This is for all the “real men” out there who don’t get check-ups.

How often do we, or someone we know, get a headache, complain about blurred vision or feel like we need a quick pick-me-up? Usually we’ll take an aspirin, apply eye drops, gulp down an energy drink, etc., anything to make us feel better, if only temporarily.

These remedies, for the most part, are effective. But when our home remedies don’t correct the ailment we may need to get another opinion. A professional opinion . . . like, hmmmm, maybe a doctor’s?

That’s where, for many in our community, and I’m guilty of it too, the buck stops. We, especially men, tend to do it later; we’ll get around to it or say, “I know how I feel.” Until one of the women in our lives says something, or puts her foot down, we will do nothing.

Yes, I have used excuses instead of handling my business too . . . until I had a rather serious ailment that I initially tried to treat with cough drops, etc.

After my wife insisted that what I was doing wasn’t working, I had to consult with a doctor. Now I have to say, that method is not good enough. We really need to get a handle on our health and become pro-active.

Today’s article is a brief run-down of symptoms of Diabetes. These symptoms usually develop over a short period of time and may seem minor at first.

Some Symptoms of Type 1 Diabetes

• Constant or Increased hunger, even after a good meal.
• Significant or Unexplained loss of Weight
• Increased thirst
• Frequent or increased urination
• Blurred vision
• Extreme fatigue
• Dry mouth.
• Headaches.
• An additional symptom of Type 1 Diabetes: loss of consciousness; rare but very serious.

Treatment:

People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin for the remainder of their lives. If a person has type 1 diabetes and is not diagnosed and treated, they can lapse into a coma or worse.

Some Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes are the same symptoms as Type 1, but also include:

• Feeling ill
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing wounds
• Frequent yeast infections
• Itchy skin around the vagina and groin area, that is not cured by thrush medication.
• Weight gain.
• Decreased vision
• Impotency.
• Boils (higher blood sugar levels provide food for bacteria)
• Evidence of bruising
• Acanthosis nigricans: Light-brown-to-black, velvety, rough areas, or increased skin markings on the back and sides of the neck, armpits and in the groin.

Treatment:

• Until recently, Type 2 diabetes typically developed in people who were middle aged and could usually be controlled by diet and drugs. In some cases people may have to take insulin as well. Type 2 diabetes is rapidly becoming detectable in children as young as adolescent.

To contact the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) for more resources on preventing and/or controlling diabetes:

• Call 1-888-693-6337
• Website: Http://YourDiabetesInfo.org.

Information for this article was researched an adapted from information including but not limited to the following:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
• National Diabetes Statistics, 2007. Bethesda, MD:
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
• National Institutes of Health 2008: http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/statistics/

Hope this article helps in some way. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, quit “being a man” and get yourself checked out.

If you liked this article, share it with a friend. Join CreateVitality.Com’s Better Health for Boomers Free Newsletter by filling in the Sign Up form on the upper right panel of this page.

Click here To read Segment 1

Click here To read Segment 2

Thanks for reading.

“Good Health and Success are a Lifestyle . . . Let’s Choose to Live Well,”

CK Dillon

Contact: Charles@CreateVitality.Com

On the Web: Http://CreateVitality.Com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

What is Diabetes, or . . . “The Sugar?”

• Diabetes, a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, is a group of diseases that won’t allow our bodies to properly convert food into energy.

• This conversion process, that our bodies won’t allow, is known as metabolism.

• One sugar energy source, blood glucose, is produced during metabolism.

• The level of blood glucose (sugar) in our blood is regulated by Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas.

Diabetes is distinguished by high levels of blood glucose (sugar) in our system, resulting from our body’s defective insulin production, action, or both.

Types of Diabetes

• Type 1 Diabetes; formerly Juvenile Onset Diabetes, accounts for 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes and results when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys its insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

• Type 2 Diabetes; formerly Adult-Onset Diabetes accounts for 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes and occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it makes.

In the not-too-distant past, Type 2 Diabetes was normally discovered in adults over 40 years of age. Lately it has become prevalent in younger generations, including adolescents.

• Gestational Diabetes; occurs in women only during pregnancy

The cause of each type of diabetes is different, but the common thread is high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

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See Segment #1: Diabetes in the African American Community

See Segment #3: Some Symptoms of Diabetes

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Thanks for reading. If you liked this article, share it with a friend.

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Join CreateVitality.Com’s Better Health for Boomers Free Newsletter by filling in the Sign Up form on the upper right panel of this page.

