Friday!

We made it! I am still having fits with the design layout on the blog! It appears to be
Stuck on my end and I can't regulate the line spacing, maybe the blog needs a weekend!
I hope you can make out yesterday's entry regarding Mature Arkansas. It's one of my favorite
Local publications and always has relevant information. Another tidbit, for those of you
Who use diabetic testing supplies and have Medicare a change is in effect on July 1.

Medicare is touting mail order service for diabetic supplies. This will not be a bad solution if the mail order supplier is not overwhelmed and supplies arrive timely. The wrinkle is that Medicare is really pushing this. You will need to ask your current supplier if they are still on the Medicare list. If so, no problem and you can continue to order as usual. Be sure you ask, otherwise you could be stuck paying more out of pocket. Remember those who accept Medicare assignment, cannot charge you more than the 20% co pay.

Happy Friday!
Dr. Janet

Mature Arkansas

Hello all!
Thursday means Friday is just around the corner. I am ready! Today I picked up a copy of Mature Arkansas which is published by the Arkansas Times group. I love their publications! You may read the Mature Arkansas issues by clicking here: http://issuu.com/arkansastimesvisitorsguide/stacks/95049fc50b0946339c911b209f890958

This month they have a very good and timely article regarding important documents. I suggest everyone 
read this and consider following the advice given. 
End of life decisions need to be made when we have  good memories and clear thoughts.
Everyone needs a durable power of attorney and a will.
 It is not about what you have accumulated. It is really about being responsible for your own affairs and considering those left behind who must deal with the remnants of your life.

Sorry this post is not appearing correctly!
I will work on the format and update you tomorrow.
Meanwhile, enjoy the Mature Arkansas articles.
Dr. Janet

Someone has to try this one!

 A free Android app called SleepBot can lend a diagnostic hand. Just place your smartphone next to your pillow, and the app will track your movements and sounds through the night to figure out how long you slept. (On a slightly creepy note, the app can even record audio so you can play back your snores and sleep-talking.) When it’s time for you to wake up, SleepBot tries to wait until you’re in a light-sleep phase of your sleep cycle before sounding the alarm.

Wall Street Journal tidbit

Depressing news from the Wall Street Journal today:

Those of us fortunate enough to make it to 80 will have a 50% chance of suffering from Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia before we die. And there is currently no known way to reduce the odds or slow the mental deterioration. These grim facts are already a reality to the 5 million Americans living with the disease.
So, those days we feel like we are losing it may be reality?
Just wondering out loud.

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Apps for the day

Good morning all!
Another beautiful day in store.  Here are a couple of apps which may be of interest. None of these are new, but they do warrant a second look. Serotek always has great options for our group.

The Coding Monkeys' Big Clock HD app ($0.99) is a must for visually impaired travelers. Just double tap to rotate iPad orientation to landscape view and set it atop a hotel room TV or table. You'll be able to read it with a glance while lying in bed. The clock displays time and date in the region format and language the device is set to. The app prevents devices from auto-locking when displaying the time.

SayText (free), developed by Norfello Oy, scans text within any image, such as a medical form or restaurant menu, and reads it aloud. Center the document under the iPhone camera and double-tap the "Take Picture" button. Then raise it slowly: a beep indicates that the entire document is in the phone's frame. The app's Optical Character Recognition utility then scans the text. Tap the screen for status updates. Once scanned, swipe right on the screen to hear the document.

Serotek Corporation's iBlink Radio was the first application promoting the digital lifestyle among the visually impaired, providing access to community web radio stations with formats spanning every genre. The iBlink network also offers radio reading services (USA Today, the New York Times, among hundreds), and podcasts covering assistive technology, independent living, travel, and more. The app's latest player toolbars simplifies navigation.

Have a great day! Until tomorrow,

Dr. janet

Back to work!

Hi everyone!
Can you believe our long weekend is over? It went by too fast. The four year old was lots of fun and the time went by much too quickly! Now that the summer season is officially here, we can expect warm weather and a rise in the humidity. Another problem we are seeing is bugs. Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas are bad. If you have pets or service animals please be sure you are keeping them protected from fleas, tick, and heart worms. These pesky little varmints carry all kinds of bad things and many people are allergic to the bites. If you find a tick, be sure you remove the entire insect. If the bite does not heal within 3 days, check with your doctor or have someone look at the bite site. Remember, Arkansas ticks are famous for carrying Rocky Mountain Spotted fever.

