Useful Info (Original Patient Education) JASE Medical - Page 16

June is Mens Health Month – Men, Take Charge of Your Health!

In 1994 legislation was passed to observe, Men’s Health Week, which starts the week before and includes Fathers Day. The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Soon after Mens Health Week was passed, legislation to observe the month of June as International Mens Health Month was passed.

Why a Mens Health Week/Month?

Men are less likely than women to follow through with preventative screenings that could be lifesaving. The two leading causes of death in men across all races and origins are heart disease and cancer, according to a 2021 CDC report. Nearly one quarter of deaths in men are due to heart disease, and one in 5 is due to cancer. Other leading causes of death are Covid 19, accidents, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis.

Men: (CDC statistics)

  • 2% of men aged 18 and over in fair or poor health (2021)
  • 9% of men aged 18 and over who had five or more drinks in 1 day at least once in the past year.
  • 3% of men aged 18 and over who met the 2018 federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.
  • 9% (2015-2018) of men aged 20 and over with hypertension (measured high blood pressure and/or taking antihypertensive medication)

Reasons men don’t have regular checkups

A 2019 Cleveland Clinic survey highlights reasons that men don’t seek medical care. In addition to traditional masculine roles (just tough it out), only 50% of men surveyed consider having regular checkups as a part of taking care of themselves. Over half- 61% would be more likely to see a healthcare provider if it was more convenient. –  virtual visits, scheduling appointments outside of work hours. In addition, 46% of men are most uncomfortable talking to their doctors about sex-related concerns.

Early intervention saves lives-

Check out this downloadable PDF of checkup and screening guidelines for men.

Even if you don’t feel sick, it is important to have regular checkups. Play an active role in your health.

  • High blood pressure, dubbed “the silent killer”, is a precursor to many heart related diseases. High blood pressure can present with no symptoms until a heart attack or stroke reveals the underlying cause. Not having regular checkups can put a man at risk.
  • In addition, cancer screenings, especially prostate cancer is easily treatable when caught early.
  • Along with early intervention, maintaining strong relationships with family, friends and social networks provides a buffer from the stressors of life. Stress, especially chronic stress has been linked to a rising incidence in cancer (reduces NK-natural killer cells in immune system), hardening of the arteries leading to atherosclerosis, diabetes, and psychiatric illnesses.
  • Adopt a healthy lifestyle. If you smoke and are having a hard time stopping, talk with your doctor about strategies and medications that may help.
  • Regular exercise= 30 minutes daily, along with a healthy diet can dramatically reduce many chronic diseases, especially heart disease.
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Maintain or if overweight get to a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider for guidance if you are overweight.
  • Don’t let your medication supply run out. Keep well stocked up on lifesaving medications and consider Jase Daily for a year’s supply of chronic medications. The recent drug shortages and supply chain disruptions we are currently experiencing aren’t going away anytime soon.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Is intermittent Fasting Good for Weight Loss?

Over the past decade, intermittent fasting, also known as time restricted fasting, has gained popularity as a way to lose weight and mitigate health risks. Some of this is true, however as with all things that seem too good to be true there are a few things that intermittent fasting can do and a few things it can’t do.

Before you jump on the intermittent fasting bandwagon for either health or weight loss related reasons there are a few things to consider. It is true that intermittent fasting can help lower insulin levels and regulate blood sugar. It can help with appetite suppression and accelerate healing and lower inflammation. However, intermittent fasting isn’t for everyone. As far as weight loss is concerned, consistent lifestyle changes over a period of time, along with time restricted eating schedule has proven to help with weight reduction.

Terms

Leptin– Leptin is known as the appetite suppressant hormone. It is secreted by fat cells in response to an increase in insulin. In a healthy feedback loop, leptin decreases hunger.

InsulinInsulin is released by beta cells in the pancreas in response to increased blood glucose levels. In a healthy feedback loop, insulin acts like a gatekeeper by attaching to cells and allowing glucose into the cell, thereby providing energy to the cell.

GhrelinGhrelin, also known as the hunger hormone, is primarily secreted in the stomach and gastrointestinal when your stomach is empty. It tells your brain you are hungry. It also regulates insulin secretion and has a role in reducing energy expenditure. Research continues to discover many other roles that ghrelin plays in the body.

Incretin- Incretin hormones are gut peptides that are secreted after nutrient intake and stimulate insulin secretion together with hyperglycemia. GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) und GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) are the known incretin hormones from the upper (GIP, K cells) and lower (GLP-1, L cells) gut.

The healthy leptin insulin feedback loop

In a healthy feedback loop, insulin levels rise due to food intake (which increases blood glucose), triggering fat cells to release leptin. Leptin reduces appetite. In turn, less or no food is eaten, resulting in lower blood glucose, which stabilizes insulin levels.

