Saturated Fat and Trans Fat: Saturated fat and trans fat are fats that raise blood cholesterol levels the most. Just like cholesterol, saturated fat is found in food that comes from animals. Trans fat is found in fried foods and baked products.

How to lower your cholesterol:

• Read nutrition labels, and limit foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and total cholesterol
• Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables
• Be physically active
• Quit smoking and drink less alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage your stress

Ways to lower your blood pressure:

• Use less salt in your food; try seasoning with herbs and spices instead
• Be physically active
• Do not smoke
• Limit alcohol Drink less caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
• Manage your stress

Tips for Medication Compliance

Create a list of your medications
(prescription and non-prescription):

• Know who prescribed them and why you are taking them.

Learn about your medications:

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist when you do not understand something.
• You should know when to take the medication and possible side effects.
• Ask if you can take them with other medications or vitamins.

Plan:

• Refill your medication at least a week before you run out.
• Know what to do if you miss a dose.
• Take enough medication with you when traveling.

Organize your pills:

• Use a pillbox that has space for morning, day, and night medication.
• Refill it at the same time each week.
  • For example, every Sunday morning.

Create a calendar or schedule:

• Make a note each time you take a dose.
• Always take your medication at the same time.
  • For example, when you brush your teeth or get ready for bed.

Friendly reminder:

• Ask family and friends to help remind you to take your medications.

Follow up with your doctor:

• Your doctor can give you tips on how to manage your medications.

When you have diabetes it affects how insulin works in the body:

Type 1 Diabetes

• The body does not make insulin

Type 2 Diabetes

• The body does not make enough insulin, or
• The insulin you make does not work as it should

Signs and Symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Hungry all the time
• Very tired
• Headaches
• Tingling/numbness in the hands and feet and/or have leg cramps.
• Very thirsty
• Sudden weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Sweet cravings
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal

Diabetes Complications

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Blindness
• Kidney disease
• Fatty liver disease
• Skin infections
• Nerve damage
• Amputations
• Gum disease
• Depression

You can lead a healthy life with diabetes by staying active, managing your stress, and eating balanced meals.

Flu symptoms

People who have the flu often have some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. This is more common in children.

• People at high risk
• Certain people are more likely to have complications from the flu, such as:
• Children younger than 5
• People 65 years and older
• Pregnant women
• People with certain health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and a weakened immune system

What can I do if I have the flu?

• Get plenty of rest
• Keep a distance from others
• Drink lots of fluids
• Take care of your symptoms
• Take any medicine your doctor recommends
• Talk to your doctor if your symptoms worsen

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick with the flu?

• Yearly flu shot (6 months and older)
• Practice good habits:
  • Wash your hands with warm water and soap
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Take any antiviral drugs your doctor prescribes (for high risk patients)