Mosquitoes cause a terrible reaction in many folks, including myself. Please be sure you cleanse and disinfect the bite and keep an eye on it. Again, if it is not healing in three days, get to the doctor!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Memorial Day Weekend

This holiday weekend is the summer kickoff. Many people open their pools, cook out, travel and do things associated with summer. While we enjoy the events, let's not forget the reason for the holiday. Show your appreciation and respect to those who served. Without their sacrifices our lives would be very different.

Head's up! I am taking tomorrow-Sunday- off from the blog. I will have house guests including my adorable 4 years old grandson!

Stay safe!
"All gave some, some gave all!"
Dr. Janet

Crockpot Apple Cobbler

3 Ingredient Apple Cobbler

Ingredients:

1Yellow Cake Mix
20 oz can of Apple Pie Filling
6 Tablespoons of butter, melted

Directions:

Dump your can of Apple Pie Filling into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Spread your yellow cake mix over the apple pie filling.
Then spoon your butter onto the cake mix – DON’T mix the cake mix and butter around. The moisture will make it cook.
Cook on High for 4 hours in your slow cooker.

This is my kind if summer baking!

Have a great weekend! It is a holiday weekend for the working folks so I hope each of you have pleasant weather and restful plans!

Until tomorrow,

Dr. Janet

Cell phone options

From our friends at how life works.com:

How to Cut the Average Cell Phone Bill by More than 80%

New no-contract carriers offer good basic service at a fraction of the cost

In good economic times, it's natural that we pay less attention to our monthly expenses.  When things get tight, however, we quickly realize the importance of managing our money well and eliminating unnecessary expenses.
A great place to start is by looking at services that you are paying for, but are not fully utilizing. One of the first services you should tackle is your cell phone service.
Most cell phone companies entice customers with fancy phones and plans that include a bevy of services, however they also tend to have hidden costs and require long, inflexible contracts. Today, the average monthly cell phone bill is $73, according to a recent J.D. Power report.  But, what if you could cut that down to just $10 a month?
With new cell phone companies and new, no-contact plans from existing companies - this type of savings is now possible.
For many people, what's most important about their cell phone is a reliable, easy to use service that's available when you need it.  Fortunately, for these people, there are new breed cell phone companies that specialize in simple no-obligation agreements with super-low pricing.  And the big companies are taking note, and starting to offer similar plans.
Another thing that many people don't know is that most of the major carriers now pro-rate termination fees - the longer you've been in the contract, the lower the fee.  So, even if you are currently in a contract, you may still be able to find significant savings by paying the termination fee and switching to a much lower cost, no-contract provider.
Key Things To Look For in Low Cost Cell Service
No Contract:  If you want the flexibility to change your plan if you are unsatisfied with the service, or you want to take advantage of a better value - don't agree to a long term contract.
Simple & Affordable Plans:  Many basic plans start for as little as $10 per month for basic service.  Don't pay for fancier options such as texting and internet access unless you're sure you will use them and the additional price is a good value.
Customer Service:  Many cell phone companies now let you compare plans and sign-up for service online. You can avoid time and hassle of having to visit a retail store to shop for new service.
Free Phones: Many Cell Companies now offer a free mobile phone with their service. These won't be the most high-tech fancy model, but if you just need a simple phone that works, consider using this money saving option.
So, if you're looking to simplify your commitments and significantly lower your monthly bills, your cell phone service may be the place to start.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Good morning everyone!
The storms have passed and it appears we will have beautiful weather coming our way. Hopefully, the folks impacted by the storms will have good weather to continue the cleanup. The storms in Oklahoma and Texas reinforce how fragile life can be.

