November is here and it’s time to review a few important issues.

As for Tanglewood residents, FYI: In the Clubhouse Main area beside the kitchen door is a first aid kit. It holds a bottle of glucose tablets. Chewable flavors. If you or someone you know is needing a quick fix for a sudden drop in their blood sugar level, the tablets are made just for that purpose. One tablet is usually all they need. Only give to a conscious person who can swallow. If you find your diabetic friend unresponsive, it’s time to call 911. Never place food or medicine – liquid or solid in someone’s mouth if they are unresponsive or unable to swallow. Even though Halloween candy is in abundance, the glucose tablets are chewable, dissolve quickly and are specifically made for Diabetic issues.

The following information was taken from the US Dept of Health and Human Services.

• National Diabetes Month
  More than 1 in 3 adults in the United States have prediabetes — and many of them don’t know it. National Diabetes Month is a time to raise awareness about diabetes as an important public health issue and encourage people to take charge of their health. This year, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is focused on taking action to prevent diabetes-related health problems. Explore NIDDK’s tips to manage diabetes and its National Diabetes Month toolkit. You can also take a look at our MyHealthfinder diabetes page, which has resources you can share to learn more about preventing diabetes. Finally, check out Healthy People 2030’s list of evidence-based resources related to diabetes that you can use in your work.
• National COPD Awareness Month
  Every November, we raise awareness about COPD and encourage people to know their risk. To learn more about COPD, check out the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s resources for professionals, patients, and caregivers. Healthy People 2030 offers respiratory health resources that you can use in your work. And you can check out our MyHealthfinder materials to encourage people to quit smoking — or start the conversation with their loved ones — to help lower their risk of getting COPD.
• U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (November 18–24)
  November 18–24 marks U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and the importance of proper antibiotic use. Get involved by sharing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Be Antibiotics Aware partner toolkit, which has messages, social media content, and other resources related to antibiotic safety.  And be sure to check out our MyHealthfinder resources on using medicines safely and preventing infections when getting medical care.