“Good Health and Success are a Lifestyle . . . Let’s Choose to Live Well,”

CK Dillon,

Contact: Charles@CreateVitality.Com

On the Web: Http://CreateVitality.Com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

One Saturday morning back in ‘64, I was sitting in our community’s”pinnacle of opinion”, Red’s Barbershop, waiting for my turn in the chair.

There was a heated discussion going on between several of the Saturday morning regulars and as usual, I learned something.

After a considerable amount of friendly bickering, finger-pointing and debate over his symptoms, John, who was sitting in the barber’s chair at the time, finally agreed with the others.

He said something like, “I guess for all intents and purposes, I’ve ‘caught’ the Sugar.”

By that time, I’d heard of a few people who had “caught” the disease, but I’d never been told what it actually meant to have the ‘Sugar.’

What I did know was if someone actually caught the “Sugar,” it was serious. Up until that day, when people spoke of it around me, it was with a hushed voice.

Looking back I don’t think many people in my community knew exactly what it was, or how to combat it, they just knew it was not a good thing to have.

I have learned of parents who had diabetes back then, but hid the fact from their children. Later in life one or more of their children contracted, or most likely inherited, the disease.

One thing I remember about the barbershop conversation was when Jeremiah, who was  in his late seventies, asked, “I got just one question. So what’s that mean, I’m Black, so I’m probably gonna catch the ‘Sugar’ too?.”

His observation was met with a loud chorus of, “Hell Yes!,” followed by more bickering, finger-pointing, debate and laughter. Barbershop conversations always seemed to end like that, with laughter.

Well, it’s over fifty years later and to paraphrase the gentleman’s question, “Is it ’cause I’m Black?” The answer to that hit closer to home than he would have ever imagined.

I’ll explain my theory, but first we need to determine exactly what we are dealing with as a community in the next segment.

Segment #2: What is Diabetes or ‘The Sugar’?

If you liked this article, share it with a friend.

Join CreateVitality.Com’s Better Health for Boomers Free Newsletter by filling in the Sign Up form on the upper right panel of this page.

Thanks for reading.

“Good Health and Success are a Lifestyle . . . Let’s Choose to Live Well,”

CK Dillon

Contact: Charles@CreateVitality.Com

On the Web: Http://CreateVitality.Com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

Hello There Baby Boomer, and thanks for dropping by. I have a few questions.

• “Do You Keep Aspirin by Your Bed?”   Yes or No?

What if you awoke from a deep sleep and thought you were having a heart attack.

Would you first:

• Lie Back Down
• Ignore the symptoms
• Call 911
• Take Aspirin

Here’s a Tip: Do NOT LIE BACK DOWN!

Do you know any of the Symptoms of A Heart Attack?

Your first thought was probably ‘left arm pain’, and you’re right. However like the TV ads state, “But wait, there’s more.”

Other symptoms that someone may be having a heart attack, include:

• Chest Pain, intense or mild
• Intense Pain around the Chin
• Nausea
• Heavy Perspiration

One caveat: some of the symptoms may not occur at all. For instance, there may be no pain in the chest during a heart attack.

I read an article that stated, the majority of people ( nearly 60%) who had a heart attack during their sleep, did not wake up due to chest pain.

What steps should be taken if we suspect we are having heart attack symptoms?

1. Immediately dissolve two aspirin in your mouth and swallow with water.
2. CALL 911.
3. Say, “Heart Attack; I’ve taken 2 aspirin.” (They may stay on the line until help arrives).
4. Unlock the front door.
5. If 911 hangs up, phone a family member, friend or neighbor.
6. Say, “Heart Attack; I’ve taken 2 aspirin.”
7. DO NOT LIE DOWN!!!
8. Sit on a chair near the front door.
9. Stay on the phone and await their arrival.

It has been said, “If every person who reads this sends it to 5 people, possibly one life can be saved.” I’m sharing this information with you. Who will you share it with?

One final question. “Will you keep aspirin by your bedside now?” Yes or No?

If this information seems pertinent, share this message with your friends and family, it may save a life .

Till Next Time,

To Your Good Health and Success … Live Well,

CK Dillon

http://CreateVitality.Com

mailto:support@createvitality.com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

Hey there, here’s a Network Marketing No-No. “My product is good for you.” But I’m not supposed to say that right away. It’s too Salesy…too up front.

