I have said this before and will say it again – exercise. I have learned a few morsels to this in the last few years. Some have even told me to get lost as they are not medically able to exercise. Oh, really. A neighbor just reminded me of how false this is, except for a person that is a quadriplegic and others having some types of back injuries. Even another with a prosthetic limb said exercise is encouraged.
A neighbor is confined to a wheelchair with Type 2 diabetes and still exercises. He works very hard lifting five and ten pound or higher weights and once the snow is gone, I will see him out wheeling himself around several blocks in his wheelchair. He lost the use of his legs in an auto accident several years ago and has worked very diligently to build his muscles in his arms and body. He had an operation on one leg this winter and doctors are now hopeful that he may regain partial use of his left leg.
He has talked about this with me and he hopes that his right leg will be operated on next winter, and is hoping that the new procedure will give him full use. He did qualify for a powered chair, and has one for longer trips to the grocery store and other places, but he seldom uses it as he wants the exercise. I have seen him twice this winter and the second time he was standing on his left leg. Even that was an effort, but he wanted to show me the progress. The leg is still very stiff and it is difficult to stand on for lengthy periods, but he is working the leg and has a therapist in three days a week working with him.
So for my more sedentary friends, exercise generally is possible and for many people will require a doctors permission and developing a regimen with the doctors approval. Even lifting small weights can do good things for blood glucose control.
The main key is finding a type of exercise you enjoy and doing it can help. Many think running or jogging is the only exercise for them and if that works – great. Others have found that swimming is good for them and is something that they can do year round even here in the Midwest because the indoor pools are open. Others must use exercise equipment and if they do – good for them.
The idea is to be doing something that you enjoy, can do three to seven days a week and at varying times. Walking is always good for those that can't run or jog. Your management of diabetes will improve and you will not need to rely solely on nutrition (diet) to manage your blood glucose levels. Plus, if you want to reduce your chances of developing the complications of diabetes, exercise is an excellent tool.
I have to end this with an observation about what many people with diabetes seem to think is important. On one of the forums I participate on occasionally, one member was mourning the lost of carbs. In the responses to this, exercise was never mentioned. There were some excellent suggestions about cutting carbs and finding substitutes, but I am also surprised at the lack of nutritional advice as well.
This is an area of weakness in most forums and not just diabetes forums. A few forums have members that practice what they preach and will mention exercise without hesitation while others very seldom even think of exercise.
Most forums would be well advised to have a broad range of medical professionals, dietitians and nutritionists, and people that know exercise available to offer advice and answer questions.
March 20, 2011
March 18, 2011
Do You Feel Guilty About Diabetes?
Are you buying into the myths often laid on us by the medical profession, friends, and family? This is easy to do, but you must not. First, understand that diabetes is not your fault. I have said this before and some need a constant reminder of this. Then be sure you are living in the present as the past is exactly that, the past.
Being able to manage diabetes is now your goal. This is a task that requires attention 24/7/365. There is no vacation and this does present challenges for some. There can be good and bad times, as well as days that can be planned when you can treat yourself to some relaxing time.
People with Type 2 diabetes often give up for several reasons. Often they are tempted and do give in to these temptations. Others get discouraged because they don't obtain the results the doctor had told them to expect. Some believe in the myths about diabetes and therefore do not challenge themselves to do many things that may help them in their management of diabetes. Still others do not follow the instructions of the doctor and wonder why they are not getting better.
A difficult truth for many is there are few people with Type 2 diabetes that can measure their results to another person's results. Therefore, you must become your own science experiment and find out how your body reacts to different foods, different medications, and different levels of exercise.
If you are looking for other views, two bloggers have something to say. David Spero has a blog here about this subject. And Pine Pienaar has has other suggestions here. (The last link is broken - no fix found.) They both have good points and I enjoy reading both.
If you have gotten past the initial shock, anger, and denial, the next step is gaining the knowledge you need to manage diabetes. There are many excellent books and web sites available that can give you much good information. Just a word of caution, there are some very unreliable websites that promise cures, but they are after your money and will promise most everything to get you to pay it over to them.
There are many studies out that criticize many of the sites for their unreliable and misleading information. Just use extreme caution and I have many sites listed in other blogs. A few are blog 1, blog 2, and blog 3. When you find something you like or that you find useful, bookmark it to have it for reference. If something does not work for you, discard it and move on. Occasionally some ideas will work in the future.
Being able to manage diabetes is now your goal. This is a task that requires attention 24/7/365. There is no vacation and this does present challenges for some. There can be good and bad times, as well as days that can be planned when you can treat yourself to some relaxing time.