The unhealthy feedback loop

Persistent high levels of leptin cause cells to not be receptive to the effects of leptin. You continue to be hungry. The leptin, which is stored in your fat cells, doesn’t respond to feelings of satiety and you continue to be hungry. Insulin resistance is caused by persistent high levels of insulin. Cells don’t have gatekeepers(insulin)that allow glucose(energy) into the cell. This results in high circulating blood glucose levels.

 

Understanding the body weight thermostat

In a healthy feedback loop, the body weight thermostat sets the metabolism by the balance of the insulin-leptin feedback loop. Leptin goes up (reduce hunger) in response to rising insulin levels. This in turn lowers insulin levels because you aren’t eating. In this example, healthy body weight is maintained.

However, the body weight thermostat can malfunction. This happens when increased insulin levels- insulin levels that are increased over a period of months or years, cause insulin resistance. This results in weight gain.

Intermittent fasting/time restricted eating can balance insulin and blood sugar levels- if done right

Insulin is a primary driver of weight gain in many individuals. Correcting the imbalance through diet, exercise, reduced stress, and good quality sleep can reverse insulin and leptin resistance. It takes time, perseverance, education and planning to achieve optimum health and weight.

Talk with your healthcare provider before starting any time restricted fasting. Children, endurance athletes, underweight people, and women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid intermittent fasting.

Fasting benefits and considerations

How and when to fast

Research shows that a 16 hour fast with 8 hour eating schedule provides the body with enough time to reset insulin levels, reduce inflammation and help the body turn fat into energy in a process called ketosis. However, it can take a while to get to that eating window. Many people start with a 10 hour fast and gradually work up to the 16/8 schedule. However, there are many ways to do intermittent fasting. Some do alternate days fasting, others have a more time restrictive fasting window. It all depends on your schedule and health status.

There are many benefits to intermittent fasting. During a state of fasting the body has energy to repair since energy isn’t being used for digestion. In addition, human growth hormone (HGH) increases dramatically, which can facilitate fat burning. Inflammatory markers, which cause many health-related problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. Increases levels of BDNF, a brain hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in which a deficiency has been implicated in depression and other psychiatric illnesses.

Fasting increases OGT enzyme

New research out of Yale University discovered an enzyme (OGT) produced in the hypothalamic region of the brain regulates the body’s homeostatic set point body weight and lipid metabolism. The enzyme, OGT, significantly increased after 24 hour fasting period in mice, leading researchers to speculate this enzyme may have use in obesity prevention.

Intermittent fasting, cortisol, and stress

Any type of stress the body experiences- whether emotional or physical increases cortisol levels.

Cortisol prepares your body to deal with stressful situations by diverting resources, such as blood sugar or glucose, to give your body the energy it needs to respond to a stressor or crisis. Cortisol raises blood sugar levels, even during periods of fasting. This can lead to storing more fat, Once the body adjusts to time restricted eating, many of these stressors will more than likely start to disappear.

Intermittent fasting and thyroid hormones

The thyroid gland, releases several hormones that regulate metabolism. Intermittent fasting can lower T3 and T4 levels, which can actually lead to weight gain. This is usually solved by a gradual lengthening of the fasting period. Since the thyroid hormone needs glucose to convert from inactive to active hormones (T4 to T3) the transition to using ketones as fuel (which form after extended time of fasting) can be a challenge. Seek professional guidance when dealing with thyroid dysfunction, either hypo or hyperthroid.

Effects of Intermittent Fasting on reproductive hormones

Hypothalamic Kisspeptin neurons and their receptors are involved with puberty and reproductive hormone regulation. During fasting, these hormones are decreased and can affect fertility.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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What is Insulin Resistance?

To understand what insulin resistance is, we first need to look at what insulin is and what it does.

Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by beta cells of the pancreas. The pancreas is located under the left rib cage and extends slightly to the right. The pancreas releases insulin in response to consuming carbohydrate rich foods, especially when high in simple sugars.

The lock and key gatekeeping loop

Once insulin is released into the bloodstream, it travels to cells throughout the body where it binds to special cell receptors called glucose transporters. These cell receptors act as the gatekeeper for glucose to enter the cells. Once insulin binds to these receptors it “unlocks” the cell, allowing glucose to enter the cell, providing energy for the cell. Depending on what part of the body they are located in, there are 14 different glucose transporters that have been identified. These transporters are responsible for signaling the pancreas to stop releasing insulin when no longer needed. This is called a feedback loop.

The image below shows how one of the receptors does its job- GLUT4 transport receptor

Defective or decreased insulin receptors causes insulin resistance (AKA impaired insulin sensitivity).

