However you may be missing a very important point – you could be at a higher risk of diabetes and high blood pressure because you’re not getting enough Vitamin D. In fact your risk of these two conditions could be as much as two-and-half times higher than those who are getting enough of this essential vitamin.

According to the Harvard School of health you could be among the approximately one billion people worldwide who have some level of vitamin D deficiency.

That’s worrying – what do I do?

In many countries in the world medical insurance will cover the cost of a simple blood test, in fact in countries around the world pharmacies can also offer the same type of testing. You need a baseline to see what you need to do to supplement your intake or bodily production of Vitamin D.

The easiest approach is to take a supplement of vitamin D3 – which helps you (with some added assistance from Mr. Sun) produce enough Vitamin D to keep you healthy.

Ok – so what are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency?

1. Sweating

If your forehead is sweaty all the time you may not be getting enough vitamin D. This is especially true if you are not exercising, the temperature in the environment is not overly hot and you’re not running a temperature. If all these factors are not influencing your sweat production it might be a good idea to see your doctor. It may not be vitamin D that’s to blame – it may be something else. Go and get checked out.

2. Feeling weak

You don’t have to be lifting to enjoy proper muscle strength. A vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness – and can lead to feeling down and exhausted all the time.  If you’re getting a solid night’s sleep and you still feel tired and weak then vitamin D might be an issue, no matter what your age. However if you’re around 60 you may need to go and have a vitamin D test.

Researchers at Harvard in the United States have linked vitamin D supplementation with increased muscle control, resulting in 20% fewer falls among adults around 60 years old. More research has suggested that after only 6 months of taking a vitamin D supplement you can be feeling better – good news.

3. Breaking Bad

After the age of 30 we all start losing bone mass. Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate this process. This is especially bad news for women who tend to suffer increasingly from osteoporosis as they age. Some researchers believe that it’s almost impossible to get enough vitamin D as we age if we only rely of our diet. You need a three pronged approach – sun, supplements and diet. If you’re over 30 ask your doctor next time you go for a check-up.

4. The aches and pain of age

As we get older it’s natural that we begin to feel the daily knocks of life as an upright mammal a bit more. However – if you’re feeling it in your bones don’t wait for the weather to change before you start to take real notice. Arthritis or fibromyalgia can be caused by vitamin D deficiency.

It’s normal to feel these aches and pains every now and then but if the discomfort becomes chronic (lasting more than a few weeks) then you should be checking with your doctor. Treatment can include a vitamin D supplement. It’s also interesting to note that if you are going to gym regularly that a vitamin D supplement can help you get your bounce back – it assists in dealing with post workout pain and increases muscle recovery times.

5. The vitamin D pick-me-up

In many instances a lack of vitamin D can result in depression. Scientists can’t seem to work out why (but lack of sun has certainly be implicated). Research has however shown that the mineral can work on the same parts of the brain that control hormones like serotonin, the body’s feel good chemical. It certainly doesn’t hurt to keep your levels of vitamin D in tip top shape.

The post 5 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency first appeared on Healthy Gab.

The post 5 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency appeared first on Healthy Gab.

According to some medical experts it’s not the red flags that put you in bed that signal that you might be suffering from diabetes – but those things that almost every adult suffers from on occasion. Why hasn’t felt lethargic or tired or thirsty? Work on a computer with a smaller screen (like a laptop) and you may find that your vision struggles to adjust to the real world. Drink a couple of smoothies to many and you might feel the need to go to the bathroom more often than usual.

But put these symptoms together and suffer from them for more than a couple of weeks and it may be time to go and get a diabetes test. Another challenge is that these symptoms can creep up you gradually until it becomes just a normal part of your life – so you don’t realise that there’s a problem until you’ve passed through the beginning stages of diabetes and are well into the middle stage – or even into the stage where may urgently need help.

This is a serious problem. The longer you go without a diabetes diagnosis or treatment the greater your risk for kidney problems and heart disease. In fact at the most serious diabetes can cause blindness and doctors to recommend amputation of extremities.

So if you’ve been feeling a bit under the weather it might be time to have a chat with your doctor. It’s also important to know your family history – if your Mom or Dad had diabetes it’s better to go and get yourself checked out sooner rather than later. A family history of being overweight is also a red flag.

Here are just a few of those red flags which may indicate that a trip to the doctor might be a great idea.

1.    Feeling the Pressure.

If you are going to the bathroom more often than is normal then it make be a sign that your body has become less efficient at breaking down the sugar in your food. The more sugar you have sitting in your bloodstream the more the body wants to get rid of it through the urine. You may not notice this – but if you’re going to the bathroom more often at night or if your sleep is becoming disturbed through the need to urinate then it’s time for a diabetes test.

