Category: Points of interest

Diabetes And Corona Virus

Here’s what you need to know:

People with diabetes are not more likely to get COVID-19 than the general population.

The problem people with diabetes face is primarily a problem of worse outcomes, not greater chance of contracting the virus. In China, where most cases have occurred so far, people with diabetes had much higher rates of serious complications and death than people without diabetes—and generally we believe that the more health conditions someone has (for example, diabetes and heart disease), the higher their chance of getting serious complications from COVID-19. We expect the death rate to decline over time as we get better at detecting and treating this specific virus.

People with diabetes do face a higher chance of experiencing serious complications from COVID-19.

In general, people with diabetes are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications when infected with a virus.If diabetes is well-managed, the risk of getting severely sick from COVID-19 is about the same as the general population.

When people with diabetes do not manage their diabetes well and experience fluctuating blood sugars, they are generally at risk for a number of diabetes-related complications. Having heart disease or other complications in addition to diabetes could worsen the chance of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, like other viral infections, because your body’s ability to fight off an infection is compromised.

Viral infections can also increase inflammation, or internal swelling, in people with diabetes. This is also caused by above-target blood sugars, and both could contribute to more severe complications.

When sick with a viral infection, people with diabetes do face an increased risk of DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), commonly experienced by people with type 1 diabetes. DKA can make it challenging to manage your fluid intake and electrolyte levels—which is important in managing sepsis. Sepsis and septic shock are some of the more serious complications that some people with COVID-19 have experienced.

COVID-19 is different from the seasonal flu.

COVID-19 is proving to be a more serious illness than seasonal flu in everyone, including people with diabetes. All of the standard precautions to avoid infection that have been widely reported are even more important when dealing with this virus.

Recommended safety precautions are the same as for flu, such as frequent hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. The CDC does not recommend the use of face masks by people who are not infected.

We encourage people with diabetes to follow the guidance of the CDC and to review how you manage sick days—preparing for a sick day can make it easier.

The risks are similar for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

In general, we don’t know of any reason to think COVID-19 will pose a difference in risk between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. More important is that people with either type of diabetes vary in their age, complications and how well they have been managing their diabetes.

People who already have diabetes-related health problems are likely to have worse outcomes if they contract COVID-19 than people with diabetes who are otherwise healthy, whichever type of diabetes they have.

Manufacturers are not reporting that COVID-19 is impacting access to insulin and other supplies.

Leading manufacturers are reporting that COVID-19 is not having an impact on their current manufacturing and distribution capabilities for insulin and other supplies at this time. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates should anything change. If you are struggling to pay for insulin or know someone who is, the ADA has resources to help—visit InsulinHelp.org.

If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people to further reduce your risk of being exposed to this new virus. Stay home as much as possible.

Before you get sick, make a plan:

Gather your supplies:

  • Phone numbers of your doctors and healthcare team, your pharmacy and your insurance provider
  • List of medications and doses (including vitamins and supplements)
  • Simple carbs like regular soda, honey, jam, Jell-O, hard candies or popsicles to help keep your blood sugar up if you are at risk for lows and too ill to eat
  • If a state of emergency is declared, get extra refills on your prescriptions so you do not have to leave the house
    • If you can’t get to the pharmacy, find out about having your medications delivered
  • Always have enough insulin for the week ahead, in case you get sick or cannot refill
    • If you are struggling to pay for insulin or know someone who is, the ADA has resources to help—visit InsulinHelp.org
  • Extra supplies like rubbing alcohol and soap to wash your hands
  • Glucagon and ketone strips, in case of lows and highs
  • Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time

Talk to your health care team about the following:

  • When to call your doctor’s office (for ketones, changes in food intake, medication adjustments, etc.)
  • How often to check your blood sugar
  • When to check for ketones
  • Medications you should use for colds, flu, virus, and infections
  • Any changes to your diabetes medications when you are sick

Take everyday precautions:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Take preventive actions:
    • Clean your hands often
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
    • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
    • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places–elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
    • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
    • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
    • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
    • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
    • Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially avoid embarking on cruise ships.

Watch for emergency warning signs:

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor:

Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.

