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HomeHealth 3
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
  • Game meats
  • Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops
  • Gravy
  • Beer

Foods that are safe to eat:

  • Green vegetables and tomatoes
  • Fruits and fruit juices
  • Breads and cereals that are not whole-grain
  • Butter, buttermilk, cheese, and eggs
  • Peanut butter and nuts

**  Coffee, chocolate, and sodas (not too much, as they are high in caffeine)

 

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

 

1. BLOOD PRESSURE

120 / 80

2. TOTAL CHOLESTEROL

< 200

3. HDL (CHOLESTEROL)

> 60

4. LDL (CHOLESTEROL)

< 70

5. TRIGLYCERIDES

< 150

6. PSA (Blood Test for Prostate Cancer)

< 4

7. BLOOD GLUCOSE (Check for diabetes)

< 120

8. HbA1C (Check for blood glucose over time)

< 7


DO’S & DON’T S

DO

DONT

1. DO get a physical exam yearly. Make sure you get PSA (blood work) & DRE (digital rectal exam).

1. DON’T put off seeing your doctor. Especially if you don’t feel well.

2. DO follow your doctor’s orders. Ask questions if you don’t understand something.

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.

3. DO take ALL of your meds when prescribed.  You will avoid failure or relapse.

3. DON’T miss taking your meds.

4. DO ask for your lab results whenever blood work is done.

4. DON’T avoid taking meds, because you want to cure yourself by other means.  Meds are designed to keep you well.

5. DO check your blood glucose 3-4 times daily if your are diabetic.

5.  DON’T just leave it in your physician’s hands.  Be pro-active with your health. Ask questions.

6. DO check your blood pressure daily if you have hypertension.


7. DO exercise & eat healthy.


WEBSITES THAT CAN HELP YOU

www.webmd.com

http://blackdoctor.org