Wearing Diabetic Socks to Stay Healthy

Diabetes is a debilitating disease that occurs when one's body cannot produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, prevents one's body from producing enough insulin, or ignoring the insulin in the body. Insulin is vital to processing sugars and carbohydrates in the body. When one has diabetes, he or she must remain on a controlled, low-sugar diet and may have to take insulin injections to keep blood sugar levels in check. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. Many people have been diagnosed with this disease over the years, yet there are still many more people who have the disease but are unaware of diabetes symptoms. There are those who are at a higher risk for developing diabetes, with factors such as genetics and diet playing a large role. This type of diabetes is more prevalent in races such as Native Hawaiians, African Americans, and Latinos. It is also more common in older people. Insulin plays a vital role in breaking down the glucose sugars in the body that it uses for energy. When one consumes foods such as sugars, starches, and carbohydrates, these turn into glucose. Glucose provides the energy a body needs to run on, much like a car needs gasoline to go from point A to point B. The chemical insulin then carries the sugars from one's blood into the cells. If the insulin does not process properly and builds up in the cells instead, this can ultimately lead to diabetic complications. One who suffers from either form of diabetes realizes this one disease can lead to a domino effect of other complications. Foot ailments are one of the most common complaints and medical issues of most diabetics. When one's body cannot break down the glucose, it raises the blood sugar in his or her body. This can cause complications such as foot ulcers due to poor circulation, loss of feeling, and lengthy healing of wounds. One can help these foot ailments by providing proper support of the feet. This can be done by the use of diabetic socks. These specially designed socks are one of the most convenient methods for keeping one's feet healthy and at a lower risk for such complications. These socks are engineered to reduce moisture in the feet to prevent the risks of any infections or bacterial growths such as athlete's foot. These socks are usually anti-microbial to give one added protection from these infections. The use of the socks is a great way to encourage prevention so feet can stay healthy. If one does not take the proper preventive measures, he or she may end up with foot sores and pain. The socks also have a special elastic band that helps provide support in the arch of the foot while giving the right amount of compression to reduce the chances of swelling in the feet. One must check for socks that fit snugly, yet are not too tight or confining. If a sock is too tight, this will decrease the blood flow to the feet, which will defeat the purpose of wearing the socks and can lead to further issues. Diabetic socks are made from cotton so they are much softer than regular socks that may consist of a blend of several synthetic materials. These socks are more soft and hypoallergenic for most users. The socks tend to be thicker than normal socks to give one extra padding, along with wider toe space. These small modifications can help prevent even the smallest of aggravations which many times can lead to a new series of problems. Made of cotton blends, diabetic socks are softer and more skin friendly than regular socks and are hypoallergenic and breathable. They also tend to be thicker to provide added cushioning, and the toe space tends to be wider. Such factors are important as even the slightest aggravation or discomfort can turn into a serious issue for those suffering from diabetes. Many Americans suffer from this disease every year, however with proper diet and exercise and taking preventive measures such as wearing the proper footwear, one can live much more comfortably with this common disease. ______________________________________________________________ By Kristian Primdal

More about → Wearing Diabetic Socks to Stay Healthy

Common Foot Problems: Bunions and Hammertoes

The years of abuse and thousands of miles walked on the average pair of feet can take a harsh toll both on the functioning of those feet and their appearance. Though we often take our feet for granted, these marvelously complex structures at the end of our legs will pay us back in time for wearing ill fitting shoes in the name of fashion. Bunions and hammertoes are two of the most common problems experienced with foot deformities that only increase in severity if not taken care of. The big, sometimes painful bump on the inside of the foot at the base of the big toe is called a bunion. This condition typically develops over a long period of time often due to flat or flattening feet. It eventually results in the big toe being progressively drawn in towards the second toe, sometimes moving over the top or underneath it, with an increasingly pronounced bone protrusion on the side of the foot. Bunions aren't necessarily painful though rubbing against the shoe can cause discomfort. Eventually, painful arthritis can appear in the joint if the bunion isn't surgically repaired. Hammertoes are permanently bent, claw-like toe deformities that can result from a genetic predisposition and are often caused by ill fitting shoes, either flat or high-arched feet, or arthritis. Like bunions, hammertoes progress in severity over time and can create additional problems in the feet. They can become painful and require surgery to straighten the toes to their normal position. Surgical corrections of these foot problems have the benefit of reversing painful deformities while simultaneously enhancing the beauty of the feet. Talk to your podiatrist to learn about the latest techniques in foot health and beauty. ____________________________________________________________________ By Billings Farnsworth LA Beautiful is one of the best Los Angeles Podiatrist. Visit their website. (www.footbeautiful.com)

