Test Strip Center

02/10/2026

High cholesterol, also called hyperlipidemia, is a health problem many Americans face. It’s a red flag for heart disease, heart attack, stroke and other serious problems. If your primary care physician says your cholesterol levels are too high, there are simple steps.

✅ Exercise Regularly. Start slowly, and gradually build-up to 150 minutes of light aerobic exercise weekly.

✅ Control Your Weight, Blood Glucose, and Blood Pressure. Obesity and high cholesterol often go hand in hand. These conditions can coexist with hypertension and diabetes, too. So, keep your weight within normal limits to see improvement in your annual blood tests.

✅ Watch Your Diet. A healthy diet means more than the right daily calorie intake (as important as that is). Lowering cholesterol means making better food choices–leaner meats, low-fat dairy, increased fiber intake and fruits and vegetables. Avoid fast and processed foods, and transition to a more plant-based diet.

02/09/2026

Feeling hangry is absolutely real! 😵‍💫 When you are hungry for a prolonged period of time, it can affect you both mentally and physically.

If you haven’t eaten for a while, your blood sugar level drops. When this happens, your body releases a combination of stress-related hormones into your bloodstream, including cortisol and adrenaline, to stabilize your blood sugar. These hormones can make people behave more aggressively toward those around them. As well, low blood sugar itself interferes with some brain functions, including those that help us control impulses and regulate behaviour. This can also make you feel short-tempered or crabby.

People with diabetes can be at risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) – especially those who take insulin or certain other medications – it is important that you recognize and manage feeling hangry.

This means checking your blood sugar at regular intervals to see if you might benefit from a snack or an earlier meal than planned.

If you are feeling hangry and your blood sugar is lower than normal, it’s a good idea to consume a source of carbohydrate.

02/05/2026

How Helpful Are Diabetes Management Apps? 📲

Diabetes management apps serve as essential tools for individuals with diabetes by enabling real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels, which enhances the understanding of the impacts of diet, exercise, and medication. These applications provide personalized insights and trend analysis, empowering users to make informed decisions regarding their health.

02/04/2026

🧐 Did You Know?

Bitter Melon (Ampalaya) isn't just a traditional ingredient — it's a natural blood sugar regulator!

🌱 It contains charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p, compounds that work similarly to insulin.
🩸 These help lower blood sugar levels and improve how your body uses glucose.

💡 Adding it to your diet might give your diabetes management a healthy, natural boost!

02/02/2026

Did you know that Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through simple yet powerful lifestyle choices?

Here's how you can lower your risk:

🥗 Maintain a healthy weight: Aim for a BMI within the healthy range by eating nutritious foods and staying active.

🍎 Eat a balanced diet: Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while minimizing processed foods and sugary treats.

🏃‍♂️ Get moving: Regular exercise not only helps with weight management but also improves insulin sensitivity, reducing your risk of diabetes.

🚭 Say no to to***co: Smoking increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so kicking the habit is a crucial step toward prevention.

Small changes today can lead to big benefits tomorrow! Let's prioritize our health and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes together! 💪

02/02/2026

Physical Activity

🚶 Movement is medicine! Just 30 minutes of walking, light exercise, or even dancing can improve insulin sensitivity and boost your energy. You don’t need to do anything extreme—small, consistent activity adds up over time.

Make movement part of your daily routine. Take the stairs, stretch during breaks, or go for a short walk after meals. These small efforts help your body regulate blood sugar more effectively and keep you feeling stronger. 💪

02/01/2026

01/31/2026

Happy Weekend! ✨

May your days be filled with good vibes, warm smiles, and moments that make your heart happy. Enjoy every second—you deserve it!

01/30/2026

Stay Warm, Stay in Control

Cold temperatures can affect blood sugar levels and insulin absorption. During a snowstorm, make sure you’re dressed warmly and keep your insulin close to your body—not in a freezing car or bag. Protecting your medication means protecting your health.

01/30/2026

Extreme winter weather across parts of the U.S. is posing serious health risks, especially for:
• Older adults
• Children
• People with chronic conditions

Health concerns include:
• Hypothermia & frostbite
• Increased risk of flu and respiratory illnesses
• Heart strain from cold exposure and physical exertion
• Limited access to medical care due to weather conditions

Please stay warm, limit outdoor exposure, stay hydrated, and check on loved ones. Your health and safety matter 🤍

01/29/2026

Constant Itching or Dry Skin

Did you know that unusually dry or itchy skin can be an early sign of diabetes? High blood sugar pulls moisture from your body, leaving your skin dry and irritated. If lotions aren’t helping, it may be time to check your blood sugar.