April 2023 Archive — practical takes on Prasugrel, Aspirin and Music Therapy

April 2023 brought short, focused posts that matter if you take medicines or care for someone with special needs. You’ll find clear, usable info on how Prasugrel can affect blood sugar, practical guidance about aspirin for aging and diabetes, and real-world benefits of music therapy for people with intellectual disabilities. Below I summarize what to watch for and what to do next.

Medications and diabetes — what was published

One post flagged that Prasugrel, a common blood thinner, has been linked to blood sugar swings in some patients. If you have diabetes and your cardiologist recommends Prasugrel, start by checking your glucose more often for the first weeks after the change. Keep a simple log of readings, note meals and meds, and share that with both your cardiologist and diabetes team. Watch for unexplained highs or lows and ask whether insulin or oral doses should be adjusted.

A pair of April posts covered aspirin: one looked at aspirin and diabetes, the other at aspirin and aging. For people with diabetes, low‑dose aspirin can lower the risk of some heart problems, but it isn’t right for everyone — especially if you have bleeding risks. The post about aging reviewed research suggesting aspirin’s anti‑inflammatory action may help some age‑related pathways, but it didn’t recommend self‑starting aspirin. Bottom line: if you’re thinking aspirin for heart or anti‑aging reasons, have a targeted talk with your doctor about dose, risks, and what outcomes you want.

Therapies for brain and behavior

The music therapy piece was one of the most practical reads. It showed how structured music sessions can boost emotional expression, social skills, and attention in people with intellectual disabilities. You don’t need fancy equipment: simple instruments, call-and-response songs, and rhythm games can help a person practice turn-taking, eye contact, and language. For measurable progress, ask a therapist to set specific goals (for example: three‑word phrases, two minutes of focused play) and check those goals every month.

If you want to try music therapy, look for credentials (MT‑BC in many countries) or start with a community program that offers short trials. Caregivers can bring music into daily routines — singing during dressing or using rhythm to cue tasks — so gains transfer from clinic to home. Track changes in behavior and mood in a simple notebook, and share notes with the therapist.

April’s posts were short but useful: practical monitoring tips for diabetics on blood thinners, clear reminders about when aspirin might help or hurt, and hands‑on steps to try music therapy. Read each post for details, keep notes on symptoms and readings, and talk with your healthcare providers before changing any treatment. If you want, bookmark these summaries at HoneyBeeHealth.com and use them as a checklist the next time you meet your doctor or therapist.