No one is immune to stress, and constant stress wreaks havoc on anyone’s body. But chronic conditions like diabetes put some people at a higher risk of experiencing complications caused by stress. Take a look at how stress affects diabetes. 

How the Body’s Natural Response to Stress Affects Diabetes

Anything can bring stress in your life, from financial problems to traumatic events. Even a diagnosis of a chronic illness, like type 2 diabetes, can add stress. Symptoms of stress include nervousness, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, upset stomach, and depression. 

When your body experiences stress it goes into a fight-or-flight response. This natural response elevates hormone levels and causes nerve cells to fire. In turn, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream causing respiratory rates to increase. Because you have diabetes, your body might not be able to process the glucose released by firing nerve cells. If your body can’t convert glucose into energy, your blood glucose levels will rise. 

Other Ways Stress Affects Diabetes

In addition to your body’s natural response, stress can affect diabetes in other ways. Stress can disrupt your daily routine including healthy habits like exercise and eating a healthy diet. When we are stressed, we often find ourselves prone to eating more junk food and getting less exercise. These changes affect your diabetes almost immediately. High blood glucose levels can cause you to feel down while low glucose levels can leave you feeling nervous.

How You Can Reduce Stress 

Stress is a natural part of life–you can’t always avoid it, but you can take steps to reduce how stress affects you. One of the first steps you can take is to be intentional about keeping up your daily routine. Don’t give in to temptations to eat your feelings with junk food or to lay around all day. Make yourself eat healthy even when you don’t want to and don’t skip the gym. 

The same goes for your medication. Don’t skip a dose, no matter what. Since stress can make us a bit forgetful it’s probably a good idea to set a reminder on your phone to take your medicine and check your glucose levels. Keeping up your health routines will not only help your blood glucose levels stay in check but can also reduce your body’s response to stress. 

Another way to reduce your stress is to talk with someone about how you are feeling. You’ll find talking it out to be surprisingly therapeutic and sharing your burdens often makes them feel less heavy. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a friend or relative, consider scheduling a counseling session with a mental health professional. 

Mantachie Rural Health Care offers medical and mental health care for diabetes patients, as well as dietary treatment. If you are experiencing additional stress in your life that is increasing anxiety, depression, and even your blood glucose levels, you may benefit from a counseling session with one of our mental health professionals. To schedule a visit, click here. (link to contact page)

A question we’re often asked is, “What’s the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian? Although the professions have similarities, some key differences distinguish them from one another. For example, dietitians are certified to treat clinical conditions whereas nutritionists are not always certified. 

Key Differences Between a Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dietitians, also known as registered dietitian nutritionists, must receive certification from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. They can treat certain health conditions by offering food recommendations. Dietitians provide medical nutrition therapy in a hospital setting or private practice. They can also provide nutritional education and expertise to schools, public health offices, and food-related industries. 

Nutritionist training varies and certification is not required in all 50 states. Nutritionists in states that require certification can obtain their certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS).  Nutritionists may have different focus areas from dietitians. Some nutritionists may pursue advanced qualifications in specific health areas such as sports nutrition, digestive disorders, and autoimmune conditions. Nutritionists may also provide general advice on healthful eating, weight loss, and reducing tiredness. 

Training Requirements for Dietitians and Nutritionists

Dietitians must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and have the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) or Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to accredit and approve coursework. They must also complete 1200 hours of supervised practice through ACEND-accredited practice programs. Then, they must pass the national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. After certification, dietitians must complete continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. 

Certified Clinical Nutritionist

A certified clinical nutritionist (CCN) is qualified to assess nutritional needs based on the patient’s lifestyle and health goals. They can provide personalized recommendations for diet, exercise, supplements, and stress management. CCNs must have a bachelor’s, master’s, Ph.D, or Doctorate of Science degree to qualify for certification, or they may have an advanced professional degree in another licensed healthcare field. 

Aspiring certified clinical nutritionists can obtain certification from the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. Training requirements to qualify for certification vary by the pre-existing qualifications the candidate possesses. For instance, a nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree must complete at least three hours of coursework in topics such as human physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology before they can apply for certification. However, a nutritionist with a doctorate of science may not be required to complete as much training to become certified. All CCNs must pass the exam and complete ongoing training every two years to maintain certification. 

