Ponder

DR. PONDER: Minimize the impact of low blood sugar

BY DR. STEPHEN PONDER

Few things are more disturbing to a diabetic than to get a low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and embarrass oneself in public or private. But if you believe this is just the way life is with diabetes, you shouldn’t. While low blood sugars do...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Choices pregnant women make affect child's health

BY DR. STEPHEN PONDER

The choices we make or don’t make for our health not only effect our lives, but the lives of others, even the unborn. Each year, over 135,000 women are discovered to have diabetes during their pregnancy. But the true number is much higher...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Healthy family helps fight chronic illness

BY DR. STEPHEN PONDER

At the risk of oversimplifying a very complex topic, let’s say that there are two broad categories of health care delivery in the United States: the first is urgent or acute care and the second is long term or chronic disease management. The...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Be prepared for low blood sugar

BY DR. STEPHEN PONDER

Low blood sugar (better known as hypoglycemia) is a down side of having insulin-requiring diabetes. The average person with diabetes, taking insulin or a blood sugar lowering medication, can expect an average of 5,000 episodes of low blood sugar in...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Diabetics should see a dietitian regularly

Dr. Steve Ponder

The first question I usually get asked by a new patient with diabetes is “what can I eat?” The first mistake most newly discovered diabetics make is believing all of a sudden they can’t eat any of their favorite foods anymore; and...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Make managing health a priority

Dr. Stephen Ponder

Ponder is located at Lone Star Diabetes and Endocrinology in Odessa. Long term diabetes complications include a long list of possibilities beyond the commonly known eye, kidney or nerve problems. If you have diabetes and no complications right now,...... Full story

DR. PONDER: 'Wizard of Oz' teaches important lesson

Dr. Steve Ponder

One of my favorite movies growing up (and even as an adult) was The Wizard of Oz. I learned many lessons about life from its symbolism. Without question, the most profound message I learned was that inner peace and happiness are never found...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Health system provides information

Dr. Steve Ponder

One year ago, I wrote about a remarkable new health information program that anyone with text messaging or email can receive at no cost to them (unless standard text charges apply). This program is called Healthy Families. Over the past year,...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Like 'Christmas Carol,' we forge our own chain

Dr. Steve Ponder

One of my favorite holiday stories is Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”. The story opens with a visit by the tormented ghost of Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge’s former business partner. Marley’s soul has been condemned for...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Economy, health policy impact diabetics

Dr. Steve Ponder

Diabetes is the No. 7 killer of Americans today. It drains more than $200 billion dollars from our economy each year. And if we make no lasting changes in our lifestyles, one in three Americans will be diabetic by 2050. But before that ever happens...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Be S.A.F.E. with those sodas you're drinking

Dr. Steve Ponder

For years, I’ve been working to raise public awareness about the role of soft drinks and their connection with obesity and diabetes. The S.A.F.E. message I created eight years ago was my first organized attempt to educate families about the...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Vitamin D may give diabetics health benefits

Dr. Steve Ponder

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans. There have also been a wealth of scientific studies linking low levels of vitamin D in the body and a higher risk for developing heart disease and death from heart disease in non-diabetic adults. In...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Giving thanks for medical help for diabetes

Dr. Steve Ponder

Giving thanks means taking the time to stop asking for more and appreciate what you have. As we celebrate Thanksgiving across our great country, I think those of us with diabetes should also be thankful for the tools and knowledge we have to manage...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Theories abound on causes of 'bed death'

Dr. Steve Ponder

Probably the least discussed, but most dreaded complication of type 1 diabetes is the “Dead in Bed” syndrome. Typically, a previously well adult or child with diabetes goes to sleep and simply never wakes up. The person is found...... Full story

DR. PONDER: Weight can affect treatment as well as health

Dr. Steve Ponder

Well before the current obesity epidemic was upon us and when I was in my medical training, one of my very senior mentors once said to me, “Ponder, if a fat kid ever walks into your clinic, stand up and walk in the other direction.” His...... Full story