Mild insulin resistance (fasting glucose of 100–125 milligrams per deciliter and/or an A1C of 5.7% to 6.4%) is usually caused by decreased insulin receptors. This is also called prediabetes. About 34% of middle-aged adults in the U.S. fall in this category.

Severe insulin resistance, also known as type 2 diabetes, (fasting insulin levels above 50–70 μU/mL or levels that exceed 350 μU/mL after an oral glucose tolerance test) is caused by both decreased insulin receptors and defective receptors.  

The development of insulin resistance typically increases insulin production (hyperinsulinemia) so your body can maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Elevated levels of insulin can result in weight gain, which, in turn, makes insulin resistance worse.

When blood glucose is excessive, the body converts it into glycogen where it is stored mostly in muscle and liver for energy when glucose isn’t readily available. When the glycogen stores are needed, enzymes release and convert the glycogen back to readily available glucose for the cells to use.

Signs of insulin resistance

(In addition to high insulin levels, and elevated blood glucose testing levels)

There is no definite test for insulin resistance that is affordable and easy to test– most testing is done in research facilities. Instead, practitioners rely on a series of labs to determine insulin resistance.

  • High triglyceride levels.
  • High LDL (bad cholesterol)
  • Low HDL (good cholesterol)
  • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance syndrome is a group of conditions- obesity, high blood pressure, high blood triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol and insulin resistance that raise your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other serious complications.

Causes of insulin resistance

Insulin resistance can affect anyone, and it can be temporary especially if you are under stress or taking corticosteroid medication.

Other risk factors include: (taken from CDC website)

  • overweight or obesity
  • age 45 or older
  • a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
  • African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander American ethnicity
  • physical inactivity
  • health conditions such as high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels
  • a history of gestational diabetes
  • a history of heart disease or stroke
  • polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS
  • certain medicines, such as glucocorticoids NIH external link, some antipsychotics, and some medicines for HIV
  • hormonal disorders, such as Cushing’s syndrome and acromegaly
  • sleep problems, especially sleep apnea

How to reverse insulin resistance

Check with your care provider before starting any lifestyle or dietary changes

  • Increase physical activity- any activity that gets heart rate up increases insulin sensitivity.
  • Consider intermittent fasting– In conjunction with a healthy diet, stress reduction, and physical activity, intermittent fasting has proven to increase insulin sensitivity and regulate glucose metabolism
  • Lower carbohydrate intake- Talk with your care provider or a dietician about ways to lower carbohydrate intake. Work with them to put together a workable, realistic meal plan
  • Reduce stress-In addition to avoiding stressful situations, and media that may prove upsetting try deep breathing exercises– proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Get good quality sleep- Practice sleep hygiene– shut off blue light emitting screens, turn off wifi (known to decrease melatonin production and increase norepinephrine- the fight or flight hormone- production)

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

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Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Cellulitis can be Life Threatening

If no medical care is available-Do all members of your family have a Jase Case?

Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie, recently posted on Instagram that she had to go to the hospital. 2 days prior, an insect bit her arm. The bite had turned red, swollen, and hot to touch. Her doctor told her to go to the ER, where she was diagnosed with cellulitis. She was put on a IV of antibiotics, Benadryl and Acetaminophen.

Years back, when I worked in a family practice clinic, I received a phone call from one of our patients, a single mom, who was camping with her 4 children outside of Disneyland. (Back then they had camping, more affordable than the hotels.) She had just spent the last 3 days going to the local walk-in clinic where she received IV antibiotics for cellulitis. She went on to tell me that she had saved for years to go on this vacation with her kids by selling Avon to finance the trip. The last Avon order had come in right before her trip. In her excitement to get orders to her customers she ripped open the box, and in doing so cardboard fibers lodged under her thumb. She removed the fibers, but the area had remained very red and swollen. She ignored the injury and went on the planned vacation, where she ended up seeking medical attention for what seemed at the time like a minor injury.

What is cellulitis and what to do if medical attention isn’t readily available?

Cellulitis is a serious infection that spreads to surrounding tissue from a break in the skin. It usually occurs around the arms and legs but can be found in other areas of the body as well. Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes), is the most common bacteria that causes cellulitis; however, staphylococcus bacteria can also cause cellulitis.

The bacteria enter through breaks in the skin through:

  • Cuts, bites (insect, spider animal)
  • Tattoos, piercings
  • Chronic skin conditions that compromise skin integrity and the protective barrier- eczema, athletes foot
  • Chickenpox, shingles-blisters pop which leaves skin vulnerable to infection
  • Chronic edema in lower extremities resulting in skin breakdown
  • Injection drug use and
  • Puncture wounds

Symptoms include

  • Area surrounding the wound – redness, swelling, pain and areas are warm to touch
  • Malaise, fatigue
  • In more advanced cases fever, swollen lymph glands, and elevated white blood cell count
  • If untreated it can lead to sepsis, amputation and even death.
  • Redness and swelling usually spreads rapidly-within hours

How diagnosed

Diagnosis is usually through patient history and inspection of the affected area. Wound cultures, etc. are not indicated unless unusual pathogens are suspected.

