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Supporting a Diabetic Teenager: What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know

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Diabetes (Type I or II) is a health condition that modern society is all too familiar with. It is a chronic metabolic disease in which the patient’s blood glucose is too high. This condition is caused due to insufficient insulin production by the pancreas.

In some cases, the patient’s body may not be using up the insulin effectively. Generally, diabetes is considered to be a disease of the aged. Older and middle-aged adults are at most risk of developing this disorder. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes affects nearly 422 million people worldwide. 

This disease leads to millions of deaths every year. What’s even worse is that it is no longer an age-related condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the youth (aged 20 years and younger) are developing diabetes.

This is a growing problem (which needs to be addressed at the earliest). Do you have a teenager/adolescent who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes? If yes, we understand how stressful and overwhelming the whole thing can be.

As a caregiver, your teen will lean on you for support. In this article, we will discuss four ways parents/caregivers can help their diabetic teen to successfully manage the condition.

Dramatic Surge in Diabetes among the Youth

The most important question is whether young people can develop a condition as serious as diabetes. It is predominantly a lifestyle disease, which means it is most likely to affect people with a highly sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices, and lack of regular exercise.

This may not always be the case, as some genetic factors can also contribute to the onset. Largely, it is difficult to box diabetes into a certain age barrier. Though considered to be a disease of aging, this condition has affected the youth significantly.

The CDC reveals a study conducted to observe the increasing rate of diabetes among young people (aged 20 and under). Besides the current status, the study helped predict the possible trend for 2060 based on mathematical models.

It was found that at the current rate, Type I cases would remain the same in the upcoming years, but Type II cases would rise by 70%. However, if new diabetes cases among the youth continue to rise (as they have in recent years), Type I cases would increase by 65% and Type II by 700%. This is shocking, to say the least.

In the overall analysis, it is believed that we may see more and more young people developing this condition in the next 40 years. The average age of diabetes diagnosis among the youth is found to be 13 years. One can only imagine the scenario if this trend remains, or worse yet, continues to rise.

How Parents/Caregivers Can Extend Support for Disease Management

If your teen has been diagnosed with diabetes, it is natural to feel helpless and overwhelmed. Let’s start by clarifying that medical science does not deem diabetes to be curable. However, it can be managed well with a good prognosis through dietary and lifestyle changes, weight management, etc.

Now, we will look at four effective ways in which you can support your teen’s disease management journey.

Avoid the Blame + Shame Route

It cannot be stressed enough that the first step in the road to diabetes management begins with creating a safe and non-judgmental space for your teen. Being as young as they are, such a diagnosis can carry with it a lot of shame (especially if poor lifestyle choices are the cause).

Refrain from treating their blood sugar number as a constant grade system. As much as you want to fix their problem, choose the route of empathy and compassion first. Let them vent and acknowledge the fact that this disease takes a toll on one’s mood.

Simply asking them what you can do to support them better will go a long way. Keep in mind that what feels like support to one person may not be so to another. So, let your teen steer the ship and listen to their needs closely.

Seek Professional Help

As the primary caregiver and supporter, you need to educate yourself about the disease. However, this happens best with the help of a professional healthcare team. The best part is that you do not need a physician to monitor progress at all times.

Nurse practitioners with a post-master’s FNP certificate online or offline are exclusively trained in chronic lifestyle disease management. Two key areas of focus for these healthcare professionals are patient education and preventative care.

In the case of your teen, they will educate you on the necessary steps to take for optimal health. According to Carson-Newman University, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are skilled at holistic advanced nursing and will assess any lifestyle behaviors or genetic factors that may contribute to this illness.

They will keep track of progress, glycemic control, meal planning, and exercise to keep blood glucose levels under check, prevent complications, and manage weight effectively.

Become Healthier Together as a Family

In many cases, it is found that a young person’s poor lifestyle choices are simply an extension of their family. This means you must take a long hard look at everyone’s dietary choices (not just your teen).

An example would be the refrigerator being stocked with soda cans and other sugary drinks. If your adolescent watches you consume all that junk regularly, it is less likely that they will want to eat or drink healthier for disease management.

It’s time to make a healthy lifestyle a team effort. Whether at home or dining outside, make it a practice to choose nutritious food options. Also, look up some delicious diabetic-friendly recipes online and prepare them together as a family. Throw out all food items that have a high amount of sugar (and artificial ingredients).

Also, plan a fun outing that involves a lot of jogging, running, and playing. When your teenager sees that all family members are participating in a healthier lifestyle (albeit in a fun way), they will feel encouraged to join in.

Celebrate the Wins (Big + Small)

We understand that supporting a teenager in diabetes management can be stressful and exhausting, to say the least. This only goes on to show how much more overwhelming it will be for the one suffering from it.

Your teen needs the constant reassurance that every little effort they make towards recovery matters. So, waste no time and celebrate all their milestones (no matter how big or small). Perhaps they were able to go a week without consuming their favorite sports beverage – give them a high-five for it!