People with Type 2 diabetes often give up for several reasons. Often they are tempted and do give in to these temptations. Others get discouraged because they don't obtain the results the doctor had told them to expect. Some believe in the myths about diabetes and therefore do not challenge themselves to do many things that may help them in their management of diabetes. Still others do not follow the instructions of the doctor and wonder why they are not getting better.
A difficult truth for many is there are few people with Type 2 diabetes that can measure their results to another person's results. Therefore, you must become your own science experiment and find out how your body reacts to different foods, different medications, and different levels of exercise.
If you are looking for other views, two bloggers have something to say. David Spero has a blog here about this subject. And Pine Pienaar has has other suggestions here. (The last link is broken - no fix found.) They both have good points and I enjoy reading both.
If you have gotten past the initial shock, anger, and denial, the next step is gaining the knowledge you need to manage diabetes. There are many excellent books and web sites available that can give you much good information. Just a word of caution, there are some very unreliable websites that promise cures, but they are after your money and will promise most everything to get you to pay it over to them.
There are many studies out that criticize many of the sites for their unreliable and misleading information. Just use extreme caution and I have many sites listed in other blogs. A few are blog 1, blog 2, and blog 3. When you find something you like or that you find useful, bookmark it to have it for reference. If something does not work for you, discard it and move on. Occasionally some ideas will work in the future.
March 16, 2011
Low Carbohydrate Mistakes Many Make
Are you thinking about starting a low carbohydrate lifestyle? Are you prepared? Will this be planned to be sustainable? Most people do not make it for many reasons, but the most common problem is that the way they have chosen is not sustainable. First, they have chosen a diet and do not balanced it for nutrition.
Here is a dozen problems or mistakes people make.
Not sustainable: Most people do not realize this when they start because they don't do any advance planning and then do not actively adapt when things go wrong. Mistakes do happen and people must be either adapt or change to stay low carb. If you are not in this for the long-term, then you are doing this for the wrong reason and need to stop.
Not starting it correctly: The problem here is that many start off immediately and do not realize that sometimes it is best to start out slowly and work your way down to get adjusted. Some have success the other way, but they have done the planning ahead of time. Over eating protein is not a solution and is not balanced for nutrition.
Not adjusting as needed: When a mistake is made, many people give up and do not adjust or correct for the mistake. For success, people should be prepared to make mistakes and at least learn how to correct for these.
Stopping too early: This is a common mistake. Some people are not prepared for the cut in carbohydrates and decide that they are not cut out for this lifestyle change. If you are serious, recognize this and adjust your carbohydrate intake up for a period of time to see if that will work and then attempt to adjust downward.
Not including enough vegetables and fruit: This is one of the largest mistakes people make. A balanced low carb way of life must include a variety of vegetables. Add low carb fruit for a more balanced nutrition.
Not including enough fiber: This is a big mistake by many people. Eating good amounts of vegetables and fruit adds fiber, but not always enough. Do your research to keep fiber amount in the healthy range.
Not limiting your intake: Most make this mistake. The food tastes good and a second helping is taken. People must learn that one serving size is all that can be eaten. No seconds or thirds are allowed and a good nutritious low carb meal is only what should be eaten. Do not forget to keep track of the calories in your food. This can wreck the best low carb plan.
Poor planning: People, do your planning to minimize mistakes. Learn nutrition and how to have nutritious low carb meals that are balanced for the food groups you planned for.
Not planning any variety: This is a common mistake area. A variety of food makes low carb eating more enjoyable and not boring.
Not analyzing foods: Analyze the foods to make sure that the number of carbs does not exceed what you want in total for the meal and the day.
Not analyzing amount of carbohydrates: Know the number of carbohydrates in each food and the serving size. There are carbohydrate and calorie programs available.
Not including exercise in the mix: Many people do not put exercise into their low carb plans. This is essential to control variations in total carbohydrates and allow for controlling other factors. Plus this is good for reducing insulin resistance and greater control of blood glucose.
Finally, plan, plan, and adjust as needed. There is no harm in starting slowly and working down gradually. Other people start out great, but then want to up the number of carbs. If this is done for a purpose and you have an upper limit as part of a plan, then realize what you are doing and avoid getting over the upper limit. There is no harm in deciding to increase the number of carbohydrates if you determine that you are too low in your carb count.
Some people can plan and do this on their own and have a well balanced low carb meal. Others will need the following assistance.
Most people would be well advised to spend some time with a nutritionist or dietitian in the initial planning to assist with nutrition and balancing your diet. Talk with your doctor to get assistance for insurance coverage. Please discuss this with your doctor and listen to any advice he/she may give you. Also be careful with your approach to the nutritionist and/or dietitian so that they know that you want their help and be careful if you see one that is stuck on a carb limit.
