Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Blood sugar and Diabetes Type 2

Some of the foods we ingest get converted to a type of sugar called glucose. The glucose then enters the bloodstream and is carried to all parts of the body. This is called  blood sugar. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. Insulin is a necessary vehicle to drive blood sugar i.e. glucose into the cells. Every cell in the human body must have glucose to properly function.

Diabetes develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin. An imbalance between glucose and insulin occurs. The abundance of glucose circulating in the blood stream deprives the cells throughout the body of much needed glucose. When this occurs, you become at risk for illnesses related to diabetes such as but not limited to neuropathy, high blood pressure, proteinuria and vision problems.

The increased levels of glucose in the blood stream clogs the smaller vessels and nerves. It is this "clog" that diminishes pain signals to the brain. It is important for diabetics to check their feet regularly as they are at risk for ulcers. The delicate blood vessels in the eyes may become damaged by glucose clogs.

Type 2 diabetes may be controlled through a diabetic diet and exercise on a daily and consistent basis. Taking oral medications in addition to diet and exercise will help maintain proper blood sugar levels. Take control of your diabetes. Call your doctor any time you notice changes in your health.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN, BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Winter weather and your health

Why is it important to dress accordingly? Simply wearing a hat on your head will keep you warm as most of your body heat escapes through the top of your head. Cold air is an irritant to mucous linings. When cold air irritates the mucous lining there is an increase of mucus secretion. Runny nose and phlegm are the result of an irritated mucous lining. This compromise within the mucous lining places you at risk for lower and upper respiratory illness.

Cold air also constricts the blood vessels. When blood vessels constrict, the heart will beat harder and faster to maintain blood flow throughout the body. As a result blood pressure increases, a blood clot may form and the risk for stroke increases. This can be devastating to individuals who have a cardiac history, such as high blood pressure or cardiac stents. Diabetics are also vulnerable to cold air crisis'. Blood vessels in diabetes are damaged due to the break down of the interior lining of the blood vessel wall. People with asthma are at risk. The bronchial tree in asthma is irritated and inflamed with increased fluid production. The sudden swallow of cold air could trigger a respiratory constriction.

Going from a warm home to the cold outside is just enough to create a health problem. The sudden extreme flip-flop in temperature is a shock to the human body. Dress to prevent cold air health crisis.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN, BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Life insurance: a must have for everyone

Final expense life insurance is designed for a specific need. The face value of a life insurance policy is paid to the policyholder's beneficiary at the time of death. In most cases, the money is received by the beneficiary on a tax-free basis, and no additional fees need to be paid. The beneficiary can use the money to pay the policyholder's final expenses such as funeral costs.

By covering funeral related costs the financial burden is removed from the equation and guarantees expenses will be paid without any money coming out of your loved ones' pocket. The average cost of funerals today are higher than $9,000. For just pennies on the dollar, life insurance is affordable for everyone.

To put the cost of life insurance in perspective, anyone who has TV can afford life insurance. If you drive a car, you can afford life insurance. If you have a cell phone, you can afford life insurance. If you have children, you can afford life insurance. The money spent on holidays: candy, meals, gifts, decorations over time are much higher than the cost of life insurance. Are you a smoker? If yes, you can afford life insurance.

While the price of food, fuel, utilities increasing and our budgets shrinking, life insurance premium is guaranteed to remain the same. Final expense insurance will give you peace of mind knowing the most expensive bill you are leaving behind for your family will be paid. If you live paycheck to paycheck, chances are your next of kin will be too. Where are they to get the money to pay for death expenses?

Placing that multi-thousand dollar bill on your family could catapult them into financial ruin. Experiencing the death of a loved one is highly emotional. Without a financial plan in place decisions are made that are not exactly how you or your family would have wanted if a plan had been in place initially.

There are many reasons to benefit from owning a life insurance policy. I cannot think of 1 logical reason not to have a policy. The application process takes lesser amount of time than it does to grocery shop or watch a movie. In a just a few minutes you can be qualified and enrolled. Its that simple and that smart.

So why aren't you covered?

Respectfully,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Prevent passing disease causing germs..IT'S EASY


The winter season has officially begun. With that in mind, so is flu and cold season. If you have been vaccinated by the flu vaccine, you may still contract the flu virus but suffer lesser symptoms. The flu and cold virus have a strong exterior membrane that allows the virus to survive for a long period of time on dry surfaces and still be virulent enough to cause illness.

The first and proven line of defense of preventing the spread of germs is to simply wash your hands.  To ensure you have washed the germs from your hands sing the "Happy Birthday" song. In the time it takes to sing the song you will have thoroughly cleansed your hands. Remember to scrub under the fingernails.

Our hands pick up any germs the skin comes in contact with; an object or handshake. By touching any surface with your hands you have now picked up micro-organisms  lining the surface of that object. Your eyes, mouth, and nose are lined with fragile mucous membranes. They are an easy way for microbes to enter the human body and cause infection. Mucous membranes are like a dry sponge soaking up water. The microbes I am referring to are viruses and bacterium.

The power behind the human sneeze has been recorded at greater than 100 mph.  An uncovered sneeze can propel mucus membranes saturated with disease causing germs clear across a room. The ventilation within the room will aid in further spreading of the mucous membranes and microbes.  Any one around will then be exposed to your germs. Either by inhalation or by touching an object the germs has settled upon.