More about → Common Foot Problems: Bunions and Hammertoes

Anti-Ageing Skin Care - The External Solution To Minimizing Wrinkles

Wrinkle is an interesting word: A wrinkle is a fold, ridge or crease in the skin. Skin wrinkles typically appear as a result of aging processes. Wrinkling in the skin is caused by habitual facial expressions, aging, sun damage, smoking, poor hydration, and various other factors. Are you one of the many concerned about anti-aging skin care, the aging process and the effects of gravity on your skin? It's no surprise if you are because you are in the majority. I think most of us (I use the word "us" consciously!) think on this issue as we get older and the wrinkles in the skin begin to form around our mouth and eye area. We sometimes refer to these as "character lines" or perhaps less complimentary "crow's feet". But the advancing wrinkles let us know that we won't stay young forever. On the other hand, however, it doesn't mean that we just accept the inevitable and age gracefully. Mentally we can act younger than our years, but unfortunately we have less control of the physical properties of our bodies. There is still a lot that can be done, however, to maintain some skin tautness for an extended period. Anti-aging skin care goes for both men and women. Neither gender looks forward to the effects of aging. If they did, there would be no anti-aging industry and the cosmetic market would shrink considerably - think about it - what is the major thrust of cosmetics today? Preserving youthfulness, or more accurately, preserving a youthful appearance. Look at the current situation: There are countless lotions and potions all competing for the opportunity to prove their effectiveness and all presented by different descriptors like regenerating serum, cream, spa treatment, time defiance, timeless lotion etc. Then there is the promotion, the advertising, the peer pressure. This used to be focused on the ladies but now more and more, to the delight of the cosmetics manufacturers, the gentlemen are getting in on the act of anti-aging skin care - myself included I have to say! How do you choose? I guess those most in need of help have had longer to experiment with the various products out there and have an idea what is good and what is not so good. Do you go with a Time Defiance Lifting Serum or a Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum? This is a very difficult decision. You certainly don't want to choose the one that doesn't work as well. Okay, so you want to keep that skin firm and keep the wrinkles at bay, and there's no way of knowing which products to select. How about a process of elimination: First of all, what are you willing to spend? If you do not have a figure in mind then your choice is vast and this method won't help you. If your answer is 50 dollars or less, however, then you've just reduced the options, and you are heading in the right direction. Now, it's time to get the low down on anti-aging skin care and the products that actually provide a good cost/benefit ratio. We can refer to the one area where you can be assured of some sensible insight and that is internet based Cosmetic Forums (just type into Google - Cosmetic Product + Forum). These can be very helpful. OK it is true that we all have differing skin types and complexions to deal with, but it is a good bet that if a product gets a good review say 24 (4-5 stars) out of 30 people rating it, then it is a good sign. The associated comments attached to the review are also valuable. Quite often people make a decision based on how much they liked the product and how well it worked, against its cost. In this industry it is definitely unwise to think that just because it is expensive or made by one of the big, well known brands it is good. There are many examples where trials have shown that the cheapest product in a trial of say, face creams, was the most liked compared to some that were four times more expensive! You need to get the scoop on the anti-aging skin care products you're interested in. It is a buyer's market, so request some samples from the cosmetics counter. Try them yourself for a few days, because after all, that will be the ultimate test for you. Of course this whole discussion has focused on the external signs of aging which, as an indication of how many years we have lived on this planet, are superficial at best,. Clearly our mental and physical health and fitness will play a huge role in our physical appearance, and these factors in turn depend on our lifestyle and diet. Keeping things optimal here, gives the potions and lotions less work to do. This is the inside story and a completely different approach from that discussed above, but certainly a complimentary way of keeping those wrinkles at bay. Our skin can be seen as our biggest organ, and like the rest of our body needs to be fed from within as well. But this is another story! _______________________________________________________ By Michael Field-Dodgson Mike Field-Dodgson, a Scientist turned Business man, lives in the South Island of New Zealand. He was brought up in a family where unrefined food was the norm, and was taught, that if given a chance, our bodies have the internal capability to look after themselves pretty much. The Key is to be Trim, Healthy and Fit. Consequently his family's visits to the doctor are are few and far between.

