If you’ve recently been diagnosed with heart disease, you might be wondering what kinds of treatments are available to you. Here at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, we can guide you through some of the latest advances in heart disease treatment. In this article, you’ll learn how these innovations work, their benefits, and the types of heart-related conditions they can help address.

The Latest Advancements in Heart Disease Treatment

In the United States, heart disease is still a major public health concern. However, patients now have new hope thanks to advancements in cardiology and medical technology. These developments are helping to increase heart disease survival rates, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

Cardiac imaging is how your cardiologist can view your heart’s structure and how well it is functioning. Today, there are a wide range of cardiovascular imaging techniques that can be used to get a snapshot of your heart’s performance and the type of heart disease that you might have. These technologies can also guide treatment plans and improve surgical outcomes.

Cardiac MRI is considered the gold standard of cardiac imaging. It is effective in identifying structural and functional abnormalities of the heart, such as thickened heart chamber muscle or weakened ventricle function. When it comes to stent placements, techniques like angiography and intravascular imaging provide cardiologists with a clearer view of blood vessels and their level of plaque build-up. This information helps determine appropriate stent size and placement, clearing blockages that could cause heart attacks.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

If the thought of having heart surgery makes you anxious, there are minimally invasive surgical techniques available for heart disease treatment. These techniques typically involve smaller incisions and the use of robotic technology to minimize impact. They can help patients recover faster with less pain and reduced risk of post-surgery complications.

For example, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is one type of surgery that allows for the replacement of a damaged valve without needing to open up the chest. Instead, TAVR inserts a catheter through the patient’s leg or chest and guides it to the heart, deploying the new valve. This innovative type of surgery is beneficial for patients deemed high-risk and offers faster recovery time.

Wearable Technology and Remote Monitoring

You might already be tracking your steps with a smartwatch or other wearable device. This technology can also help you monitor your heart and assist with managing heart disease conditions. Using various sensors and software algorithms, these devices can track your heart’s performance and are now being used to help detect early signs of heart problems. You’ll spot professional athletes with a range of wearable devices today, tracking their performance and monitoring signs of potential heart issues.

Remote monitoring systems are also being used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. ECG monitors can be worn over a period of time to check heart performance and detect any abnormalities. Blood pressure monitors can also help to identify and treat hypertension and related conditions. These systems allow you to send your data directly to your healthcare provider, reducing the need for visits and helping to alert authorities to instances where immediate medical attention is needed, such as a heart attack.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions

It is now known that maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress are essential components of heart disease treatment and lessening the effects of heart disease. Reducing or avoiding things like alcohol and tobacco can also help to improve heart health. Our clinic’s adult medicine specialists and cardiologists have extensive experience working with patients to create and carry out individualized strategies to help improve overall health.

We now know more about the effects that a non-active lifestyle might have on heart health. Even managing to do around 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week can help to improve your physical and cardiovascular fitness. Proven to be effective in lowering stress levels, mindfulness practices can support heart-healthy habits like quitting smoking. These interventions offer huge benefits for health and well-being and are now backed up by research.

Innovative Medications

Medications are still a helpful tool for treating and controlling conditions associated with heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Patients who may not respond well to traditional drugs like statins are benefitting from new types of medications, or the application of medications for other conditions, which are helping to improve patient outcomes.

PCSK9 inhibitors have proven effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a heart disease risk factor. Patients unable to take statins or who have tried other medications to reduce their LDL levels may benefit from this treatment. It has also been found that individuals without diabetes can benefit from the heart-healthy effects of glucose-lowering medications, such as SGLT2 inhibitors. These are just two examples of available innovative treatments that your cardiologist can discuss with you.

Precision Medicine and Genetic Testing

A game changer in the world of heart disease treatment is the emergence of genetic testing and precision medicine. Some heart diseases, such as arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, may be inherited. Or, there may be a genetic disposition to certain risk factors, such as high LDL cholesterol. Genetic testing is increasingly being used to identify specific mutations, which can be addressed early on and prevent the onset of heart disease.

