Take care of your brain

There are ways to make your brain 'stronger'. This research in 2011 demonstrated visible improvements (on MRI) in brain structure after only 8 weeks of "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction".

Mindfulness is a concept that started in the 1970's and has grown steadily since then. It is the opposite of multitasking. you focus your mind on a single thing and actively exclude all other thoughts. In practice it is a form of meditation.

You can do the same thing! What makes it easy is the Muse brainwave sensing headband. This device gives you feedback on your thoughts. When you are focused on a single thing, your breath, you hear gentle sounds and even chirping birds. When you are distracted the wind, waves or rain will get louder as a reminder to focus your thought. 

When you buy this device direct from the developer you get a 60 day money back guarantee. You will need a smartphone or Ipad or Android tablet to run the app for the headband. Check to make sure your tablet or phone has the operating system necessary to run the app.

Too busy to blog

A lot has happened in the last 2 years. Here's a summary.

1. Ariana is in law school. My front desk person is Tammy Manke as of Aug 2017.

2. I have a Certified Diabetes Educator, Josh Quinn, 'on loan' from Medtronic. He is here on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month to co-manage people on Medronic/Minimed pumps and those wanting to start on the pump.

3. I have a medical assistant, Kaitlin Shonnard, here each Tuesday and Thursday to get your vital signs, update your medication list and upload your glucose meter or pump. Be sure to bring your meter. She has the app for uploading 26 different meters. 

4. If you need a coach for stress management, see Toni Caruso. The visit will be included with your appointment with me. I also have a device, a Muse headband, that facilitates stress management. You can demo the unit at the office any day I'm open. Bring your smartphone to run the app.

5. I have guest wifi available. Just ask when you're here.

6. I love my Medtronic 670G hybrid closed loop pump. It's reduced my hypoglycemia by 80-90%. Instead of averaging 1-2 h/day under 70 I'm down to 10-15' on the average. I can go days without a low.
7. I have a Facebook page for my office to announce when I'm out of the office, etc. Search For Dan Caruso MD on Facebook to stay up-to-date. Please don't use Facebook to communicate with me about your health care.
8. I also have a Yelp page. I'm not as attentive to it as I am Facebook.

Merry Christmas!