As one member explained, “I honestly have had very bad control up until a few years ago because I simply was too stubborn to do what I needed to do to stay in good health. I ate and did what I wanted to for years and have paid the price for it now by having many complications.”

It seems that for some, simply accepting that they have a chronic disease is extremely difficult. Perhaps it is because controlling diabetes requires a thorough lifestyle change for most who are newly diagnosed. Changing the food you eat, changing when you can eat, learning how to test your blood sugar, being required to read the nutrition facts for everything you put into your mouth, and often needing to begin an exercise routine and establish a weight loss program can easily seem completely overwhelming.

One member offered this insight. “I’ve only been diagnosed about a month, and I just realized that I was kind of in a state of denial. I was more like a robot, just going through the motions and whatnot. I am getting to the point where I am now realizing that this is for life, and it’s not going to go away. I can control it better with diet and exercise, but I will have diabetes until the day I die. That’s kind of hard to wrap my brain around.”

Another member explained her feelings this way. “I know full well that I’ve been cursed. I just cannot accept what has been done to me, that my body has betrayed me in such a cruel manner.”

According to the National Institute of Health, denial is defined as “a state in which a person is unable or unwilling to see the truth or reality about an issue or situation.”

Or as one member of a community explained, “It’s a psychological phenomenon that protects people from situations, feelings, facts that are too overwhelming and more than they can reasonably cope with. People can only manage so much stress, so there comes a time when your mind tries to protect you from mental collapse.” She went on to share her story about being asked by a psychiatrist as a teenager if it bothered her that she had diabetes. She thought it was a dumb question at the time. But came to realize that her depression was a result of her “anger about having grown up with diabetes.”

It is clear that acceptance of the reality of the situation is essential to making the changes necessary to control diabetes. Denial will most certainly lead to complications, pain, and increased healthcare costs. If you feel like you’re in denial or if you know someone who may be in denial about diabetes, you should seek the help of a qualified mental health professional right away.

Ben writes articles about Type 2 DiabetesDiabetic Supplies and products.

Obviously, all people with diabetes should get a flu shot every year to protect themselves. Most doctors specializing in diabetes also recommend that immediate family members receive a flu shot to limit exposure to the flu virus within the home.

However, as everyone knows, the flu shot is not a guarantee against catching the flu. So diabetics are always looking for ways to increase protection. On one of the social networking sites for people touched by diabetes, members are sharing with each other ideas and natural remedies to help during the cold and flu season.

One member posted an article detailing the protective powers of the common apple. It turns out apples contain quercetin, which is a flavonoid that may stave off the influenza virus when the body is under stress. Other members immediately chimed in to relate that red onions, broccoli, and tea also contain quercetin and can help. One of the positive benefits of this little-known flavonoid is that it can help boost the immune system during times of both physical and psychological stress.

In another part of the site, another member was sharing insights about the benefits of vitamin D. During the winter months, vitamin D – which the body makes from sunlight – is in short supply. The resulting deficiency can often cause a long list of painful maladies, including bone and joint pain, muscle aches, fibromyalgia syndrome, rheumatic disorders, osteoarthritis, and other complaints.

Of course the most basic of all the protective “natural” remedies to protect yourself during the cold and flu season is hand washing. People with diabetes should be extra vigilant in washing their hands regularly with a good anti-bacterial soap and warm water. According to the Mayo Clinic, here are the steps for effective hand washing:

- Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.
- Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
- Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
- Rinse well.
- Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
- Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

Ben writes articles about Diabetes and diabetics. You can find more diabetes information by visiting DiabeticConnect.com.

At one online diabetes community, members have already begun sharing ideas and advice for how to survive the holidays. In one discussion thread about Halloween, members exchanged suggestions for what to do about a holiday that encourages complete abandonment of all restraint and sinking into sugary indulgence. A few members explained that they simply refuse to participate. They leave home and don’t return until all the little costumed trick-or-treaters have left the streets. One member offered this rather harsh opinion, “There are too many fat kids in the US; they don’t need bags full of free candy.”

However, other members seem to have more fondness for the traditions of the holiday but also want to act responsibly. The discussion included suggestions for inexpensive giveaways that don’t include sugar. Pencils, crayons, or “scary”toys were popular substitutes suggested.

One insightful mom offered a suggestion to walk the neighborhood and enjoy all the costumes, the decorations, and the fun of the evening. You don’t have to knock on the doors and collect all the free candy. Plus, you can benefit from the fresh air and a little exercise.