Certified Nutrition Specialists

A certified nutrition specialist (CNS) can receive this certification in the United States through the BCNS. Aspiring certified nutrition specialists must have a master’s degree or higher to qualify for certification training. They must also complete coursework from a regionally accredited institution and 1,000 hours of documented, supervised practice. After passing the exam, CNSs are required to complete continuing education credits every five years to maintain certification. The minimum number of hours spent learning about life sciences is higher for CNSs than for CCNs. 

The Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2020 

In 2020, legislators enacted the Medical Nutrition Therapy Act 2020, which includes medical nutrition therapy in Medicare Part B. The legislation also allows nurses and psychologists to refer people for medical nutrition therapy. Patients with the following conditions qualify to add medical nutrition therapy to their Medicare Part B plan. 

• Obesity
• Prediabetes
• Cancer
• Celiac disease
• HIV or AIDS
• Cancer
• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia
• Malnutrition
• Eating disorders
• Any condition causing unintentional weight loss

Mantachie Rural Healthcare is proud to have a registered dietitian on staff to help our patients with their health and nutrition needs. To make an appointment with our dietitian, schedule a checkup with your Mantachie provider. Click here to request your appointment!

In today’s busy world of go, go, go, older family traditions like gathering together at the table for meals have become lost in the shuffle for many families. But family mealtime isn’t just another lost tradition from the past–it’s a vital part of family life that can actually improve everyone in your family’s quality of life. 

How Family Mealtime Improves Your Family’s Health and Quality of Life

Numerous research projects have shown that families who share meals together regularly, no matter if it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or all three, reap many benefits including health. Family meals are more nutritious and help lower the risk of obesity. A Harvard study revealed that families who eat together are more likely to eat their five servings of fruits and vegetables. Family members who eat together also tend to eat less, eat more slowly, and talk more at the dinner table. 

Children who eat their meals with family tend to eat a wider variety of foods and are less picky eaters. But in addition to healthy eating habits, children and teens also get something invaluable at family mealtime. They are given the opportunity to bond, strengthen relationships, and grow closer with their parents and other family members. Parents also have the opportunity to set good examples of healthy eating and table manners. Families who are more closely bonded tend to weather storms better than others, and kids and teens who attend family dinners tend to be less likely to later engage in risky behaviors like substance or alcohol use. 

How You Can Incorporate Family Mealtime Into Your Busy Schedules

Like with any new habit, the best way to start making mealtimes a family priority is to start slow and steady. Start by increasing your number of family meals by one extra a week. That means even if you have only one meal with each other it’s still a start to something more. Don’t focus so much on planning elaborate meals, either. Instead, make the time spent together a priority. 

To encourage your family to participate in family mealtime, get them involved in the meal planning and preparation process. Helping to prepare meals also encourages children to eat what they have prepared with you. Plus, getting input on meal ideas from other family members takes the pressure off of the family’s main cook to brainstorm and plan every meal. 

Learn to be flexible with your mealtimes. Six sharp doesn’t always work for everyone for dinner time, and it’s important to remember that the time together is far more important than the actual time of day you sit down together. Even if you’re sitting down for a quick meal of sandwiches and chips before or after a ballgame or practice, that short time together is vital. 

Need some easy weeknight meals you can fix in 30 minutes or less? Check out these 35 deliciously healthy family dinner recipes from A Sweet Peachef. 

Want to know more about incorporating healthy eating habits and family meals into your family’s routine? Schedule a visit with our resident dietitian to develop a personalized healthy eating plan that’s right for your family.

If you have diabetes, you know that high blood sugar takes its toll on the body–and that includes your teeth and gums. Left unchecked, high blood sugar levels can lead to a number of serious dental health problems such as:

• Tooth decay. The higher the blood sugar levels, the higher the supply of sugars and starches in your mouth. Those sugars and starches produce acid that wears away at your teeth’s enamel and produces dental plaque that can develop into tartar. Tartar is hardened plaque around the gum lines, and it can only be removed by a dental professional like a dental hygienist or dentist. If left untreated, tartar can lead to serious teeth and gum problems such as periodontitis.
• Early gum disease, or gingivitis. Diabetes reduces the mouth’s ability to fight bacteria, which is why it is crucial for diabetics to remove plaque from the gum line each day with regular brushing and flossing. Because people with diabetes have to fight harder against bacteria, they are vulnerable to early gum disease, known also as gingivitis.
• Advanced gum disease, or periodontitis. Periodontitis destroys the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. It can eventually lead to tooth loss and the presence of an infection like periodontitis can also cause blood sugar levels to rise. 
• Thrush. Thrush is a fungal yeast infection characterized by painful, red or white patches on the inside of the mouth or tongue. Again, people with diabetes have lower immune systems which makes them more susceptible to mouth problems like thrush.
• Dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common issue among diabetics. A dry mouth makes teeth and gums more likely to develop decay or gum disease. 