Dorothy and Johnye both asked which NOAA app I mentioned yesterday. I apologize for not checking that yesterday morning. When I downloaded my copy,  it was free and there was only one. imagine my surprise to look at the App Store and find multiple versions which do not look like mine! I decided the one closest to my version is the first one listed which is NOAA Radio HD. Today it is on sale for $1.99. The free apps are probably OK, I just don't know if they are blind friendly. The NOAA endorsed apps will be connected to the Weather Service and give out more details. This is the same benefit you would receive from the weather radio. Unfortunately, we only think about these things when the storms are coming. When the sun is shining, it is hard to remember that Arkansas is located in tornado alley.  Let me know which app you download and if you feel it is blind friendly.

Which apps are you using? We all have our favorites. Please drop me a line and let me know your favorites and those you would recommend to others in our community. As you can tell, when I find one I like, I tend to just stay with it rather than learn a new one. I would like to develop a list of blind friendly apps which we are actually using and include them in the blog.

Until tomorrow, count your blessings and remember those in need,
Dr.Janet

Weather

Good morning friends,
The weather today has potential to be very dangerous. Please take the appropriate precautions. Keep those weather radios close. There are several fantastic weather apps for those with apple or android systems. The Red Cross app is good and the NOAA app offers up to the minute information. Your local television station app is another option but I find the information from NOAA to be the most accurate.

Remember to heed any warning! Do not be a hero. You can't outrun 200 mile per hour wind! An interior hallway or bathroom is the safest spot if you do not have a designated safe area.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted in Oklahoma. Please stay safe! Remember, things can be replaced...
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Distractions and meal time

From our friends at Health Day News:

 Too much multitasking could make you overeat, a new study suggests. So if you're finding it hard to reach or maintain your ideal weight, slowing down and savoring your meal might help.

Taking the time to focus on your food — appreciating how it tastes and smells — may keep you from snacking or overstuffing hours later.

Researchers have discovered that watching television may not just be doing what experts have long assumed: turning you into an exercise-avoiding couch potato. The couch isn't necessarily the problem — it's that you're not paying attention to what you're eating. That tends to make you feel less full — some people can't even remember what they ate and when — which in turn causes them to eat even more.

"We have assumed TV was decreasing everyone's exercise but in principle it might be the distraction [that leads to weight gain]," said lead study author Eric Robinson, a research fellow at the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society at the University of Liverpool, in England.

Being aware and remembering what you've been eating may influence how much you eat, so enhancing your focus and memory of your intake could be critical to helping you eat less, Robinson said.

Instead of consciously counting calories, people may be better served by thinking about what they're eating, noticing the taste, texture and aroma of the food, and chewing a little more slowly instead of chowing down a meal quickly, he said.

Robinson became interested in memory and its potential impact on food intake after reviewing studies of people who suffered amnesia or severe memory loss. Studies showed that people who were unable to remember something that occurred just a short time ago would eat lunch, and then, when served another meal shortly thereafter, would eat again — even though they were presumably full.

"They would happily carry on eating, and this shows memory systems play a role in stimulating eating and hunger," Robinson said.

The research, published in the April issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed 24 studies that had investigated the influence of attention and memory on food intake. All studies involved at least two different groups — often made up of college students — and compared the results between the groups. For example, one gave a specific meal to people who were watching television and the same meal to people who were not. Another compared people who ate alone to those who ate while watching television or a recorded radio drama.

The findings suggest the following conclusions:

• Being distracted or less attentive to the food you're eating tends to make you eat more at that sitting.
• Paying attention to what you're eating tends to make you eat less later on.
• Even those who are dieting — called "restrained eaters" by the researchers — may eat more if they are distracted than if they are able to focus on their food.

Connie Diekman, director of university nutrition at Washington University at St. Louis, said the research reinforces what dieticians have known for a long time: If you don't pay attention to what you're eating, you will eat more. But she said the new research adds something to the science: Eating while distracted will also affect what you eat later.

"That's a big part that people may not have really thought about before," she said.

Yet for many busy families, slowing down meals may seem impossible. "We've become a grab-and-go-society," she said. "People will eat meals in less than five minutes."

Diekman suggested that even those who dine alone should set a place at the table, cook a meal and enjoy it. "Don't automatically turn on the TV," she said.

