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Q: There are so many advertisements on the television and radio promising to deliver diabetic supplies to my home, is there any where local that provides this same service?

A: Archbold HomeCare Services has a diabetic supply mail-out program that is available to all of our customers. This convenient service is easy to sign up for. If you are a current customer all you have to do is notify the customer service representative that you would like to be added to the program and verify your mailing address. If you are a new customer, notify the customer service representative; she will make sure you have a prescription on file and have you complete the necessary forms. A customer service representative will call you each month to verify your supply needs and then mail out your supplies promptly. It couldn’t be easier! For more information about this convenient service just drop by Archbold’s HomeCare Store at 2705 East Pinetree Boulevard or call 228-5886 for more information.

Q: I am 16 years old and find myself gaining weight rapidly. I have gained 22 pounds in one year. I am 5 feet, 6 inches tall and 202 pounds. My periods are becoming irregular and I don’t feel good about myself anymore. What can I do?

A: Obesity in teenagers has become an epidemic. According to your statistics, your Body Mass Index (BMI) is at 33 indicating that you are a high risk for heart disease and diabetes mellitus in the future. At your age, your BMI should be 25, which would indicated normal weight for your age and height. Adolescent girls will experience irregular periods with drastic weight gain or loss. It is very difficult for teenagers to know how to coordinate their weight maintenance with diet and exercise. This ability to lose weight involves good wellness planning - not fad diets or diet pills. For your information, Lisa Baker, CNP, and I have started a Good Sense Wellness and Weight Maintenance Program at the Shaw Center for Women’s Health, with one-on-one individualized patient contact. Once you have achieved your weight loss goals, you will need to be empowered to maintain that weight loss for life. If you are interested, you will need to have a referral from your pediatrician and parent. You can contact our office at (229) 226-8800 for further information.

Regina N. Lewis, CNP, OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner. The Shaw Center for Women’s Health (229) 226-8800.

Q: My neighbor and her daughter had the flu so badly last week that she questioned whether or not to go to the emergency room. Both of them had serious diarrhea and vomiting. Her daughter’s best friend was admitted to the hospital with the same symptoms. We now understand there have been many cases of this flu in the past week in our area and over 200 students were treated last Saturday at the University of Georgia. Is there anything natural we could take to prevent this flu or at least make it not so bad if you do get it?

A: This week I also heard about this flu. I do understand there have been numerous cases treated in our medical community. It is so very important to wash our hands often and to repeat those reminders to our children, even the college students. Our staff here is taking a product named Sambucol which is a standardized Black Elderberry extract researched and developed by Dr. Madeleine Mumcuoglu, a world renowned virologist. It seems to be very effective at inactivating viruses (which is no small feat). It also has shown dramatic improvements like fever, muscle aches and pains. Acidophilus is still our most successful treatment for all stomach ailments. Bluebonnet Acidophilus is our favorite, but when your stomach isn’t up to taking pills, there is certainly a place for the chewable form in strawberry, banana and blueberry flavors. We are taking both products for prevention and have so far seen really great results.

Q: What causes persistent hair growth?

A: There are many causes of unwanted hair growth. Most causes are temporary and can be treated successfully with laser or electrolysis for long term permanent results.
When hair growth is persistent, there could be an underlying problem. The teenage girl with a very noticeable growth of upper lip hair, the woman who has to visit her electrologist routinely and the man with tufts of hair on his ears may be experiencing a health problem rather than a social one. Some adolescent girls take a year or two to get their hormones stabilized at puberty and facial hair may be an issue. If this growth is persistent and continues on into the twenties where child bearing is a factor, these women may have a condition called PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS can have many complications and can lead to other conditions that may affect fertility and general health. See next months Q&A for more information on the relationship between unwanted hair, obesity and insulin resistance.

For more information, give me a call or visit my website at www.PermanentImage.com