What if you suspect cellulitis?

Cellulitis can spread rapidly, within a matter of hours. If medical care is available, don’t delay. If caught in time, oral antibiotics can stop the spread in most cases. Warm compresses can help bring infection fighting cells to the area. Apply moist, warm compresses for 20 minutes up to 5 times a day along with seeking medical care.

If in doubt if cellulitis and symptoms (pain, swelling, redness) are mild: Take a marker and draw a line around the edge of the red, swollen area. Check every hour. If the redness spreads outside the boundary, seek immediate medical attention. In addition, if there is any change, necrosis (dead tissue, sometimes black) or any other types of skin breakdown, fever, chills, confusion, dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.

The following images are courtesy of NHS

TESTIf no medical care is available-Do all members of your family have a Jase Case?

Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie, recently posted on Instagram that she had to go to the hospital. 2 days prior, an insect bit her arm. The bite had turned red, swollen, and hot to touch. Her doctor told her to go to the ER, where she was diagnosed with cellulitis. She was put on a IV of antibiotics, Benadryl and Acetaminophen.

Years back, when I worked in a family practice clinic, I received a phone call from one of our patients, a single mom, who was camping with her 4 children outside of Disneyland. (Back then they had camping, more affordable than the hotels.) She had just spent the last 3 days going to the local walk-in clinic where she received IV antibiotics for cellulitis. She went on to tell me that she had saved for years to go on this vacation with her kids by selling Avon to finance the trip. The last Avon order had come in right before her trip. In her excitement to get orders to her customers she ripped open the box, and in doing so cardboard fibers lodged under her thumb. She removed the fibers, but the area had remained very red and swollen. She ignored the injury and went on the planned vacation, where she ended up seeking medical attention for what seemed at the time like a minor injury.

What is cellulitis and what to do if medical attention isn’t readily available?

Cellulitis is a serious infection that spreads to surrounding tissue from a break in the skin. It usually occurs around the arms and legs but can be found in other areas of the body as well. Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes), is the most common bacteria that causes cellulitis; however, staphylococcus bacteria can also cause cellulitis.

The bacteria enter through breaks in the skin through:

  • Cuts, bites (insect, spider animal)
  • Tattoos, piercings
  • Chronic skin conditions that compromise skin integrity and the protective barrier- eczema, athletes foot
  • Chickenpox, shingles-blisters pop which leaves skin vulnerable to infection
  • Chronic edema in lower extremities resulting in skin breakdown
  • Injection drug use and
  • Puncture wounds

Symptoms include

  • Area surrounding the wound – redness, swelling, pain and areas are warm to touch
  • Malaise, fatigue
  • In more advanced cases fever, swollen lymph glands, and elevated white blood cell count
  • If untreated it can lead to sepsis, amputation and even death.
  • Redness and swelling usually spreads rapidly-within hours

How diagnosed

Diagnosis is usually through patient history and inspection of the affected area. Wound cultures, etc. are not indicated unless unusual pathogens are suspected.

What if you suspect cellulitis?

Cellulitis can spread rapidly, within a matter of hours. If medical care is available, don’t delay. If caught in time, oral antibiotics can stop the spread in most cases. Warm compresses can help bring infection fighting cells to the area. Apply moist, warm compresses for 20 minutes up to 5 times a day along with seeking medical care.

If in doubt if cellulitis and symptoms (pain, swelling, redness) are mild: Take a marker and draw a line around the edge of the red, swollen area. Check every hour. If the redness spreads outside the boundary, seek immediate medical attention. In addition, if there is any change, necrosis (dead tissue, sometimes black) or any other types of skin breakdown, fever, chills, confusion, dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.

The following images are courtesy of NHS

If no medical care is available-TESTDo all members of your family have a Jase Case?

Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie, recently posted on Instagram that she had to go to the hospital. 2 days prior, an insect bit her arm. The bite had turned red, swollen, and hot to touch. Her doctor told her to go to the ER, where she was diagnosed with cellulitis. She was put on a IV of antibiotics, Benadryl and Acetaminophen.

