Author: altman5

What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when an individual’s blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. If an individual has diabetes, their body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose (sugar) enter into an individual’s cells, […]

Approximately 119.9 million Americans have been diagnosed with hypertension, making it one of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. In South Carolina, an estimated 1.5 million people have been medically diagnosed with this condition, which is often asymptomatic and is known as the “silent killer.” Hypertension affects nearly half of the adult […]

What are Microplastics? Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters (mm) in size, originating from larger pieces of plastic that break down over time through various processes. Due to their small size, the plastics are often difficult for the human eye to detect. However, the impact they leave does not go unnoticed. […]

Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fat in the liver, typically defined as fat comprising more than 5% of the liver’s weight. The development of MASLD is closely linked to underlying cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, type […]

Everyone experiences periods of stress throughout their life. When stress levels remain high, they can cause elevated blood pressure and increased glucose (blood sugar) levels, both of which are risk factors for chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Stress can also lead to unhealthy coping behaviors, including overeating and excessive alcohol consumption, which further […]

Introduction Postpartum maternal nutrition is a cornerstone of breastfeeding success. Breastfeeding and lactation increase a new mother’s energy and nutrient requirements, not only to produce breastmilk, but also to support her body and health during recovery from childbirth. Adequate nutrition influences the quantity of breast milk and ensures that infants receive the essential nutrients required […]

Chronic Health Conditions and Disability Chronic health conditions, such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes, tend to develop gradually and worsen over time. When chronic health conditions transition from an asymptomatic to a symptomatic stage, they can contribute to the onset of disability. Diabetes, for example, is a condition in which the body either does not […]

Breast milk provides complete nutrition for infants, whether a baby feeds directly at the breast or is given expressed milk. Breast milk expression is the process of removing milk using hands or a breast pump, and may be medically necessary in some situations. Premature birth, certain medical conditions, or periods of separation all may warrant […]

Lee en español What You Need to Know Polyphagia, also known as hyperphagia, is a medical term for excessive or insatiable hunger, even after a meal. This phenomenon is commonly experienced among individuals working to manage a diagnosis of diabetes and can present a significant barrier to effective diabetes self-management. Persistent feelings of hunger may […]

Introduction  Breastfeeding offers many benefits for both a mother and her baby. Along with being a complete source of nutrients for the baby, breastfeeding is also associated with improved health outcomes for mothers. While the benefits are clear, many new mothers face challenges when beginning their breastfeeding journey. Offering any amount of breastmilk is beneficial, […]

Elder abuse is a serious and often overlooked public health issue. Estimates of elder abuse vary, but systematic reviews and population studies consistently show that abuse and neglect are under-reported and affect a substantial number of older adults. Elder abuse is defined as intentional or negligent action(s) by a trusted adult or caregiver that induces […]

What is Diabetes Distress People living with diabetes are at risk for developing psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety. The stress associated with managing diabetes can become a significant problem and this stress can contribute to the development of psychological disorders. In some cases, people living with diabetes may experience what is known as […]

Staying Active with a Packed Schedule It is easy to feel overwhelmed when we have a hectic schedule. However, making time for physical activity is easier than it may seem. There are many ways to be active and incorporate healthy movement in your day that do not involve much time but will still have a […]

Busy lives often result in less attention to balanced nutrition. However, there are many small changes that you can implement to make meeting your nutrition goals possible. The USDA gives some basic guidelines and encourages eating nutrient-dense foods across all food groups. A healthy diet includes vegetables, fruits, dairy, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy […]

Keep a healthcare professional’s contact information available on your phone, provide healthcare professionals with as much information as possible and keep a list of medications currently taking (prescribed and over-the-counter)