WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: ANTIBIOTIC AWARENESS

• Antibiotics can save lives when necessary but overuse can lead to resistance and side effects
• Each year in the US 2.8 million infections occur due to antibiotic resistant bacteria
• 35,000 people die each year due to antibiotic resistant infections
• Resistance means that the bacteria has developed an ability that keeps the drug from killing them
• Antibiotics do not work on viruses such as colds, flu, bronchitis even if the mucous is yellow or green
• Viruses will usually go away on their own in 1-2 weeks and taking antibiotics will not make you feel better when it is a viral infection. Discuss ways to manage your symptoms with your provider
• Antibiotics can have serious side effects however if your provider has prescribed antibiotics then the benefits outweigh the risks. You should notify your provider right away if you develop a rash or severe diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may indicate an infection due to antibiotic use called C. difficile that needs treatment
• If you are prescribed antibiotics be sure to take exactly as prescribed. Do not stop the medication early even if you are feeling better
• Stay healthy and keep others healthy by good hand-washing, covering your cough and staying home when sick. Also, get any recommended vaccines such as flu and pneumonia shots

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: DIABETES

DIABETES INFORMATION

Prediabetes   

What is it?           

• Elevated blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes
• Raises risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke

Cause

• Associated with older age obesity, family history, physical inactivity and certain ethnicities

Treatment/Management

• Reduce risk for developing type 2 diabetes by reducing body weight by 5-7%
• Done through improved diet and increased in physical activity

Type I

What is it?

• Autoimmune diseasesThe body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas
• Insulin is the hormone that allows our body to convert food to energy

Cause

• Currently unknown but believed autoimmune, genetic, environmental and other factors are involved

Treatment/Management

• Must be treated with insulin shots and possible other medications
• Healthy food choices and exercise help manage the condition

Type II

What is it?

Condition that begins with the body being unable to use its own insulin supply efficiently Eventually insulin production will decrease Glucose (sugar) will build up in the blood because it cannot be converted to energy Cause Associated with older age, obesity, family history, physical inactivity, and certain ethnicities. 80% of type 2 diabetics are overweight or obese Treatment/Management Some take medications, Most people will benefit from making healthy food choices and being physically active patientcareofwilmington.com American Diabetes Association