Health News__
Controlling Blood Sugar
Is Good For The Heart

.....A recent study highlights the importance of good long-term control of blood sugar in people with diabetes. The study found that poor long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes is associated with a substantial increase in the risk of dying from ischemic heart disease -- the type of heart disease characterized by restricted blood flow to the arteries of the heart.
.....However, with reasonably good blood sugar or "glycemic" control, the risk of death from ischemic heart disease is comparable to that seen in people without diabetes, the researchers found.
.....Good glycemic control in persons with newly diagnosed diabetes should be recommended, in addition, it is necessary to control other cardiovascular risk factors properly.
.....In a 20-year follow up study, the researchers compared death rates from ischemic heart disease in 205 patients newly diagnosed with diabetes and 205 matched subjects without diabetes at the outset.
.....The researchers report in the European Heart Journal that diabetic patients had nearly a two-fold greater risk of dying compared to nondiabetic patients.
.....The risk for death from ischemic heart disease was four times higher in diabetic subjects with poor long-term blood sugar control compared to the control group, whereas in diabetes patients with "reasonably good" blood sugar control the risk was almost the same as in subjects without diabetes.
.....These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that good glucose control reduces the risk of coronary complications in patients with diabetes.

Good Hand-Washing Techniques
.....Infectious diseases that are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact include the common cold and flu. While most people will get over a cold, the flu can be much more serious. Some people with the flu, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical problems, can develop pneumonia. Despite the proven benefits of hand washing, many people don't practice this habit on an everyday basis. Effective hand-washing techniques include washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Proper hand washing with soap and water
Follow these instructions for washing with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap. Lather well.
• Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
• Scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
• Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

Proper hand washing with soap and water
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to hand washing, particularly when soap and water aren't available. They're actually more effective than soap and water in killing bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Commercially prepared hand sanitizers contain ingredients that help prevent skin dryness. Using these products can result in less skin dryness and irritation than hand washing.

Not all hand sanitizers are created equal, though.
omega3Some "waterless" hand sanitizers don't contain alcohol. Use only the alcohol-based products. Choose products that contain at least 60 percent alcohol.


Proper hand washing with soap and water
• Apply about 1/2 teaspoon of the product to the palm of your hand.
• Rub your hands together, covering all
surfaces of your hands, until they're dry.