Friday, August 7, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Unsung Marine Heroes on 9/11 protecting day care center in Pentagon on 9/11
Paul Sweeney shared Michael V. Papale Sr.'s photo.
AFTER FLIGHT 77 hit the Pentagon on 9/11, the following incident occurred:
A chaplain, who happened to be assigned to the Pentagon, told of an incident that nev...er made the news. A daycare facility inside the Pentagon had many children, including infants who were in heavy cribs. The daycare supervisor, looking at all the children they needed to evacuate, was in a panic over what they could do. There were many children, mostly toddlers, as well as the infants that would need to be taken out with the cribs.
There was no time to try to bundle them into carriers and strollers. Just then a young Marine came running into the center and asked what they needed. After hearing what the center director was trying to do, he ran back out into the hallway and disappeared. The director thought, "Well, here we are, on our own."
About 2 minutes later, that Marine returned with 40 other Marines in tow. Each of them grabbed a crib with a child, and the rest started gathering up toddlers. The director and her staff then helped them take all the children out of the center and down toward the park near the Potomac.
Once they got about 3/4 of a mile outside the building, the Marines stopped in the park, and then did a fabulous thing - they formed a circle with the cribs, which were quite sturdy and heavy, like the covered wagons in the Old West. Inside this circle of cribs, they put the toddlers, to keep them from wandering off. Outside this circle were the 40 Marines, forming a perimeter around the children and waiting for instructions. There they remained until the parents could be notified and come get their children.
The chaplain then said, "I don't think any of us saw nor heard of this on any of the news stories of the day. It was an incredible story of our men there.” There wasn't a dry eye in the room. The thought of those Marines and what they did and how fast they reacted; could we expect any less from them? It was one of the most touching stories from the Pentagon. It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag. If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women, who have served and are currently serving our country, and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
7 Natural Things That Make Blood Sugar Easier To Control
7 Natural Things That Make Blood Sugar Easier To Control
You don’t have to turn to pharmaceuticals with potentially serious side effects, and you don’t have to worry about ongoing problems with your glucose levels, either. There are natural ways to work with your body’s chemistry to keep your glucose levels lower and more steady, which can lead to lower levels of insulin, reduced inflammation, and an all-around healthier you.
Your blood sugar shouldn’t be hard to manage, and it shouldn’t take expensive drugs to keep it that way. Read on to learn about seven all-natural ingredients that have been proven to help control glucose levels, and how they might be able to help you take back control, too.
Magnesium
When glucose levels get too high or spike too often, you can develop insulin resistance. Insulin resistance leads to higher glucose levels, and thus a vicious cycle of deteriorating health begins. Taking magnesium supplements has been shown to lower rates of insulin resistance, helping to stave off Type 2 diabetes and maintain the body’s natural control and feedback loop when it comes to blood sugar levels.Stop the cycle before it gets too far underway with magnesium, and you could be limiting your glucose levels before they become a problem—or regaining control if the problems have already started.
Magnesium Chloride
There are actually several forms of magnesium, and magnesium chloride—a naturally occurring salt that is readily available in supplement form—is particularly helpful and efficient when it comes to maintaining proper glucose levels. Not only does it provide the benefits of magnesium alone; magnesium chloride improves overall metabolism and digestion1 not just of glucose but of proteins as well—and proteins can also cause inflammation-causing insulin spikes.By creating a more ideal environment during the digestive process, magnesium chloride can help reduce many gastric and stomach ailments too, giving your body the ideal environment to absorb helpful ingredients.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7 and Vitamin H, is found in a variety of nuts, fruits, vegetables, and fish, and helps the body process glucose and metabolize proteins. High levels of biotin can lower blood sugar levels by keeping everything running efficiently instead of piling up. Your body doesn’t store biotin, though; it travels through the bloodstream and excess amounts are eliminated through the urine, so it needs to be ingested every day.While dietary biotin is enough for many people, those struggling with their blood sugar levels might benefit from taking additional biotin supplements.
Zinc
Zinc is needed to manufacture, secrete, and extend the use of insulin in your body, and is specifically responsible for the formation of insulin in the pancreas beta cells. While too much insulin can be a bad sign, the ability to maintain healthy amounts of insulin production is essential in controlling your glucose levels. Not only does zinc ensure there’s plenty of insulin around, it also helps to regulate insulin production2 so it doesn’t get out of control. It’s one element that can’t be ignored when it comes to blood sugar maintenance.Zinc is also a proven antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, which impair insulin signaling pathways and cause other damage in the body. Taking a zinc supplement can help with your glucose levels and promote overall good health—and that ain’t bad!
