What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

diabetes symptoms

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. It’s estimated that around 537 million people have diabetes — around 37.3 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. Additionally, roughly 96 million Americans have prediabetes, which means they have higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, but they are not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

As such, being able to recognize the symptoms of diabetes is important so that you can take steps to manage the condition. To help spread awareness of diabetes, November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly process and use sugar. Sugar is an important source of energy for the body, and the body needs insulin to help process and use sugar. If the body can’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use insulin properly, sugar will build up in the blood and can cause serious health problems.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition in which the immune system attacks the cells in your body that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is the more common of the two conditions. It occurs when your body can’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin your body does produce effectively. Type 2 diabetes develops mostly due to lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or obese.

Diabetes can cause several serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.

The Symptoms of Diabetes

The symptoms of diabetes can vary from person to person and may develop gradually over time. The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss (even though you are eating and feel hungry)
  • Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
  • Labored breathing
  • Fruit or sweet breath odor

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor in California so that you can be diagnosed and treated for diabetes. For more health awareness information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

How Preventable Is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is the most deadly cancer globally, accounting for more than 25% of all cancer-related deaths. In fact, it’s estimated that around 130,180 people will have died from lung cancer in the U.S. in 2022. However, lung cancer can be prevented. To help spread awareness of how to prevent lung cancer, November has been named Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

What Causes Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells in the lungs. These cells can form tumors that interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs. 

Several risk factors can increase your chances of developing lung cancer. The most significant risk factor is smoking. It’s estimated that smoking is responsible for around 80-90% of all lung cancer cases. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution. Having a family history of lung cancer can also increase your risk.

How To Prevent Lung Cancer

In most cases, lung cancer is the result of lifestyle choices. Making healthier lifestyle choices is the most effective way to prevent lung cancer. With that in mind, the following are a few steps that you can take to prevent lung cancer:

  • Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing that you can do for your health. It’s never too late to quit.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke. If you don’t smoke, avoid being around people who do.
  • Test your home’s radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that can be found in homes. Radon is found in all homes, but it’s important to have your home tested to ensure that radon levels aren’t too high.
  • Test your home for asbestos. If your home was built in California before 1978, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos is a harmful substance that can cause lung cancer. It should be removed by a professional if present in your home.

Lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer, so it’s vital that you take steps to prevent it. For more health tips and information, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

Why Is Preventative Oral Health Maintenance So Important?

Preventative oral health maintenance is critical for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing future oral health problems. There are all kinds of issues that can develop as a result of bad oral habits. In fact, tooth decay and gum disease are two of the most common oral issues in not just California, but the entire world. To help spread awareness about oral hygiene, October was designated as National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month.

Tips For Maintaining Your Oral Health

The following are some tips for keeping your mouth healthy:

  1. Brush your teeth: Brushing your teeth twice a day will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Be sure to use proper brushing techniques, such as using circular motions and covering all surfaces of your teeth. Additionally, make sure that you brush your gums and your tongue as well.
  2. Floss your teeth: This will help remove plaque and bacteria stuck between your teeth. Be sure to use proper flossing techniques, such as using an up-and-down motion and being careful not to snap the floss against your gums. You should floss at least once a day.
  3. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash: This will help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. Be sure to use a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as this will help protect your teeth from decay.
  4. Chew sugarless gum: This will help stimulate saliva production, which can help rinse away plaque and bacteria. Additionally, chewing gum can also help to freshen your breath. Just make sure it doesn’t contain any sugar, as this can actually promote tooth decay.
  5. Visit your dentist regularly: Routine checkups can help catch problems early before they become more serious. During your appointment, your dentist will clean your teeth and look for any signs of trouble.

Maintaining your oral health isn’t difficult if you make it a priority. By following these tips, you can help keep your mouth healthy and prevent future problems. For more health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

6 Tips for Earthquake Safety

California has more than its share of earthquakes, which can happen without warning. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly two to three earthquakes occur in California every year that are big enough to cause moderate damage. Because of this, the Great California Shake-Out, an annual statewide earthquake drill, is held every October to help spread awareness of the importance of earthquake safety. This year’s Shake-Out occured at 10:21 AM on October 21st.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Being in an earthquake can be scary, but it’s important that you follow these critical safety tips. Doing so can help to save your life and the lives of your family:

  1. Drop to the ground as soon as you feel shaking. That will help protect you from being knocked down or injured by falling debris.
  2. Take cover underneath a sturdy piece of furniture or against an interior wall. Try to stay away from windows, fireplaces, and anything that could fall on you.
  3. Hold on to your furniture or cover until the shaking stops. This will help prevent you from being tossed around and injured.
  4. Stay away from windows and exterior walls if you’re in a high-rise building. elevators are also not safe during an earthquake, so take the stairs instead.
  5. If you’re outdoors, move away from buildings, power lines, and trees. Try to find an open area where you can drop to the ground.
  6. If you’re in a car, stop in a safe location away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Avoid overpasses and bridges, as they could collapse.

Teach Your Family About Earthquake Safety

Be sure to talk to your family about earthquake safety tips. Practice dropping, covering, and holding with them, so everyone knows what to do. The upcoming Great California Shake-Out is the perfect time to do so. Have a plan for how you will communicate with each other in the event of an earthquake, as cell phone service may be spotty.

For more safety awareness tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.

What Is Invasive Breast Cancer?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while breast cancer awareness has grown in recent years, there is still much to learn about this disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, and about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Understanding what invasive breast cancer is and how to prevent it can help save lives.

What You Should Know About Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive breast cancer is a cancer that has begun to spread from where it first began to other parts of the breast. This type of cancer is particularly dangerous because it’s more likely to spread to other areas of your body. It’s also more difficult to treat than non-invasive breast cancer.

The following are some of the risk factors for developing this type of breast cancer that you should know about:

  • Age: The older you are, the greater your risk.
  • Family history: If you have a family member who has had breast cancer, you have a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Genetics: Certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Race: Caucasian women are more prone to getting breast cancer than African-American women. However, African-American women tend to be more likely to die from it.
  • Certain medical conditions: Women with certain medical conditions, such as radiation therapy to the breast or chest, are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Obesity: Women who are obese have a higher risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.

Treating Breast Cancer Early

The good news is that invasive breast cancer can be treated, and the earlier it is detected, the better the chances of survival. Women should perform regular breast self-exams and get yearly mammograms starting at age 40. If you notice anything unusual, such as a lump, discharge, or breast size or shape change, be sure to see your doctor in California immediately.

For more health awareness information or health tips, be sure to visit us at The Benefits Store today.