Be prepared for this to happen, by talking to the doctor beforehand and maybe he/she can prepare who ever you will see or will be willing to make several referrals if needed. Often the doctor can make the right referral in the beginning. If the person is not going to consider low carb and help you, do not waste further time with them and let the doctor make another referral.
Remember that this is your decision and the level of carbs or range you set is up to you. Some find out that medium carb or lower medium carb is better. Generally low carb is considered less than 80 grams per day. Medium is 80 to 140, and high is over 140. Some people have different ranges.
Here is a dozen problems or mistakes people make.
Not sustainable: Most people do not realize this when they start because they don't do any advance planning and then do not actively adapt when things go wrong. Mistakes do happen and people must be either adapt or change to stay low carb. If you are not in this for the long-term, then you are doing this for the wrong reason and need to stop.
Not starting it correctly: The problem here is that many start off immediately and do not realize that sometimes it is best to start out slowly and work your way down to get adjusted. Some have success the other way, but they have done the planning ahead of time. Over eating protein is not a solution and is not balanced for nutrition.
Not adjusting as needed: When a mistake is made, many people give up and do not adjust or correct for the mistake. For success, people should be prepared to make mistakes and at least learn how to correct for these.
Stopping too early: This is a common mistake. Some people are not prepared for the cut in carbohydrates and decide that they are not cut out for this lifestyle change. If you are serious, recognize this and adjust your carbohydrate intake up for a period of time to see if that will work and then attempt to adjust downward.
Not including enough vegetables and fruit: This is one of the largest mistakes people make. A balanced low carb way of life must include a variety of vegetables. Add low carb fruit for a more balanced nutrition.
Not including enough fiber: This is a big mistake by many people. Eating good amounts of vegetables and fruit adds fiber, but not always enough. Do your research to keep fiber amount in the healthy range.
Not limiting your intake: Most make this mistake. The food tastes good and a second helping is taken. People must learn that one serving size is all that can be eaten. No seconds or thirds are allowed and a good nutritious low carb meal is only what should be eaten. Do not forget to keep track of the calories in your food. This can wreck the best low carb plan.
Poor planning: People, do your planning to minimize mistakes. Learn nutrition and how to have nutritious low carb meals that are balanced for the food groups you planned for.
Not planning any variety: This is a common mistake area. A variety of food makes low carb eating more enjoyable and not boring.
Not analyzing foods: Analyze the foods to make sure that the number of carbs does not exceed what you want in total for the meal and the day.
Not analyzing amount of carbohydrates: Know the number of carbohydrates in each food and the serving size. There are carbohydrate and calorie programs available.
Not including exercise in the mix: Many people do not put exercise into their low carb plans. This is essential to control variations in total carbohydrates and allow for controlling other factors. Plus this is good for reducing insulin resistance and greater control of blood glucose.
Finally, plan, plan, and adjust as needed. There is no harm in starting slowly and working down gradually. Other people start out great, but then want to up the number of carbs. If this is done for a purpose and you have an upper limit as part of a plan, then realize what you are doing and avoid getting over the upper limit. There is no harm in deciding to increase the number of carbohydrates if you determine that you are too low in your carb count.
Some people can plan and do this on their own and have a well balanced low carb meal. Others will need the following assistance.
Most people would be well advised to spend some time with a nutritionist or dietitian in the initial planning to assist with nutrition and balancing your diet. Talk with your doctor to get assistance for insurance coverage. Please discuss this with your doctor and listen to any advice he/she may give you. Also be careful with your approach to the nutritionist and/or dietitian so that they know that you want their help and be careful if you see one that is stuck on a carb limit.
Be prepared for this to happen, by talking to the doctor beforehand and maybe he/she can prepare who ever you will see or will be willing to make several referrals if needed. Often the doctor can make the right referral in the beginning. If the person is not going to consider low carb and help you, do not waste further time with them and let the doctor make another referral.
Remember that this is your decision and the level of carbs or range you set is up to you. Some find out that medium carb or lower medium carb is better. Generally low carb is considered less than 80 grams per day. Medium is 80 to 140, and high is over 140. Some people have different ranges.
March 14, 2011
Important Information for Elder Caregivers
It is important to talk to parent(s) while they are legally able. Talk with your parent(s) while they are able to make decisions and prepare the way legally for their care. If you are the only child or the trusted family member, make sure that you have copies of any medical records they want you to have and that if you do not, make sure that they have legal documents in place so that you can obtain copies if necessary.