Chromium
Recent studies have shown that chromium supplementation can help improve insulin’s performance in people with diabetes or who otherwise suffer from insulin resistance or low levels of insulin. It basically helps your body do a better job at what it already does, without any side effects—and it’s 100% natural.Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic acid helps to amplify antioxidants—those free radical fighters that help keep insulin receptors intact, amongst other things—and teams with the B vitamin family to support energy production by burning glucose found in the bloodstream. This is exactly what’s supposed to happen with glucose, of course, but insulin resistance can lead to a bad glucose build up. Alpha lipoic acid supports sensitivity to insulin3 and can also help reduce nerve pain caused by diabetes or other inflammatory diseases like fibromyalgia.Vanadium
Vanadium mimics insulin and can increase glucose uptake by the body’s cells—turning that blood sugar into the energy your body needs. This means lower glucose levels in the blood4 and possibly even in the liver, which can make for a far healthier and a far happier you. Technically a metal, this mineral is available as a supplement and should be taken in small amounts, but has the potential for helping to restore normal glucose levels when used appropriately.
You’ve seen the many ways these natural ingredients can help lower and regulate your blood glucose levels. Each is available in some form as a supplement, but collecting all of these individual ingredients would be an expensive and time consuming way to treat your blood glucose health. Separately, these supplements may cost as much as $130.00 for a thirty day supply, and can take you hours to find and purchase.
The good news? Glucoremedy combines these seven, all natural ingredients, backed by clinical studies, into an affordable formula that’s safe and effective. Plus, for a limited time, they’ll send you a free 2 week supply to try.
You’ve read the facts, now try the remedy—you have nothing to lose but your high blood sugar numbers. Click here to try Glucoremedy today.
References:
1.Magnesium Chloride http://www.arcmedres.com/article/S0188-4409(14)00078-2/abstract
2. Zinc http://dvd.sagepub.com/content/11/2/62.abstract
3. Alpha Lipoic Acid http://smj.org.sa/index.php/smj/article/view/7203
4. Vanadium http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-011-1062-4
33 Verses about Fear and Anxiety to Remind Us: God is in Control
Fear. One of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. Worry, anxiety, fear…can overwhelm us with a thick shadow of darkness, controlling our every move and decision.
So much crazy going on around us today - wars, conflicts, persecution, violence, crime, natural disasters, terrorism, economic uncertainty, unemployment, divisions, disease, death. We fear for our children’s future, we fear for our families, we fear for our financial future, we fear for our safety. The list goes on…long. There actually is a lot we could potentially worry about.
Yet reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens. Living under the weight of the "what if's" is a hard place to dwell.
I struggled with fear and worry for years. But through time, I began to find that the things that once would have sent me down an anxious spiral, no longer had the same effect. It didn’t happen quickly, but over days, months, years.
Change happened. Anxious thoughts began to diminish. Worry let go of its constant grip. And though fear is sometimes still there, it no longer wields control, holding me back, paralyzing me in its grasp.
His words are “life” words, soothing to our soul, calming to our spirits, giving power to our days.
It’s not always easy, and it often comes down to a choice:
33 Verses to Remind Us - We Do Not Have to Fear:
1. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
2. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
3. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
4. “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27
5. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
6. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
7. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19
8. “But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
9. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25
10. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
11. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
12. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
13. “Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
14. “Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4
15. “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:22-26
16. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
17. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
18. “Immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'” Mark 6:50
19. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
20. “'For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14
21. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
22. “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7
23. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
24. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40
25. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7
26. “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” 1 Peter 3:14
27. “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
28. “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22
29. “Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.'” Revelation 1:17
30. “Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” Mark 5:36
31. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39
32. “The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17
33. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you…For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him…” from Psalm 91:1-16
Be assured, He is with you in whatever you face, in the turmoil and struggles, amidst the anxious thoughts and the worries of life. He is there, strengthening, helping, and He holds you in His hands.
God is greater. He gives us the power to live courageously, boldly, fearlessly in this life, when many things that surround us would tell us to be afraid. His truth whispers strong and sure to the deepest core of our spirits.
“Do not fear.”
All of that stuff on your mind? Give it to Him – again. Replace those fearful thoughts with His words of truth. And sleep in peace tonight. He knows what concerns you, He’s got you covered.
Peace.
