Welcome to Saturday's Potluck
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Pablo Picasso
Today's OT is going to be a little short on words. A few unexpected events disrupted my schedule.
One of the aspects of self-care is knowing enough about a medical diagnoses to judge when to reach out to medical professionals and how to monitor for improved or worsening conditions.
The Merck Manual is a solid publication covering all aspects of multiple medical conditions. Usually read both the professional and consumer write-ups.
Merck Manuals Consumer Version
Symptom searcher is a favorite feature.
Fever in Adults
diabetes patient level information
Merck Manuals Professional Edition
Lab Tests - Why used and how to interpret results
diabetes information the provider should be considering.
Also have a veterinary manual.
National organizations are worth taking time to view. Sometimes the information is in non-medical terminology and an easier first read. More about living a life vs straight medical viewpoint.
American Diabetic Association has been in existence for 81 years providing information for patients and medical professionals. The general public information is a bit vague. Their dietary recommendations.
But figuring out what to eat can feel like a hassle, right? Well, it doesn't have to because there are easy things you can do to add flavor to your daily routine—including healthy twists on your favorite foods.
One key to feeling your best lies in the food you eat. You can start by working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN/RD) to make an eating plan that works for you. In it, be sure to include the foods you like—and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Most importantly, remember that eating well—and adding activity to your daily routine by moving more—are important ways you can manage diabetes. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.
The professional information is very robust.
DiabetesPro - seminars for health professionals.
Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021 244 page pdf
Page 66 discusses carbohydrates and low carb diets for diabetics. Includes a a couple of warnings for patients on a low carb diet. First - if taking canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin, sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. They have the potential risk of ketoacidosis. Second - monitor blood sugars, meds may need to be adjusted to avoid episodes of hypoglycemia.
Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2021 Abridged for Primary Care Providers 30 page pdf
American Parkinson Disease Association has a number of useful publications and videos accessible under Education and Support.
Conflict of research data and opinion is a normal part of medical science. In 1991 the controversy was on estrogen in the medical journals and at conferences. Today it is in the regular news, social media and talk shows regarding Covid. We do not need to react to every article, it is okay to stay on the course you have chosen while the chatter is going on.
Study confirms virus variants reduce protection against COVID-19
A new laboratory study from Oregon Health & Science University finds that blood serum drawn from people previously vaccinated or naturally infected show "significantly reduced" defense against two widely circulating variants of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers said that their findings emphasize the importance of vaccinations combined with maintaining public health measures to cut off the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Having SARS-CoV-2 once confers much greater immunity than a vaccine
The natural immune protection that develops after a SARS-CoV-2 infection offers considerably more of a shield against the Delta variant of the pandemic coronavirus than two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, according to a large Israeli study that some scientists wish came with a “Don’t try this at home” label. The newly released data show people who once had a SARS-CoV-2 infection were much less likely than vaccinated people to get Delta, develop symptoms from it, or become hospitalized with serious COVID-19.
The study demonstrates the power of the human immune system, but infectious disease experts emphasized that this vaccine and others for COVID-19 nonetheless remain highly protective against severe disease and death. And they caution that intentional infection among unvaccinated people would be extremely risky.
The preprint paper (not peer reviewed)
What is on your mind today?
Comments
Virologists look at various studies on "booster shots"
The Youtube video is weekly+ podcast by a panel of virologists. It is not about a third booster shot now being discussed. But what happens when previously infected people are given a vaccine dose. The studies indicate that a person with natural immunity from having survived an infection will get a significant boost in immune levels. I think in a later episode, they were not for the third booster and were recommending instead more wide spread vaccinations. These studies involved mainly the mRNA vaccines.
The studies are discussed in the first 40 minutes of so. Their typical discussions go on for two hours and cover a range of subjects.
new channel to follow - thanks
Enjoyed the detailed academic discussion of various papers. There are a number of older videos on his channel I will be going back to visit after finishing listening to the one you provided.
Viruses are an interesting subject. Medically we have fewer tools to treat infected persons in comparison to bacteria or fungi. Supporting our body's defense system is still the primary medical treatments, both before and after infections. Starting to understand better methods to use the body becomes overwhelmed such a cytokine storm. The Shock and Awe initiative from the immune system.
edit - added link
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
Sorta my first source
Have been accused of the "appeal to authority" in referencing them. But with so much information out there with contradictory messages, etc, might was well, look in with professional and credentialed virologists who both teach and do research. Vincent and his panelists and guests do all agree that the Sars-Covid2 came from some animal and really hit hard against the lab-generation claims.