2.    Thirsty much?

If you’re going to the toilet to urinate more often than usual then your body is going to need more H20 to maintain normal healthy function.  If you feel the need for more bottled water, fruit juice or other drinks (strangely the desire for chocolate milk has been identified) then your body is needing more water and sugar – huge warning that you should be raising the issue with your doctor.

3.    Lost a bit of weight? Great, or maybe not.

It seems counter-intuitive that being overweight can be a huge red flag when it comes to diabetes – but it’s also true that losing weight steadily can also be a sign that you are suffering from the condition. Remember – you’re losing a whole lot of water and that urine contains calories that your body is not absorbing. SO this is a bit more subtle. If you feel weak and out of sorts and you’re losing weight then it’s time to schedule that doctor’s appointment.

4. Got the Shakes?

If you feel hungry and your muscles feel like they’re vibrating then you definitely need to go to the doctor. If you feel the need to reach for carbs due to the fact that you’re unsteady it’s a warning sign. High blood sugar means your body has an issue regulating glucose. Eat carbs and your sugar goes through the roof and then drops like a stone – resulting in the shakes. It’s a vicious cycle and you need to get back in control. See your doc.

5.    Tired much?

If fatigue is becoming a huge issue in your life then Diabetes may be the cause. It may be that the food that you’re putting into your body is simply not being used effectively. Your cells aren’t doing the job and energy is just being excreted. This may be a slow process so fatigue can creep up on you. However, if it becomes chronic and you’re simply tired all the time – you need to pay attention and see a medical practitioner.

6. Mood swings

It’s a stressful world out there and we all tend to lose our temper every now and then – however if your friends and family are noticing a problem then it’s time to take action. Sometimes people who are in the early or middle stages of diabetes may feel depressed and may in fact seek counselling for depression – but it may also be the result of low blood sugar. If you just want to sleep and isolate yourself it could be depression – but it could also be diabetes. Get your blood sugar checked.

7. Blurred Vision

You sit in front of a computer all day so your eyes may take strain and take just that little bit longer to adjust to the real world – especially once you get past the age of 30. In diabetes glucose builds up behind the eye and causes blurred vision, changing its shape. You won’t go blind but go and get checked. Normalise your blood sugar and in six to eight weeks your vision could be back to normal.

8. Healing factor

High sugar levels mean that your body simply doesn’t deal with those scrapes and bruises so easily.  So if you notice a cut isn’t healing for months then it’s a good idea to have your blood sugar levels checked out.

9. Tingly foot

Diabetes causes mind nerve damage which may result in a ‘tingling’ sensation in extremities, especially the feet. If you have tingling or numbness consult your doctor.

10. UTI

Applicable to both men and women, but particularly women – if you are experiencing urinary tract infections on a regular basis then you need to see a doctor. Reinfections should worry you. The higher levels of sugar in the urinary tract provide bacteria with the perfect place to breed. Rather be safe than sorry.

Extra Tip

An ancient Hindu manuscript missing for thousands of years was recently discovered and deciphered. Not surprisingly it unveiled the key to defeating diabetes.

Click here to learn more

The post 10 Signs that You Might Be Suffering from Diabetes first appeared on Healthy Gab.

The post 10 Signs that You Might Be Suffering from Diabetes appeared first on Healthy Gab.

However there are a number of other medical conditions that also require a medical bracelet. If you are taking medications then when an emergency situation occurs this information be essential in order for medical first responders to render the proper treatment.

A medical ID bracelet is often more than just an informational device – they can also be fashionable pieces of jewellery. However they should also contain such information as your condition and your emergency contact information. In some instances, wearing this simple accessory can mean the difference between immediate care and prolonged trial and error during treatment – and sometimes this delay can mean the difference between life and death.

According to a survey by American Medical ID, around 95 percent of responders look for a medical ID in an emergency situation. This same survey also found that more than 75% of doctors look for an ID when assessing someone.

Although medical information can be included on a number of different accessory items, such as necklaces or key chains, the survey found that most people check the wrist first.

So – What information should you include on your medical ID bracelet?
To ensure its efficiency, it’s important that you include all relevant medical information on your ID bracelet.

You should include:

• the type of diabetes you have
• whether you take insulin
• any allergies you may have
• an in-case-of-emergency phone number (also known as an ICE number)
• any implants, such as a pacemaker or insulin pump, that shouldn’t go in an MRI scanner
• any other pertinent medical information

The top 10 medical ID bracelets

There are many types of ID bracelets available. Some have traditional features, such as a simple engraved plate with a chain. Waterproof and sweat proof bracelets are great options if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Other bracelets can be real fashion accessories. Some even contain USB drives that can store a great deal of personal information.