Sadly, there were also tales of discouragement and trouble. One member wrote, “I bought a bag of candy and nobody came by. I ended up eating it myself.” This sentiment is perhaps the “scariest” part of the Halloween thread. Many people with diabetes are older and may live alone. The holiday season can often cause feelings of anxiety and depression. When such feelings are combined with unhealthy eating and indulgences, blood sugars can soar wildly out of control. Uncontrolled blood sugars can lead to serious complications including blindness, kidney damage, heart damage, nerve damage, and more.

A circle of supportive friends can be key to maintaining healthy habits in the face of considerable temptations. Positive reinforcement and friendly support can make all the difference in the world when you face choices regarding your health and lifestyle. The members of diabetic communities hope to help each other make healthier choices this holiday season.

Watch for future articles about dealing with other holiday meals and treats.

Ben writes articles to help and encourage those living with diabetes. Read more at DiabeticConnect.com, an online diabetes community. The site also provides a wide variety of great diabetic recipes.

If one were to make a triangle similar to the well-known Food Pyramid from the USDA, antioxidants would make up nearly the same categories. They are plentiful in the fruits and vegetables category, and are represented by the protein classification of meats, poultry, fish and nuts. Antioxidants are found in grains as well. If you eat a balanced diet that includes a variety and lots of leafy greens, you are sure to get your needed supply of antioxidants.

What is the function of antioxidants in the body? There are many studies being conducted to find out just how important antioxidants are to one’s health and well being. They help to stabilize free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to cells that promote the development of cancer.

Where can you find antioxidants to be sure your diet is rich in this valuable nutrient?
Lutein is found in vegetables like spinach and kale. It is credited with eye health. Beta-carotene is recognized by the orange color of the fleshy parts of fruits and vegetables alike. Examples that include this vital nutrient are squash, apricots, mangoes and carrots.
Lycopene can be found in tomatoes, watermelon, guava and more natural foods. Anthocyanins exist in berries, cherries, red grapes and the Brazilian acai berry. Proanthocyanidins are located in cranberries, apples, strawberries, grapes, and peanuts.

Antioxidants have been found to reduce the danger of disease while promoting improved health. Studies have made the connection between antioxidants found in these naturally occurring food sources and diminished risk of cancer and like ailments. Antioxidants are found in the healthy body, so be sure your diet is rich in these necessary foods.

If you ensure that your diet includes a wide variety of these antioxidant rich foods, you have a better chance of living a healthier, longer life. After all, don’t all of us want to be able to live life to its fullest? Don’t we all want to make the most of our lives? I know I do! Healthy eating – and particularly an antioxidant-rich diet – should be a priority for all of us.

Acai Guru writes articles about the Acai berry and it’s antioxidant benefits. You can find Acai antioxidants and Acai Juice products by visiting Monavie.com or by reading Monavie news.

Let us first mention one famous tuber in comparison to this amazing fruit from Brazil. The unadorned Potato is known as one of the most nutrient-dense foods readily available for consumption. It is high in potassium, dietary fiber, carbohydrates and even has some protein. Conversely, it is low in salt and fat. This is one of the most nutritious foods one can eat, but its list of benefits does not begin to compare with those of the acai berry. It is amazing that so many health benefits are packed into a berry much the same size as a blueberry.

Let’s look at some of the acai berry’s healthy components to see how this little mouthful packs a wallop to bad health:

It contains carbohydrates, the body’s store for energy. The fatty acids (Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9) in the acai berry are the kind that help lower your LDL, (something most of us want lowered), an indicator of high cholesterol. In fact, it has been found to resemble olive oil in the type of fatty acids it contains. And we all know that olive oil has been shown to be heart healthy.

Another benefit is the Theobromine contained in the berry. This is a compound that assists your lungs by increasing your oxygen intake. This can be of help to asthma sufferers, as well as anyone who needs the extra energy that a more functional respiratory system will give. More oxygen means that both your heart and brain are healthier.

This small berry contains amino acids, which are invaluable to muscle development and proper muscle function.

This fruit also packs in a great deal of organic vegetable protein. There is no cholesterol byproduct as your body digests vegetable protein as there is with protein from dairy or meat.

A particular type of anti-oxidant, called anthocyanins and Vitamin E are the berry’s defenses against aging.

It not only has all of these components to assist your healthy lifestyle, it has them in higher quantities than any other fruit. There’s a reason it is being hailed as a super food or a wonder fruit – it has good stuff – and lots of it.