Precision medicine combines these genetic findings with lifestyle and environmental factors into a tailored treatment plan unique to the individual. By analyzing the individual profile, specialists can more accurately predict the risk of heart disease. They can develop targeted preventative measures that have a high chance of being successful, and eliminate medications or treatments with adverse side effects. Both precision medicine and genetic testing have the benefits of early diagnosis, precise interventions, and reduced side effects from medication and treatments.

Book Your Next Cardiology Consultation With Us

These are just some of the exciting innovations that are transforming heart disease treatment across the United States. If you’ve been diagnosed with heart disease, or consider yourself to be at risk, now is the time to take decisive action to improve your health and wellbeing. Contact us at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA to book your next cardiology consultation.

A physical exam, sometimes known simply as a physical, is an important part of helping you stay as healthy as possible. Based on the results of your exam, our health and wellness experts at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA can make recommendations on how you can change your diet, exercise routine, and other aspects of your life to improve your health. Today, we’re looking at everything you need to know about a physical.

What Does a Comprehensive Physical Exam Include? 

One part of a comprehensive physical exam is the examination of your body. We will closely inspect your throat, nose, ears, and eyes. We will also check your skin to ensure it is in good condition. Furthermore, we will feel for lumps that may indicate something wrong with your health and check the size and shape of certain organs to confirm that everything is as it should be.

Our experienced doctors can identify a wide range of problems with your organs based on the way they sound when your abdomen is tapped. For example, blockages can be identified without the need for a visual exam, like an MRI. Additionally, we will gently tap your legs with a rubber hammer to test your reflexes. Moreover, we will use a stethoscope to listen to your: 

• Bowels
• Lungs
• Heart

How Long Should I Anticipate My Exam Taking? 

Generally, it takes half an hour to complete a comprehensive physical exam. However, your exam may take longer depending on the results. Further testing may include a blood draw to test the chemistry of your body, an EKG to test your heart, or a computer tomography or X-ray to investigate any problems identified during your comprehensive health screening.  

Will My Medical History Be Discussed During My Physical? 

Yes, we will ask you questions to get a comprehensive picture of your medical history. Before you arrive for your exam, be prepared to answer questions about medical conditions you suffer from and health concerns you’ve had in the past. Also, be prepared to talk about your family medical history. It is crucial that we are aware of medical conditions suffered by your grandparents, parents, siblings, and children.

Furthermore, before you come in for your comprehensive physical exam, make a list of all the drugs and supplements you currently take. Include in your list how much you take of each pharmaceutical and how often each pharmaceutical is taken. Moreover, we need to know about any medical procedures or treatments you have undergone in the past.

What Else Should I Be Prepared To Discuss? 

You should be prepared to talk about your lifestyle during your appointment. To get the clearest picture of your current health and risk of developing medical conditions in the future, we will ask you about your habits, like how often you smoke if you are a smoker. We will also talk about your alcohol consumption and recreational drug use.

Furthermore, we must be informed about your diet and exercise routine. Your diet is a key piece in your health puzzle because malnutrition can lead to a number of medical conditions. We need to know about how often you exercise and what type of exercise you do because getting enough exercise mitigates the risk of developing chronic diseases. We also need to know about your sleep habits and any pain or discomfort you experience.

What Should I Ask During My Appointment? 

During your comprehensive physical exam, you should ask about what health issues you are at risk for. You also should ask what vaccinations you should get to mitigate the risk of diseases you are at risk of developing. Also, you should inquire about whether you need to change your diet.

How Often Should I Get a Physical? 

During your physical, we will advise you on how often you should return for another comprehensive physical exam. Generally, if you’re in your 20s, you should come in every two to three years to get a comprehensive evaluation of your physical health. If you are between the ages of 30 and 49, you should have your physical health evaluated every other year. Annual exams should generally be scheduled annually once you reach the age of 50.

What Other Preventative Healthcare Steps Should I Take? 

Regardless of your age, it is a good idea to have your blood pressure tested every other year. Beyond the age of 40, you should have your cholesterol checked twice per decade. Furthermore, every decade, you should get a colonoscopy or another diagnostic test to screen for colorectal cancer.

What Screening Tests Should a Woman Get Regularly? 

Mammogram

Women with no more than an average risk of developing breast cancer should get a mammogram to screen for breast cancer every other year if they are between 50 and 74 years old. After the age of 74, annual breast cancer screenings should be scheduled. During your comprehensive physical, we will discuss your personal and family medical history to confirm that you don’t need more frequent breast cancer screenings.