So much crazy going on around us today - wars, conflicts, persecution, violence, crime, natural disasters, terrorism, economic uncertainty, unemployment, divisions, disease, death. We fear for our children’s future, we fear for our families, we fear for our financial future, we fear for our safety. The list goes on…long. There actually is a lot we could potentially worry about.
Yet reality tells us that so much of what we spend our time worrying about never even happens. Living under the weight of the "what if's" is a hard place to dwell.
I struggled with fear and worry for years. But through time, I began to find that the things that once would have sent me down an anxious spiral, no longer had the same effect. It didn’t happen quickly, but over days, months, years.
I read words - of life - of truth. Soaking them in, over and over, praying them out loud. Until they became so familiar, they replaced the other things in my mind that I’d battled against. There’s nothing magical about words and verses, but there is power through them, because they’re God’s words.
Change happened. Anxious thoughts began to diminish. Worry let go of its constant grip. And though fear is sometimes still there, it no longer wields control, holding me back, paralyzing me in its grasp.
His words are “life” words, soothing to our soul, calming to our spirits, giving power to our days.
It’s not always easy, and it often comes down to a choice:
- Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety to control your life.
- Choosing to guard your heart.
- Choosing to focus your mind on what is truth in the midst of uncertain times.
33 Verses to Remind Us - We Do Not Have to Fear:
1. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
2. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
3. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
4. “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27
5. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
6. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18
7. “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19
8. “But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
9. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25
10. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
11. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
12. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
13. “Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7
14. “Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4
15. “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:22-26
16. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1
17. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
18. “Immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.'” Mark 6:50
19. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
20. “'For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 41:13-14
21. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
22. “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper.” Psalm 118:6-7
23. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25
24. “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:39-40
25. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Psalm 34:7
26. “But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” 1 Peter 3:14
27. “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
28. “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:22
29. “Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.'” Revelation 1:17
30. “Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’” Mark 5:36
31. “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38-39
32. “The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17
33. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you…For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways…“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him…” from Psalm 91:1-16
Be assured, He is with you in whatever you face, in the turmoil and struggles, amidst the anxious thoughts and the worries of life. He is there, strengthening, helping, and He holds you in His hands.
God is greater. He gives us the power to live courageously, boldly, fearlessly in this life, when many things that surround us would tell us to be afraid. His truth whispers strong and sure to the deepest core of our spirits.
“Do not fear.”
All of that stuff on your mind? Give it to Him – again. Replace those fearful thoughts with His words of truth. And sleep in peace tonight. He knows what concerns you, He’s got you covered.
Peace.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
12 lessons we learned in 12 years of marraige
We were married before I graduated college.
Pregnant with our first child shortly after. I finished college. New baby. Two miscarriages. Four more children.
Owned four homes. Rented a house and an apartment somewhere in between. Five different jobs with four different companies. Lived in four cities.
In many ways, life has been on fast-forward. We've been drinking from a fire hose.
In the course of these 12 years, we've learned a great deal. About ourselves. About each other. About the importance of marriage. And why it's worth fighting for.
We were young, in love and ready for marriage when we said yes in our early twenties. But that doesn't necessarily mean we were prepared.
12 years later, here are 12 things that have been clarified for us in our marriage:
1. 50/50 Expectations Lead to Disappointment. For a season, we viewed marriage like it was a game. A competition. If I do this, you should do that. Meet me in the middle here, do a little more there. If you do 20 things, I'll do 20. That sort of game. But the true work is done when one of you can't get to the middle. When it's up to the other to go the extra mile. Maybe that ratio is 90/10 for a season if a spouse is sick, stressed, even depressed. Don't view marriage as a scorecard, someone always loses that way.
2. Keep Adventure Alive. In my early days of dating Brooke, I pulled out all the stops. We went on long hikes, I made her candlelit dinners, I worked hard at the chase. When the years and responsibilities piled up, I let that fire die too many times. Fighting to keep adventure alive doesn't have to look like a trip to Paris; it could be a last-minute trip to a local hotel, a surprise baby sitter for the evening or even a simple handwritten note. Inject your marriage with adventure.
3. Kiss Each Other First. I'm imperfect at this, but I try to kiss Brooke first when I get home from work. Before I kiss our five kids. It's a small thing that points to a much bigger reality. For me to be a great dad, I have to be a great husband first. Otherwise, we'll become roommates who are collectively raising our kids.
4. Grit Is Often The Best Description Of Love. It was easy to love Brooke when we were newlyweds. Easy for her to love me during seasons of comfort. But it's much more difficult to fight for love when you lose a baby. Or have a huge financial setback. Or confess a really ugly secret about yourself. Fairy tales are great for movies, but real life is more often confusing, chaotic and messy. Dig in when it gets hard.
