Gout Continued....
What are the symptoms?
The most common sign of gout is a night-time attack of swelling, tenderness, redness, and sharp pain in your big toe. You can also get gout attacks in your foot, ankle, or knees. The attacks can last a few days or many weeks before the pain goes away. Another attack may not happen for months or years.
Foods to limit :
- Organ meats, such as liver, kidneys, sweetbreads, and brains
- Meats, including bacon, beef, pork, and lamb
- Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops
Foods that are safe to eat:
- Green vegetables and tomatoes
- Breads and cereals that are not whole-grain
- Butter, buttermilk, cheese, and eggs
** Coffee, chocolate, and sodas (not too much, as they are high in caffeine)
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
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1. BLOOD PRESSURE
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120 / 80
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2. TOTAL CHOLESTEROL
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< 200
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3. HDL (CHOLESTEROL)
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> 60
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4. LDL (CHOLESTEROL)
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< 70
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5. TRIGLYCERIDES
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< 150
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6. PSA (Blood Test for Prostate Cancer)
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< 4
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7. BLOOD GLUCOSE (Check for diabetes)
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< 120
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8. HbA1C (Check for blood glucose over time)
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< 7
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DO’S & DON’T S
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DO
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DONT
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1. DO get a physical exam yearly. Make sure you get PSA (blood work) & DRE (digital rectal exam).
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1. DON’T put off seeing your doctor. Especially if you don’t feel well.
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2. DO follow your doctor’s orders. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.
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2. DON’T go to the ER if you can avoid it. If you must go, call 911. That way, you will be seen immediately.
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3. DO take ALL of your meds when prescribed. You will avoid failure or relapse.
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3. DON’T miss taking your meds.
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4. DO ask for your lab results whenever blood work is done.
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4. DON’T avoid taking meds, because you want to cure yourself by other means. Meds are designed to keep you well.
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5. DO check your blood glucose 3-4 times daily if your are diabetic.
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5. DON’T just leave it in your physician’s hands. Be pro-active with your health. Ask questions.
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6. DO check your blood pressure daily if you have hypertension.
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7. DO exercise & eat healthy.
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WEBSITES THAT CAN HELP YOU
www.webmd.com
http://blackdoctor.org