Caring for your parent(s) or other close relatives can be very stressful. If they are living in their home, there are many problems to be anticipated and activities to be ready for in order to take action. If your parents have a power outage, what will need to be done. Natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes, floods are very hard to prepare for but plans need to be made. A car hitting a power pole or a lightening strike taking a transformer out can be more than an inconvenience, but these can be handled.
These problems mean actions that must be taken if a parent is on oxygen systems or a ventilator. These machines can produce life threatening circumstances. Some oxygen systems require electrical power to produce oxygen. Ventilators require electrical power and a generator backup to continue functioning.
For oxygen, having a spare backup tank can save the day, but the people assisting need training in switching over the tank. Oxygen should never be used near an open flame and smoking must be prohibited in the residence. Backup generators run on gasoline and must be outside the house in a covered place. Placement is an important consideration as is access. I would seriously consider a battery operated electric starter. All caregivers must be familiar with the operation of equipment and emergency operations.
Know the laws in your state for the operations of equipment and requirements for placement and operation. Contact the utility companies for cooperation and to notify them of power or gas needs and what equipment is being used. They can sometimes offer special rates and have other suggestions for assistance.
Then there is other electrical equipment, such as electric beds, air-loss mattresses, and air-mattress toppers that use electricity for the pumps. The beds generally don't have problems in power outages as they have hand cranks for use. The other systems can have built in battery backups and their use needs training to know their use. Another essential activity is surprise emergency drills that need to be in place to test the caregivers and equipment.
Then there is suction equipment, IV pumps, and other electrical devices that may be used in the patient's home. Most have battery backups and again caregivers need to be trained in switching in the event of a power outage and for all associated safety precautions.
These indicate a lot of plans to be made and how complicated the situations can be when caring for a parent or close relative. Don't get me wrong, this is something that often needs to be done and a family member is often an excellent solution.
Caring for your parent(s) or other close relatives can be very stressful. If they are living in their home, there are many problems to be anticipated and activities to be ready for in order to take action. If your parents have a power outage, what will need to be done. Natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes, floods are very hard to prepare for but plans need to be made. A car hitting a power pole or a lightening strike taking a transformer out can be more than an inconvenience, but these can be handled.
These problems mean actions that must be taken if a parent is on oxygen systems or a ventilator. These machines can produce life threatening circumstances. Some oxygen systems require electrical power to produce oxygen. Ventilators require electrical power and a generator backup to continue functioning.
For oxygen, having a spare backup tank can save the day, but the people assisting need training in switching over the tank. Oxygen should never be used near an open flame and smoking must be prohibited in the residence. Backup generators run on gasoline and must be outside the house in a covered place. Placement is an important consideration as is access. I would seriously consider a battery operated electric starter. All caregivers must be familiar with the operation of equipment and emergency operations.
Know the laws in your state for the operations of equipment and requirements for placement and operation. Contact the utility companies for cooperation and to notify them of power or gas needs and what equipment is being used. They can sometimes offer special rates and have other suggestions for assistance.
Then there is other electrical equipment, such as electric beds, air-loss mattresses, and air-mattress toppers that use electricity for the pumps. The beds generally don't have problems in power outages as they have hand cranks for use. The other systems can have built in battery backups and their use needs training to know their use. Another essential activity is surprise emergency drills that need to be in place to test the caregivers and equipment.
Then there is suction equipment, IV pumps, and other electrical devices that may be used in the patient's home. Most have battery backups and again caregivers need to be trained in switching in the event of a power outage and for all associated safety precautions.
These indicate a lot of plans to be made and how complicated the situations can be when caring for a parent or close relative. Don't get me wrong, this is something that often needs to be done and a family member is often an excellent solution.
March 12, 2011
More About The Social Networking Site
I am happy to report that the site is still up and active and we are recruiting new members. Thank you. Check out my blog here if you would please.
I am happy to report that work on the site in my last blog in ongoing and some areas are much more intuitive or I should say easier to find your way around. Some files were unfortunately lost in the process, but if people don't realize this, then they would be wise to accept it and realize that information can be accidentally lost in a beta version.
I may be hasty in writing this, but if something changes, so be it. I want to say a few things about the orange column on the right side of the page – the orange vertical tool bar. This is an interesting column as it starts with a search box at the top and as of now there is not much to search for, but may be just what you need six months or longer as more and more people join and more information is put up on the sight.
The next item down the column is for connecting to Twitter. Since I have a twitter account, but don't use it, I checked the no button. This closed the area, but tells you to click in the twitter icon if you wish to change. The very small Twitter icon does appear after you move away from the page you are on (I was on the home page) and I would think it would be the same for answering yes, but I am not sure. I did click on the icon and it asked me to log into Twitter. And that same log in page it does have a warning for you to read. The icon did disappear altogether after I rejected logging into Twitter, and it did reappear later as I experimented with other buttons.
