Joy Simpson wrote:
I’m worried that I might get diabetes. It runs in my family. I’m only in my 30s but could you tell me some basic tips for preventing the onset of diabetes? Are things I can do for my diet or exercises i can do?

Dear Joy,
Yes, Joy, there are things that you can do to help prevent diabetes. Avoid eating a lot of simple carbohydrates such as cakes, cookies, white bread, white pasta, white rice, and simple sugars like candy, soda. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and whole grain foods like wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice, and wheat pasta. Exercise is another important key to fighting diabetes. Try to find activities that you enjoy like running, playing tennis, roller blading, dancing, anything to keep you in tip top shape. Have regular physicals with your physician including blood work to check your blood glucose. I recently read an article that eating cinnamon on a regular basis helps lower blood glucose, so add some to your oatmeal or whole wheat toast.

Hope this has been helpful. Wiishing you the best of health.
Nurselady

Bethany wrote:
I have noticed a red, painful raised area that is warm to the touch on my feet(ankle, insole) 3 separate times. The areas go away after a day or two. I’m 27, don’t smoke, am on birth control but wasn’t on it when the first 2 welts occurred. I’m concerned about blood clots but my physician was not concerned that the problem was due to clotting. I’d like to find the source of the problem. Any ideas of what it could be or how I can find out on my own (since my doctor was not concerned)?

Thanks!
Bethany

Dear Bethany,
One question would be what did you do prior to the redness? Did you take a long walk? Play tennis? How long does the redness and tenderness last? What makes it go away? I believe you should probably see a podiatrist (a foot doctor) if the problem continues or gets worse. I once had a problem after walking 3 miles on the beach. My foot hurt so bad and there was some redness and heat. I went to a podiatrist and I had an infection in the tissue. He gave me an injection and it cleared up almost immediately.

Hope this helped,
Nurselady

Hello, I received a naval piercing about 5 days ago and it seemed ok no pain, swelling, and just a little itching no other setbacks until I woke up yesterday and there were tiny bumps around the piercing and in my naval. Is my piercing infected?

Dear Jenny,
If there are many tiny bumps it may be some type of allergic reaction. If there is pus, swelling, redness or heat it may be an infection. I would call the facility where you received the piercing and check with them first. If you continue to have the problem or it gets worse contact your physician.

Good Luck,
Nurselady

Melissa wrote:
i have had to take out my beely button ring because i have developed a bump under it. I have an inny and now it looks like an outy. You can still see the iny part, but you have to kinda open it. it feels like there is a ball or something there. what could this be and will it go away?

Dear Melissa,

I have seen this problem several times. It seems that sometimes the bump goes away with warm compresses and other times there was a need for medical attention. I would recommend that you call the facility where you had the piercing done. If it is it red, warm, draining or painful, go see your physcian.

Nurselady