I am a Blogger; an Internet Marketer and yes, I am opinionated. I’m not at all comfortable with high pressure sales techniques. When people come to me using “techniques,” I cringe.

I write about enhancing our health naturally; specifically by maintaining a healthy (for you) diet, adding natural supplements, getting sufficient exercise and rest. Those are the basics. So easy to do, it’s easy not to do.

But today, I am writing about Doing The Right Thing in Internet Marketing. Personally I find it quite difficult to do the “right thing.”

What’s the Right Thing?

According to many ‘Gurus’ we marketers must strive to:

• Reel the reader (prospect) in slowly
• Don’t answer their questions right away about what we’re selling
• Inundate the reader with “free” information in order to entice them to opt-in

Once they opt-in, give them even more ‘free’ information while attaching our ‘offer’ on the back end; kind of like lulling them in.

I don’t have a clue why online marketing and sales has to be this way. At this stage of my life I don’t enjoy being “reeled in” and I enjoy even less holding the rod and doing the reeling.

Why can’t we just be truthful?

My ex-mentor informed me that it is a numbers game; that we must continually “reel in many fish to get to the keepers.” He says I will regret being up front about the facts and the cost. That is why he is my ‘ex’ mentor.

I will admit, he’s been half-right. Some people have taken advantage of my good nature. But I would choose not to establish a relationship with them anyway, and we parted ways.

My thinking is the opposite; Be honest. Tell me what you are selling, and what it costs; let me make my own decision after I review the facts. If I want “in” I’ll bite. If not, I won’t waste your time or mine. What a concept!

My articles offer great information concerning improving health naturally, but I will sometimes let you know about credible products that I sell as well.

Why? Because they work! At least they worked for me.

Case in Point:

Would you like to feel better than you thought possible and improve your health along the way, all at no financial risk? Sounds like hype right?

Sounded like hype to me too, because I’m a huge skeptic, but I’m glad I gave it a shot, because people comment often about how much energy I have. I can’t help but smile and say, “Yeah, you’re right.”

Want to know my ‘Secret.’

It’s simple, I take one capful of GBG Ten-In-One™ Liquid Multi-Formula every day.

I’ve been an affiliate of GBG, and had my first sip of GBG Ten-In-One™ Liquid Multi-Vitamin in April of 2008.

Taking the vitamin is so easy and convenient, (drink just one cap-full a day) that I have not missed taking my vitamin more than a total of ten days since then. And when I missed a day, I thought about it at least five times that same day, just got lazy or something.

l guarantee you when I was taking the tablet-form of vitamin, I was not as consistent. The consistency alone has to contribute to my feeling better than I have in years. And the added benefit of losing pounds doesn’t hurt either.

I weighed 260 pounds when I took my first drink; Within 90 days I lost 25 pounds; The weight has not come back many months later. That’s my story.

So give it a shot

Here’s my affiliate link. I’m sure if you try GBG Ten-In-One™ Liquid Multi-Vitamin, you will feel a difference. But like pitchman Billy Mays might have said, ”But wait, there’s more, here’s the best part …”

I mentioned earlier that you would have no financial risk.

If you don’t feel that GBG Ten-In-One™ Liquid Multi-Vitamin has been beneficial to your health, you have 60 days to return the empty bottle for a refund of $29.95. What can you lose, with the exception of maybe a few pounds . . .?

If you liked this article, share it with a friend.

Join CreateVitality.Com’s Better Health for Boomers Free Newsletter by filling in the Sign Up form on the upper right panel of this page.

Thanks for reading.

“Good Health and Success are a Lifestyle . . . Let’s Choose to Live Well,”

CK Dillon

Contact: Charles@CreateVitality.Com

On the Web: Http://CreateVitality.Com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

I read some exciting information in a New York Times Health Feed written by Donald G. McNeil Jr. It published in GoUpState.Com on Tuesday, March 17, and was titled:

‘After a Stroke, Freeing Muscles with Botox’

The heart of the matter is Botulinum toxin; known best by the brand names:

• Botox – manufactured by Allergan
  
• Myobloc – manufactured by Solstice Neurosciences
  
• Xeomin – manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals

Botulinum toxin has far more medical uses than smoothing out a few wrinkles, but some uses are unofficial and not yet approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Here’s The Good News

Botulinum toxin has not been approved for use by stroke victims, but has been proven so effective that Medicare and other insurers under certain circumstances will consider reimbursement for its use.

Most stroke victims have never heard of the treatment from their neurologist or primary care doctors, because those physicians often are not aware of the benefits of the treatments.

