Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

In this age of smart phones and computer tablets, managing your diabetes is easier than ever! Thousands of apps are available to help you take better care of your illness. Here are some solutions that are available that may have not crossed your mind:

1. Tracking Blood Sugar. Download an app to help you track your blood sugar. A pen and paper isn’t always handy, but a cell phone is. These apps can provide graphs and trends in blood sugar that are easily sent to a computer to print or even to your doctor before appointments in order to better analyze your personal information.
2. Counting Carbs. There are apps available to help you with carbohydrate counting. Carb counting can be a pain! But, by entering in the food you want you eat, these apps can give you an approximation of carbs/serving. Most restaurants will have their menus with nutritional information on their websites.  If you are out to eat and not sure what is appropriate for your diet, call up their webpage. This information can be accessed on your tablet or cell phone.
3. Organizing Prescriptions. Often, especially in complicated or uncontrolled diabetes, there are so many medications involved that it can be difficult to remember to take all of them! If any of you are like me, I have a hard enough time remembering to take my multi-vitamin once a day, let alone insulin injections with meals and injections nightly and tablets once or twice daily along with testing blood sugar up to 6 times a day! Sounds confusing. There are apps that send you messages and alarms when it’s time to take your medication. This can also help you remember if you actually took your medications that day. You can also get reminders to refill your prescriptions.

Take a look in your phone or tablet’s app store to see what is available – this could be a free and easy way to help more effectively manage your diabetes. Let’s “App Up” for a better life!

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

It’s that time again. Harmons is sponsoring the American Diabetes Association Expo for the second year! Admission to the expo is FREE! There will be professionals at your fingertips to help you customize a plan to healthy living with diabetes.

• Many FREE health screenings will be available, including blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol.
• Harmons award winning chefs will offer cooking demonstrations and tasty, glucose-friendly recipes.
• Harmons Registered Dietitians will be on-hand to answer questions and explain how to optimize your shopping experience by making healthier choices.
• Product exhibits and presentations will provide knowledge on the most cutting-edge technology and research.
• Features a Family Fun/Healthy Kids area that focuses on information geared toward youth living with diabetes.

Come learn more about healthy living with diabetes in a FUN way!  To pre-register or for more information visit www.diabetes.org/exposaltlakecity or call 1-888-DIABETES ext. 7072.

South Towne Expo Center
March 2, 2013
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sandy, UT

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

The American Diabetes Association is currently associated with a wonderful program that is receiving proceeds to fund their diabetic research.  They simply want a picture of what a day in the life of living with diabetes looks like. $1 gets donated for every picture that gets uploaded to Facebook for up to $25,000! What an incredible and simple opportunity for us to donate towards the search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this debilitating disease. Unfortunately, there are many in this country who still view diabetes as a minor condition. By sharing our moments and experiences with others, it will help to spread awareness and knowledge about how dangerous this disease can be.  The American Diabetes Association explains, “Send us a photo of a moment that captures what living with diabetes every day means to you.” Let us join together and share our experiences through photos. Spread the word and upload your experiences today. For more information or to upload your moments, visit – www.facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation and click on the numerous links to Share Photo – A Day in the Life of Diabetes.

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

September 15^th marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.  As part of the celebration of this beautiful culture, many are coming together to spread the word about diabetes to the Hispanic community.  Promoting awareness that genetics can have a strong influence on contracting diabetes can save lives and limbs.  African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic/Latinos are at a much higher risk than non-Hispanic whites;  18% higher among Asian Americans, 66% higher among Hispanic/Latinos, and 77% higher among African Americans.  Hispanic women also have a 50% higher risk of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

These statistics can be a bit frightening, but can also act as a great motivator.  Knowing the risk will often result in lowering the risk.  Studies show that even small amounts of exercise can lower blood sugar.  Walking and dancing are two great options.   Those in high risk categories should also get screened.  Blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can provide early indicators of problems.  Let’s all celebrate the Hispanic Heritage Month by taking steps, personally or sharing with our Hispanic friends, this information in an effort to stop the crippling and often deadly disease of diabetes.

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

The FDA has recently approved a new medication for type 2 diabetes called Bydureon® (exenatide). This once weekly (every 7 days) injection is for use in combination with oral medication. Bydureon® can be taken any time of day with or without regard to meals. This may be a good option for those who have tried Byetta® or Victoza® without success, as it is a very similar medication. Byetta® is actually the immediate release formulation of the new medication Bydureon, but instead of having to inject twice daily with Byetta®, Bydrueon® calls for a once weekly injection. Bydureon provides another benefit over similar products. Studies have shown fewer gastrointestinal side effects – which is a potential problem with Victoza. Because it is a new medication, Bydureon® may be a more expensive product. Be sure to check with your insurance to verify a copay. Those who qualify may receive up to $50 off by signing up for a Bydureon Steady Savings Card at bydureon.com. Ask your doctor if Bydureon could be a good choice for your treatment of diabetes.

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

Much of the population is familiar with type I and type II diabetes, but few know of Gestational Diabetes. As suggested by its name, this diabetes concerns high blood sugar levels in pregnant women. Despite fact that it is not well known, the incidence of this disease is growing. In fact, all pregnant women between 24-32 weeks are now tested.  Although very treatable, there are risks associated with having high blood sugar while pregnant. Women suffering from Gestational diabetes are at higher risk for developing diabetes later in life.  Unborn babies are also at risk.  Most recent studies indicate a significant increase in high newborn birthweight, c-section, and pre-eclampsia.