One hopeful thing is that Vincent emphasizes that vaccines are not primarily meant to stop infections rather their purpose is to stop severe cases and death. That is, vaccines are meant to stop the disease. So when I read numbers of low efficacy those are numbers about how well infections are prevented. But while those numbers are low it seems, the vaccines still have very high numbers in preventing the worst outcomes of the disease.
One interesting thing they talked about that the virus will be with us and it cannot be eradicated because we know for sure different animals now carry it. It is not a human only virus like polio I believe.
Wonderful essay
Regarding current health issues. For having feint verbiage, you have packed a ton of info. Thanks
Watching hurricane Ida envelope most of the GOM. Looks like the levies around New Orleans are going to get stressed out once again. Rode out a similar 'cane on a boat way offshore called Juan.
Was pushing H force winds 200 miles ahead of the eye. 50' seas with 100 knot winds. Friggin scary.
Mine was the only boat to survive, so the sent me back out (after 36 hours of fighting) to rescue some people on a rig. Had to get new crew as mine were injured.
Funny thing is after Juan made land fall in the bayous, it turned around and headed back out on the same track I was steaming. We called him Juan mo' time. Made some deal with god if I could survive this, I would never step foot on a boat again. We survived, I broke the pact, and I get slammed almost every time I go offshore in payment. Karma stuff I guess.
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Thanks for the OT. Hope all (most) is well on the Oregon ranch.
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Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
Fortunately always made it back to harbor
before the full force of an ocean storm arrived. The power of a storm is humbling. Promises made in those type of moments, on land or sea, seem to be the ones we need to honor.
The extremely hot weather has backed off and am enjoying mid 70-80's during the day. Counting my blessings. Time to get those projects requiring heavy physical labor completed.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
Yesterday predicted high was 88, actual, my back yard,
was 100. Today same source predicts 91. Crap! Got used to cooler weather since I left SoCal, not ready for this.
Wife just found sphinx moth huddled up in back yard, white lined sphinx, not purely noctural, so she made a little shaded area for it to hide in and hope it makes it. Horn worms suck, but the moth is, all the same, a pollinator.
Just about time to head for farmers' market, tomorrow we changeover and I cook for a week, seems like last week went waaaay fast, damn it. Looking to do 100% grill something and eat inside week if this keeps up. No real plans beyond, Salmon, pizza, pork tenderloin, planned stir-fry goes right out the window.
Maybe sangria time, but no tengo nada de wimpy wines suitable for the occasion, may have to remedy that.
Good luck with your schedule.
be well and have a good one
fixed typo, me made should've been "she made"
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Been letting an old variety of phlox expand territory
to see if can attract hummingbird moths of my youth. Always a favorite to watch. Seen a couple of hummingbirds visiting the courtyard garden. We have three varieties native to the area: Anna's, Calliope and Rufous Hummingbird.
May the Food Market foraging provide some tasty finds.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
We have resident Anna's; Rufous and Allen's
both migrate through. We pretty much see at least one Rufous per year, Allen's less often but that is down to our exact location or foliage, since both are more or less equally common in this area. There are Costa's out east of us, very rare right here, enough so that when we logged a sighting it got briefly and mildly challenged, but accepted when we gave appropriate details.
be well and have a good one
That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --
Speaking of diabetes, there is now Continuous Glucose Monitoring
I just started using a CGM monitor and reader. From the maker:
The system has helped me lower my blood sugar levels dramatically to lowest H1AC levels ever. You can program the reader to issue alerts when blood sugars get too high or too low. The monitor is nearby is constantly communicating with the reader. So you can get feedback at any time. But some makers can be very spendy.
If the prices go down a lot, I can see these systems pushing out the old prick and read using the glucose sticks which over the counter are themselves very expense.