It’s Up To You To Inform Your Doctor

Even if they have heard of the treatment, many doctors are not trained to administer the deeper injections that are required; the procedure is a bit more involved than procedures dermatologists perform, to erase wrinkles.

According to Mr. McNeil’s article, “most neurologists are in the habit of prescribing anti-spasticity drugs like tizanidine and baclofen, which are oral and inexpensive, but which cause drowsiness and weaken every muscle in the body, not just the target ones.”

Therefore, according to Dr. David M. Simpson, Clinical Neurophysiology Director at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, a leading Botulinum toxin researcher, 95 percent of the stroke victims who could benefit, never receive the injections.

Botulinum toxin is not a miracle drug and will not heal every problem caused by stroke, but it is worth a look.

See what Donald G. McNeil Jr. has to say here in his excellent article concerning Ms. Francine V. Corso, a software engineer who has to go out of her way to receive regular treatment but claims, “I’m completely transformed — I drive, I volunteer, I take art classes.”

How great is that!

As always, there’s one caveat. Be sure to find the right neurologist. Dr. Mark Hallett of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, says he uses ultrasound and electromyography when treating patients.

When an uninformed physician performs the necessary injections, close isn’t good enough.

Thanks for investing your time to read this article. Hope it gives you something to think about.

If you liked this article, share it with a friend.

Join CreateVitality.Com’s, “Better Health for Boomers” Free Newsletter by filling in the Sign Up form on the upper right panel of this page.

Thanks for reading.

“Good Health and Success are a Lifestyle . . . Let’s Choose to Live Well,”

CK Dillon

Contact: Charles@CreateVitality.Com

On the Web: Http://CreateVitality.Com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

The March of Dimes has issued a reminder of Five Common-Sense Health Tips for the arrival of a Healthier Baby.

Are you or do you know someone who is, may now be, or plans to be pregnant?

You can help yourself or someone else, by giving her gentle health reminders. She may be your daughter, grand daughter, friend, aunt, cousin or maybe even your mother. She’s someone you care about and want to have a healthy baby.

This is your opportunity to pass along sage advice. Most women, pregnant or not, know this already but gentle reminders along the way can do nothing but help the newborn baby.

The March of Dimes recommends that all Pregnant Women Should follow these five key steps:

• First and foremost, get early and regular pre-natal care. It will reduce the risk of having a low birth-weight baby and ward off any undue surprises.
• Eat nutritious foods, supplemented with vitamins if need be. Make sure that you and your baby get all the protein and nutrients you need through a proper diet.
• Please Don’t Smoke! Women who smoke increase their chances of having a miscarriage or a low birth-weight baby.
• Here’s a No-Brainer … Don’t take drugs! If not prescribed or approved by a doctor who is familiar with the pregnancy, the wrong drugs can cause severe disabilities, or worse, the death of your baby.
• Don’t drink! Hard liquor, wine or even beer can cause birth defects. If you follow these five reminders, the chances of your bundle of joy arriving healthy increase dramatically.

Thanks for investing your time to read this article. Hope it gives you something to think about.

If I said something that helped you, click on the RSS icons and/or share it with others.

Till Next Time, To Your Good Health and Success … Live Well,

CK Dillon

http://LiquidVitaminsOnline.Net

support@createvitality.com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

Colorectal Cancer, colon cancer for short, the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., originates in the large intestine or rectum.

Early stage cancer can often be cured and regular testing should begin after the age of 50.

Check out the article at http://cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info

There you will find Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.

Colorectal Cancer:

• affects men and women in all racial and ethnic
  groups
• is most often found in people aged 50 years or
  older
• is the third most common cancer after prostate
  and lung cancers in men
• is the third most common cancer after breast and
  lung cancers in women

It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way

If all men and women aged 50 or older had regular Colorectal Cancer screening tests, as many as 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented.

What Is Colorectal Cancer Screening?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), screening is when a test is used to look for a disease before there are any symptoms.

Cancer screening tests, including those for colorectal cancer, are effective when they can detect disease early.

Detecting disease early can lead to more effective treatment.

In some cases, screening tests can detect abnormalities such as polyps, (extra tissue that grows inside the large intestine and can potentially become cancerous) before they have a chance to turn into cancer. So removing polyps prevents colorectal cancer from developing.

I have had three Colonoscopy tests in the last 7 years. In my first test 3 non-cancerous polyps were found so I had to schedule another test within three years; in my second test 3 non-cancerous polyps were found again, thus another three year scheduled test.