The next item is your photo and a place for help and logout. I know that some do not use a photo which may be okay, but I would encourage you to use one or a symbol that is unique to you. I could put a picture of a toy semi-truck since I retired out of the transportation field, but since I use a photo on my blogs , I prefer my photo.
Next down the column is the Manage Account rectangle with when clicked on has the following: change profile photo, edit profile, edit location, edit account and finally edit privacy and settings. Each takes you to that section in your profile. This is followed by the Invite Contacts. Here you can do several things to invite your email contacts to join you on this site. I may explore this more later and invite a few more people as I have been emailing individually some of my contacts.
Then we come to Your Status. Basically this is a short (suggested three words) statement for anything you wish to state. It accepted my six words “I'm not ready for daylight savings”. Look around at the different members and see what they are saying. Next is the important items, Messages, Requests, and Notifications.
Messages are private messages (PM's) that you receive from other members. These are just that – private so keep them that way. If someone insults you and uses this for advertising, I suggest that you let the owner David Wolf or one of the moderators know immediately and let them handle the matter.
The requests are just that, a friend request that you may accept or deny. Notifications are notices you will receive from others that they will issue as bulletins to their friends to invite them to join a group, or take part in an event or possibly enter a chat room at a certain time.
Then there is a section with icons for adding Video, Photo, Music, Event, Groups, Blog, Bulletin, or Files. The last two were not what I expected and when I clicked on them I was given an answer. Bulletins are notifications you send. Files are public files you put in the library to store or use later.
Next is a list of who is online. It does not seem to be auto-updating and the number in the tab on the lower bar directly under it will seldom agree in number with the list of people on line. Then there is a View All which should (I thought) make the two areas agree, but even that seldom does.
The orange toolbar is one of the more creative parts of this sight. I had not explored it until recently and while I had looked at it before, I have not clicked on many of the buttons and investigated what was happening under the hood. Now that I have, some of it is not the most intuitive, but once you actually click on them, you will know what the icon or button is for and its purpose.
I am happy to report that work on the site in my last blog in ongoing and some areas are much more intuitive or I should say easier to find your way around. Some files were unfortunately lost in the process, but if people don't realize this, then they would be wise to accept it and realize that information can be accidentally lost in a beta version.
I may be hasty in writing this, but if something changes, so be it. I want to say a few things about the orange column on the right side of the page – the orange vertical tool bar. This is an interesting column as it starts with a search box at the top and as of now there is not much to search for, but may be just what you need six months or longer as more and more people join and more information is put up on the sight.
The next item down the column is for connecting to Twitter. Since I have a twitter account, but don't use it, I checked the no button. This closed the area, but tells you to click in the twitter icon if you wish to change. The very small Twitter icon does appear after you move away from the page you are on (I was on the home page) and I would think it would be the same for answering yes, but I am not sure. I did click on the icon and it asked me to log into Twitter. And that same log in page it does have a warning for you to read. The icon did disappear altogether after I rejected logging into Twitter, and it did reappear later as I experimented with other buttons.
The next item is your photo and a place for help and logout. I know that some do not use a photo which may be okay, but I would encourage you to use one or a symbol that is unique to you. I could put a picture of a toy semi-truck since I retired out of the transportation field, but since I use a photo on my blogs , I prefer my photo.
Next down the column is the Manage Account rectangle with when clicked on has the following: change profile photo, edit profile, edit location, edit account and finally edit privacy and settings. Each takes you to that section in your profile. This is followed by the Invite Contacts. Here you can do several things to invite your email contacts to join you on this site. I may explore this more later and invite a few more people as I have been emailing individually some of my contacts.
Then we come to Your Status. Basically this is a short (suggested three words) statement for anything you wish to state. It accepted my six words “I'm not ready for daylight savings”. Look around at the different members and see what they are saying. Next is the important items, Messages, Requests, and Notifications.
Messages are private messages (PM's) that you receive from other members. These are just that – private so keep them that way. If someone insults you and uses this for advertising, I suggest that you let the owner David Wolf or one of the moderators know immediately and let them handle the matter.
The requests are just that, a friend request that you may accept or deny. Notifications are notices you will receive from others that they will issue as bulletins to their friends to invite them to join a group, or take part in an event or possibly enter a chat room at a certain time.
Then there is a section with icons for adding Video, Photo, Music, Event, Groups, Blog, Bulletin, or Files. The last two were not what I expected and when I clicked on them I was given an answer. Bulletins are notifications you send. Files are public files you put in the library to store or use later.