More about → Anti-Ageing Skin Care - The External Solution To Minimizing Wrinkles

Food Advice To Diabetes Affected People

The first task you should undertake as soon as you come to know of your diabetes problem is to have a diet regimen that helps you in controlling this problem. But, at the same time, you should not lose sight of the nutritional aspect also because without proper nutrition, you may become susceptible to other health complications. Therefore, you should eat the right foods that can handle both these aims. You have a variety of food items that can control your diabetes and simultaneously satisfy your desire for tasty foods. It is true that if you are asked to eat the same foods repeatedly, you will get bored and at one point of time, you may hate to eat. But, by switching to various types of foods, fruits, vegetables, dried beans, dairy products that contain less of fat, foods made of wholesome grains and so on, your desire for tasty foods and having varieties of foods is also taken care of. Further, some fruits and vegetables are seasonal and you can have more of them during those seasons. You can also use your creativity to cook these foods so that you will not get bored with these food items. But, you should never forget the fact that you have been affected by diabetes and you can not afford to be irresponsible in eating. The blood sugar must be kept within the prescribed limits. A myth among those affected by diabetes is that if they take medicines, they can eat whatever they want. This is not true. You should continue to be eating right and this will only help you in having less toxic medicines for controlling your diabetes. Another advantage in eating right is that your family members will also emulate you and avoid eating unhealthy foods. If you are creative and cook varieties of healthy foods, they will also be interested in them. There are a lot of diabetic cook books from which you can cook easy and good foods. You can have even inexpensive foods that are simultaneously very healthy. Apart from eating right, you should also refrain from over-eating. Eating at the right times is another important factor that will help diabetes-affected people to control the problem. You should also ensure to drink plenty of water every day. Slow eating is another point that may help you to avoid over-eating. Last but not the least, you should completely avoid junk and processed foods. These foods are available everywhere and you may be tempted to eat them. But, you can not afford to eat them and spoil your health. If you refrain from eating them and advise all those known to you also to avoid eating them, you will be doing a great service to the society. _____________________________________________________________ By Raman Kuppuswamy Raman Kuppuswamy is a great thinker who writes excellent articles on various topics. You may kindly visit http://hubpages.com/profile/dreamdamodar and read more of his articles.

More about → Food Advice To Diabetes Affected People

Finger Food Recipes

Finger Food Recipes are versatile and cater for any occasion Finger Food is essentially the easiest way to serve your guests and can be just as easy as serving (low prep) such as bread, cheese, cold meat, olives, cheese and fruit. At the other end of the scale, they can be as fancy as crab stuffed mushrooms, mini-quiche or delicious homemade sushi rolls. They are also a great way to teach your toddler to feed himself because they are small and easy to hold and these include: cheese rusks, dips and vegetables, (tiny hamburgers, pizza's, homemade pastries) and meatballs. Whether you are preparing sophisticated recipes, such as canapés or just whipping up some enjoyable party food, there are thousands of different types to cater for that special occasion. Classy, yet simple, finding the right recipe can be a challenge. Traditional Finger Food Recipes One of the most popular, traditional finger food is the Canape. Canapes are generally made with a bread base, topped with an assortment of small, savory toppings. The bread is cut out into shapes such as squares, triangles, circles and rectangles and then topped with an assortment of different flavors e.g. cream cheese, salmon and parsley sprigs. The basic Canape is one of many finger food recipes providing an assortment of many flavours. Recipe for Canapes Ingredients: 4 slices of fresh bread - white, brown rye or pumpernickel, 1 tbsp butter, ¼ tsp salt, 2 parsley sprigs, approximately 1 tsp of savory topping to serve on each canapé, such as: Cheese spreads, tasty or fancy Salmon, sardines, crayfish, anchovies, prawns, anchovy paste, crab, oysters, caviar, tuna Ham, ham paste, pate, continental sausage, chicken Hardboiled and salted or hardboiled and sieved Vegetables - cooked or pickled Asparagus tips, carrots, olives, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, gherkins, peppers Method: Cut bread using a shaped cutter. Spread each round with butter. Place small amounts of food on each and decorate. Serve and garnish with parsley sprigs. Bon Appetit! ____________________________________ By Jude Johnson Finger Food Recipes are fun to make and easy to eat and best of all......They cater for all occasions!

More about → Finger Food Recipes