Even if you're eating while working at your computer, you can still focus a bit more on the food, Diekman added. "Eat, and then look at the computer, and then eat a few more bites," she said. "Slowing down may be important because it allows you to focus on your food."

For Diekman, the message is simple: "It's all about making a meal an experience and not just eating food," she said.

More information

Learn more about weight control from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Weekend wrap up

Morning all!
We had a great time on Saturday! Everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship. We did decide that some of us may have a hard time adding spinach and kale to our diet!

Everyone agreed we should make a conscience effort to eat better. Hopefully this will jump start us to do better.

The week will be a hectic one for me so watch for exciting updates!  Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Kindle is now accessible

 Kindle Books are Finally Made Accessible to People with Print Disabilities! 

Access to the written word for those of us with print disabilities has only continued to get better as technology has improved. Not that long ago, our community only had access to 5 percent of published material. Organizations like Bookshare and the Gutenberg Library project increased this number, but there were still so many books that remained out of reach. Once the IOS platform became accessible, the number of available books increased further with access to iBooks and recently the Nook collection from Barnes and Noble, but it was Amazon's Kindle book collection that was missing. Amazon offers many free books for Prime members which is a big reason to pay the membership fee.

Many in our community thought that Amazon didn't care, or didn't want to make the effort, but last week they proved us wrong. After reading about the update to the Kindle app, I immediately went and downloaded it from the app store. You must use the Amazon website to get your books. Their website is easy to navigate on your IOS device, or you can also add books to your wish list using the Amazon app. I searched for free books on the Amazon website and found thousands of options including books that were recently published. After downloading them, I went back into the app, selected settings and hit sync. This is something you'll need to do every time you get a new book. The final bit of happy news is that these books are also accessible with Braille displays. This is going to open up a whole new world to Braille readers. If you like your experience with iBooks you will like the Kindle's new changes. Now we can only hope that the Kindle made by Amazon will also be accessible at some point in the future. 

Vitamin D and Blood Pressure

From our friends at AARP:
Research has linked high blood pressure with low levels of vitamin D. Older people have significantly higher rates of high blood pressure and lower level of vitamin D. Recent studies suggest vitamin D supplements may help. A small study has very promising results. As always check with your doctor before beginning or stopping any medication or supplements.

A little sunshine will also help with the vitamin D.  I think we all need a week at the beach!
Take care,
Dr. Janet

Thursday, May 16

As I was scurrying around Wal Mart this evening picking up items for the Saturday seminar, I had an ah-ha moment. As you know, we are promoting healthy habits so I was actually reading labels! I was amazed at the differences between brands and generics. Prices and contents varied greatly. For example, one item had a sugar content of 10 grams more in a smaller can! I know some of you have shopping assistance but I am wondering if it would be helpful if I specify brands for you? Typically, I  just say, "1 can of peaches" but after reading labels very carefully, I think I can help save money, calories and taste by being more specific.

I am flattered by all the men showing interest in our healthy habits! Kudos to you for taking care of yourselves!

Please shoot me an email and let me know how much time you are spending on your iPad daily.

Take care and do a good deed today!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Wednesday 5/15/13

Preparing for our weekend events is always such fun! I love it when you all get involved and are excited. The phones are buzzing and 20 people are expected for Saturday's fun!

Sarah is feeling better and sent this amazing recipe which I am going to include in our packet. For those of you who live outside of central Arkansas please be patient. We will bring our traveling show to you in the next few weeks!

Thanks to Sarah for the recipe! I can't wait to try it.

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

Regular Rotisserie chicken from store (debone and pulled apart into small pieces not shredded)

2 cups chicken broth (I used 1-14 oz can Kroger chicken broth)

1/2 stick butter (I used margarine)

2 cups Bisquick

2 cups milk (I used low fat)

1 can cream of chicken soup (Generic is fine)

3 teaspoons of chicken granules (Generic is fine)

1/2 teaspoon of ground sage (I sprinkled some on the chicken)

1 teaspoon black pepper (I sprinkled some on the chicken)

 

Preheat oven 350 degrees

 

Layer in 9 x 13 casserole dish, (I used two throw away cake aluminum pans, for easy clean up now and to freeze cooked one for later)

Melt 1/2 stick butter

Spread chicken over butter

Sprinkle black pepper and sage over the chicken

Mix well in a bowl milk and Bisquick

Pour over the chicken slowly

Mix well in Med bowl chicken broth, chicken granules and soup. 