Pap Smear

Women should also get routine Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. The first Pap smear should be performed when a woman is 21. After that, it is highly advisable to have follow-up screenings once every three years. However, if you do not have a healthy immune system, you should be screened more regularly for cervical cancer.

After you turn 30, you should get a cervical cancer screening once every five years. After the age of 65, you should no longer need to be screened for cervical cancer. However, you will be advised if you are an exception to the general rule.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Physical Today

During your comprehensive physical exam, we will identify problems with your health by checking your organs, such as your eyes and skin. We will also discuss your personal and family medical history to get a complete picture of your current health and risk of developing medical conditions. To schedule your comprehensive exam, drop us a line at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA today. 

At Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, we understand how important your vision is to your independence and quality of life. To help maintain your vision and eye health, you must come in regularly for eye exams. Today, we’re looking at the accuracy of comprehensive eye examinations, how often you should attend exams, and more.

How Accurate Are Eye Exams?

Comprehensive eye exams are extremely accurate. The tests performed are so effective that problems that aren’t related to the eyes can be diagnosed. For example, we can identify multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, and other autoimmune disorders based on the results of your eye tests. Furthermore, it is possible to identify diabetes, high cholesterol, arterial disease, and hypertension.

What Should I Expect During an Eye Exam? 

You can expect to undergo many tests during a comprehensive eye exam. During your comprehensive eye exam, your health history and family medical history will be discussed thoroughly, and we will test your vision. Additionally, we will evaluate your eye health, including the health of the blood vessels and muscles around your eyes.

How Visual Acuity Is Tested

The acuity of your vision is tested with a Snellen chart. You will be asked to stand a distance away from the eye chart and cover one of your eyes. Then, you will read letters off of the chart to determine the strength of corrective lens you need for each eye.

How Automatic Refraction Is Tested

Your automatic refraction will be tested with an autorefractor. This test is designed to help adults and young children who struggle to communicate. This test is used to identify the appropriate lens prescription by measuring how the eye responds to light.

How Visual Field Is Tested

We will test the extent of your peripheral vision by holding something up and moving it slowly from one side of your face to the other side of your face. While you are taking this test, you must keep your head still. If you move your head during the test, we will be unable to get an accurate picture of how far your field of view extends peripherally.

What Eye Conditions Can Be Diagnosed During a Comprehensive Eye Exam? 

Many eye conditions can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. During your exams, we will look for signs of refractive errors, like presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. We will also look for evidence of intraocular cancers, such as retinoblastoma and intraocular melanoma.

Furthermore, while performing your eye examinations, we will look for any vision changes that may have occurred since your last appointment. This helps us identify such problems as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, low vision, or a detached retina. Moreover, we can identify amblyopia and strabismus by evaluating the strength of the muscles that support your eyes.

How Often Should I Attend an Eye Exam? 

You should generally have your eyes checked every year or two. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. For example, if you are over the age of 60, your risk of developing vision problems or eye disease is higher, so you should get a comprehensive eye exam more frequently. Similarly, your risk of eye problems is higher if there is an eye disease in your family history, you are overweight, or you suffer from obesity.

You also should get more frequent eye examinations if you have Hispanic or African heritage. Furthermore, if you have suffered from a stroke or eye injury, or if you have ever had eye surgery, you should get an eye exam more than once every year or two. Additionally, you should come in for more frequent eye exams if you require corrective lenses, suffer from diabetes, or have another medical condition that negatively affects your vision.

The Importance of Getting Regular Comprehensive Eye Examinations? 

According to the American Optometric Association, regular comprehensive eye examinations are important because they allow you to identify health problems before serious symptoms occur. For example, “floaters” are a strong indicator that you suffer from type 2 diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition. This condition, if poorly managed, can lead to blindness and other serious complications.

Early glaucoma detection is another compelling reason to get comprehensive eye examinations regularly. Like diabetes, glaucoma can lead to complete vision loss if it is not detected and treated in a timely fashion. Unfortunately, half of people who suffer from glaucoma do not know they have it. You may lose peripheral vision near your nose, suffer from tunnel vision, low vision, or blurred vision, or get blind spots before you know you have it.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma? 