Nothing will motivate them to keep pressing forward than knowing that you’re their biggest cheerleader. Speaking to them with optimism and respect will build their self-esteem and encourage them to make more positive changes.

Finally, there will be times when mere listening will not yield the desired results. For instance – you may observe some atypical changes in your teen’s weight, appetite, energy levels, or mood. When that’s the case, express your concerns in a non-judgmental way.

An example would be asking them to join in any enjoyable activity when you find them isolating themselves or becoming depressed. Something as fun as hiking or a family movie should help lift their spirits.

Finally, it is vital for you as the caregiver to manage stress, eat well, and take plenty of rest. Do not hesitate to ask for family or professional help if the going gets rough. Parents and their teens aren’t perfect, and that’s perfectly alright. Do your best, celebrate the victories, and keep moving forward. It’s all about taking it one day at a time.

The post Supporting a Diabetic Teenager: What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know appeared first on United Patients Group.



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Can CBD Help With An Overactive Bladder

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From watching a movie, going to live sports or performances to car trip, the frequent need to go can disrupt day to day life in big and little ways. Over 33 million Canadians and Americans live with overactive bladder disease (OAB).  While not as life-threating as other issues, it can make like miserable.  Having OAB, or spastic bladder, is so big over $3 billion is spent annually trying to help those who suffer. The two key medicines often prescribed have rough side effects, so can CBD help with an overactive bladder?

RELATED: Does Smoking Marijuana Decrease The Development Of Bladder Cancer?

Symptoms include frequent urination (8+ times in 24 hours) and a a sudden hard to control urge to go.  Another is getting up more than twice in the night to head to the bathroom. It is normal to go once a night in your 40s and 50s, twice a night in your 60s and 70s and even two to three times a night in your 80s and beyond. But waking up too often in the night can keep you from getting enough sleep and is sometimes a sign of a health condition.

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Photo by Anderson Rian via Unsplash

CBD can help in certain situations.  Aside from the natural aging process, causes of OAB including menopause, an enlarged prostate, neurologic disease and smoking.  Short term causes can include drinking too many fluids, caffeine, and spicy foods.  CBD can help in some of the root issues.

CBD can have an impact on the signals between your brain and bladder. If it’s a signaling disconnect (neurologic) causing the detrusor muscle to spasm and contract erratically, cannabinoids may help reduce the number of misfires that make your bladder run on overdrive.

RELATED: How Medical Marijuana Helps With Overactive Bladder

Researchers have found the body has receptors for the cannabinoids CB1 and CB2 in the brain and bladder, as well as in other parts of the body. CB1, and to a lesser extent CB2, work at various levels on the detrusor muscles. Research is pointing toward the conclusion that CB1 receptors do have an impact on urination, and their manipulation with cannabinoids from marijuana has promise for treating OAB.

CBD can help regulate the body’s inflammatory response and reduce neuroinflammation, thus reducing the need to go. Neuroinflammation, in particular, is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions can involve an increased risk of overactive bladder.

It is always wise to work with a trained health care provider on frequency and dosage amounts.



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These 5 Woman Are Changing 4/20

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The marijuana industry is still driven by men – but these 5 woman are changing 4/20 and upending the industry by focusing on the future.

Since it started becoming legal, the marijuana industry has been filled with bros trying to run everything.  Some smart, some shysters – they have had an oversized say in the direction of where legal marijuana is going.  But woman are having a moment, and a huge impact in the millions of newly legal consumers.  Be it in imagine, politics, or products, woman are making game changing changes on how cannabis is mainstreaming.  When 4/20 started in, the landscape was way different, the 5 woman are changing 4/20 today to a bigger, more mainstream celebration.

RELATED: Can Marijuana Consumers Donate Blood

Nancy Whitman

Nancy Whitman

Nancy co-founded Wana Brands in 2010, elevating it from her kitchen to an international cannabis edible powerhouse. With North America’s largest distribution footprint, it is a top international brand available in 17 U.S. states, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico and nine Canadian provinces and territories, generating close to $300 million in retail sales annually across more than 3,000 dispensaries.

As a pioneer in the legal cannabis market, she has shown again and again commitment to research and crafting safe, innovative products. She understands the millions of canna-newbies who is looking for something to pair perfectly with the their non-stoner lifestyle.  Under her leadership, Wana was acquired by Canopy Grow, which is owned in part by alcohol behemoth Constellation.

Nancy’s inclusive vision led to an executive team that is 70% female, a rarity in the industry and reflective of her dedication to diversity. Her unique insights have given Wana an advantage as she understand the average consumer, which makes up the bulk of the market.

Senator Patty Murray

Sen. Patty Murray
Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

In the old boys club of Congress, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has risen in the ranks thanks to a willingness to focus on a solving problems, thinking of the average citizen and wielding her knowledge and strength.  As the third most powerful person in the Senate, she is working with Senate Leader Schumer (D-NY) and a bipartisian group to make significant inroads into federal marijuana policy. Long a champion of veterans, this will benefits those who have served who suffer from PSTD.

