Grundy County Memorial Hospital | Live Well | Winter 2020

A S K T H E E X P E RT S How can I reduce my risk of diabetes? The family doctor says: Watch your weight The best way to reduce your risk of diabetes is diet and exercise. Follow a healthy diet and eat appropriate amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates while limiting portion sizes and extra helpings. Studies show that even a modest amount of physical activity is beneficial in reducing your risk of diabetes. The final advice is to follow up with your family physician, who can help you with strategies and monitoring of your numbers. Sometimes medication may be prescribed in addition to changes in diet and exercise to help lower your risk. —Jeremy Cordes, DO, PharmD, UnityPoint Clinic–Parkersburg Family Medicine The dietitian says: Snack wisely Try not to nibble when you watch TV, chat on the phone or are busy with other activities. You’re more likely to overeat, which can move the scale in the wrong direction. —Wendy Brewer, RDN, LD, Nutrition Services and Diabetes Center The physical therapist says: Take a hike Research shows you can lower your type 2 diabetes risk by mov- ing more. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Walking is a great way to get started. And you can do it almost anywhere at any time. —Jeff Nolder, MPH, MPT, GCMH Therapy Services lead >> health NEWS BEGIN THE NEW YEAR by understanding your risk for type 2 diabetes—with help from your primary care provider and the health education resources at your local hospital. 2 Appointments may be made by calling Grundy County Memorial Hospital Scheduling, 319-824-5081 . GCMH Pain Management service The do’s and don’ts of antibiotics Overusing antibiotics—or using them the wrong way— helps create drug-resistant superbugs. Here’s how to use them safely. Do: ●   ● Take them exactly as prescribed. ●   ● Take the full course, even if you no longer feel sick, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. ●   ● Take antibiotics only when necessary. They won’t work against viral infections, such as colds, flu or runny noses—even if mucus is thick, yellow or green. And they won’t help most cases of bronchitis, many sinus infections and some ear infections. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health W. Keith Barnhill, PhD, ARNP, CRNA, DAAPM, has been credentialed in pain management through the American Academy of Pain Management since 2001. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army/Texas Wesleyan University program in nurse anesthesiology, and has a doctoral degree in nursing education. The Pain Management service has expanded the type of proce- dures offered to include advanced pain procedures for neck and back pain relief. Don’t: ●   ● Pressure your doc- tor to prescribe antibiotics. ●   ● Save antibiotics for the next time you’re sick. ●   ● Take antibiotics pre- scribed for someone else or share yours with other people.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTI0MzU=