The risk factors for developing glaucoma can vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Generally, your risk of developing glaucoma is higher if you have a family history of glaucoma or you have previously suffered an eye injury or undergone eye surgery. Additionally, you are twice as likely to suffer from glaucoma if you suffer from diabetes.

You have a much higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma if you suffer from myopia. If you suffer from hyperopia, you are more likely to develop closed-angle glaucoma.

What Should I Expect After an Eye Exam? 

You should expect your vision to be blurry for several hours after a comprehensive eye exam if you had your eyes dilated. In such a case, you should avoid looking at screens or reading for a few hours, and you should have someone else drive you home. Additionally, you should wear highly protective sunglasses. If your pupils have not been dilated, you may resume your usual routine immediately after your exam.  

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Today

Comprehensive eye exams are so accurate that eye tests can diagnose medical conditions that aren’t eye-related. If you are under the age of 61, you should generally attend an eye exam every year or two. You should come in more frequently if you are at a high risk of eye problems due to your medical history or genetics, though. To schedule an eye exam, contact us today at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA.

Good oral health is essential for your overall health. To maintain your oral health and help maintain your overall health, regular dental cleanings are vital. Today, our oral health experts at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA are discussing what you can expect during a dental cleaning to help ease any anxiety you may have about the treatment.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning? 

During your dental cleaning, your mouth will be examined with the help of a small mirror. The health of your teeth and gums will be evaluated, and we will look for indicators of gingivitis and other oral health conditions. Then, the small mirror and a scaler will be used to rid your mouth of plaque and tartar. First, we will remove plaque and tartar from your gum lines. After that, we will clean between your teeth.

Once the plaque and tartar have been removed from your mouth, we will clean your teeth with a powerful electric toothbrush. It will be loud, but you will not feel any pain. The toothpaste we use is gritty, but it smells and tastes like normal toothpaste. After your teeth have been brushed, we will floss your teeth and have you rinse your mouth out with a fluoridated mouthwash. Finally, we will administer a fluoride treatment.

How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take? 

Usually, a dental cleaning takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Your appointment will only take around half an hour if your oral health is good. If you have a lot of plaque and tartar that needs to be removed, the scraping part of the treatment will take longer than if you have little plaque and tartar. Your dental cleaning may take closer to an hour. Your appointment will also take longer if we need to take x-rays of your mouth.

How Often Should You Get Dental Cleanings? 

It is generally advisable to get dental cleanings every six months. However, you should keep in mind that everyone is unique. If you have poor oral health, you may want to come in every three months until your oral health improves. If you have excellent oral health, you may be able to come in every nine to 12 months and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Do I Need To Do Anything To Prepare for a Dental Cleaning? 

Before your dental cleaning, you should use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Also, you should not smoke or consume any tobacco-containing products for at least three hours before your appointment.

Is There Anything I Should Do After My Dental Cleaning? 

After your dental cleaning, you should go at least half an hour without eating or drinking. This gives the fluoride time to bond with the enamel of your teeth. If you feel thirsty after your treatment, sip on plain water through a straw. Drinking fizzy or acidic beverages will rinse the fluoride out of your mouth before you can reap the benefits of the fluoride treatment.

It is also essential that you do not consume anything hot within four hours of your fluoride treatment. Piping-hot coffee, soup, and other hot foods and beverages can completely dissolve the applied fluoride. Another important aftercare guideline to follow is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums gently after you eat post-cleaning.

What Are the Benefits of Routine Dental Cleanings? 

There are many benefits of getting regular dental cleanings. One of the most compelling benefits is that it can prevent cavities. Every night, an acidic film called plaque builds up on your teeth and consumes your tooth enamel. Over time, if you do not remove all of the plaque from your mouth, cavities can develop. Additionally, plaque can become tartar, a hard substance that flossing and brushing cannot remove.

Getting a professional dental cleaning every six months or so can also mitigate the risk of tooth loss. If enough plaque builds up, you can develop gum disease, one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. A dental cleaning can help in that it can improve your oral health before you develop gum disease. Alternatively, a dental cleaning can treat gum disease before it develops long enough to damage your jaw bones and result in tooth loss.