Pour over chicken mixture, do not stir

Bake 30-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Salt to your taste (I found it was salty enough for us since we are watching out salt intake)(Chicken granules have a lot of salt in them)

Note: It will be juicy so be careful when taking out of oven, will thicken up as it cools

Tech Tuesday

Good morning friends,
The sun is rising on another beautiful spring day! These low humidity days are to be enjoyed as the humidity will begin rising soon.

Yesterday's Democrat Gazette had a long article on the FDA approved electronic eye. The device does not restore perfect vision but just being able to see shapes and distinguish light is remarkable. Eye doctors are currently being trained on implanting the device. I am very anxious to hear more from one of our local doctors and to visit with a recipient. From what I have read in the paper and online, it is becoming a popular option despite the cost.

I have previously written about replacing my laptop with a non apple operating system. I played with a Samsung tablet with keyboard which uses the Windows 8 operating system at Staples. On first glance, it appears to fit my needs but it is more costly than I hoped. The tablet is $499 and the keyboard is $150. The Windows 8 reviews are mixed. This is to be expected because rivals often post negative comments in hopes of gaining or retaining market shares. However, Microsoft doesn't seem to be pushing the Windows 8 quite as vigorous as past systems which makes me nervous.

Help me out before I spend my hard earned money, what are your thoughts? What have you heard?
Have any suggestions?
Let me hear from you!

Spread the laughter, share the cheer, let's be happy, while we're still here. (Thanks to Penny for today's smile)

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Monday, May 13

Good morning all,
I hope everyone had a restful weekend! I was unplugged for 48 hours and survived! It is hard to believe how dependent we have become on technology and how stressful it is to lack access to our devices.

This is your final reminder about our Healthy Habits series on Saturday. If you plan to attend, please contact Krystal or myself. Final preparations are in the works and I must know the numbers to ensure we have enough food, supplies and transportation.

Make today count!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet.

Friday's Recipe

Super simple fiesta chicken!

INGREDIENTS

COOKING TIME: 4 HRS ON HIGH; 8 HRS ON LOW

•   1 (16-ounce) jar salsa
  
•   1 can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese Soup
  
•   2 1⁄2 pounds boneless chicken
  INSTRUCTIONS
  

1. Add all three ingredients into your slow cooker.
   
2. Stir periodically.
   
3. Cook in your slow cooker for about 4 hours on HIGH or 6 to 8 hours on LOW. 
   

Doesn't this sound scrumptious? I love the ease and convenience of the slow cooker. Be sure you have called Krystal or emailed me for your reservation for our upcoming meeting!

See you next Saturday

Happy Friday!

Dr. Janet

Thursday tidbits for May 9

Good morning friends,
My dear friend, Johnye is helping me with topics of interest to everyone in our group. Today she found a great article on NFB Newsline about remote access to help others. Unfortunately, Newsline copyrights their items and I can't legally repost so I will have to summarize. This sounds like important information for Johnye, Tim and Sam (hint, hint!) so they can help others who find themselves in a jam. The free programs will allow remote access to the computer and will allow the person given access to repair, reset or just determine what the problem might be. This could be very beneficial and save a tremendous amount of money for those who have to pay for tech support services. I haven't used either program since I am not a repair expert. Here's hoping our tech guys and gals will check into this and let us know their findings.

The apps are: LogMeIn Free and TeamViewer.  They appeared the way I typed them in the original article. If you don't find them in the App Store, you can probably google them.

A special thanks to Johnye for taking the time to help me. If any of you find articles or topics of interest to our group please let me know. You can comment here on the page or send an email to: jford@wsblind.org

Have a great Thursday!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

May is Stroke Awareness Month

Here is a great article about strokes!