In my last exam six months ago no polyps were found. I had actually resigned myself to the fact that 3 polyps were going to be there, lurking.

Hooray! Now I have five years before I have to schedule another test. It is well worth the effort in my opinion to be consistently tested.

Free or Low-Cost Colon Cancer Screening is Available

According to the CDC, if you live in one of the following locations…

Suffolk County, New York: Call (631) 444-7644

Baltimore, Maryland: Call (410) 767-1617 or 1 (866) 632-6566

King, Clallam, and Jefferson counties, Washington: Call 1 (800) 756-5437

Nebraska: Call 1 (800) 532-2227 or 1 (800) 833-7352 (TDD)

St. Louis, Missouri: Call (314) 879-6392

… you may be eligible for free or low-cost colorectal cancer screening through the CDC-funded screening demonstration program. To learn more contact the numbers above.

If you live elsewhere in the United States, please call 1 (800) 4-CANCER or 1 (800) ACS-2345 to learn more about screening options in your community. You may also be able to find information about free or low-cost screening by calling your local department of health.

If you have Medicare coverage, various tests may be covered. Go to http://medicare.gov/health/coloncancer.asp.

Hope this information helps. If it does pass it on to someone you care about who could use it.

Till Next Time, To Your Good Health and Success … Live Well,

CK Dillon

http://LiquidVitaminsOnline.Net

mailto:support@createvitality.com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

Baby Boomers, when it comes to our health, some of us are suffering from an inflated ego.

If you have reached the qualifying age, I strongly recommend you a sign up for an AARP™ membership.

AARP sent applications for about five years before I was eligible and I took it as an insult. I remember thinking, “I’m not THAT old!” You know … the Boomer thing; 50 being the new 30, and so on.

One friend (you know who you are Coop) still refuses to join and he is 69 years old now. In his mind, he’s STILL not THAT old.

I strongly recommend we shelve our ego and sign up for  the membership. I’ve learned a lot from AARP and thoroughly support the cause.

For instance, the winter issue of ‘Strive For Healthy Living’ mentions that:

• March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
• April is Foot Health Awareness Month
• May is National Arthritis Month

I for one had no clue until I read the articles. My next article will be an in-depth report on Colorectal Cancer, or Colon Cancer for short.

So, if you have not already looked into the benefits of joining AARP, give it a good going over. I think you’ll like what you see. It provides the best value for $12.50 that I’ve ever invested in.

Hope this information helps. If it does pass it on to someone you care about who could use it.

Till Next Time, To Your Good Health and Success … Live Well,

CK Dillon

http://LiquidVitaminsOnline.Net

mailto:support@createvitality.com

Http://CreateVitality.Com

Did I Mention Early Screening is the Key?

Also in September 2004 there was a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. After interviewing over 67,000 men over the age of 65 it was determined that black men were 35% less likely than white men to be tested for PSA (prostate-specific antigen)

The fact is Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer among men in the U.S. We black men are at a much higher risk of premature death caused by prostate cancer, so we are the group who should benefit the most from PSA screening.

There are myriad reasons why black men hesitate to get screened. We don’t have medical coverage insurance; we lack the personal finances to pay for tests; we don’t have or seek out the educational knowledge; medicaid is not always the answer because some of us do not qualify for assistance.

In 2004 the American Cancer Society estimated that nearly 30,000 men would die from the disease and that 230,000 cases of prostate cancer would be diagnosed. We are now five years down the road and the numbers are not much better.

Granted, the prostate cancer mortality rate for blacks has declined somewhat during the last ten years, but it is still more than double the rate for other races.

It has been noted that younger black men have begun to be diagnosed with the disease at a much earlier age, so the need for testing is even more of a necessity.

Maybe with the new administration in the White House the plight of the less fortunate will gain more attention.

Meanwhile there are clinics in most states that provide testing for free or for a nominal fee. I Googled ‘Free Prostate Cancer Screening’ and found Zero – The Project To End Prostate Cancer.

Check out this link. http://www.zerocancer.org/site/PageServer?pagename=drive_home.

I also found an excellent site today. This site caused me to go ahead and post this article. She provides a lot of good information and links to even more. http://www.a1prostatecancertips.com/

Hope this information helps.

Till next time,

To Good Health and Success, Live Well

CK Dillon

http://LiquidVitaminsOnline.net
support@createvitality.com

Http://CreateVitality.Com