Years back, when I worked in a family practice clinic, I received a phone call from one of our patients, a single mom, who was camping with her 4 children outside of Disneyland. (Back then they had camping, more affordable than the hotels.) She had just spent the last 3 days going to the local walk-in clinic where she received IV antibiotics for cellulitis. She went on to tell me that she had saved for years to go on this vacation with her kids by selling Avon to finance the trip. The last Avon order had come in right before her trip. In her excitement to get orders to her customers she ripped open the box, and in doing so cardboard fibers lodged under her thumb. She removed the fibers, but the area had remained very red and swollen. She ignored the injury and went on the planned vacation, where she ended up seeking medical attention for what seemed at the time like a minor injury.

What is cellulitis and what to do if medical attention isn’t readily available?

Cellulitis is a serious infection that spreads to surrounding tissue from a break in the skin. It usually occurs around the arms and legs but can be found in other areas of the body as well. Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes), is the most common bacteria that causes cellulitis; however, staphylococcus bacteria can also cause cellulitis.

The bacteria enter through breaks in the skin through:

  • Cuts, bites (insect, spider animal)
  • Tattoos, piercings
  • Chronic skin conditions that compromise skin integrity and the protective barrier- eczema, athletes foot
  • Chickenpox, shingles-blisters pop which leaves skin vulnerable to infection
  • Chronic edema in lower extremities resulting in skin breakdown
  • Injection drug use and
  • Puncture wounds

Symptoms include

  • Area surrounding the wound – redness, swelling, pain and areas are warm to touch
  • Malaise, fatigue
  • In more advanced cases fever, swollen lymph glands, and elevated white blood cell count
  • If untreated it can lead to sepsis, amputation and even death.
  • Redness and swelling usually spreads rapidly-within hours

How diagnosed

Diagnosis is usually through patient history and inspection of the affected area. Wound cultures, etc. are not indicated unless unusual pathogens are suspected.

What if you suspect cellulitis?

Cellulitis can spread rapidly, within a matter of hours. If medical care is available, don’t delay. If caught in time, oral antibiotics can stop the spread in most cases. Warm compresses can help bring infection fighting cells to the area. Apply moist, warm compresses for 20 minutes up to 5 times a day along with seeking medical care.

If in doubt if cellulitis and symptoms (pain, swelling, redness) are mild: Take a marker and draw a line around the edge of the red, swollen area. Check every hour. If the redness spreads outside the boundary, seek immediate medical attention. In addition, if there is any change, necrosis (dead tissue, sometimes black) or any other types of skin breakdown, fever, chills, confusion, dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.

The following images are courtesy of NHS

If no medical care is available-TESTDo all members of your family have a Jase Case?

Melissa Gilbert of Little House on the Prairie, recently posted on Instagram that she had to go to the hospital. 2 days prior, an insect bit her arm. The bite had turned red, swollen, and hot to touch. Her doctor told her to go to the ER, where she was diagnosed with cellulitis. She was put on a IV of antibiotics, Benadryl and Acetaminophen.

Years back, when I worked in a family practice clinic, I received a phone call from one of our patients, a single mom, who was camping with her 4 children outside of Disneyland. (Back then they had camping, more affordable than the hotels.) She had just spent the last 3 days going to the local walk-in clinic where she received IV antibiotics for cellulitis. She went on to tell me that she had saved for years to go on this vacation with her kids by selling Avon to finance the trip. The last Avon order had come in right before her trip. In her excitement to get orders to her customers she ripped open the box, and in doing so cardboard fibers lodged under her thumb. She removed the fibers, but the area had remained very red and swollen. She ignored the injury and went on the planned vacation, where she ended up seeking medical attention for what seemed at the time like a minor injury.

What is cellulitis and what to do if medical attention isn’t readily available?

Cellulitis is a serious infection that spreads to surrounding tissue from a break in the skin. It usually occurs around the arms and legs but can be found in other areas of the body as well. Group A Streptococcus (S. pyogenes), is the most common bacteria that causes cellulitis; however, staphylococcus bacteria can also cause cellulitis.

The bacteria enter through breaks in the skin through:

  • Cuts, bites (insect, spider animal)
  • Tattoos, piercings
  • Chronic skin conditions that compromise skin integrity and the protective barrier- eczema, athletes foot
  • Chickenpox, shingles-blisters pop which leaves skin vulnerable to infection
  • Chronic edema in lower extremities resulting in skin breakdown
  • Injection drug use and
  • Puncture wounds

Symptoms include

  • Area surrounding the wound – redness, swelling, pain and areas are warm to touch
  • Malaise, fatigue
  • In more advanced cases fever, swollen lymph glands, and elevated white blood cell count
  • If untreated it can lead to sepsis, amputation and even death.
  • Redness and swelling usually spreads rapidly-within hours

How diagnosed

Diagnosis is usually through patient history and inspection of the affected area. Wound cultures, etc. are not indicated unless unusual pathogens are suspected.