Next is a list of who is online. It does not seem to be auto-updating and the number in the tab on the lower bar directly under it will seldom agree in number with the list of people on line. Then there is a View All which should (I thought) make the two areas agree, but even that seldom does.
The orange toolbar is one of the more creative parts of this sight. I had not explored it until recently and while I had looked at it before, I have not clicked on many of the buttons and investigated what was happening under the hood. Now that I have, some of it is not the most intuitive, but once you actually click on them, you will know what the icon or button is for and its purpose.
March 10, 2011
Are You Tired of Today's Diabetes Forums?
Well, it came to an end. Not the way many of us desired, but participation waned and March 23, 2012 the site will disappear.
If you are looking for something a lot more social and possibly a bit more informing than many of the diabetes forums that exist today, you might want to stop by MyDiaBlog. This is different and while it is online now and you are able to join, it is still in the final stage and some areas are not yet as intuitive as some would like.
You will need to be an explorer of sorts, but the learning curve is not steep and actually is rather fun. I had some doubts about the site after reading David Mendosa's blog about it, but after a few days I did explore the site and a couple of days later joined. You are welcome to read David's blog here and I wish you would.
This site is the creation of David Wolf and do not be surprised after joining. You may have one of the moderators welcoming you. The first time this happened, I thought what the heck and answered back. We had a short conversation and I am happy that I did. This puts the social in social media networking. Be sure to check out the bar at the bottom. It has the status for chat on the right side, along with who in on line. On the left side there is access to chat rooms.
I am still lurking on the site and exploring the features – and there are many. The second time another moderator started to chat, I was deep into exploring and closed the chat box which is very similar to the one found on Google Chat. I probably should have said hello and exchanged pleasantries as I had already been interrupted, but I was deep into learning and wanted to finish what I was exploring.
These are a few of the features, Members, Forum, Blog posts, Events, Library, Photos, Videos, and Games. There are others but I have not explored them all. I have not checked all this, but under many of the areas, there is a menu when it opens. It has been exciting to watch the changes over the last few days as some have been expanded and some have been clarified.
Under Forum for example are Home, New Posts, My Groups, My Watched Topics, and My Topics. Again, I have not explored all of these, but New Posts is where you may start a new topic. Blog Posts is still being worked on, but there are lots of blogs at this point. Anyone can create a group so that people with like interests can join and compare ideas and interests.
There is still much to explore, and I look forward to finding out more of this developing social networking site which is different from forums and other sites and is more like a social network site than I have seen previously. Privacy is very much in the forefront, but there are some areas that may be weak at this point. The profile section is excellent, but the listing of activities by members is a little disconcerting, but this may need to be open so that you can see who is doing what. Security is so much better than facebook that there is no comparison. Facebook is so bad it hurts and this is on the other end of the spectrum.
So check out the site and see if it fits your needs. Once you have joined, do not get surprised by the moderators extending a welcome. When the box appears, be ready to chat if so desired.
If you are looking for something a lot more social and possibly a bit more informing than many of the diabetes forums that exist today, you might want to stop by MyDiaBlog. This is different and while it is online now and you are able to join, it is still in the final stage and some areas are not yet as intuitive as some would like.
You will need to be an explorer of sorts, but the learning curve is not steep and actually is rather fun. I had some doubts about the site after reading David Mendosa's blog about it, but after a few days I did explore the site and a couple of days later joined. You are welcome to read David's blog here and I wish you would.
This site is the creation of David Wolf and do not be surprised after joining. You may have one of the moderators welcoming you. The first time this happened, I thought what the heck and answered back. We had a short conversation and I am happy that I did. This puts the social in social media networking. Be sure to check out the bar at the bottom. It has the status for chat on the right side, along with who in on line. On the left side there is access to chat rooms.
I am still lurking on the site and exploring the features – and there are many. The second time another moderator started to chat, I was deep into exploring and closed the chat box which is very similar to the one found on Google Chat. I probably should have said hello and exchanged pleasantries as I had already been interrupted, but I was deep into learning and wanted to finish what I was exploring.
These are a few of the features, Members, Forum, Blog posts, Events, Library, Photos, Videos, and Games. There are others but I have not explored them all. I have not checked all this, but under many of the areas, there is a menu when it opens. It has been exciting to watch the changes over the last few days as some have been expanded and some have been clarified.
Under Forum for example are Home, New Posts, My Groups, My Watched Topics, and My Topics. Again, I have not explored all of these, but New Posts is where you may start a new topic. Blog Posts is still being worked on, but there are lots of blogs at this point. Anyone can create a group so that people with like interests can join and compare ideas and interests.