Can a Dental Cleaning Whiten My Smile? 

You can also expect to whiten and brighten your smile with a professional dental cleaning. With the cutting-edge tools and equipment used during a dental cleaning, the stains that build up on your teeth due to consuming wine, tea, coffee, and tobacco products can be removed.

What Medical Conditions Can Occur Due to Poor Oral Hygiene? 

Poor oral health can lead to the development of many medical conditions, including endocarditis, heart disease, pneumonia, and birth complications. Endocarditis is an endocardium infection that occurs when germs and bacteria from your mouth travel through your bloodstream to the valves and chambers inside your heart. Pneumonia can develop due to poor oral hygiene because bacteria from your mouth can travel to your lungs.

Poor oral health can also cause heart and brain problems. For example, oral bacteria has been linked to stroke, heart disease, and clogged arteries. More research needs to be done on the connection between heart and brain health and oral health, though. Some of the birth complications that can result due to poor oral health include low birth weight and premature birth.

Can Medical Conditions Affect My Oral Health? 

Several medical conditions can affect your oral health. For example, gum disease is more severe and more common in people with diabetes. Other conditions that negatively affect oral health include Alzheimer’s disease, HIV, AIDs, and osteoporosis.

Schedule Your Dental Hygiene Appointment Today

During dental cleanings, the health of your gums and teeth will be examined. Then, plaque and tartar will be removed from your gum lines and between your teeth. After that, your teeth will be brushed, flossed, rinsed with fluoride, and treated with fluoride. If it has been six months or more since your last dental cleaning, schedule a dental cleaning with us today at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA.

Why Is It Important To Visit a Dentist Regularly?

What Can You Expect During a Dental Visit?

What Can Regular Dental Checks Help With?

Oral Health and Systemic Wellness

Early Detection of Oral Cancer

Personalized Oral Hygiene Education

Building a Trusting Relationship

Cost-Effective Long-Term Care

Cosmetic Enhancements for a Confident Smile

Preserving Natural Teeth for a Lifetime

Creating a Foundation for Lifelong Oral Health

What Other Southside Dentistry Services Are Available With Us?

Cleanings

Fluoride Treatments

Fillings

Extractions

Referrals for Dentures

Support Your Smile

At Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, we are driven to help each of our clients live their best possible lives. We offer a wide range of services, including glaucoma treatment, to help our clients maintain their independence and quality of life. Today, we’re taking a closer look at everything you need to know about glaucoma, including what age the disease usually develops and how it is treated.

At What Age Does Glaucoma Usually Start? 

Generally, people are likely to develop glaucoma when they are over 60 years of age. However, African Americans usually start to develop this disease when they are over the age of 40. Similarly, you are more likely to develop this disease before the age of 61 if you are of Inuit, Scandinavian, Irish, Russian, Japanese, or Hispanic descent.

Besides ethnicity, there are several other factors that affect the risk of developing glaucoma. You may develop it at a younger age than most if some other risk factors for developing the disease apply to you.

What Are the Most Significant Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma? 

Besides age and ethnicity, one of the most significant risk factors for developing glaucoma is your metabolic health. Diabetics are twice as likely as non-diabetics to develop glaucoma. Your genes also significantly affect your risk of developing this disease. Open-angle glaucoma is the most prevalent form of glaucoma, and it is hereditary. Other risk factors for developing this disease include: 

• Nearsightedness 
• Farsightedness
• Poor vision
• Taking certain steroids
• Taking certain other drugs
• Having a history of eye injuries
• Having a family history of glaucoma

There are many other risk factors for developing glaucoma, too. For example, suffering from sickle cell anemia, hypertension, or heart disease drastically increases your risk of developing glaucoma. Additionally, you are more likely than others to develop this disease if you have thin corneas or high eye pressure.

Which Glaucoma Treatment Is Right for Me? 

The optimal glaucoma treatment for you depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition and the type of glaucoma you suffer from. If you suffer from open-angle glaucoma, you may be able to treat your condition with prescription eyedrops that reduce ocular pressure by increasing how much fluid is excreted by your eyes or reducing how much fluid your eyes produce. Microsurgery or laser trabeculoplasty may also be effective.

