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Educating Diabetic and Pre-Diabetic Patients

Diabetes is more common than ever. Approximately 1.25 million American children and adults have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes kills more people every day than AIDS and breast cancer together. A person diagnosed at age 50 with type 2 diabetes is more likely to die 6 years earlier than nondiabetics. Some pretty alarming statistics for sure. Pre-diabetic patients People that are what is commonly referred to as pre-diabetic still have a chance to avoid becoming diabetic.   An immediate lifestyle change and change in diet can often prevent the actual onset of diabetes.   80 percent of type 2 diabetics are overweight, so the obvious first step to avoid developing diabetes is to maintain an ideal weight.   When working with a pre-diabetic patient, there is a strong need for education, they need to understand the severity of the condition and complications.   The hope is that the patient will recognize the seriousness of the disease, and make necessary changes before th

Overworked, Over-washed, Chapped Hands

How many times a day does a nurse wash their hands?   Aside from the fact no one has time to count, it is a lot.   Of course, there is no choice. You must keep your hands clean for yourself and the protection of your patients.   So how do you prevent hands from being chapped, dry, and sore? Wash with care. Depending on what type of soap your hospital uses, it may be necessary to fill a small bottle with liquid soap from home, just make it one that will fit in the pocket of your scrubs.   If hands are very dry and chapped, mix mild unscented hand soap with a rich hair conditioner that is labeled moisturizing.   Use about ¼ hair conditioner to a small bottle of soap.   The soap will clean sufficiently, and the conditioner will add moisture to hands when washing.   When it comes to home, make a mixture of moisturizing soap, adding a little olive oil or coconut oil. To make a scrub.   Use moisturizing soap, olive oil, or coconut oil and add a small amount of sugar. Scrub hands w

What to Consider When Preparing for Your First Dissection if You're Squeamish

The dissecting process is of course difficult, but it does get easier. Taking into consideration the emotional impact it might have, the key to overcoming dissection is to dissociate some thoughts and feelings you may have if you’re feeling squeamish about the process. Dissection comes from the Latin word – “dissecare”, which translates to "cutting into pieces”. Across the medical environment, it is described as the dissembling of organs in order to study and understand natural structure. The dissection process has been in place from several centuries and has enabled the medical representatives to explore human and animal bodies in terms of understanding the internal anatomy and develop possible cures and ways to prevent organs failure at a certain point.  It is important to mention the fact that the dissection procedure has been largely debated from different professionals in terms of moral concerns. There have also been different technological approaches in order to

Common Skin Conditions Among Your Patients

Hives Hives generally appear as raised red itchy bumps.   Certain foods can cause a reaction in the form of hives. Peanuts, eggs, and shellfish are often common triggers. Certain medications, often antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfa, can cause hives as well.   Insect stings and bites can also cause a reaction of hives, even if you have never been allergic before, one can develop at any time in life.   Other common triggers are hives include: Cold or heat   Exercise   Sun   Latex   Blood transfusion   Bacterial infections   Viral infections   Mononucleosis   Hepatitis   Pet dander   Pollen Certain types of plants The best form of treatment is to avoid the stimulant, but that is not always possible.   The first consideration is to make sure there is no swelling of the throat.   Some allergic reactions can have serious effects, and swelling of the throat is one to watch out for.   The next concern is, how uncomfortable the hives are.   A mild case can d