When you call:

  • Have your glucose reading available
  • Have your ketone reading available
  • Keep track of your fluid consumption (you can use a 1-liter water bottle) and report
  • Be clear on your symptoms (for example: are you nauseated? Just a stuffy nose?)
  • Ask your questions on how to manage your diabetes

If you do get sick, know what to do:

Here are some common tips, which may vary for each person:

  • Drink lots of fluids. If you’re having trouble keeping water down, have small sips every 15 minutes or so throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
  • If you are experiencing a low (blood sugar below 70 mg/dl or your target range), eat 15 grams of simple carbs that are easy to digest like honey, jam, Jell-O, hard candy, popsicles, juice or regular soda, and re-check your blood sugar in 15 minutes to make sure your levels are rising. Check your blood sugar extra times throughout the day and night (generally, every 2-3 hours; if using a CGM, monitor frequently).
  • If your blood sugar has registered high (BG greater than 240mg/dl) more than 2 times in a row, check for ketones to avoid DKA.
  • Call your doctor’s office immediately, if you have medium or large ketones (and if instructed to with trace or small ketones).
  • Be aware that some CGM sensors (Dexcom G5, Medtronic Enlite, and Guardian) are impacted by Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Check with finger sticks to ensure accuracy.
  • Wash your hands and clean your injection/infusion and finger-stick sites with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Know your rights:

A reminder: If you have diabetes, you have legal rights that do not go away during a health crisis like COVID-19.

  • Even in a pandemic, you have the right to reasonable accommodations at work, which could include medical leave or alternate work arrangements.
  • Your child’s Section 504 Plan should include accommodation for extra sick days without penalty. This would apply if your child is sick or if you choose to keep him or her home from school to avoid contagion with COVID-19.
  • People with diabetes who are incarcerated or in police custody are entitled to appropriate and adequate medical care, and their medical needs may change during infectious disease outbreaks.

If you are concerned you are being treated unfairly because of your diabetes, contact us to seek help from our Legal Advocacy team.

For more information, please call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).Related pagesPlanning for Sick Days

American Diabetes Association

askada@diabetes.org

1995 – 2020. American Diabetes Association®. All rights reserved.

Homemade Milk Alternatives

1
ALMOND OR CASHEW MILK

First, soak nuts. 
 

Regardless of the nut of choice, the basic formula for nut milk is the same: 1 cup raw nuts to 3 or 4 cups water. All nuts also benefit from soaking prior to being blended, as pre-soaking creates a creamier result.

For almond milk, place 1 cup raw almonds in a bowl and cover with cold water to about 2 inches above the almonds. Allow to soak overnight or for up to 2 days. The longer the nuts soak, the creamier the milk they’ll produce. If soaking for longer than overnight, change the soaking water once. For cashew milk, soak 1 cup raw cashews and follow the same steps as almond milk.

When ready to make the milk, drain and rinse the almonds, discarding the soaking liquid.
 

TIP
No matter what nut you choose, be sure the nuts are raw, unroasted and unseasoned. Roasted, salted or seasoned nuts will negatively impact the flavor and texture of the milk.

2
BLEND THE ALMOND OR CASHEW MILK

Place drained, soaked nuts in a blender with 3 or 4 cups of very hot filtered water — the water should not be boiling. If you don’t have a blender, a food processor can be used, though a blender creates a smoother texture.

If desired for flavor, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt and about 1 and 1/2 teaspoons liquid sweetener such as agave nectar, stevia or honey to the blender.

 

Blend on low speed for a few seconds to combine. Increase speed to high and blend until creamy and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. The mixture will expand some as it blends, so be sure to not fill the blender to the top to start.
 

TIP
Adjust the amount of water to create the desired milk consistency, with less water yielding a thicker milk and more water yielding a thinner milk. Nut milk made with 4 cups water is about the consistency of skim dairy milk, while 3 cups water creates a consistency more similar to whole dairy milk.

3
STRAIN THE ALMOND OR CASHEW MILK

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or thin kitchen towel to remove any nut bits. If using cheesecloth or a kitchen towel, place it over a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the milk from the blender over it. Carefully gather together the corners of the cheesecloth or towel and lift up. Squeeze into the mixing bowl until all liquid is extracted.

