When you start a heart healthy eating plan, you might think that you need to cut out fat. However, recent studies have shown that including heart healthy unsaturated fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, fatty fish, olive oil, and avocado, can actually help improve health measures like your cholesterol levels. A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that an avocado a day can lower cholesterol levels, even when eaten as part of the average American meal plan. [...]
Chances are, you don’t think a whole lot about eating seeds, unless they’re those sesame seeds on top of your morning bagel. Seeds and nuts are often lumped into the same category, in terms of nutrients. But up until now, it’s been the nuts that have gotten all the glory. Seeds may be small, but they can pack a nutrition punch. Most seeds, like nuts, contain healthy fats, protein, fiber and minerals. In addition, eating seeds has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease, lowered inflammation and even weight loss. Tell nuts to move over and make room for these three seeds. Read on to find out why you should make them a regular part of your eating plan. [...]
Oatmeal may not seem like an exciting food. But if you learn how oatmeal can improve your health–and even make managing your diabetes a little easier–you may just change your mind. [...]
If you or a loved one has diabetes, you know it can take a variety of healthcare providers to control the condition. Many people with diabetes regularly see doctors, nurses, dietitians and Certified Diabetes Educators. But did you know that your pharmacist is also an important part of your healthcare team? [...]
If you’re a Costco member, you can save big on all the necessary diabetes products you use every day. From blood glucose testing supplies to nutritional supplements, you will find everything you need at Costco. Have a look at some of Costco Pharmacy’s best offerings this month: [...]
Robbie Almeida, a Costco pharmacist in Ann Arbor, Michigan, finally quit smoking after 15 years of advising her customers to do the same. This is how she did it. [...]
Your insurer’s $10 co-payment for a 30-day supply of drugs might sound like a good deal. But sometimes the cash price for generic drugs is less — much less if you haven’t reached your deductible. Several pharmacies, including Walmart and Target, charge as little as $4 for a 30-day [...]
Could fiber possibly be the Fountain of Youth? According to a new study that included data from almost one million people, those who ate the most fiber were 16 percent less likely to die than people who ate the least amount of fiber. The researchers also discovered that for every 10-gram increase in fiber intake, there was a 10 percent drop in any cause of death. [...]
People with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) have a high risk of complications like heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Luckily, many studies have shown that any kind of physical activity can lower your risk for these serious health problems, as long as you do it regularly. In fact, a recent study has shown that even yoga–with its deep breathing, stretches, and muscle building–can go a long way towards preventing heart problems. You may not have to do regular running, walking, or biking to lower your heart disease risk. [...]
Do you wonder where your diabetes goals came from? Have you thought about how your doctor and your healthcare team know what tests to do and when to do them? Do you know how the results of those tests help you manage your diabetes? These goals and tests don’t just happen. Every year, a dedicated group of diabetes clinicians and researchers convene to review, revise and develop what are called “Diabetes Medical Care Standards.” These guidelines are issued by the American Diabetes Association and are published each January in a supplement of the journal called Diabetes Care. These standards of care address everything from target A1C goals to foot care to managing diabetes during pregnancy to diabetes education. [...]
A new year has begun! Now is a great time as any to start taking better care of your diabetes. Having a plan can help you succeed and can keep you on track even after everyone else has abandoned their New Year’s resolutions. Step One: Let Yourself Feel Whether you’re new to diabetes, or [...]
Have you come across “sprouted grain cereal” or “sprouted grain bread” in your grocery store and wondered what it is? Companies that make sprouted grain products claim that they can help improve digestion and provide more nutrients that other grain-based foods. But do they? [...]
Nuts–and butters made from them–are a healthy way to get a big protein boost. Eating nuts as part of a heart healthy meal plan has been shown to lower obesity and heart disease risk. A recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that many Americans are not eating the suggested 1.5 ounces of nuts or nut butters each day. Because of this, many Americans may be missing out on the heart healthy benefits of nuts. [...]
Did you know that pharmacists play an important role in diabetes care? The American Diabetes Association has said that many pharmacists do much more than give out prescription medicines. They often provide diabetes self-management counseling, perform routine health checks, and teach people how to take their medicines. Pharmacists can also make sure people with diabetes get all the vaccines they need every year. [...]