What if you suspect cellulitis?

Cellulitis can spread rapidly, within a matter of hours. If medical care is available, don’t delay. If caught in time, oral antibiotics can stop the spread in most cases. Warm compresses can help bring infection fighting cells to the area. Apply moist, warm compresses for 20 minutes up to 5 times a day along with seeking medical care.

If in doubt if cellulitis and symptoms (pain, swelling, redness) are mild: Take a marker and draw a line around the edge of the red, swollen area. Check every hour. If the redness spreads outside the boundary, seek immediate medical attention. In addition, if there is any change, necrosis (dead tissue, sometimes black) or any other types of skin breakdown, fever, chills, confusion, dizziness, seek immediate medical attention.

The following images are courtesy of NHS

What if no immediate medical care is available?

Cellulitis can quickly become life threatening. Early intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

  • Monitor all skin breaks including scrapes, cuts, insect bites – If you have young children be sure to inspect their skin on a regular basis. Look for the signs of skin infections that may possibly lead to cellulitis.
  • Maintain hygienic practices – Group A streptococcus is spread through direct contact with infected fluid/material or droplets or when coughing. Wear disposable gloves when cleansing wound, double bag all dressings and dispose of in garbage. Avoid contact with wound drainage or other fluids from area. Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water. There is some discussion that cellulitis isn’t contagious, however always err on the side of caution and use gloves and wash hands .
  • Draw an outline with a marker around any area you have doubts about. Check hourly for redness, swelling, change in appearance of skin, blisters, necrosis (blackened skin in and surrounding skin break).
  • If redness or swelling is noted outside the marked area, contact your care provider for instructions.
  • If a care provider is not available for consult, follow the instructions in your Jase Case for skin infections/cellulitis. Doxycycline, included in the Jase Case is one of the most effective antibiotics for cellulitis.

Given all the instability in the world, while the infrastructure is still in place, prioritize and consider what would happen if the medical system went down, even for a week. Take advantage of Jase Daily and get your year supply of prescriptions and order Jase Case for every member of your family if you haven’t done so yet.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Does Your Sore Throat Need an Antibiotic?

Does Your Sore Throat Need an Antibiotic?

Antibiotics don’t kill viruses; they kill bacteria, mold, or parasites. They are lifesaving drugs when the need arises. However, overuse has led to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that used to be effective with an appropriate antibiotic. Nowadays, we are...

Founder’s Perspective: A Year In Review

Founder’s Perspective: A Year In Review

I have been reflecting on the past year's progress and lessons learned. We have made significant strides in our company and continue to expand. As we enter 2024, I am confident that Jase Medical staff are of the highest caliber. Their commitment, integrity, and hard...

Keep Those New Years Resolutions by Doing This

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The 6 Ps to SuccessAccording to a October 2023 Forbes Health survey of New Years resolutions that 62% of the general population felt pressured to make New Years resolutions. Fitness (48%), finances (38%), improved mental health (36%) and losing weight (34%) were the...

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Drugs That Affect Blood Sugar and Hypoglycemia- A Medical Emergency

Medications can be lifesaving; however, many have unwanted effects. Almost every drug class has medications that can affect blood sugars and even mask high and low glucose levels. From blood pressure meds to inhalers, steroids, antibiotics, antifungals and diuretics, the likelihood of you or someone you know using a drug that affects glucose levels.  There are too many to list. Below are just a few examples:

A few of the many drugs that increase blood sugar (hyperglycemia): (NIH database)

  • Alcohol (decreases blood sugar after several hours of excessive intake)
  • Antibiotics (Dapsone, Rifampin)
  • Antidepressants (Zyprexa, risperdal, Clozaril, Seroquel, Abilify, Geodon, lithium)
  • Beta-2 stimulators (Proventil, Alupent, Serevent, Foradil, Brethine, Theo-Dur)
  • Corticosteroids (Prednisone, Decadron, DepoMedrol)
  • Dilantin (phenytoin)
  • Estrogens (Premarin, hormone replacement therapy)
  • Fluconazole
  • Heart and blood pressure medications (amiodarone, beta blockers(non insulin dependent diabetics), calcium channel blockers, catapress, diuretics)
  • Oral contraceptives (Birth control pills)
  • Niacin or nicotinic acid
  • Thiazide diuretics
  • Thyroid hormones (Synthroid, Levothroid)

If on a continuous glucose monitor acetaminophen (Tylenol) interferes with sensors resulting in a false low glucose reading and should be avoided.

