Test Strip Center Surplus

03/17/2026

How do the foods I eat affect my blood sugar levels?

The sugar in your blood comes from certain foods called carbohydrates, or "carbs." Foods that are high in carbs include candy and sweets, sodas, breads, tortillas, and white rice. The more carbs you eat, the higher your blood sugar level will be.

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, making the right food choices is an important way to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. When you control your blood sugar, you lower your chance of having serious health problems from diabetes, such as vision loss and heart problems.

03/09/2026

Looking For A Healthy Spaghetti Recipe? Try This One! 🍝

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara is a delicious, low-carb meal — perfect for managing diabetes. Packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, it helps keep blood sugar levels steady while delivering big flavor! 🌟

Ingredients:
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2–3 slices turkey bacon or chicken bacon (lower fat, lower sodium)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (choose real Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley

Instructions:
1. Cut squash in half, remove seeds, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes (or microwave for 10 minutes).
2. Cook turkey bacon until crispy, then sauté garlic in the same pan.
3. Whisk eggs, Parmesan, and black pepper in a bowl.
4. Scrape squash strands with a fork. Toss with garlic, bacon, then stir in egg mixture to make a creamy sauce.
5. Top with extra Parmesan and parsley, then serve.

02/27/2026

🍭 Overweight Children & Diabetes: Let’s Talk Early Prevention 💬

Did you know? More children today are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition once seen mostly in adults. One of the major risk factors: being overweight or obese. 📈

This isn't about blame—it's about awareness and support. ❤️

🔍 What parents and caregivers can do:
👟 Encourage daily physical activity—family walks, dancing, or playtime count!
🥗 Serve balanced, whole-food meals and limit sugary drinks
🛌 Prioritize good sleep habits
👩‍⚕️ Stay on top of regular health checkups, especially if diabetes runs in the family

✨ Small changes early on can build a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Let’s work together to protect our children’s future—through education, compassion, and healthy habits. 💪

02/26/2026

Brussels Sprouts: A Diabetes-Friendly Nutritional Powerhouse

Don’t let their small size fool you—Brussels sprouts are packed with big health benefits, especially for those managing diabetes!

🌟 Why Brussels Sprouts Are Great for Diabetes
* Rich in Fiber: Helps slow digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full longer.
* Loaded with Nutrients: High in vitamins C and K, plus folate and other essential minerals.
* Powerful Antioxidants: Their antioxidants help fight inflammation, which is especially important for managing diabetes-related complications.
* Low in Carbs: With only about 8 grams of carbs per cup, they’re a perfect addition to a low-carb meal plan.

Whether as a side dish or the star of your meal, Brussels sprouts are a tasty way to support healthy blood sugar levels while boosting overall health. Give them a try! 🥬

02/24/2026

"Asthma Triggers You Might Be Overlooking"

Did you know that strong emotions like laughter or crying can trigger asthma symptoms? 😮 It's not just pollen and pollution—triggers can include:

✅ Cold air
✅ Stress
✅ Strong odors (like perfumes or cleaning agents)
✅ Acid reflux

02/21/2026

02/20/2026

🏷️ Read Before You Eat: Nutrition Labels Matter! 🩸
Always check the nutrition label – it’s your first line of defense against sneaky sugars.

🔍 Look out for:

* Total Sugars
* Ingredients like:

High Fructose Corn Syrup

- Dextrose

- Maltose

- Glucose

- Cane sugar

Even “healthy-looking” foods can have hidden sugars that spike your blood sugar levels.

🧠 Knowledge = Better Blood Sugar Control
Stay label-smart. Your future self will thank you! 💙

02/19/2026

🔥 Why Strong Fragrances Trigger Asthma:

⛔️ Irritation of Airways:
Fragrances contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that evaporate into the air and can irritate the lungs, causing inflammation and bronchoconstriction (narrowing of airways).
⛔️ Chemical Sensitivity:
Many people with asthma have increased sensitivity to certain chemicals, especially artificial scents used in perfumes, sprays, and scented products.
⛔️ Hidden Triggers:
Even products labeled “natural” or “botanical” can contain essential oils or other compounds that may be harmful to sensitive lungs.

🚫 Common Fragrance-Heavy Triggers:
- Perfumes and colognes
- Air fresheners (sprays, plug-ins, gels)
- Scented candles and incense
- Scented cleaning agents (bleach, floor wax, etc.)
- Fabric softeners and laundry detergents
- Hair sprays, deodorants, and shampoos with fragrance

Use fragrance-free and natural cleaners, keep air fresh, and avoid strong scents. 🍃

02/18/2026

Weather can have a big impact on asthma symptoms, and different conditions affect people in different ways. Here’s a breakdown of how various weather factors can affect asthma:

🌡️ Cold Air
Effect: Cold, dry air can irritate the airways and trigger bronchospasms, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Tip: Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when outside in cold weather to warm the air before you breathe it in.

🔥 Hot & Humid Weather
Effect: Heat and humidity can make the air feel heavier and harder to breathe. It can also increase exposure to allergens like mold and pollen.

Tip: Stay indoors during peak heat and use air conditioning with a clean filter if possible.

🌧️ Rainy or Stormy Weather
Effect: Storms can stir up mold spores and pollen, which can worsen asthma. Thunderstorms can also cause a phenomenon known as “thunderstorm asthma.”

Tip: Stay indoors during and right after storms, especially during pollen season.

🍃 Windy Days
Effect: Wind can spread pollen and other airborne irritants, which can aggravate asthma.

Tip: Keep windows closed and monitor air quality reports.

🌬️ Sudden Weather Changes
Effect: Rapid changes in temperature and barometric pressure can stress the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks.

Tip: Be prepared with your medication and track local weather forecasts.

🌫️ Poor Air Quality / Pollution
Effect: Smog, smoke, and other pollutants are major asthma triggers, and air quality often worsens with heat.

Tip: Check daily air quality indexes (AQI) and limit outdoor activity when levels are high.

02/17/2026

🧠💡 People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Protect your brain:
✔ Control your A1C
✔ Exercise regularly
✔ Stay mentally active
Your lifestyle choices matter!

02/16/2026

🧁 Increased Hunger (Even After Eating)

Feeling unusually hungry all the time—even after meals?
When your body isn’t using insulin properly, it can’t convert food into energy, leading to constant hunger.
Pay attention to these changes. Your body might be signaling something important.