A prescription oral medication may also be an effective glaucoma treatment for you if you are suffering from a mild or moderate form of the disease. Some of the most effective oral medications include carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta-blockers. Other effective ways to treat this disease include laser iridotomy and cyclophotocoagulation.

What Can I Do To Keep My Condition Well-Managed? 

Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do to keep your glaucoma well-managed. One of the greatest benefits of regular exercise is that it facilitates sufficient blood flow to your ocular nerves. However, you should talk to your eye expert before you start a new exercise routine. Certain activities can be detrimental due to their propensity to increase eye pressure.

Eat Nutritiously

It is also extremely important that you eat as nutritiously as you can. To help prevent your disease from worsening, you should eat plenty of dark, leafy greens that are rich in antioxidants. You should also eat fatty fish that are rich in omega-3s if there are no dietary restrictions that would prevent you from doing so. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, get plenty of healthy fatty acids by eating such foods as: 

• Edamame
• Seaweed
• Spinach
• Brussels sprouts

Avoid Smoking

Abstaining from nicotine consumption is another effective way to mitigate the risk of your eye disease progressing. This is because nicotine consumption increases blood pressure, including the blood pressure in your eyes. Smoking is the most important form of nicotine consumption to avoid if you can’t give the chemical up entirely; cigarette smoke can result in eye inflammation, increasing your risk of developing cataracts or diabetes.

Moderate Your Caffeine Intake 

You also must moderate your consumption of caffeine. Even drinking a cup of coffee to help you wake up in the morning can increase your ocular pressure significantly for up to 1.5 hours. It is important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine in the beverages you drink, such as energy drinks, coffee, tea, and soda.

However, it is not just beverages that can be high in caffeine. You also should be mindful of the amount of caffeine in the foods and pharmaceuticals you consume. For example, many weight loss drugs, anti-bloating medications, and analgesics are high in caffeine. Furthermore, foods, like dark chocolate, can be high in caffeine.

Do Yoga Carefully

There are many health benefits of yoga, but you must choose the positions you ​choose carefully. You should strongly consider avoiding such poses as the plow, standing forward bend, and downward-facing dog. You also may not want to put your legs up the wall. Generally, your eyes should remain above your heart. If you bend down, your eye pressure can increase significantly.

Avoid External Eye Pressure

It is also important that you avoid putting too much pressure on your eyes. If you feel like you need ​to rub your eyes to relieve itchiness, apply eyedrops to treat dryness.

Protect Your Eyes

Protecting your eyes is also vital if you want ​to mitigate the risk of your eye disease progressing. When you swim, wear goggles. If you wear makeup, choose non-allergenic options. If you are ​playing contact sports or doing yard work, you should wear protective glasses. You also should wear sunglasses outdoors, especially around water and sand.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Depending on your ethnicity and metabolic health, your risk of developing glaucoma may be particularly high when you become older than 40 or 60. However, it is possible to develop this disease at a younger age. To discover how your glaucoma can best be treated, contact us today at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA to schedule an initial consultation.

Physical activity is a cornerstone in the management of diabetes, playing a crucial role in controlling blood glucose levels and promoting overall health. The benefits of exercise extend far beyond weight management, improving various physiological and psychological aspects that are particularly beneficial for those with diabetes. At Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, we can help you get on the path to good health with a physical activity program that fits your needs and helps with your diabetes management.

Understanding Diabetes and Exercise Generally

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Physical activity is a critical element in managing this condition, as it helps to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by the muscles, which can lower blood sugar levels. Regular exercise also aids in maintaining a healthy weight, which can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The Physiological Benefits of Exercise in Diabetes Management

Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity

Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, which means the body’s cells are better able to use available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity. For people with type 2 diabetes, this effect can significantly reduce the need for medication to control blood sugar levels.

Improved Blood Glucose Control

During physical activity, the body’s muscles use glucose for energy, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, this effect can last for hours or even days after the exercise, contributing to overall better blood glucose control.

Better Cardiovascular Health

Diabetes increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Different Types of Physical Activity

Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, running, swimming, or cycling, can significantly lower blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular fitness. It’s recommended that individuals with diabetes aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity per week.