Acai Guru researches and writes articles about the Acai berry, and also writes articles about Monavie. Learn more about Monavie, the Acai Berry and Acai Juice by visiting the Monavie site.

Now that the holidays are over and we’re a couple of months into the new year, it’s a good time to review your Medicare benefits to ensure you get the most out of your coverage in 2008. The following tips can help you get started.

1. New to Medicare? Make a “To Do” list.
The official U.S Government site for people with Medicare recommends that anyone new to Medicare make up a “to do” list. Completing the items on your list can help ensure that you understand your benefits and you maximize all that your coverage can do for you.

Your medical professional or a trusted family member or friend can help you make up your “to do” list. To get you started, below are a couple of items your list should include:

* Download a copy of Medicare & You 2008 from the Medicare website.

* Check to make sure you’ve received a password and instructions to access the site and if you haven’t logged in already, go for it and look around. The site contains a lot of helpful information to get you oriented.

2. Talk to your healthcare professional regularly, particularly at the beginning of new coverage. New Medicare recipients should get a “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam within the first 6 months of your new coverage. However, everyone should see their healthcare professional regularly. Make sure you talk to your doctor about which preventive services you should get this year. Some of the preventive services covered by Medicare that your doctor may recommend include:

* Diabetes screenings
* Flu shots
* Bone mass measurement
* Mammograms
* Nutrition therapy services
* Glaucoma tests

3. Make sure you understand what coverage you have and what it means. Even after you’ve completed enrollment, you might still have questions about what programs you’re actually enrolled in and what they mean. It’s important to review all of the information you receive about your benefits. If you still have questions, help is available:

* Your local State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP) provides counselors to help answer your questions, understand your rights, and choose a Medicare plan or supplemental health insurance.

* 1-800-Medicare is a toll-free hotline that addresses questions about benefits, prescription drug coverage, billing, and more.

* The Federal Government’s Social Security web site also contains a listing of places to get information and assistance with understanding Medicare benefits and coverage. Visit the website to see their listing, or call the offices at 1-800-772-1213 for more information.

Mobility Guru helps teach others about the benefits of Power Wheelchairs, Scooters and other mobility equipment. Visit www.mobilityalliancegroup.com for more information about Mobility Scooters and Power Wheelchairs.

That is a question you should discuss with your healthcare provider, but more often that not the answer is yes – you can (and should) still exercise, even if you have limited mobility.

If you suffer from limited mobility, here are just a couple of the wide variety of activities you can choose from to get your 20 to 30 minutes a day:

Stretching
Everyone should stretch before starting their exercise routine, whether they suffer from limited mobility or not. Stretching before your exercise – or as a form of exercise itself – has been shown to have many benefits, including:

*Improved range of motion for your muscles
*Reduced risk of injury during exercise
*Prevention of post-exercise muscle pain and soreness

Before you begin exercising, stretch all of the muscles in your upper body, including your shoulders, arms, back and neck. Just keep in mind that you should never use force while stretching, and as you stretch be sure to hold your position still – don’t bounce.

So how do you stretch? It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or a physical therapist to find out the best stretching routine for you, but here are two examples to get you started:

Upper Arm Stretch – Cross your right arm across your chest toward your left side, keeping your elbow straight. With the inside of your left elbow or your left hand, push your right arm back toward your body. You should feel the stretch in your right upper arm and shoulder. Switch arms and repeat.

Chest Stretch – Clasp your hands together behind your back, with your palms together. Keeping your elbows straight, lift your hands out and up behind you as far as possible. You should be able to feel the stretch in your shoulders and chest. For a deeper stretch, bend over at the waist, with your arms above you and elbows still straight. Let gravity pull your arms as far as possible. Slowly stand up and release your hands.

Resistance Training
If your doctor feels you’re ready and able, resistance training can be one of the most convenient and appropriate exercises for individuals in a wheelchair or who suffer from limited mobility. Resistance training uses large, stretchy bands that are attached to a door handle, a pole, or even your wheelchair. Pulling the bands will work and strengthen the muscles in your arms, hands, shoulders, chest and back. Your doctor can help you to determine what level strength resistance bands you should use, and what routine is appropriate for you.

Strength Training
If you are in better health and preferably if you have been involved in resistance training for some time, your doctor may recommend that you begin strength training. Strength training involves lifting free weights or dumbbells – but don’t let the lack of equipment stop you. If you don’t have access to weights, you can use cans of food or even yellow pages. Your doctor can help you determine how much weight, how many repetitions, and what form you should use when lifting.