Stroke Awareness

By Jeffrey S. Eisenberg

Each year, an estimated 795,000 people in the United States suffer stroke. Of these, 610,000 are first or new strokes, and 136,000 strokes resulted in death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indeed, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and is the leading cause of long-term disability.

Although individuals cannot control some risk factors, some risk factors they can modify others. “Because so many of the condition's risk factors can be minimized by personal effort, public awareness is the key weapon in conquering stroke,” said President George H.W. Bush in 1989, when he issued Proclamation 5975 declaring May National Stroke Awareness month.

To help enhance awareness, here are some questions you may have about strokes, including risk factors, warning signs and prevention.

1. What causes stroke?

Simply defined, stroke is an attack, of sorts, on the brain. Damage results from two possible circumstances: Blood vessels may become blocked due to blood clots or build-up of plaque and other fatty acids (ischemic stroke). Or, a blood vessel may burst, causing blood to leak into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Ischemic strokes account for 87% of all strokes, but hemorrhagic strokes are responsible for 30% of all stroke deaths, according to the National Stroke Association.

2. What is my risk for stroke?

Your risk of stroke depends on several factors. These include:

Age. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people aged 65 years or older, with the chances of having a stroke doubling each decade after the age of 55, according to the CDC. Even so, stroke can occur at any age, with nearly 25% occurring in people younger than 27.
Gender. Each year, about 55,000 more women than men have strokes, according to the National Stroke Association, although incidence at younger ages is higher in men than women.
Race. Stroke death rates are twice as high for African Americans than for whites, even at younger ages, according to the CDC. Pacific Islander and Hispanic populations also are at higher risk of stroke than whites.
Family history of stroke. Every family member of someone who has had a stroke is at increased risk of stroke.
High blood pressure. Several studies have found hypertension to be the most prevalent and modifiable risk factor for stroke.
Elevated cholesterol.
Lifestyle. This includes smoking, alcohol use, exercise and diet.
Diabetes. The risk for stroke is 2 to 4 times higher among people with diabetes. In 2004, stroke was noted on 16% of diabetes-related death certificates among people aged 65 years or older.
Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Atrial fibrillation is responsible for 15% to 20% of ischemic strokes. Atrial fibrillation increases one’s risk of suffering an ischemic stroke by five times, according to a report from the American Heart Association.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack). The incidence of ischemic stroke is approximately 1% to 2% per year after MI, with the greatest risk occurring in the first month after the MI, according to reports cited in guidelines from the National Stroke Association.
Keep in mind, too, that your stroke risk can change as you age. Consider: The New England Journal of Medicine recently published a study from Northwestern University that shows your risk for stroke as a young or middle-aged adult may be low, but in the long term may become very high. For example, the researchers found that 45-year-old men who have all risk factors well controlled have less than a 2% risk of having a heart attack or stroke in their lifetime. Add one or two more risk factors, and the risk jumps to 50%. A 45-year-old woman with low risk factors has a 4% chance of having a heart attack stroke, but add one or two risk factors, her chances increase 31%.

3. Can I reduce my risk of developing a stroke

Yes. “A lot of [prevention] is behavioral change, living a reasonably good lifestyle, “said Joseph P. Broderick, MD, professor and chair department of the University of Cincinnati’s Neuroscience Institute and a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. Although you cannot control for such risk factors as age, gender, race and family history, they can modify many other risk factors.

To decrease stroke risk, Dr. Broderick says, you may need to make lifestyle changes and treat underlying medical conditions. This includes losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising more and increasing your consumption of fruit and vegetables. Under the care of your doctor, you need to closely monitor and control high blood pressure and diabetes and, if necessary, take medication to control atrial fibrillation.

Dr. Broderick also recommends regular screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol.

4. What are the warning signs of an impending stroke?

Common stroke symptoms include sudden Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body. You might have trouble speaking or understanding, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination; Or, you may experience a severe headache with no known cause.

If your doctor suspects a blockage or if you experience stroke symptoms temporarily, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, he or she may refer you for an ultrasound of the carotid artery for confirmation, Dr. Broderick says

If you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke, Dr. Broderick and others suggest you use the FAST test. FAST stands for:

Face. Can the patient smile, or does one side of the face droop?
Arms. Can the patient raise both arms, or does one arm drift downward?
Speech. Can the person repeat a simple sentence, or is speech slurred?
Time. If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital. “Treatments are most effective the earlier they are given,” Dr. Broderick says.