Resistance Training

Incorporating resistance training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, can improve glycemic control, build muscle mass, and increase resting metabolic rate, helping to manage diabetes more effectively.

Flexibility and Balance Training

Activities that enhance flexibility and balance, such as yoga and tai chi, can be beneficial, especially for older adults with diabetes, to maintain mobility and prevent falls.

Behavioral and Psychological Aspects of Exercise in Diabetes Care

Physical activity is known to reduce stress, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, since stress can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Exercise can also improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are more common in people with diabetes.

Regular physical activity is a part of overall lifestyle modification, which is essential for managing diabetes. It helps in establishing routines and forming habits that contribute to overall health.

Developing an Exercise Plan for Diabetes Management

Before starting any exercise regimen, it’s important for those with diabetes to consult with a qualified healthcare provider like those at Southside Medical Center. This ensures that any potential risks are assessed and appropriate recommendations are made based on individual health status.

A balanced exercise plan should incorporate aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training, but it should also be tailored to the routine to individual preferences of each person. When you engage in activities you enjoy, or at least don’t hate, you’re more likely to keep doing them. Also remember that monitoring blood glucose levels before, during, and after exercise is vital to prevent hypoglycemia, especially for those on insulin or certain diabetes medications.

Challenges and Considerations

Hypoglycemia Awareness

Those on insulin therapy need to be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia and may need to adjust their medication or carbohydrate intake to compensate for increased activity levels.

The time of day and proximity to meals can affect how exercise impacts blood glucose levels. Working with a dietitian or diabetes educator can help in planning exercise around meals and insulin administration.

Dehydration and Diabetic Complications

Staying hydrated is important, as dehydration can affect blood sugar levels. Moreover, individuals with diabetic complications such as neuropathy must take special care to prevent injury while exercising, so talk to us if this is an issue for you.

Tailoring Physical Activity to Individual Needs

Physical activity must be personalized, considering the individual’s current physical condition, medical history, and preferences. Customization is key to ensuring safety and maximizing the benefits of exercise for diabetes management. Talk with us about activities you enjoy, activities you aren’t able to do, and advice on finding time to get the physical exercise you need.

To maintain interest and motivation, it can be helpful to introduce a variety of physical activities. This variety also allows different muscle groups to work and prevents overuse injuries. Activities such as dancing, hiking, or team sports provide physical benefits and also enhance social well-being by connecting with others.

Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals

Setting incremental goals helps in building confidence and ensuring progress. For someone with diabetes, small achievements in physical activity can lead to significant improvements in blood glucose control and a sense of accomplishment.

The Impact of Hormones on Exercise and Glucose Levels

During exercise, the body’s need for insulin changes. Understanding the role of hormones like insulin and glucagon in regulating blood sugar levels during physical activity is crucial. Insulin sensitivity increases with exercise, reducing the amount of insulin needed. Conversely, glucagon signals the liver to release stored glucose, which is important to prevent hypoglycemia during prolonged activity.

Physical activity can cause an increase in adrenaline, which can temporarily raise blood sugar levels. Monitoring this response is particularly important for planning the timing and intensity of workouts.

Integrating Exercise into Daily Life

Incorporating physical activity into everyday life, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, gardening, or even standing desks at work, can contribute significantly to managing diabetes. Exercise should be viewed as just one component of a holistic approach to diabetes management, which includes medical care, nutrition, stress reduction, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels.

The Empowering Effect of Exercise on Diabetes Management

Physical activity is a powerful tool for managing diabetes. It empowers individuals to take an active role in controlling their condition and improving their quality of life. To learn more and get the help you need to get started, come see us at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA today.

What Are the Best Ways To Stay Motivated During Weight Management?

Remember Your Journey

Celebrate Your Success

Think About Your Health

Consider Your Original Motivation

How Can You Manage Your Weight?

Eat a Balanced Diet

Stay Hydrated and Well-Rested

Maintain Your Exercise Routine

Should You Take a Weight Self-Management Class?

Maintain Your Motivation!

Regular eye exams are important because they allow your eye doctor to track changes to your eye health over time and monitor any vision changes you are experiencing. This can help identify hypertension, diabetes, and other serious conditions. At Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, we get a lot of questions about eye examinations, including what can be expected afterward. Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Drive After an Eye Exam? 

