Archive for July, 2006
The Home Blood Glucose Test
What is home blood glucose test? In simplest terms, itâs a test carried out by diabetic patients to ascertain the level of glucose in their blood. Such a test can be carried out in the home of a diabetic patient by the patient himself, hence the name, home blood glucose test. The test is required to be performed by the patient at frequent intervals, in some cases daily, and in some cases two to three times a day. Indeed, the frequency of testing is necessary as, if the blood glucose level exceeds the limits then the patient risks suffering a heart or other life threatening problem. Diabetic patients cannot visit a lab to test so frequently; the patient conveniently performs the test and administers the doses of insulin to rectify the condition in the comforts of home.
The most essential equipment component required to carry out home testing of blood glucose levels consists of a calibration meter. The calibration meter is available from a variety of companies around the world. Some come with AC adaptors, others are fitted with batteries. Diabetic testers may be required to make use of a single AA battery or an AAA battery. However this is the most preferred version to the AC power supply model due to its portability.
The next testing component to consider is testing strips. The testing strips may be manufactured by the same company that provides the testing meters. It would be advisable to use testing strips from the same company as the meter you are using. This ensures compatibility between the meter and the strip. The testing strips are stored in air tight bottles so as not to allow moisture to affect the strip. Some meters have a container along with the machine for storing the strips.
Diabetic patients may make use of a solution called the âsugar solution controlâ. This solution is used on the strip, to help read the data from the strip. Nowadays most machines do not require this solution and hence you can do away with it.
Once all is ready, itâs time to do the most dreaded partâ”the patient must prick himself. This is accomplished with the help of a needle called a âlancet,â a short needle that has a pre-determined length. The lancet ensures that the prick doesnât go too deep but just the right depth to get a single drop of blood. One cannot hold the needle in hand and hence a tester should have a holder in which to fit the needle. A holder is a pen shaped device which holds the needle and which also determines how deep the pricking should be.
Last but not the least, cotton balls and rubbing alcohol are required to stop the bleeding and to clean the area to be pricked before and after cleaning.
This should be a good start in learning what a home blood glucose test is, who requires it and what equipment is needed for carrying out a home blood glucose test. Of course, this article is intended to be used for general informational purposes only. Patients should consult their physician for questions pertaining to their condition.
Jonathan Doemacher writes for <a href="http://www.diabeticseniors.com">Diabetic Seniors</a>, an informative resource about diabetes for senior patients and caregivers. Visit Diabetic Seniors at this address: http://www.diabeticseniors.com
Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike, and play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she opts for tanning salons to get her ‘golden glow’ while being sure to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.
Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or at his job. Joseph doesn’t worry about sunscreen and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when he was a child.
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Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:
- Myth: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun
20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB rays, ‘The Skin Cancer Answer’ states that “UVA penetrates more deeply into the skin than UVB, can cause skin cancer, and may suppress the immune system.”
- Myth: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection
85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or letting your children out to play at any time of year – even when you’re not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.
- Myth: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You
Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.
- Myth: Having a Tan Means You’re More Protected
Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun – especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors.
Have fun and be safe.
Paul Wolbers is a Fitness Enthusiast dedicated to helping others achieve physical fitness, longer life, and better overall health. You can visit his website and discover more at: http://www.MagnumNutrition.com
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