March 2011

SEVERE HYPERGLYCEMIA: INSULIN-TREATED DIABETES

Theoretically, all blood glucose levels above the normal range represent hyperglycemia. The occasional value outside this range is no cause for concern. This section is about very high blood glucose levels, persistent values above 13 mmol/1 (234 mg/dl) or frequent readings of 22 mmol/1 (396 mg/dl) or more. There are many reasons for high blood [...]

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND EXERCISES: GUIDELINES FOR SPECIFIC AEROBIC EXERCISE

Swimming or aquatic therapy Roxanne McNeal, president of the Aquatic Therapy Services in Abington, Maryland, has the following advice: •   Pool temperatures of 92° to 98° F are suitable for range-of-motion and stretching exercises but not for active aerobics. •   Pool temperatures of 82° to 86° F are best for aerobic exercise; aerobics [...]

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been with us since our earliest recorded days on earth. In spite of our best efforts to eradicate them, prevent them, and control their spread, they continue to increase, affecting millions more Americans than previously thought, according to the first new STI estimate in a decade. Today, there are more [...]