Yes, you can drive after a regular eye exam. However, you should only drive if you feel safe to drive. If your pupils are dilated during your eye exam, you should try to get a ride home or back to work. If you can’t get a ride and your pupils will be dilated during your eye exam, you should bring very dark sunglasses to reduce the glare you experience.

Do You Need To Get Your Pupils Dilated During Your Eye Exam? 

If you can’t get a ride after your eye exam and you’re concerned about your ability to drive safely with dilated pupils, let us know when you schedule your appointment. Depending on your unique situation, you may not need to have your pupils dilated during your eye exam. Some factors that are taken into account when determining if pupil dilation is required include: 

• Your age
• Your ethnic background 
• Your eye health
• Your overall health

As you age, your risk of developing eye diseases increases significantly. Therefore, it is likely that your pupils should be dilated during your exam if you are over the age of 59. If you are of Hispanic or African descent, you should have your pupils dilated during an eye exam every year or two starting at 40 years old.
 

How Often Should You Get Eye Exams? 

How often you should get eye exams depends on several factors, including your age, family medical history, and personal medical history. If you’re not experiencing any eye problems, you should get an eye exam twice per decade between the ages of 20 and 39. If you are between the ages of 40 and 54 and free from eye problems, eye exams are advisable every two to four years.

You should have an optometrist examine your eyes every one to three years if you are between 55 and 64 years old and not experiencing anything wrong with your eyes. Finally, people who are over the age of 64 and not suffering from poor vision or eye health should have an eye examination every year or two.

Who Should Get an Eye Exam More Often? 

You should have your eyes examined more often than the average person if you wear corrective lenses, like contact lenses or prescription eyeglasses. You also should come in more regularly for an eye exam if an immediate family member, like your mother or grandmother, has a history of eye disease. Moreover, more frequent eye exams are required if you suffer from diabetes or another condition that increases the risk of eye disease.

What Should I Expect During My Eye Exam? 

What you can expect during your eye exam depends on several factors, including what type of eye exam you are getting. If you are getting a comprehensive eye exam, you can expect us to check your eyes for signs of cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases. We will also evaluate your vision. You will be asked to read off an eye chart so we can evaluate how sharp your vision is up close and far away.

Additionally, we will evaluate your peripheral vision and color perception. Moreover, you can expect your 3D vision to be tested. You will also be tested for glaucoma during a comprehensive eye exam. Furthermore, your eye muscles and pupils will be observed with the use of a small light being shone into your eye.

What Are the Most Common Eye Problems That Occur With Advanced Age? 

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, sometimes referred to as dry eyes, is a condition that occurs when your tear glands produce poor-quality tears or an inadequate volume of tears. Some of the most common symptoms associated with this condition include uncomfortable itching and painful burning. In severe cases, vision loss can occur.

Cataracts

Healthy eyes have clear lenses, much like a camera. The older you get, the more likely it is that you will develop cloudy areas in your eye lenses called cataracts. This cloudiness prevents some of the light that enters your eyes from reaching your retinas, leading to blurry vision. One reason it is so important to have your eyes examined regularly is that it allows for cataracts to be detected early.

Often, cataracts don’t cause symptoms, such as eye tearing, redness, or pain. However, if they grow undetected and are not treated, they can eventually impact your vision significantly. In some cases, they can grow so large that surgery is required to remove them and restore vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is another common eye disease that you are far more likely to develop as you age. Generally, this condition occurs due to excessive intraocular pressure. If glaucoma goes untreated, there are many symptoms that can occur. For instance, untreated glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss and blindness. It is important to be screened for glaucoma regularly because it can cause these problems without other symptoms.

Diabetes, genetics, ethnicity, and age are significant risk factors for the development of this disease. Additionally, it can be caused by certain medications. However, there are other potential causes of this condition. For instance, chemical injuries and blunt force trauma to the eye can cause the disease. Additionally, glaucoma can be caused by inflammatory eye conditions and blocked blood vessels.  

Schedule an Eye Exam Today

You can drive after an eye exam, but you should strongly consider getting a ride home if your pupils will be dilated during your exam. If you haven’t had your eyes examined by an optometrist in the past five years, contact us today at Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, GA to schedule an eye exam.