Tech notes for Mother's Day

Just a reminder folks, Mother's Day is Sunday! As usual, it always slips up on me. So as I was scouring the web for the perfect gift for my wonderful mother I stumbled across this which is just too good not to share.

From CNet, one of the authoritative and respectable technology magazines you can order a "click and grow starter kit".  Now for full disclosure, I must admit that I bought a device last summer to grow tomatoes on my deck and not only did it work, I had tomatoes until frost. It came from my favorite source--Amazon! Proof some of these gizmos actually work.

This advertises a device available from clickandgrow.com. The Click & Grow is an electronic smart planter that runs $79. You install batteries and add water to a small compartment in the all-white, ultra-modern planter, and that's it. Sensors, a pump, and some software help take care of the rest. No green thumb required -- which is good for someone like me. I manage to kill succulents, which are virtually indestructible and even store water. A light on the front of the mini-garden lets you know when you need to add more water to the reservoir (about once a month) or when you need to replace the batteries (about once a year). The only drawback is there are only a few flower varieties to choose from. But, on the other hand, there are several herb plants offered as well as a tomato and chili pepper option. 

If any tries this, let me know.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Monday, May 6

It is a new week so let's make it a great one! Keep repeating that as you get out of bed.....
Last week, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette ran the On Computers section. This is one of my favorite weekly columns and it is written by Bob and Joy Schwabach who are mature techie folks.  Last week had a list of their favorite apps. These include: Scrabble (the game), Kindle (reading app tied to Amazon.com), Chrome (the Google browser), Pocket, Appy Geek, and Coinkeeper (a budgeting app).  I am not familiar with Pocket or Appy Geek but I hope to find time to research them o the App Store.

Try StumbleUpon.com. It is touted as a free fun app which operates just as the name implies. It claims you will find amazing and obscure sites. Can you believe it has been 20 years since the web became available for the general public? The number of web pages available is mind boggling to me. Yet we have become so dependent on the instant access to information. If I lose Internet access, I almost panic!

Have a great week, visit the blog often and let me hear from you.
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Sunday, May 5

Happy Sunday everyone,
Sorry I am late with this post but I had a busy weekend. Yesterday was Quazar Chapter of Arkansas Council of the Blind. We had 16 present for the meeting and then enjoyed an outing to Olive Garden! If you are not involved with one of the advocacy groups, I strong encourage you to participate. It is a wonderful experience and opportunity to visit with old friends.

A recent AARP magazine had an interesting article about changing your pillow to help with springtime allergies. The bottom line is change your pillow every 18 months. This doesn't mean flip it over! Spend the $10 for a new pillow and you will have less allergies and sleep better. The study found 16 types of fungus on pillows over 18 months old from dead body cells, dust mites, and drool. If you fold your pillow in half and it doesn't pop back to the original shape it is time for a new one.

Stay healthy!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

Early Diabetic Warning Signs

Here is a wonderful article from LiveBetterAmerica.com

Early Diabetes Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Could someone you know have diabetes and not even know it? It may seem surprising, but it's entirely possible. Even more likely is that a person may have prediabetes, but not have any idea his or her body is experiencing physiologic stress. The vast majority of people living with prediabetes do not know they have it. Prediabetes is the calm before the storm – and it may be halted if lifestyle changes happen quickly.

What Is Prediabetes, Anyway?

Prediabetes, also called impaired glucose tolerance, is a health condition with no symptoms. It occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal yet still too low to qualify for a diabetes diagnosis (see below). If that sounds like a mild or benign condition, think again. While we've long-known the serious health consequences of diabetes-increased risk for blindness, heart attack, stroke, and amputation among them – having prediabetes is almost always present before a person develops type 2 diabetes-and all the complications that come with it. With some 79 million American adults estimated as living with prediabetes, there's serious cause for concern.

