With November celebrated Diabetes Awareness, it is time to get to know the signs, treatments and care that is needed for a person with Diabetes.

Diabetes is when a person’s blood sugar content is higher than normal, which causes severe thirst and hunger, weight gain, strange weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises that do not heal, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.

With the high blood sugar levels in the body, it can damage one’s blood vessels, causing bad circulation in the legs and feet. When feet don’t get enough oxygen-rich blood, any sores or cuts that develop may not heal as they should which could lead to gangrene and, eventually, amputation. This is the reality, so it is always best to know the best way to look after yourself or your loved one.

It is vital to note that foot care is essential, especially for someone who has diabetes.

Massages can help with the circulation of blood in those areas; they also help to soften, nourish and look after the skin too – this could help to catch any sores or ulcers early on.

Granny Mouse Spa has a wonderful foot massage treatment, for R289 for 30 minutes, and is situated in such a tranquil, picturesque location, that it helps to set a lovely, relaxed environment.

Not only can a massage treatment assist in caring for one’s feet, but there are a number of tips provided by the Diabetes South Africa website (www.diabetessa.org.za) to help you look after your feet.

Not every person lives in a space where growing an outdoor garden is possible, however some people have created indoor gardens which they are able to care for to help liven up their living space and to bring in oxygenated air for a healthier environment.

If you are considering creating an indoor garden for your home, you will need to follow a few simple steps in order to ensure a successful outcome.

Step 1

Choose a windowsill or area near a window to allow for sunlight to feed the plants.

Step 2

Buy a pot for your chosen plant. (Plant should already be grown or a seedling)

Step 3

Add potting soil/potting mix and compost/fertilizer to enrich the soil before planting. Fill the pot three quarters to the top.

Step 4

Add in the plant of choice. Before planting, pull out some of the roots to allow the plant to absorb nutrients more conveniently. Then plant, covering with soil until just below the stem.

Step 4

Remove any brown leaves by using pruning shears. This will allow the nutrients to be fed to the healthy leaves and not the dead ones.

Step 5

Water till the soil is wet, the first time around. Soil should be dry the next time you water. Water once a week, or when the leaves look slightly wilted. Be careful not to let the pant sit in any water, so empty drainage saucer if the pot comes with one.

William Brown (Horticulturist at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa) offers some advice on the best indoor plants to choose for your space.

“Bamboo palm, English Ivy and the Sword fern, are some of the best plants to grow indoors. They are relatively easy to grow, do not require large amounts of light and only need watering every so often,” he says.

Try your hand at growing an indoor garden and not only fill your space with beautiful greenery, but reap the health benefits that some plants are able to provide.