You can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Shake milk before using.
 

4
OAT MILK

First, soak oats.
 

Place 1 cup old-fashioned oats in a bowl and cover with cold water to about 2 inches above the oats. Allow to soak for around an hour. Drain and rinse the oats to remove some of the oats’ starch. Be sure to discard the soaking liquid.
 

5
BLEND THE OAT MILK

Place drained oats and 3 cups filtered water in a blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds.
 

TIP
If using a high-powered blender, you may only need to blend the oats for about 10 seconds. Blending too long can break down the oats too much and make the milk gloppy.
6
STRAIN THE OAT MILK

Strain through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or thin kitchen towel to remove any oat bits. If using cheesecloth or a kitchen towel, place it over a large mixing bowl. Slowly pour the milk from the blender over it. Carefully gather the corners and lift up. Squeeze into the mixing bowl until all liquid is extracted.

Once strained, stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt and about 1 to 2 tablespoons liquid sweetener such as agave nectar, stevia or honey, to taste.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Shake milk before using.
 

7
COCONUT MILK

First, soak coconut.
 

Coconut milk takes just two simple ingredients to make: unsweetened shredded coconut and water.

Place 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut in a blender. Add 4 cups very hot water. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the coconut to soften. Do not drain or discard the water.
 

8
BLEND THE COCONUT MILK

Blend at low speed a few seconds, then on high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
 

9
STRAIN THE COCONUT MILK

First pour coconut mixture through a colander into a pitcher or bowl to get most of the coconut bits out. Then strain again through cheesecloth or thin kitchen towel to remove any remaining smaller bits.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Shake before using.
 

TIP
Coconut milk isn’t just for drinking! You can use it in recipes too. It makes a great replacement for low-fat canned coconut milk.

Pandemic Prep

Pandemic

Before a Pandemic

  • Store additional supplies of food and water. 
  • Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
  • Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
  • Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference. Get help accessing electronic health records.
  • Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

During a Pandemic

Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection

  • Americans can continue to use and drink tap water as usual during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Please be sure to follow public health guidance as the situation develops.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
  • Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Homemade Diaper Wipes

Homemade Baby Wipes

Version 1

Ingredients:

Paper towels
Water

Directions:

1.  Wet paper towels
2.  Squeeze out extra water
3.  Place in small plastic container or baby wipes container
4.  Wipe baby when changing diaper and discard

Version 2 (for cloth diapering families)

Same as above, but substitute rags or baby wash cloths for the paper towels and wash with cloth diapers after use.

Use These For Home Cleaning!

The EPA recommends using these home-cleaning products on surfaces to protect against the new coronavirus

The CDC recommends the following products to effectively sanitize surfaces against COVID-19. You can find the full list of products here; the options below are those we could readily find online. Many of the products are sold out, but manufacturers are working to restock. We’ll be updating this article with in-stock purchase options as we find them available, but in case we aren’t able to adjust immediately, we’re leaving all options listed. We strongly recommend only buying what you need. Hoarding can lead to product shortages, price mark-ups, and prevents fair access to the essentials for everyone. It’s ultimately more harmful than helpful, according to experts. Read more: Find all Insider Reviews coverage regarding the novel coronavirus here. To protect yourself effectively against the novel coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds each time, avoiding close contact with people who are sick or if you yourself are sick, practicing social distancing, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily. Below, you’ll find a list of the EPA-registered cleaning products that are recommended by the CDC for cleaning surfaces and “expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder-to-kill viruses.” Many of the products are sold out online, but manufacturers are working to restock, and we’ll be updating this article with purchase options as we find the products available online. In case we aren’t able to update immediately, we’re leaving all the options listed for reference. For other resources, find the best hand sanitizers here, the best hand soaps here, where to buy toilet paper during coronavirus-related shortages here, and the best grocery delivery services here. To use the following products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products closely. Some come ready to use immediately, and others will need to be diluted. For most if not all, you’ll want to make sure your cleaning space is well-ventilated. You can find more information on how to properly clean and sanitize your home per the CDC during concerns over COVID-19 here. According to the CDC, for disinfection of surfaces, “diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.” If you’re looking for products to clean soft (porous) surfaces such as carpets, rugs, and drapes, you can find CDC guidelines here and recommended products here. We strongly recommend that you only buy what you need. Stockpiling supplies, like toilet paper, beyond reason makes it difficult for everyone to get fair access to the essentials they need. Which, when it comes to sanitizing supplies, can make a pandemic more dangerous for everyone, including for yourself, your neighbors, and vital healthcare workers who have been forced to ration the same supplies. You can read more about why two experts say stockpiling products is more harmful than helpful here. And while hoarding and product shortages have resulted in price markups, manufacturers have said they’ll work to address production shortages, so we expect to see more availability and normal prices. If you can wait before grabbing surplus supplies, you should strongly consider doing so. If you’re looking for ways to share resources during COVID-19, you may want to consider donating to local food banks, buying gift cards to local restaurants to help them pay fixed costs, applying to volunteer with a local Telephone Reassurance program to alleviate isolation for the elderly, and donating directly to people you know who are out of work. For more ways you can help, here’s a list of 6 places you can donate or volunteer right now. Previous SlideNext Slide

To protect yourself effectively against the novel coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds each time, avoiding close contact with people who are sick or if you yourself are sick, practicing social distancing, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.

Below, you’ll find a list of the EPA-registered cleaning products that are recommended by the CDC for cleaning surfaces and “expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder-to-kill viruses.”

Many of the products are sold out online, but manufacturers are working to restock, and we’ll be updating this article with purchase options as we find the products available online. In case we aren’t able to update immediately, we’re leaving all the options listed for reference.

To use the following products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products closely. Some come ready to use immediately, and others will need to be diluted. For most if not all, you’ll want to make sure your cleaning space is well-ventilated.

You can find more information on how to properly clean and sanitize your home per the CDC during concerns over COVID-19 here. According to the CDC, for disinfection of surfaces, “diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.” If you’re looking for products to clean soft (porous) surfaces such as carpets, rugs, and drapes, you can find CDC guidelines here and recommended products here.

We strongly recommend that you only buy what you need. Stockpiling supplies, like toilet paper, beyond reason makes it difficult for everyone to get fair access to the essentials they need. Which, when it comes to sanitizing supplies, can make a pandemic more dangerous for everyone, including for yourself, your neighbors, and vital healthcare workers who have been forced to ration the same supplies. You can read more about why two experts say stockpiling products is more harmful than helpful here. And while hoarding and product shortages have resulted in price markups, manufacturers have said they’ll work to address production shortages, so we expect to see more availability and normal prices. If you can wait before grabbing surplus supplies, you should strongly consider doing so.

If you’re looking for ways to share resources during COVID-19, you may want to consider donating to local food banks, buying gift cards to local restaurants to help them pay fixed costs, applying to volunteer with a local Telephone Reassurance program to alleviate isolation for the elderly, and donating directly to people you know who are out of work. For more ways you can help, here’s a list of 6 places you can donate or volunteer right now.

Laugh a Little

I am terribly sorry for those that have lost their lives to the dreaded coronavirus. These jokes are not to make small their passing. This is to make people who are sad maybe more cheerful or those who need to laugh.

Please accept my sincere apologies if this offends or hurts you,

MwsR❤️

Spring Cleaning List You Can Use

Places You Should “SPRING”, To See~From Around The World

Tuscany

9 of the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:Jiri Sebek/Flickr

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Photo:Rennett Stowe/Flickr

Paris

the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:chrisfreeland2002/Flickr

Finland

the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:aSIMULAtor/Flickr

Amsterdam

the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:Fabi Fliervoet/Flickr

Minorca

the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:Fran Simó/Flickr

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:* hiro008/Flickr

The Pyrenees

the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker/Flickr

South Island, New Zealand

the most beautiful places in the spring

Photo:Premshree Pillai/Flickr

Source: http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/photos/9-of-the-most-beautiful-places-in-the-spring/getting-warmer