But there's also some encouraging news. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with prediabetes, the onset of full-blown type 2 diabetes – and its host of potential side effects – can be delayed or prevented. A major research study led by the National Institutes of Health showed that making modest behavior changes, such as improving food choices and increasing physical activity, helped participants lose weight reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% in people with diagnosed prediabetes.¹ Many factors increase your risk for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. To find out more about your risk, see what characteristics in this list apply to you:

• 45 years or older
• overweight
• a parent or a sibling has diabetes
• family background is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
• had diabetes when pregnant (gestational diabetes), or gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more
• physically active less than three times a week
   

Subtle Symptoms of Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin causing very high blood glucose levels. Unlike prediabetes, diabetes does have symptoms but it can often go undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, you may not notice small changes in how you feel. Yet these shifts may be your body trying to let you know that things aren't quite right. One small change alone is not necessarily a red flag, but a few of these subtle symptoms should certainly prompt you to see your doctor. Consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Are you suddenly feeling much thirstier, hungrier, and losing weight without trying?
• Do you feel more fatigued or weaker than usual? If you've started exercising significantly more, these changes could be expected. But if your diet and exercise patterns have remained stable, discuss these changes with your doctor promptly.
• Are you experiencing blurred vision or recurring skin or gum infections?
• Have you noticed that cuts and bruises take longer to heal? Are you urinating more often or feeling tingling in your hands, feet, or legs?

These, too, may initially seem insignificant, especially in isolation. But having any combination of these symptoms should not be ignored.

Modifications That Matter

The primary risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes is obesity. Thus, achieving a weight loss of 5-7% by reducing the fat and calories you consume and increasing physical activity to 150 minutes per week are critical components in helping delay or prevent the onset of this disease.

Not surprisingly, healthful eating helps. Fill your diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain, low-fat dairy, and lean sources of protein. Eating a heart healthy, calorie-reduced meal plan can assist your weight loss efforts and may even help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well.

Increasing physical activity such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling to at least 150 minutes per week is another thing you can do to help reduce your risk. Exercise is another tool to help you in your weight loss efforts and may also be beneficial to your heart, lungs, and emotional health.

Warm soup for a cool weekend

Here's a great way to warm up on a cool evening.

Slow Cooker 8-Can Taco Soup

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained
1 (12.5 oz) can chicken breast, drained
1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 oz) can green enchilada sauce
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning

Directions:

Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Dump all the ingredients into slow cooker and stir together. Cook on low heat for 2-3 hours. Serve with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.

One thousand hits!

Today we celebrate a milestone. Our blog reached 1000 hits yesterday. What an accomplishment for a group of people over 55 with blindness and visual impairments! This started with an idea to keep folks using their technology and it worked. Thanks to all of you who tune in everyday for my facination with science, silly comments,  techie tidbits, and favorite form of lazy cooking. The blog service provides statistics to me on a daily basis, I know that almost the same number of people read the blog on an iPad as a desk top, that a few read on their phones and most read early in the morning.

From a group of 13 folks invited to participate in a research project to the 50 who read daily in such a short time period is remarkable. I appreciate your dedication and comments. The goal is to enrich your life and provide useful information. However, I think I receive the most benefit!

Thanks again,
Dr. Janet

Book Share

Everyone,
The week is on the downhill slide to the weekend! Those of us who still head out to work daily spend most of our days counting down to the weekend. Bob and I click off the days to retirement! He is getting close. Unfortunately, I need to work till I am 110 years old!

As I write very often, reading is good for you. It exercises your mind and relaxes your body. Book Share has an app (one time cost of $20) which will allow you to download up to 100 books per year. Book Share is not free, the cost is $50 per year but for those who like to read, it is another good alternative. Thanks Johnye for all your hard work on these apps and useful information.

I have placed a Perkins Braille writer order. Please contact Krystal or myself if you need a replacement.

Healthy Habits will travel to Paragould! We will be at the Senior Center on Tuesday, June 18 with class beginning at 10. These sessions require 3 hours so make plans accordingly. Please register for the Paragould session by contacting Margaret at 870-450-6010. Let her know if you live outside the senior center travel area so that we can make travel arrangements with Mr. Earl.

Take a moment to count your blessings!
Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet