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In Health and Exercise, Reviews / Sponsored

Diabetic Socks for Women

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

Last year I was diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic. This wasn’t a huge shock as I had been on metformin as a pre-diabetic for three years however while this and a strict diet warded off the inevitable for a time, last summer I tipped over and as such had a whole new set of information to absorb, namely around diabetic complications.

I’m proactive in managing my diabetes however the list of things I am now at higher risk of is substantial. My dentist tells me that I have a higher risk of gum disease now. My optician has counselled me on my eye health. I’ve been for specialist retinopathy testing (which thankfully came back ok), I’m awaiting a referral for a diabetic dietician (2 x group sessions) and I’ve had my nerves checked to assess my risk of nerve damage, particularly in my feet.

Despite being pre-diabetic for a number of years I was unaware that diabetic socks for women existed. To be fair, while I was aware of the need for looking after my feet I wasn’t as clued up about anything diabetes-wise as I am now. Footcare as a diabetic, as it turns out, is no laughing matter which is where women’s diabetic socks come in.

These socks are made of a different material to ordinary socks, being made of synthetic fibres and nylon, keeping your feet dry, being snug (but not too tight) and they don’t bunch up. The socks also boast antibacterial benefits which is a bonus. What might have been a minor inconvenience sock-wise to me ten years ago, could indeed become a real issue when it comes to the risks associated with foot ulcers and more.

Despite it coming as something of a jolt I am working hard to managed my diabetes, including checking my feet (and booking myself into a chiropodist), attending appointments, wearing sensible footwear, maintaining a healthy diet and boosting my activity levels. So far so good as far as I can tell, I’ll have to report back when I have my next diabetic review. As far as I’m concerned, if diabetic socks for ladies are something my health team think will benefit me, women’s diabetic socks will replace my usual socks. It’s a small sacrifice for healthy feet and to help me avoid complications which can turn serious rather quickly.

 

 

In Candidly Cleaning, Reviews / Sponsored

MARIGOLDS AT THE READY

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on

There are some things you just don’t skimp on.

  1. Coffee (have you ever tried the 49p jar of supermarket own coffee? I did once. Never again)
  2. Toilet Tissue (It’s 2017, no-one should be using that shiny paper or breathe and it dissolves stuff).
  3. Rubber Gloves.

We know what it means to have to tighten your belt, between the hit to our income when I gave up my pretty well-paid career after having Kieran to go self-employed and then again when Roy was made redundant. You’d be surprised what you can do without and how creative you can be. One thing I presumed I would have to skimp on was my favourite cleaning-related products, namely my Marigolds. 

Take it from someone who isn’t a great fan of doing dishes or housework, often chuntering under her breath as she does both, having a decent brand such as Marigold under your sink or draped over your taps makes all the difference. Given that the quality between the cheapest cleaning ranges and the Marigolds are miles apart and yet the prices significantly less so, they are (thankfully) a hard-working luxury you can afford.

Brands come and brands go and so it’s a testament to how much our beloved and well-known Marigolds are, given that this year is their 70th anniversary. Better still, Marigold, best known for their rubber gloves, also sell a number of other cleaning must-haves.  

It says something about the stage I’ve reached in my life when I was tickled pink to receive this PR package from the lovelies at Marigold to try some of the other items in the range (already being a washing up glove fan). 

I love the fact that this brand has been going so long and will continue to be a loyal supporter. You can find out more about their 70-year history and their current ranges here or join in the chatter over on Facebook. I can recommend all of these cleaning tools, with my gloves being a firm favourite as always (they don’t roll down and so you don’t end up with water in your gloves, which defeats the object and is no good for people who, like me, suffer from dry skin easily).

Overall I have to give Marigold a 5/5* rating, for the quality of their housework must-haves, their long-time commitment to the cleaning cause and the fact that they are really good value for money.

**I was sent these products for free. Marigold have had no input into my write-up and all opinions are my own.

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