Page 21 - Florida Sentinel 4-21-17

Health
Later Symptoms
As your blood sugar levels get higher, you may have other problems like headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Risk Factors You Can Control
It Can Affect Your Sex Life
Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves in your genitals. This could lead to a loss of feeling and make it hard to have an orgasm. Women are also prone to vaginal dryness. About 1 in 3 who have dia- betes will have some form of sexual trouble.
Between 35% and 70% of men who have the dis- ease will have at least some degree of impotence in their lifetime.
Signs of Serious Problems
In many cases, type 2 diabetes isn't discovered until it takes a serious toll on your health. Some red flags include:
• Cuts or sores that are slow to heal
• Frequent yeast infec- tions or urinary tract infections
• Itchy skin, especially in the groin area
What Is It?
When you have this disease, your body does a poor job turning the carbohydrates in food into energy. This causes sugar to build up in your blood. Over time it raises your risk for heart disease, blindness, nerve and organ damage, and other serious conditions. It strikes people of all ages, and early symptoms are mild. About 1 out of 3 people with type 2 diabetes don't know they have it.
What Will You Notice First?
People with type 2 diabetes often have no symptoms. When they do ap- pear, one of the first may be being thirsty a lot.
Others include dry mouth, bigger appetite, peeing a lot -- sometimes as often as every hour -- and unusual weight loss or gain.
START THE DAY WITH GENTLE ACTIVITY
Slow, gentle activity in the morning can help wake up tired muscles and stiff joints. Just take it easy on your spine, says Raj Rao, MD, pro- fessor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Deep, relaxed breathing when you wake up may also be helpful. But certain moves aren't recommended if you have back pain - - ask your health care provider what's best for you.
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES
To help keep your back feeling healthy, choose comfortable, well-cushioned shoes. Although low-heeled shoes are best for everyday wear, heels aren’t necessarily a no- no. Choose a pair with a cushioned sole, says Rao. Cushioned soles reduce the impact when you’re walking on hard surfaces. This
helps protect your back, hips, and knees.
START EXERCISE GRADUALLY
Exercise is a great way to keep your back healthy. But if you’ve been inactive for a while, start slowly. Begin with a low-impact exercise such as walking, stationary biking, or swimming for about 30 minutes a day. Adding gentle stretching or yoga may also help your muscles. Ask your doctor what
types of exercise are best for you.
SIT COMFORTABLY
If your job requires you to sit for long pe- riods, make sure your chair has a straight back, an adjustable seat, and armrests. Some people prefer more lumbar support than others, says Rao. If you need extra sup- port, place a rolled towel behind the lower part of your back. Resting your feet on a low
stool can also help ease back pain when sitting.
TAKE A BREAK
If you do a lot of sitting or standing during the day, take a break every so often to move around. Just a short walk around the house or of- fice can help relieve tight joints and muscles. You can also try doing some gentle stretches. When a break isn’t possible, make sure to change your position occasionally.
lifestyle
• Smoking
Some health habits and medical conditions related to your lifestyle can raise your odds of having type 2 diabetes, including:
• Being overweight, especially at the waist
• A couch potato
• Eating a lot of red meat, processed meat, high- fat dairy products, and sweets
• Unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-B