aid terminology you may need to know when considering a new device.
Featuring a comparison of more than 350 of the latest hearing aids, the guide breaks down the key details for each model – comparing what they offer in terms of sound, fit and additional features. The full range of hearing aid shells is also covered, highlighting the advantages of the available options, from behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal styles, to custom-fitted shells designed to go completely in the ear canal.
The guide also looks at how these custom hearing aids are made and fitted. Using modern computer-aided design and manufacturing technology, hearing aids can now be created for an individual wearer – providing a perfect, comfortable fit for their unique inner-ear canal.
The latest invisible hearing aid options are also highlighted, with the 2021 guide offering a detailed comparison of the devices available for New Zealanders. These hearing aids are small enough to fit within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible when worn. In reviewing the latest available models, the guide looks at not only how the devices are fitted and how long batteries last, but also a range of additional features, like feedback cancellation, noise control and remote control.
The new invisible range of hearing aids are just one example of the advancements made in hearing aid technology over the last few years. The Consumer’s Guide examines how the use of new technology in the development of the latest hearing devices is significantly enhancing the wearer’s experience.
This includes the use of the latest smartphone applications, which offer everything from the ability to turn your phone into a personal microphone to using it to locate a lost hearing aid – there’s even an app to reduce the perception of tinnitus. Using the latest digital streaming technology, TVs, mobile phones, music players, and laptops can also be linked to your hearing aids. This process allows people with difficulty hearing to enjoy clearer audio at any time, even when you’re with others.
The 2021 Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids is part of the expert hearing healthcare provider’s commitment to providing the best, independent advice for local people thinking about hearing aids – for themselves or someone close to them.
The FREE 2021 Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids can be ordered online at www. tritonhearing.co.nz and will be dispatched to you at no cost within 14 days of your order. For more information about the latest hearing solutions and what options may be right for you, you can also visit your local Triton Hearing clinic – there’s 70 locations nationwide – or call 0800 45 45 49.
HEALTH 7 01. Managing pain When you have a diagnosis, you can start with reducing the pain in your daily life. Depending on your diagnosis you might be able to take medicine that will help with your condition, but there are also a number of other things you can do no matter what type of arthritis you have. Sore joints can slow you down, but they don’t have to stop you from being active. We look at the causes and assistance for this common disease. WAYS TO MANAGE ARTHRITIS AS WE AGE, it is a sad fact that our body is not what it once was. Things creak that never used to and even the simple act of getting out of a chair can be cause for a minor groan or two. But if you have arthritis – a general umbrella term for diseases that affect the joints, muscles and bones – things can be a lot worse. Also known as musculoskeletal diseases, arthritis can cause pain and swelling in the joints, stiffness or reduced range of movement, or just a general malaise when you need to be on the move. The first thing to find out is what sort of condition you have, so start with a visit to your doctor. Your GP will discuss your symptoms and give you a complete examination. Because arthritis takes many forms, it might not be a simple case of working out what you have.
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Keep moving
When it hurts to move the temptation is to stop, but staying active is a key part of beating arthritis. Physical activity helps keep your joints flexible and your bones strong.
Watch what you eat
While there is nothing you can eat that will magically fix your arthritis, a balanced diet can help with your energy levels, and maintaining a healthy weight can take pressure of sore joints and bones.
Take a load off
Try using stockings, medical aids and even bandages and wraps to help support your joints. Boxers wrap their hands before a fight, so don’t be shy of wrapping your joints if it helps relieve the pain.
Talk to someone
Living with chronic pain can feel very lonely, but there are a number of support groups around that can help you with tips and reducing that feeling of isolation.
Research your condition
What type of arthritis do you have? Hit the books and find out as much as you can about your type of arthritis. And keep an eye out for any medical developments you can ask your GP about.
Apply heat and cold
Icing or warming the affected area is one way to help manage pain. When your muscles are inflamed, an ice pack can help reduce inflammation and get your back on your feet.
Feeling breathless?
Dizzy? Fatigued? 1
You may think it is a normal sign of ageing and put up with it, but it could be a valve in your heart.1 over 75 years. 2 If detected promptly, your doctor
a short and simple check. Just ask your doctor to listen to your heart.
1. Mayo Clinic Staff. www.mayoclinic.com https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc20353139. Accessed December 7, 2020. 2. Nkomo VT, Gardin JM, Skelton TN et al. Burden of valvular heart diseases: a population–based study. Lancet 2006;368:1005–11. Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, the stylised E logo, and listentoyourheart.co.nz are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2021 Edwards Lifesciences Corporation. All rights reserved. NZ-2021-243 Edwards Lifesciences (New Zealand) Ltd. PO Box 28658 Remuera, New Zealand. Phone: 0800 222 601.
MEDICINAL CANNABIS CAN TREAT A RANGE OF CHRONIC PAINS
ONE in six Kiwis (nearly 850,000) suffer from chronic pain. For many, this can’t be managed effectively by traditional pharmacutical products.
However, the emerging market of medicinal cannabis is a natural option for relief from symptoms, one that is being identified and prescribed by medicial practitoners across Aotearoa.
Mitch Cuevas (pictured) is the pharmaceutical director at Eqalis, a Bay of Plenty-based medicinal cannabis company producing locally grown and produced cannabis medicine products.
After working in pharmacuticals for many years, Mitch understood the need for an alternative, natural pain relief product and watched the emerging international medicincal cannabis industry closely.
“When it comes to treating people’s ailments, I’m committed to providing a safe product, an alternative to traditional analgesics (pain medictations) – something that the Eqalis team and I take seriously,” says Cuevas.
“While still in its infancy, New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis industry is poised provide significant relief for the significant number of Kiwis who currently struggle with a number of chronic conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders.”
To treat pain, cannabis medicines works with one of the largest receptor systems in our bodies, called the endocannabanoid system (ECS). Effectively, our body’s use the cannaboids in the plants to help regulate our internal processes naturally. “So if there’s something happening in your system causing chronic pain or other ailments like epilepsy, anxiety or sleep disorders, the cannabis medicines can help the body to self regulate and manage those issues naturally,” says Cuevas.
“And I find it incrediby inspiring to hear the stories of people who have used CBD medicines to improve their lives and ability to be productive again, like people with crippling arthritis or severe epilepsy who are now able to manage their pain and seizures to lead normal lives due to taking prescribed CBD medicines.”
One of the key concerns many people express to us about using cannabis medicines is the effect it will have on their mental state – in other words, will they get high?
“If you’re talking about CBD medicines to address specific symptoms, you can be confident there will be no sense of feeling high. This is because these medicines don’t contain any of the specific cannabanoid, THC, that creates those sensations,” says Cuevas.
“At Eqalis, we’re focused on making CBD medicines to help alleviate the chronic pain of Kiwis and improve quality of life, giving them access to a naturally based product that can provide theraputic relief without any sensation of feeling high.
“We want New Zealanders to understand the vast potential medicincal cannabis has for improving our overall wellbeing as a nation.
“A lot of Kiwis don’t know about the theraputic benefits of cannabis medicine and we encourage anyone who suffers from chronic pain – or knows someone who does – to consider speaking with a medical professional about the options avbailable to them.”
Since April 2020, medicinal cannabis products are available legally through prescriptions. If you think medicincal cannabis could be right for you, please consult with your doctor to discuss the options available to you.