Here are 10 of the best ID bracelets.

1. The Classic Stainless Steel Bracelet

The Classic Bracelet. This is made from durable and tough stainless steel. It features a curved plate with a medical emblem. The emblem signifies that medical personnel should pay attention to the information. A chain connects the two sides of the plate, giving it a simple look. Reviews of the bracelet mention its comfort, quality, and classic style.

2. The Lynx Onyx

The Lynx Onyx offers a bit more style than the classic silver bracelet. The black and stainless steel band offers an alternative look while still relaying important medical information. The bracelet has a white medical emblem on it, and there’s room to engrave three lines of information.

3. The Stainless Steel Silicone Flex

This bracelet is an excellent choice for active people. The interchangeable silicone bands are sweat proof and waterproof, making them good options for those who enjoy exercise or who are into outdoor pursuits. The bracelet features a large ID tag for important medical information.

You can purchase additional bands at a low cost or wear one that supports your favourite cause. The bands come in a variety of sizes. These bracelets are also easy to wear, as they have no clasp to complicate matters. The band is a continuous loop that slides over your hand and onto your wrist.

4. Stainless Steel Velcro Flex Sport band

If you’re someone who lives to exercise then consider this nylon band with a Velcro fastening system. It’s also a great option if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to metal. The nylon band protects the skin from coming into contact with the medical ID plate.

The adjustable band is available in two different lengths. You can also customize your bracelet by purchasing different band colours. The engraved ID plate can also be used on silicone bands, giving you a multitude of options.

5. The Queen Elizabeth Medical ID Bracelet

For women who have an eye on fashion, having a sophisticated and feminine medical ID bracelet is important. Two delicate beaded strands act as the chain. Lauren’s Hope, the company that makes this and other fashion ID bracelets, offers a variety of medical ID tags to add to the chain.
The stainless steel tag includes the medical emblem in a variety of colours.. Other designs and finishes include gold and rose gold. Up to five lines of information can be added to each ID tag.

6. The Grande Corona 1752-SS Bracelet

If you’re looking for something delicate, this bracelet may be right for you. Medical ID Fashions offers a stunning cubic zirconia tennis bracelet to wear with your medical ID tag. This stainless steel bracelet features crossed silver branches with cubic zirconia nested in them.

Several tag plates are available for this band, each marked with a medical emblem in the size and colour of your choosing. Up to four lines of text can be added to your tag. A bit pricey, but worth the ffort if you’re a dedicated follower of fashion.

7. A Stainless Steel Small Leather Flex Bracelet

This medical bracelet is suitable for both men and women – and is perfect for those looking to make a fashion statement. Its ultra-modern look features a brown or black leather band and a stainless steel medical ID tag with a button stud clasp. The medical ID plate can be engraved with five lines of text.

8. CARExcel Medical History Bracelet

The silicone CARExcel Medical History Bracelet features a two-gigabyte USB flash drive. This can give doctors instant access to your medical history.

The drive can store a huge amount of basic information as well as your prescribed and prohibited medications, allergies, and past medical procedures. You can even store your emergency and medical contacts and upload important files, including a living will.

The bracelet is waterproof and durable, so you can wear it at all times. The band is flexible as well as expandable, and it can fit any wrist.

Why a medical bracelet?

When you have a medical condition such as diabetes or suffer from allergies or other medical conditions, it’s important for medical responders to know the extent of your condition and any medications you’re taking. If you aren’t able to convey this information during a medical emergency, a medical ID bracelet can literally save your life.

Most of these ID bracelets can be ordered online – a simple search for ‘medical bracelets for sale’ can make the difference between life and death.

The post Have Medical Condition? Better Wear a Bracelet! first appeared on Healthy Gab.

The post Have Medical Condition? Better Wear a Bracelet! appeared first on Healthy Gab.

It’s a highly stressed world out there. We have to move faster, work quicker and make more money than ever before in order to get by.

Balancing our personal responsibilities with the demands of the modern world can cause even the strongest person to fall prey to debilitating stress – but are there ways to cope and even eliminate stress – yes there are, and here are some great tips on how to remove that stress load from your shoulders. Try these out – and remember that practice makes perfect.

Click Next to Start

The post 9 Secret Ways to Lower your Stress Load first appeared on Healthy Gab.

The post 9 Secret Ways to Lower your Stress Load appeared first on Healthy Gab.