5. Real Life Happens In The Mundane. Huge promotions, babies being born, buying the dream house. The peaks of marriage are great. However, most days are mundane. I've been guilty of missing the little moments while I work to make the big ones happen. I'm realizing that life happens in those little moments. I'm learning to love the journey every bit as much as the destination.
6. Proximity Doesn't Equal Presence. Getting home from work early, getting a sitter for a date and even taking a vacation alone are all great things. But physically being close isn't the same as being close emotionally. For me, most of the time that looks like staring at my iPhone instead of looking my wife in the eye. Being more concerned with my Twitter or Instagram feed than I am about hearing my wife's heart. When you have the ability to be together physically, be there emotionally as well.
7. Comparison Will Kill Your Joy. In an age of edited facades of other people's lives on Facebook and other outlets, it's easy to feel like your marriage sucks. Like you're getting lapped by the Jones family. When I begin to compare our money, house, kids' performance and marriage to others through a distant lens, I'm the one that loses. It robs my joy. There will always be others with more; don't play that game.
8. You'll Each Have The Opportunity To Throw It Away. We all know the marriages that end in pain instead of celebration. Divorce instead of dancing at the 50th anniversary party. Brooke and I are realizing that some days it's far easier to give up than keep fighting. But each day, we keep choosing each other. We continue to be honest about where we fail each other. Because it's worth it.
9. Take Initiative For The Benefit Of The Other. We talk often in our family about whether we're being givers or takers. Are we giving and serving? Or are we only taking and using? I'd argue that life is best lived when you're giving yourself away for the benefit of another.
10. Live In Community. Marriage is hard and messy, but also beautiful and redeeming. Lived in isolation, you may be tempted to give up. But when surrounded with friends and family that know your strengths as well as your struggles, you realize you have support and encouragement.
11. Will You Forgive Me? Let's face it; in marriage, we fail each other more often than we'd like to admit. We tell a white lie, we forget a huge appointment, we get angry. There are a million other examples. Instead of shifting blame or dodging responsibility, marriages get stronger when you start to say "will you forgive me?" Even more than an "I'm sorry," this question leads to restoration and healing.
12. Love Wins. This list could be a mile long. I didn't touch on things like honesty, making time for dates and speaking highly of your spouse. But all the lists in the world won't keep your marriage strong if it lacks love. In the end, love wins. It conquers all. It removes doubt. It pushes through fear. It invites deeper purpose. Love wins.
Blood Sugar Management Info
Blood Sugar Management Info
Blood sugar is a term used to refer to the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. In a normally functioning body, blood sugar levels are regulated naturally. The body produces and secretes the hormone insulin to help the cells use the glucose and keep blood sugar levels fairly steady. Too much glucose in the body can cause a host of serious health issues. Those with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood and need to keep on top of their blood sugar levels and overall well-being in order to stay healthy.
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Unfortunately, diabetes is quite a concern in modern society. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2012 9.3 percent (or 29.1 million) of the American population had diabetes. That statistic is a considerable jump from just two years before when the percentage was 8.3. Due to this alarming progression of the disease, it is important to become aware about diabetes and the symptoms involved with having high and low blood sugar so that people can better recognize them in themselves and in loved ones should issues arise.
Common & Overlooked Symptoms Of Diabetes
Diabetics can experience blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low and each comes with its own set of symptoms. We all experience a bit of a rise on blood sugar after eating, but in a normally functioning body insulin is produced to deal with the extra glucose. After a diabetic person eats, he/she can suffer symptoms of high blood sugar due to the body not producing the insulin it needs to carry away the unnecessary glucose. Some common but also the most overlooked symptoms of high blood sugar are: nausea, drowsiness, extreme thirst and/or hunger, frequent urination and blurred vision.
There are a number of reasons a person with diabetes may experience low blood sugar levels. The diabetic person may have waited too long between meals, he may have eaten too little, exercised too vigorously, or may have too much insulin in his body. When low blood sugar occurs the symptoms can include: sweating, dizziness, irritability, shaking, racing heartbeat, weakness, anxiety, and extreme hunger.
Lesser Known Causes Of Blood Sugar Spikes
Knowing the main symptoms of high and of low blood sugar levels and the key reasons behind the spikes and lows can go a long way to maintaining healthy levels. Unfortunately, there are lesser known causes of blood sugar swings and being in the dark about them can cause unexpected trouble. Those with diabetes typically come to realize that some ups and downs in blood sugar are to be expected. Common day-to-day occurrences such as stress, colds, lack of sleep and other ups and downs of everyday life can cause blood sugar to swing one way or the other. This is why it is important for people with diabetes to maintain a consistent, healthy lifestyle as much as possible.