The system I use.
https://www.freestyle.abbott/us-en/what-is-cgm.html
Have always been a fan of using fingerstick 4 to 6 times a day
for short periods of time to get an understanding of how an individual's body is responding to changing levels of blood glucose, food, physical activity and other illnesses. First prick in morning for fasting level, just before lunch, dinner and bedtime for understanding daytime control. Doing this even once a week provides a better picture of glucose control than the once daily regimen commonly used. Doing it twice a week is even better and only takes one more strip than the once daily testing. Additional test can be done to check how body is responding to specific exercises, types of carbohydrates, what is happening in the middle of the night to raise blood glucose, and verify hypoglycemic events and response to treatment.
I have used this site for low cost meter and strips for individuals who are not able to obtain adequate strips from their insurance company.
The continuous monitors are as big a game changer as when finger sticks replaced urine strips. Use is limited in individuals without sensitivity to adhesives. Sill waiting for a glucose finger monitor similar to the pulse oximeter for oxygen measurements. May not reach market no consumables for continuous purchases.
Read a copy of Feast on a Diabetic Diet by Euell Gibbons and his brother Joe. Amazing insights into diabetic control using the most modern technology at the time - ketone urine sticks.
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
my housemate just got one of those blood sugar things
took us a while to figure it out. Somewhat paid for by insurance.
She crashes about every 3 hours. Doesn't care for the needle stick.
The strips are the highest expense. Half of the time the reader rejects
the strip w/blood. Not impressed.
But it does give an indication of glucose levels, when it works.
cheers!
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
It takes about a half hour to train someone to use a glucose
meter. The 8 min video I found below does a good job explaining and demonstrating a meter. A training session would include 20 minutes of practicing with the meter and having questions answered. Failure rate of strips should be less than 1%.
Different meters need the blood applied to the strip with slight variations. It depends on the meter if is applied before or after inserting the strip into the meter. Older style meters need a drop of blood placed on the strip and will error if too little is available. Most new styles use capillary action to get the blood into the strip. Technique is to touch the side of the blood drop and capillary action pulls the fluid into the strip. Depending on sensitivity of the meter it is easy to overload the strip or not provide enough fluid. Some meters will indicate the problem and other just say error.
It is a good idea for everyone in the household to be familiar with the glucose meter. If blood sugar becomes too low motor skills and judgement are effected and she may not be able to take her own readings. Also, need to be familiar with methods to increase blood sugar in an emergency. Crashing every 3 hours is highly unusual. I hope a diabetic specialist is involved.
These videos may help understand what is happening.
8.25 min
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQHSYK0smkw]
4.48 min
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9gSu6xhFp4]
5.51 min
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V083xnyyBU]
9.39 min
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6HZJwMXN5M]
Still yourself, deep water can absorb many disturbances with minimal reaction.
--When the opening appears release yourself.
My husband has the Dexcom CGM.
He has a love/hate relationship with it: loves the convenience of not needing to go the glucometer route so often, but hates the lag time problem. It often warns him he’s crashing, when in fact he had a glass of OJ a half hour ago because he felt a low coming on. In other words, it’s reporting his glucose level from 20 minutes ago, not the real time value. Sometimes it’s a calibration issue and sometimes there’s no explanation. He still uses it but often verifies what it’s reporting with the glucometer. Best of luck to you! Congrats on the lowered A1C!
It makes one think.
It makes one think
very bad thoughts!
"We'll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false." ---- William Casey, CIA Director, 1981
priorities
in a capitalist controlled economy
relates to only monetary gains
not people
wish it wasn't this way ..
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
just because
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVLeDt6R7K8]
Thought is the wind, knowledge the sail, and mankind the vessel.
-- August Hare
I would not call there actions as a good example of consistency.
Worldwide corporate media talk of “Bagram” purely as an air base
now. Not so long ago, informed people still knew it as also being, like Guantanamo or Diego Garcia, one of several “black sites” where torture occurred under U.S. supervision, sometimes ending in death.
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2019/2/11/what-happened-to-prisoners-...
I was reminded of this while reading this article on the Dissident Voice website:
https://dissidentvoice.org/2021/08/afghanistan-the-abomination-of-white-...
T2 diabetes is reversable...
but rarely discussed because it isn't cured with a pill but by diet. Each of these is about 10 min and should be standard advice IMO for everyone with T2D or Prediabetes.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFJ_TwGAxlQ]
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXYjpa-yXI0]
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PRtL7AjEwk]
The problems of a for profit medical system is that they make more profit when you are sick.
All the best!
“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”