There is still much to explore, and I look forward to finding out more of this developing social networking site which is different from forums and other sites and is more like a social network site than I have seen previously. Privacy is very much in the forefront, but there are some areas that may be weak at this point. The profile section is excellent, but the listing of activities by members is a little disconcerting, but this may need to be open so that you can see who is doing what. Security is so much better than facebook that there is no comparison. Facebook is so bad it hurts and this is on the other end of the spectrum.
So check out the site and see if it fits your needs. Once you have joined, do not get surprised by the moderators extending a welcome. When the box appears, be ready to chat if so desired.
March 8, 2011
Caring for Elderly Parents or Relatives
Talk with your parent(s) while they are able to make decisions and prepare the way legally for their care. If you are the only child or the trusted child, make sure that they have legal documents in place so that you can obtain copies if necessary. Know what your limitations and rights are.
Your parents, in-laws, or close relative will be the central characters in your planning process. You need to first discover what their wishes and ideas are for how they want to live out their last years. All decisions must involve them and, as much as possible, revolve around and incorporate their wishes and desires.
Make sure that the safety and well-being of your parent(s) are the most important issue. It is important to help them within the realm of their desires within safe parameters and finances will determine the success. Do not wait until a crises to try to do this as alternatives may be limited and following their desires may not be possible. Hopefully, they will have a living will and other legal documents to facilitate their wishes.
If you have many siblings, getting everyone together may be difficult during the planning stage. Even then some decisions may need to be made. The parents need to be heard and if this is not done, many of the siblings may be shut out by them because they know what they want, desire, and what may not be possible. Allowing each family member to be heard is always a good idea and then the one put in charge by the parents will know where cooperation can be expected.
If this has not been discussed prior, the discussion should include options if they are not able to live in their own home. Find out if there are finances allowing for each option, a nursing home, board and care homes, or assisted living facilities. While they are able to live at home, will they need assistance and at what level.
It is also a fact that family members may see things differently than their parents. This is where parents often decide to leave all children out of the planning and select the one they trust to fulfill their wishes. So allowing everyone a voice may not be the best, but should be the best option. In any discussion, be sure to include end-of-life issues.
Make informed decisions, learn where to find information, and the options you will have in caring for your parent(s), or other relatives. If you are the one in charge, how will you handle caring for your family, your parent(s), and time for yourself. Will your spouse be able to handle some of the responsibilities? This is important to know on the front side rather then well into a problem.
Make sure that you have the support of your family and do not forget to take care of yourself, because you know that others are depending on you.
Your parents, in-laws, or close relative will be the central characters in your planning process. You need to first discover what their wishes and ideas are for how they want to live out their last years. All decisions must involve them and, as much as possible, revolve around and incorporate their wishes and desires.
Make sure that the safety and well-being of your parent(s) are the most important issue. It is important to help them within the realm of their desires within safe parameters and finances will determine the success. Do not wait until a crises to try to do this as alternatives may be limited and following their desires may not be possible. Hopefully, they will have a living will and other legal documents to facilitate their wishes.
If you have many siblings, getting everyone together may be difficult during the planning stage. Even then some decisions may need to be made. The parents need to be heard and if this is not done, many of the siblings may be shut out by them because they know what they want, desire, and what may not be possible. Allowing each family member to be heard is always a good idea and then the one put in charge by the parents will know where cooperation can be expected.
If this has not been discussed prior, the discussion should include options if they are not able to live in their own home. Find out if there are finances allowing for each option, a nursing home, board and care homes, or assisted living facilities. While they are able to live at home, will they need assistance and at what level.
It is also a fact that family members may see things differently than their parents. This is where parents often decide to leave all children out of the planning and select the one they trust to fulfill their wishes. So allowing everyone a voice may not be the best, but should be the best option. In any discussion, be sure to include end-of-life issues.
Make informed decisions, learn where to find information, and the options you will have in caring for your parent(s), or other relatives. If you are the one in charge, how will you handle caring for your family, your parent(s), and time for yourself. Will your spouse be able to handle some of the responsibilities? This is important to know on the front side rather then well into a problem.
Make sure that you have the support of your family and do not forget to take care of yourself, because you know that others are depending on you.
March 6, 2011
How to Obtain a Parent's Medical Records
Disclosure: This is from reading and research, and I have no legal training.
This is a topic I started back in November 2010 and you may review it here. Georgetown University maintains a list of states and the rights for patients in each state that may be in addition to your rights under HIPAA. There is a lot of information available on obtaining your own medical records or those of your minor child, but very little for a parent. The above site can answer many of the questions for you depending upon the state your parent(s) or in-law(s) reside in.