How to Prevent Dental Problems with Dental Hygiene

The first step anyone with diabetes should take to better control their dental health, and overall health for that matter, is to learn how to properly manage diabetes. Keeping blood sugar levels in check goes a long way in protecting your mouth’s health. In addition to controlling diabetes symptoms, diabetics should also practice good dental hygiene. 

Good dental hygiene begins with brushing your teeth at least twice a day, but also preferably after meals and snacks. Wait about a half-hour after eating to brush your teeth. The enamel of the teeth remains soft for about 30 minutes after eating and brushing too soon after a meal or snack can wear away the enamel. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and, if possible, an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes clean teeth and gums better and are especially helpful if you also have arthritis or other problems that make brushing more difficult.

You should also floss at least once a day as recommended by the American Dental Association. Flossing helps to remove plaque brushing can leave behind. Try the waxed variety or use floss with a handle if you have difficulty navigating the floss between your teeth. 

Good daily dental care isn’t the only step in your dental hygiene routine. Regularly scheduled visits with your dentist are also vital. Your dentist will recommend how many visits you need each year based on your physical and dental health, but most recommend visiting at least one to two times per year for a professional cleaning and exam. People with diabetes, especially those who are experiencing teeth and gum issues, may be asked to come more often to ensure good dental health. 

Finally, if you’re a smoker, you should stop. Not only does it lead to a variety of serious health problems and can make diabetes worse, smoking also destroys teeth and gums. Visit www. quit.com or www.smokefree.gov to get free help quitting the habit. Our health clinic can also provide assistance in quitting. 

Mantachie Rural Health Care is committed to providing healthcare to its rural surrounding communities. That’s why we have a dental clinic right along with our health clinic. By offering both types of care, we help those with diabetes take total care of their physical and dental health. We also offer diabetes education classes each month to help patients learn how to manage their diabetes and live better. Click here to learn more. 

Heart disease. Cancer. Stroke. Diabetes. All are among the top ten killers of women in the US and most can be prevented or cured when caught early. These diseases are just a few that women are tested for when they schedule their annual health exam. However, many women fail to schedule a traditional annual health exam each year because they consider their annual gynecological exam to be sufficient. 

The Difference Between a Women’s Annual Gynecological Exam and a Traditional Health Exam

Many women assume their annual gynecological check ups to be all they need as far as yearly wellness checks are concerned. However, a gynecological exam typically only consists of a pelvic exam, a Pap smear, and a breast exam. A mammogram and additional women’s health tests may also be performed if you are at a higher risk for certain conditions and illnesses. 

What to Expect During a Pelvic Exam, Pap Smear, and Breast Exam

Pelvic exams are performed to determine if the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and bladder are in good health. This exam includes a visual and manual check to find any signs of a problem. Pap smears are usually performed at the same time as the pelvic exam. This is a screening test for cervical cancer that involves swabbing the cervix to find abnormalities in cervical cells. 

Manual breast exams are performed in women between ages 20 – 40 during their annual gynecological visit. This exam finds lumps and other abnormalities in the breast that could be signs of breast cancer. Women aged 40 and up also receive a mammogram, an x-ray of the breasts that finds changes in breast tissue and other symptoms of cancer. 

What to Expect During a Traditional Annual Health Exam

Gynecological exams focus on a woman’s reproductive and breast health while a traditional wellness exam takes an overall look at physical and mental health. Women can expect a physical exam, blood tests, and to discuss their personal and family health history with their provider. This is also the best time for women to share any mental health concerns with their providers so they can begin addressing the issue. 

Women’s Health at Mantachie Clinic

We offer comprehensive annual health exams as well as women’s pelvic exams and Pap smears at Mantachie Rural Healthcare. We also have in-house mental health professionals in case you and your provider determine you need more assistance in treating your concerns. You may schedule these visits in the same appointment or at different times. We encourage you to schedule these important exams each year to help us keep you in the best health possible. Click here or dial 662-282-4226 to schedule an appointment now.