Exercise Videos
There are also many videos or DVDs available – targeted toward individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility – that illustrate different forms of exercise, including yoga, upper body aerobics, tai chi, and more. Ask your doctor if he or she can recommend one for you, or you can find many choices on the internet at stores such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Exercise is a positive, healthy way to stay fit, strong, and alert. It can increase your strength and endurance, bring up dampened spirits and alleviate depression. Talk to your doctor about the exercise options that are right for you, and get moving!

Other Tips to Help Start and Keep Your Exercise Routine:

*It’s important to develop a regular routine when you exercise – that way, it can almost become second nature.
*Try to find a workout buddy. You’re less likely to skip workouts if you’re accountable to someone else.

*Eat healthy – it’s always a good idea, but exercise paired with a healthy diet has been shown to be much more effective.

*Start slow. You’re not required to be a super hero on your first workout, and in fact that could be dangerous. Just starting a routine is beneficial!

*Keep a record of your routine and milestones. Not only will this help you as you discuss your workouts with your doctor, it’s encouraging to look back on your notes and see how far you’ve come!

Mobility Guru helps teach others about the benefits of mobility equipment and mobility wheelchairs and staying in shape even if you are disabled. Visit our site for more information about mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and more.

Starting each year on November 15 and running through March 31, open enrollment gives individuals currently on Medicare the opportunity to change their Medicare coverage to either Original Medicare or to a private Medicare Advantage health plan.

But what does open enrollment really mean to you, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?

What is Open Enrollment?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announces an Open Enrollment Period each fall. Open Enrollment simply allows you to make changes to your Medicare plan – or not.

“Now is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to carefully review their current plan to see how changes may affect their costs and coverage – and then compare their plan to other options available to them,” says Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. “If they are satisfied their plan will meet their needs next year, they do not need to take any action to keep their coverage.”

Simply put, this means that if you are happy with your current coverage and you don’t want or need to make any changes, you don’t have to do anything at all – your coverage will continue as long as you continue to qualify for your benefits.

But what if you feel that you would like to explore your options? What are the differences between Original and Advantage?

Original Medicare
The health insurance program run by the federal government, Original Medicare is made up of two parts, Part A (inpatient, or hospital benefits) and Part B (outpatient coverage). To date, most individuals on Medicare opt to stay with Original Medicare, which offers access to virtually all doctors, specialists, and hospitals in the country.

However, if you do choose to remain with Original Medicare you may want to consider purchasing supplemental health insurance to cover the cost of procedures and care not covered by Original Medicare.

You may also wish to consider enrolling in a private drug plan, or PDP, to assist with prescription drug costs. These types of plans work with Medicare Part D, introduced in January 2006. Part D provides drug and prescription coverage not previously available in Original Medicare. Note that special eligibility requirements exist for enrollment in Part D.

Medicare Advantage
Medicare private health plans – commonly provided through private insurance companies – offer low premiums and other special benefits. Insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover the same hospital and outpatient services offered through Original Medicare.

Although Medicare Advantage plans often offer many special benefits not covered by Original Medicare – such as dental and vision care – it is important to keep in mind that because these plans are run by private insurance companies, you will be required to follow their guidelines and you can incur high out-of-pocket costs if you do not.

As with any major healthcare decision, it is important to be informed before making any changes. Keep in mind that no matter what benefits you choose, you will likely be locked into your new plan until the fall of next year, so don’t take any chances – educate yourself!

Before making any decisions, contact your medical professional or a trusted friend or family member to get more information about the benefits and disadvantages of each plan. And don’t make any modifications to your benefits plan until you feel that you have all of the information you need to make the best decision for you.

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Get Informed – Resources for Medicare Open Enrollment Information
In addition to talking with your medical professional, friends, and family members, free guidance is available from a number of sources to help you make the right choice during open enrollment.

- The federal government runs http://www.medicare.gov, the official site for Americans with Medicare.

- You can also call 1-800-Medicare, a toll-free hotline that addresses questions about benefits, prescription drug coverage, billing, and more.

- The Medicare Rights Center (MRC) offers free information and assistance about Medicare benefits at their web site: http://medicarerights.org.

- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ web site, http://www.cms.hhs.gov contains a wealth of benefit information, including a downloadable handbook.

Mobility Guy writes articles about health, healthcare, wheelchairs, electric mobility scooters, power wheelchairs and more. Read more at the Mobility Scooter Blog.