A few of the drugs that decrease blood sugar (hypoglycemia): (NIH database)

  • Alcohol (acute excess amounts)
  • Aspirin and other salicylates in larger doses
  • Cibenzoline and quinidine (heart arrhythmia drugs)
  • Indomethacin (Indocin)
  • Levofloxacin
  • Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
  • Metformin when used with sulfonylureas
  • Heart and blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, Norpace, Quinidine)

One common drug that masks low blood sugar

If diabetic (especially insulin dependent) and taking beta blockers the symptoms of low blood sugar may not be apparent. Beta blockers block the effects of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine, along with epinephrine are released into the bloodstream during hypoglycemic episode. In turn the release of these hormones causes the early symptoms of hypoglycemia such as tremor, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. If diabetic and taking beta blockers monitor glucose levels closely even when you don’t have signs of low blood sugar.

Signs of low blood sugar (below 70 mg/dL or less)

Low blood sugar, especially in a diabetic, can be more dangerous and even a medical emergency if not treated in time.

Common signs of low blood sugar are:

  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Irritability, anger or confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Hunger

During sleep, low blood sugar symptoms may include sweaty sheets and sometimes nightmares

Signs of severe low blood sugar (below 54 mg/dL or by symptoms listed below)- Medical emergency

  • Loss of coordination
  • Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
  • Blurry or tunnel vision
  • Inability to eat or drink
  • Muscle weakness
  • Drowsiness

If left untreated hypoglycemia can result in coma, seizures and in rare cases, death

Causes of Low Blood Sugar

There are many reasons why for low blood sugar, including:

  • Taking too much insulin and/or not taking it on time
  • Not eating enough carbs after taking insulin
  • Poor diet- not eating a balanced protein, carbs and fat diet
  • The amount and timing of physical activity.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Hot and humid weather.
  • Unexpected changes in your schedule.
  • Spending time at a high altitude.
  • Going through puberty
  • Menstruation
  • On medication that causes low blood sugar
  • Severe liver or kidney disease
  • Severe infection
  • Advanced heart disease
  • Pancreatic or adrenal tumors
  • Drinking alcohol at night

What to do if you or someone you know has low blood sugar. The CDC website has tips on managing and treating hypoglycemia:

The 15-15 Rule

For low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, raise it by following the 15-15 rule:

Have 15 grams of carbs and check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it’s still below your target range, have another serving. Repeat these steps until it’s in your target range. Once it’s in range, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn’t get too low again.

These items have about 15 grams of carbs:

  • 4 ounces (½ cup) of juice or regular soda.
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup.
  • Hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (see food label for how much to eat).
  • 3-4 glucose tablets (follow instructions).
  • 1 dose of glucose gel (usually 1 tube; follow instructions).

Tips to keep in mind:

  • It takes time for blood sugar to rise after eating. Give some time for treatment to work. Following the 15-15 rule helps.
  • Young children usually need less than 15 grams of carbs, especially infants and toddlers. Ask your doctor how much your child needs.
  • You should avoid eating a carbohydrate with lots of fiber, such as beans or lentils, or a carb that also has fat, such as chocolate. Fiber and fat slow down how fast you absorb sugar.
  • Check your blood sugar often when lows are more likely, such as when the weather is hot or when you travel.

Treating Severely Low Blood Sugar- (below 55mg/dL)

Not treatable by 15-15-15 rule

Make sure your family members, friends, and caregivers know your signs of low blood sugar so they can help treat it if needed.

You also may not be able to check your own blood sugar or treat it by yourself, depending on your symptoms.

Injectable glucagon is the best way to treat severely low blood sugar. A glucagon kit is available by prescription. Speak with your doctor to see if you should have a kit. Be sure to learn how and when to use it. Let family members and others close to you know where you keep the glucagon kit and make sure they’ve been trained in how to use it too.

It’s important to contact a doctor for emergency medical treatment immediately after receiving a glucagon injection. If a person faints (passes out) due to severely low blood sugar, they’ll usually wake up within 15 minutes after a glucagon injection. If they don’t wake up within 15 minutes after the injection, they should receive one more dose.

When the person is awake and able to swallow:

  • Feed the person a fast-acting source of sugar (regular soft drink or fruit juice).
  • Then, have them eat a long-acting source of sugar (crackers and cheese or a sandwich with meat).
  • It’s also important that friends, family, co-workers, teachers, coaches, and other people you may be around often know how to test your blood sugar and treat severely low blood sugar before it happens.

A medical ID, usually a bracelet or necklace, can be critical in keeping you safe and healthy. Emergency medical technicians are trained to look for a medical ID when caring for someone who can’t speak for themselves.

When To Call 911

If any of the following happens, your friend, relative, or helper should call 911:

  • You pass out and no glucagon is available.
  • You need a second dose of glucagon.
  • You had glucagon but are still confused.
  • Your blood sugar stays too low 20 minutes after treatment or doesn’t respond to your usual treatments.
  • Or call 911 anytime you are concerned about your severely low blood sugar.