Some are going to get tired of my repeating this, but it is so important. Talk with your parent(s) while they are able to make legal decisions and prepare the way legally for their care. If you are the only child or the trusted family member, make sure that you have copies of any medical records they want you to have and that if you do not, make sure that they have legal documents in place so that you can obtain copies when and if necessary.
In general, make sure that you have a right to the information before asking, HIPAA and each state's rules are very restrictive when it comes to parents records. Without a durable medical power of attorney (DMPA), you have no legal rights to their past records. Some parents try to make them available and may have some of their records and will give them to you, but without a DMPA you will get nothing from the doctor or hospital.
Even with a DMPA they generally will and do deny any records not associated with the current treatment or reason for hospitalization. And generally they are within their legal rights. So if you suspect something in the past and would just like information, forget it and they are not required to give you information if you are on a fishing expedition. However, if an accident some years ago may have a bearing on what is happening now, you have a right to ask, but expect some resistance until the records surrounding are reviewed. If they have a relevance you will be more than likely allowed access, otherwise you will not.
This is when many lawsuits happen because children want information they have no legal right to, but are sure they do. Judges are very good at abiding by state and HIPAA rules and not allowing nosy children to go on fishing expeditions. A few go the other way because the judge finds information that doctors or hospitals don't want made available that are relevant.
So if you are the trusted son/daughter or relative, know your legal limitations and rights. If the attorney that drew up the DMPA is available, be sure to talk to the attorney if you have questions. Also, a surviving doctor may know of something that will help you in the search for prior records that may be relevant and applicable to what is happening now.
Most of the time the DMPA will give you legal rights to all current medical records and you will have the right to ask for copies. It is the prior records that you may have little or no legal rights to see or get copies.
Then if your parent(s) for whom you have the DMPA is deemed to be capable of managing their medical treatment, your rights stop then. This is again an area of lawsuits when the doctor or hospital does this to get you out of the picture against the wishes or suggestion of the parent(s). So make sure of your facts and save all documents that may have relevance. I am not saying doctors or hospitals are trying to hide something or have done anything wrong, but mistakes do happen.
This is a topic I started back in November 2010 and you may review it here. Georgetown University maintains a list of states and the rights for patients in each state that may be in addition to your rights under HIPAA. There is a lot of information available on obtaining your own medical records or those of your minor child, but very little for a parent. The above site can answer many of the questions for you depending upon the state your parent(s) or in-law(s) reside in.
Some are going to get tired of my repeating this, but it is so important. Talk with your parent(s) while they are able to make legal decisions and prepare the way legally for their care. If you are the only child or the trusted family member, make sure that you have copies of any medical records they want you to have and that if you do not, make sure that they have legal documents in place so that you can obtain copies when and if necessary.
In general, make sure that you have a right to the information before asking, HIPAA and each state's rules are very restrictive when it comes to parents records. Without a durable medical power of attorney (DMPA), you have no legal rights to their past records. Some parents try to make them available and may have some of their records and will give them to you, but without a DMPA you will get nothing from the doctor or hospital.
Even with a DMPA they generally will and do deny any records not associated with the current treatment or reason for hospitalization. And generally they are within their legal rights. So if you suspect something in the past and would just like information, forget it and they are not required to give you information if you are on a fishing expedition. However, if an accident some years ago may have a bearing on what is happening now, you have a right to ask, but expect some resistance until the records surrounding are reviewed. If they have a relevance you will be more than likely allowed access, otherwise you will not.
This is when many lawsuits happen because children want information they have no legal right to, but are sure they do. Judges are very good at abiding by state and HIPAA rules and not allowing nosy children to go on fishing expeditions. A few go the other way because the judge finds information that doctors or hospitals don't want made available that are relevant.
So if you are the trusted son/daughter or relative, know your legal limitations and rights. If the attorney that drew up the DMPA is available, be sure to talk to the attorney if you have questions. Also, a surviving doctor may know of something that will help you in the search for prior records that may be relevant and applicable to what is happening now.
Most of the time the DMPA will give you legal rights to all current medical records and you will have the right to ask for copies. It is the prior records that you may have little or no legal rights to see or get copies.
Then if your parent(s) for whom you have the DMPA is deemed to be capable of managing their medical treatment, your rights stop then. This is again an area of lawsuits when the doctor or hospital does this to get you out of the picture against the wishes or suggestion of the parent(s). So make sure of your facts and save all documents that may have relevance. I am not saying doctors or hospitals are trying to hide something or have done anything wrong, but mistakes do happen.
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