Shawna Seldon McGregor

Shawna

In a sometimes rough and tumble industry with some wacky players, it is good to have a public relations firm you can trust. Mirroring the mainstream industry, Maverick PR, has helped the industry move past the old stoner, bro imagine and move into today. Founded by Shawna Weldon McGregor, she has become the consul to industry executives and a media whisper to keep the good players growing. Shawna’s ability to make marijuana messaging mainstream has been a hallmark of her career. Since the inception of adult use in Colorado, she has led effective publicity campaigns for top brands including Wana, Native Roots, Deep Roots Harvest and Botani.  Trusted by leaders, she has been able to understand and guide companies into changes like California sober.  Her understand of consumers and media has been invaluable to leaders.

Debra Borchardt

Debra Borchardt

Debra Brochardt was a respected media voice on Wall Street when she jumped in the marijuana world founding Green Market Report. Premiering at time when the industry was still shady and, as one executive said, people would come to meetings and put a gun down, she brought reason and truth to the table. Known for her straight reporting, she has taken on corruption, crazy leaders, and complicated financial deals. Venerable media company, Crains, recognizing the growth of market, acquired the asset and has only helped Brochardt reach her vision. Highlighting legit good companies, Green Market Report has become a must read for investors, politicians, and executives.

RELATED: California or New York, Which Has The Biggest Marijuana Mess

Pamela Hart

Pamela Hart

With a talent for organization and building infrastructures, Hart jumped into the industry in 2015. Seeing an opportunity to be build infrastructures and platforms she brought her management skills to a variety of companies. As COO of Keneh Ventures She has helped review, fund and partial advisement for some of the investments including GoFire and AI startup WeDream World. Understanding the mainstream appeal, she has been a champion of Cannabition, a state of the art cannabis immersive experience opening next to Planet 13 in Las Vegas. She now has added Managing partner and operations manager of the exhibition alongside her other duties. She shared over the last 8 years the priorities of entrepreneurs and investors have matured as the market for cannabis has grown and become accepted by the general population. 



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7 Suggestions To Celebrate 4/20

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The cannabis world has changed since 1971 when five students in California coined the phrase 4/20. They used a treasure map to hunt for an abandoned marijuana crop, but today Canada, 24 states, DC and more have legal dispensaries peppering the big and small towns. Since then, the movement and public opinion has done a 180 with 85% of the public believing marijuana should be legal in some form. Fox covers the cannabis industry in their business news and even the President mentioned it in his State of the Union Address.

RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

From sneaking around and trying to keep cool, to the new trend of California sober, cannabis has had a make over worthy of any streaming service. DIY Queen Martha Stewart helped move marijuana to the mainstream. Aside from a few politicians who want nanny states, the public is more curious the concerned.  According to BDSA, a leading analytical firm which covers cannabis, 49% of people who consume cannabis have done it with a gummy.  Dispensary bought goods are a thing.  Healthier than alcohol, Gen Z has drifted away from booze and are settling into weed. To mark the acceptance here are 7 suggestions to celebrate 4/20.

Photo by coffeekai/Getty Images

Coffee wake and bake

Kick off the day with a little something special in your coffee. This combination of the energizing effects of caffeine and the relaxing effects of cannabis can provide a unique and enjoyable experience which starts your day in a good mood. Excellent for the canna-newbie or the seasoned consumer – start with a low dose of 2.5mg.

Share the joy

With all of Canada and over 50% of the country having access to legal weed – now is the time to maybe do a mini treat bag, a simple gift or an edible exchange.  You can take some cute tiny bags and drop one or two edibles in and share it with friends who may be curious.   Most edibles and gummies come in packs of 10 – why not grab a couple of extra and share them people who may have asked about it or who really need to chill.

Do something meaningful

The stigma has faded so why not embrace the spirit of the stoner and do something for your fellow man. Donating blood is a great way to make an impact, get a free cookie and help out. Another way is to mix up your dispensary choice to see who is doing something for the community on 4/20.

Learn how to roll the perfect joints

Something interesting and fun you can try out is learning how to roll joints. While there are hundreds of tutorials out there (and this helpful guide), here is one which will help you hone your craft.

Watch some stoner movies

If you want to chill and maybe have some self care, snacks, me time, why not snuggle in for a movie night. Here’s a list of recommendations.

Have a dance party

study claims that there are dance moves that are scientifically sexy
Photo by Brooke Cagle via Unsplash

A dance party can be for 1, 2, 10 or 100…your choice! Take time to let your body move – be it alone in the kitchen, a tango for two leading to the bedroom (wink wink) or invite a few friends or go to a club, meet up or head something where your feet, body, mind and music meld into motion.

Take advantage of the 4/20

Some dispensaries have great sales, merchandise, music and more. Maybe take a retail tour so see what is up for the holiday – you could save a few bucks!



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