Black Widows

This flyer is from Santa Clara County Vector Control. 
Black Widows live under buildings, under rocks and in woodpiles and dense vegetation.  The can also be in storage sheds, under patio furniture and in dark hidden corners.  We use to have them in Cupertino, in the outside tool closet.  Bites cause mild to sever pain.  The can also cause muscle spasms, increased blood pressure and difficulty breathing.  For most people, symptoms will subside after a couple days.  Fr children and elderly medical attention should be sought.  A cold pack will lessen the pain.  Bites can be prevented by being alert moving a wood pile, shake out clothes that have been stored, dust and vacuum where spiders may hide, clean clutter in the garage, seal cracksk in windows and doors.
We also have tarantulas in our area.  They are shy and rarely bite.  When they do their bite is similar to a bee sting.  Brown Recluses are not in our area.  False Widows have mild venom. 

Diabetes, Ten Mistakes in Monitoring Blood Sugar

This list is provided by Everyday Health.  I also document how I am doing as others may have the same issues.
1. Getting the wrong Meter.  Mine was given to me by the doctor so no issue here.  It works. 
2. Getting a meter not covered by your insurance.  See number one.  Mine was selected for me so it was covered.
3. Setting up the incorrect time and date.  I have no idea how to do this.  The staff at the diabetic clinic do this for me.  recently on a visit the meter was all off and they had to fix it for me.
4. Testing at the wrong time.  This is a big one for me, because I try to only test when I haven't eaten for three hours.  Sometimes it is hard to do.  Diabetic nurse says I should test first thing in the morning for sure.  I don't always get that done.
5. Not getting into a routine.  I am out of my routine.  I use to always test blood on the train ride home from work about five minutes before exiting the rain.  I am currently out of my groove.  Even when I am in a groove, I have difficulties on the weekend when I do not go through my regular routine.
6.Not cleaning your hands before checking your blood sugar.  This is something I had not really considered.  However I had worried about it a couple times.  However it makes sense.  Washing hands before measuring can give a more accurate reading.
7. Misusing you testing supplies.  Check the expiration dates of the test strips, and avoid reusing the lancets.
8. Testing your fingertip.  The fingertip is the most sensitive part of the finger.  Better to test on the side where it is not so painful.  Also best to change fingers so one isn't over used.
9.  Not staying hydrated.  If you are dehydrated  it can change your numbers.  I had never thought of this.
10. Not tracking your results.  I have never done this, other than what my machine does.  The office of the diabetic nurse use the monitor to get a recent record of my numbers.