It's Always a Great Time to Start Exercising!

You've heard all of the reasons to exercise and you're ready to start an exercise program. Great! Now,how do you get started?
In a word, SLOWLY!

First, make sure your doctor gives you the OK to exercise. Certain conditions, such as heart or blood vessel problems and diabetic eye disease will affect the type of exercise you should get. If you’re not sure if you have one of these conditions, call your doctor.

Next, remember you didn’t get out of shape in one day and you can’t get back in shape in one day either. Don’t do too much too soon. You may start out at only 5 or 10 minutes per day, but that’s OK! Congratulate yourself on getting started!
Gradually work up to at least 30 minutes at a time,
at least 3 days per week. Walking is a great exercise; almost everyone can do it – and it’s cheap! All you need is good shoes! If you have arthritis or other problems that make walking difficult, let us know
and we can send you some exercises you can do
while sitting down.

Find an exercise partner, if you can. They can help
you stay motivated. And the time passes faster when you have someone to talk to. You should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising to make sure you don’t work too hard.

The main thing is to start moving. Anything you do will help increase your strength and help you control your blood sugar! Go for it!

Posted by Christine Hanshaw

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Welcome!

Welcome to my home on the web, where you can find resources and tools to help manage your diabetes. Use this site to send me email, check my schedule, download blood glucose logs and other helpful tools, and learn more about diabetes.

The tabs located at the top right of the page will help you find what you need. Use the "About Me" tab to find out more about me and see my group schedule. The "Resources" tab is a library of helpful tools and information to help you manage and learn more about your diabetes. Finally "Blog" will take you to a collection of my personal tips, practice updates, and other useful information that is updated regularly.

Posted by Christine Hanshaw

It's Time for Flu Shots!

The flu (influenza) is not just a bad cold; it is a serious illness. People with diabetes are more likely to develop pneumonia, go into the hospital, or die from complications of the flu. Protect yourself this year. Get your flu shot at your doctor’s office or at one of the Flu Clinics in your area. Medicare and Medicaid cover flu shots at our clinics. Bring your insurance cards with you. If you don’t have insurance coverage, the charge for flu shots is $23 (much less than a hospital stay or all the medicines you would buy to treat the flu.)

If you have never had a pneumonia shot, you should get one. In some counties, you can get it at the Flu Clinic – ask when you call for your appointment or when you get there. If you are over 65 years old and your last pneumonia shot was before the age of 65 and it has been more than 5 years since then, it is probably time for another one. Pneumonia vaccines are also covered in full by Medicare and Medicaid when given at the health department. The cost is $38. Call us if you have any questions about pneumonia vaccines.

Posted by Christine Hanshaw