However, the lesser known causes of blood sugar swings can throw a well-intentioned person's health into a tailspin. Diabetics must be ever vigilant about anything that could alter their blood sugar levels. For instance, many diabetics try to maintain blood sugar levels while still satisfying their sweet tooth by using artificial sweeteners. Unfortunately, new research is suggesting that these kinds of sweeteners may actually cause insulin levels to go up.
Dehydration is another offender of high blood sugar, as it makes glucose levels in the blood more concentrated. Diabetics must also become aware about the effects of any medications they might be taking on blood sugar levels. Some drugs can raise blood glucose, others will lower it and still others may make it harder to recognize the signs of these blood sugar swings. Talking to a doctor or pharmacist about potential blood sugar altering issues before starting a new medication, whether prescription or non, is imperative to avoid complications.
Hormones are another unexpected cause of blood sugar fluctuations. Some women with diabetes may experience higher than usual blood glucose levels during the week before their periods. Also, some diabetics have higher blood sugar in the mornings due to the release of hormones in the early morning meant to wake the body up. It is important to note that not all diabetics are affected by these hormone changes, but it is another blood sugar issue to take into account.
Diabetics who enjoy their daily cups of coffee need to be aware that caffeine can also raise blood sugar levels. Of course, it is not just coffee that contains caffeine. Colas, teas, chocolate, and energy drinks, as well as various other products can pack a caffeine punch that throws off blood sugar. Diabetics need to keep closer tabs on how much caffeine they are taking in each day to avoid possible problems with spiking their blood sugar.
Neutralizing Blood Sugar Levels & Steps Towards Managing Blood Sugar
Fortunately, there are ways to neutralize blood sugar levels. Here are some key tactics/tricks we have found towards managing your blood sugar. First is know how to, plan diabetes meals, monitor your blood sugar closely, fid, buy and store diabetes supplies. If you take insulin you should also know how to give yourself insulin shots and how to adjust your insulin doses and the foods you eat to manage you blood sugar during exercise and on sick days. You should also live a healthy lifestyle by exercising at least 30 minutes a d ay, 5 days a week. Know what to do if you blood sugar is high or low. High blood sugar can harm you. If you blood sugar is high, you need to know how to bring it down. Eating right can definitely help manage your blood sugar. These 6 foods can help control blood sugar: oatmeal, broccoli/spinach/green beans, strawberries, salmon and lean meats, sparkling water, and cinnamon. Some high tech management tools to help you in your tracking of blood sugar levels are things you probably things you use everyday. Smartphone, tablet, or computer apps where you can log your blood sugar or foods you eat. Some devices can test your blood sugar every few minutes and text, call or email you results/reminders. Also, a doctor might give you a CGM, continuous glucose monitor, to test your blood sugar every 5 minutes all day. It tests through tiny fibers on a patch stuck on your skin. The Results are sent wirelessly to a small monitor that you can hold or clip on your belt. These along with several other options can really help you monitor, control, and help you reduce your blood sugar spikes.
Risks Of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, known as type 1 and type 2, and each has its own set of risk factors. In type 1 diabetes (the less common form) sufferers' bodies do not produce enough insulin or none at all. This kind of diabetes requires the use of insulin injections and is commonly discovered in childhood. 90 to 95 percent of the people with diabetes have the type 2 form. In this form, sufferers' bodies do not properly use the insulin in the body or the body does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin. A family history of type 1 diabetes is the most common risk factor for that form. While the cause is yet unknown, there is some speculation that environmental factors and vitamin D levels play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes.
Being overweight and/or having an insufficient amount of physical activity in day-to-day routines are the common risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Having high blood pressure, high triglycerides, eating a high fat diet, eating a lot of carbohydrates, having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and drinking a lot of alcohol can also contribute to type 2 diabetes. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes also increases with age. In addition, people of certain ethnicity are at higher risk of developing the disease.
In order to stay healthy, everyone should be aware of diabetes risk factors and prevention methods. For those with a family history of diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important. Getting regular exercise is especially important, as is eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and whole grains. Adopting these healthy practices will reduce many of the risk factors for diabetes. Obviously, nothing can be done to change hereditary risk factors, but getting healthy and keeping that way can help prevent the disease and will help keep blood sugar steadier should the disease develop anyways.
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