One of the best ways to prevent gestational diabetes is by eating healthy.  Don’t let those cravings take over your diet! Choose pretzels over chips – vinaigrette over ranch – fruit over ice cream. Making healthier choices will also help reduce pregnancy weight gain, and create habits that will help lose weight after childbirth. Keep yourself and your child healthy and strong by making better eating choices.

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

Living with diabetes can be very difficult, especially when recently diagnosed.  Challenges include; new medication, exercising, counting carbohydrates, and cutting back on favorite foods.  All of this can be overwhelming and confusing. Remember that you have incredible resources at your finger tips!

• A nearby Harmons pharmacist is always ready and willing to discuss any questions you may have regarding your medications. Taking new medication, which most can’t even pronounce, can be a little intimidating, but never be afraid to ask questions. The more you know about your medications, the better you are able to treat your diabetes.
• A dietitian is a great resource for your questions about your new diet.  You may be surprised to know that Harmons has dietitians that visit your local store a few times a month. In the stores at Station Park in Farmington, City Creek, and Bangerter Crossing in Draper there are full-time dietitians available throughout the week. It is difficult to come up with meals for your new diet, but dietitians can provide valuable information in helping you lead a healthier lifestyle and even lose some weight.

With determination and assistance, many of those living with diabetes are able to lose weight, control their diet, reduce medications, and in many cases, eliminate medications. I know you may be feeling a bit frustrated or lost, but don’t forget that most of your questions and concerns can be addressed close to home!  Harmons’ pharmacists and dietitians are friendly, knowledgeable, and available to help shoulder your burden and join with you in working towards a happier and healthier tomorrow.

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

The American Diabetes Association sponsors summer camps annually for children 5-18. These camps take place all summer long at several locations across the United States.  Many of these special children, particularly when first diagnosed, feel isolated and confused. Diabetes Camps can provide a way for children living with diabetes to feel more comfortable and confident with their condition.

While at camp, children are able to increase their knowledge of their diagnosis, make friends with others who understand their challenges, speak with health care professionals, and – of course – have fun! These camps run anywhere from 3-7 days, and many of the camps still have openings. Talk to your children, relatives and friends about these camps to see if they might be interested.

Even if none of your children have diabetes, you still have an opportunity to participate. These camps are looking for hundreds of volunteers every year.   For more information, check out this link:  http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/ada-camps/  Let’s reach out and help our special children in every way we can.  Our lives and theirs will be better by our efforts.

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

Let’s be honest – losing weight is tough for anyone.  Carb counting, insulin monitoring, and sundry medications associated with dieting can prove to be a nightmare! Despite the grind, research shows that losing weight can be key to controlling blood sugar and preventing other health complications. Here are some sensible, weight-loss suggestions you might consider:

• At the outset, you must CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR. Dieting and exercising decreases blood sugar and needs to be monitored closely.  But with practice and patience, it may be possible to get to the point where you might not need medication!  Ask your doctor to help start and monitor your progress.
• PAIR UP WITH A DIETITIAN.  These professionals are experienced in finding practical ways to help change your diet. Dietitians can also help find cost-effective ways to eat healthy; ways that will help develop habits that keep weight off. You might want to set up an appointment at your local Harmons to meet with one of our dietitians.
• SET EXERCISE GOALS.  Start small! Park at the back of the parking lot. Go for a Sunday walk. Use stairs instead of elevators. Visit the park instead of the movies. Exercising more frequently will come more naturally once these habits are established, but don’t forget to challenge yourself.
• FOSTER A SUPPORT SYSTEM. Losing weight is hard to do on your own. Utilizing your doctor and a dietitian is a good beginning.  You might want to join a local support group.  Family members can prove invaluable, but pick the right ones.  Ask a friend to join you.  There’s a lot to be said about the strength of two, when the going gets tough.

Even losing as little as 5-10% of your body weight can lead to significant results in lowering your blood sugar. Often the hardest part is actually getting started. Talk to someone about losing weight – a public declaration might be just the ticket to start the train down the road.  Set small, reasonable goals. Believe in yourself!  Make today the start of your new life where you’re in control of your diabetes. Good Luck!

Jessica, Pharmacy Manager

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been an established organization for 62 years, and has been very successful at raising awareness and changing the lives of people living with diabetes.  Harmons is proudly sponsoring “The Diabetes EXPO” for the ADA on the 25^th of February.   While researching the EXPO, I happened upon the ADA website – and what a gold mine!  The website has received many awards for its organization and innovation, and contains a wealth of information. It features many tools helpful to those with the disease and those who know someone diagnosed.

One of the most impressive features is the community calendar. By entering your location and a radius, the site displays events in the community. I was surprised to discover that something is going on almost every day of the month including; Support Groups, Management Classes, EXPOS, Seminars, and Activities. Additionally, there are message boards to connect with people in your community.

A portion of the website is dedicated to eating and wellness. You can sign up for a food advisor for FREE! The advisor can help with meal planning, carb counting, and gives you access to HUNDREDS of diabetic friendly and tasty recipes. Furthermore, ideas for exercising and getting motivated to live a healthier lifestyle are provided.

The ADA site supplies all kinds of diverse and useful information:  types of diabetes (including gestational), basics of diabetes, diabetes in the news, and research and development of medications. Additionally there are glucose trackers, management plans, and a risk calculator for you and your loved ones.  These are just a few of the many services the website offers. Check out the site and see for yourself – it will amaze you. http://www.diabetes.org