Always, always cover your sneeze with your the bend of your arm: sneezing into your elbow.

Be cognizant of your actions. Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer. Cover your cough. Cover your sneeze. Practicing these very simple acts of hygiene will keep yourself and fellow human  counterparts healthy!

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Final Expense Insurance is Estate Planning

Final expense insurance is life insurance with a specific need. Final expenses largely make up funeral expenses. Your funeral is the very last expense you will incur. Having the money readily available to your family is part of estate planning. Final expense programs are estate planning.

Today you are in the best of health you will be. Purchasing now will qualify you for the best rate available at your current age. Life insurance is the least expensive insurance and offers the most value added benefit. If you are on a fixed income, chances are your beneficiary is too. Life insurance is protecting the beneficiary from financial catastrophe.
 
Life insurance is different than pre-need plans offered by funeral homes. Case scenario:  you purchase a life insurance policy with a face value of $10,000.  After only 1 premium payment, you become a victim of a fatal car accident or suffer a fatal cardiac arrest. The full value of $10,000 is available immediately to your beneficiary. The policy you took out in your estate planning is ready to be put to work. You have protected your beneficiary from facing a financial crisis.
 
Now, lets look at a pre-need plan. During your meeting with your funeral director he sells you a $10,000 pre-need plan with a monthly premium of $54.00. After only 1 premium payment you become a victim in a fatal car accident or suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. Your beneficiary is now responsible for paying $9,946.00 plus interest. If your family is cash strapped, where will that money come from? If you have outstanding bills that need to be paid, where will your beneficiary get that money? You have created a full financial crisis for your loved ones that they may never financially recover from. 

Procrastinating just adds to higher premium payments and not being prepared. Death does not wait. It is going to happen.  Funeral expenses are at an all time high and are expected to increase. Say you have enough money in the bank to cover a $10,000 funeral bill. In the interim, you suffer from a debilitating car accident or a mild heart attack. Your major medical insurance will pay the doctor and hospital, but you will have co-pays, prescription, fuel and household bills to pay. If you are on a limited income, you will burn through that $10,000 bank account. Leaving you with not enough money to pay funeral expenses when the time comes. By proscratinating, you have gained nothing. 

Estate planning is simple and easy to do. Just take the time and do it.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Holiday over eating

Holidays are a time to celebrate family and friends...AND food. Tasting a little here and a little there quickly adds calories. Food testing while baking and cooking adds to caloric intake. Taking a little nibble when "no one is looking" adds in the calories. Don't forget the consumption of alcohol. Mixed drinks, wine, beer and yes, even the "girly, pretty colored" drinks all add up to increased caloric intake. By the end of the day or evening you could have easily ingested triple the amount of your regular dietary intake.

With calories, comes increased fat, sodium and carbohydrates. The body will only utilize what is needed and stores the rest as fat. Unused carbohydrates are stored as fat. Excess sodium will hold on to water. In the short time it takes to ingest mass quantities of calories, it will take days or weeks for your body to rid the excess assuming you splurge only once.

After food and alcohol is digested the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system is flooded with toxins. A whole cascade of events takes place with a rash of increased enzymatic and hormonal activity. All of which has health consequences. Rather than put your internal organs at risk for disease or illness, just simply avoid over-eating/drinking and keep yourself in check. Eat off smaller plates. If that is not possible, simply give yourself smaller portions. Limit alcohol intake.

What you do today determines your health later.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Reason to have Final Expense Insurance

Final expense life insurance is designed for a specific need. The face value of a life insurance policy is paid to the policyholder's beneficiary at the time of death. In most cases, the money is received by the beneficiary on a tax-free basis, and no additional fees need to be paid. The beneficiary can use the money to pay the policyholder's final expenses such as funeral costs.

By covering funeral related costs the financial burden is removed from the equation and guarantees expenses will be paid without any money coming out of your loved ones' pocket. The average cost of funerals today are higher than $9,000. For just pennies on the dollar, life insurance is affordable for everyone.

To put the cost of life insurance in perspective, anyone who has cable or satellite TV your paying more for entertainment than you would for life insurance. If you have a car payment you have car insurance, those costs are higher than that of life insurance. If you have a cell phone, your monthly phone charge is higher than that of life insurance premium. The money spent on holidays: candy, meals, gifts, decorations over time are much higher than the cost of life insurance.

While the price of food, fuel, utilities increasing and our budgets shrinking, life insurance premium is guaranteed to remain the same. Final expense insurance will give you peace of mind knowing the most expensive bill you are leaving behind for your family will be paid. If you are an individual who is on a fixed budget and living paycheck to paycheck, chances are your next of kin will be too.

Placing that multi-thousand dollar bill on your family could catapult them into financial ruin. Experiencing the death of a loved one is highly emotional. Without a financial plan in place decisions are made that are not exactly how you or your family would have wanted if a plan had been in place initially.

There are many reasons to benefit from owning a life insurance policy but not 1 reason not to have a policy. The application process takes lesser amount of time than it does to grocery shop. In a just a few minutes you can be qualified and enrolled. Coverage begins after 1 monthly premium.

Respectfully,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com
drugstore.com, inc.