After You Have Low Blood Sugar

If your low blood sugar was mild (between 55-69 mg/dL), you can return to your normal activities once your blood sugar is back in its target range.

After you have low blood sugar, your early symptoms for low blood sugar are less noticeable for 48 to 72 hours. Be sure to check your blood sugar more often to keep it from getting too low again, especially before eating, physical activity, or driving a car.

 

If you used glucagon because of a severe low (54 mg/dL or below), immediately call your doctor for emergency medical treatment. If you have had lows several times close together (even if they’re not severe), you should also tell you doctor. They may want to change your diabetes plan.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Medical Preparedness – Diabetes

Do you have an extra glucometer in your supplies?

A chronic condition such as diabetes can be life threatening if our fragile medical supply chain is disrupted and medication or supplies to test are not available. Having adequate supplies- an extra glucometer with test trips, batteries, and solution should be in every diabetic’s medical kit. Whether you are type 1, 2 or gestational diabetic having the extra glucometer and supplies is vital. Nowadays, glucometers there are so many high-tech glucometers- ones that use a thin needle under the skin and read glucose levels every few minutes and alert user if levels are out of range, to blood free sensors that use flashing light to take glucose readings- and even more. Even though technology is wonderful, relying on it can be dangerous. Glucometers can fail by giving incorrect readings or stop working altogether. It is important to have another glucometer, preferably one that isn’t as high tech to measure the reading against or in case of altogether failure. In addition, make sure you have an adequate supply of medication- both oral and injectable insulin (along with supplies) in case these drugs aren’t available for an extended period of time. Aim for at least 6-month supply of drugs and supplies. Even more would be better.

Always check with the diabetic and observe for symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia. If glucose readings are within normal limits established by their care provider but they exhibit symptoms of poor glucose control, retake glucose with alternate glucometer. Contact primary care provider or healthcare professional if needed.

Diabetes testing and lab values

The following are excerpts from the CDC website:

Tests for Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Prediabetes

A1C Test

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (not eating). A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Glucose Tolerance Test

This measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a liquid that contains glucose. You’ll fast (not eat) overnight before the test and have your blood drawn to determine your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink the liquid and have your blood sugar level checked 1 hour, 2 hours, and possibly 3 hours afterward. At 2 hours, a blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or lower is considered normal, 140 to 199 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested. You can take this test at any time and don’t need to fast (not eat) first. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

5 things you can do to improve blood sugar – prediabetic or diabetic

  1. Get moving

Exercise of any form contributes to overall health and is a valuable tool in managing glucose levels. Even a brisk walk has benefits. If you haven’t been exercising, take it slow and easy. The key is to be consistent. If walking, aim for at least 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Studies reveled that walking 30 minutes a day reduced blood sugar readings by 25 percent. Once you have mastered this, consider HIIT- high intensity interval training-short bursts of intense exercise alternated with low intensity recovery periods. Studies show that this form of exercise has the more powerful effect on glucose control than other forms of exercise. Consult with your primary care provider before embarking on any new exercise regimen.

  1. Reduce stress

High stress hormones prevent the pancreas from producing insulin. When under stress, stress hormones such as glucagon and epinephrine are released and reduce glucose uptake in the muscle. When this happens, more glucose is circulating in the blood, causing hyperglycemia. Ways to manage and reduce stress include journaling, exercise, meditate, connect with others, and my personal favorite, deep breathing. Johns Hopkins Medicine has a good video on deep breathing and stress reduction.

  1. Follow diabetic diet and consider intermittent fasting (IF)- only under the supervision of a healthcare professional

If you are prediabetic or type 2 diabetic intermittent fasting- when you eat in a restricted time frame- for example eat 8 hours and fast 16- has proven health benefits, including the ability to lower blood sugar and in some cases reverse diabetes and insulin resistance (Insulin resistance is when muscles, fat, and liver cells don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily take up glucose from your blood.)

There are downsides to intermittent fasting. If you are taking medication to lower blood glucose IF could potentially cause a hypoglycemic episode. In addition, with type 1 diabetics, IF can cause hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

  1. Get good quality sleep- at least 7 hours a night

Too little sleep can affect glucose levels by:

  • Increasing insulin resistance.
  • Make you hungrier the next day and reduce how full you feel after eating and causes the hunger hormone grehlin to increase
  • Make you more likely to reach for junk foods—those that are high in carbs and sugar.
  1. Stay hydrated and don’t get overheated

Dehydration can lead to an increase in blood glucose because the blood is more concentrated.

Also, extreme heat can cause blood vessels to widen, which in turn causes insulin to absorb more quickly, leading to low blood sugar.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!