Another Fabulous Organization

In my last post, I spoke highly about JDRF and the monumental strides that the organization is making towards finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. I would be remiss if I did not take the time to mention the American Diabetes Association.

This non-profit organization was founded in 1940 with a mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. It has ninety local offices across the United States and is considered the number one charitable organization providing diabetes research and advocacy. The ADA has numerous ways to get involved, including volunteering, donating and participating in the famous Tour de Cure team cycling fundraiser. The organization also has a Walk to Stop Diabetes.

The ADA has a commitment to informing the public about diabetes and the best ways to cope with the illness. It provides comprehensive support to families, including a summer camp for children with the disease. It also hosts numerous events and activities during the month of November, which has been designated diabetes awareness month. One of the most phenomenal characteristics of the organization is that it was founded and continues to be governed by physicians and health professionals.

As part of ongoing fundraising efforts, the ADA has a store where you can purchase books, gifts, accessories and informational items that will benefit you while helping to finance their operations. They publish tons of research and even give you free access to their magazine, which is full of important information, advice, news and suggestions for those living with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is an amazing organization, which can be seen by the fact that 300,000 people contact them for information annually. You can call them too: 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) and of course visit their website at <www.diabetes.org>.  

JDRF to the Rescue

Have you ever wondered how you can help individuals with diabetes, although you yourself may not have the disease? Well, wonder no more!

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. It was established in 1970 and houses its headquarters right here in New York. The foundation has chapters all over the country along with seven international affiliations, and sponsors research in seventeen different countries, as well. As part of their yearly fundraising efforts, JDRF hosts two yearly public events in the United States. Ride for the Cure and Walk for the Cure. In both of these fundraisers, participants sign up and raise money, then actually ride a bike or walk an established route on the day of the event. Last year, my family and I raised over $3500.00 for the foundation and had an incredible time participating in the walk.  

As a person who does not suffer from T1D, you can always lend a listening ear or compassionate attitude to those who do. That kindness goes a long way. To help in a more tangible way, donations to the foundation will aid in their ongoing and new research projects in an attempt to find a cure. JDRF has created technology that has been life altering for people with T1D, including the artificial pancreas, which is an external device that continuously monitors glucose levels and pumps insulin into the body when necessary. 

Walk for the Cure 2016

It is not hard to get involved with the diabetic community. You can fundraise, donate, volunteer and advocate locally or on a national level. There are chapters in each state and events you can attend to educate others or become more knowledgeable yourself. So don't wait! Get involved with JDRF today!

Moving in with Mom

My quaint family of four had been residing in a cooperative building for the past three years. In these apartment shares, you own your residence, though there are homeowner’s fees, rules and standards that you have to live by. Over the past year and a half, my next door neighbor had been making complaints, both to us and the homeowner’s association about anything he could think to complain about. According to him, the smell of our breakfast, the volume of our television, the sound of children’s footsteps, the way we closed the front door and the amount of guests we entertained weekly made us the worst neighbors in the world. My husband and I spoke extensively to each other about the situation and decided that we would not retaliate, but instead, apologize, be cautious about our actions, and do our best to be better neighbors. This was the plan. 

Upon the implementation of “Operation Better Neighbors”, we listened to the television at a minimal volume setting, quietly closed the front door during early or late hours, insisted to our children that they refrain from any running, jumping or normal play activities in the house, and ran the kitchen ventilation system every time we cooked anything. Unfortunately, our plan was an absolute failure. Though we were fortuitous in our attempt to appease him, our neighbor’s complaints did not cease and it was unanimously decided that we should leave the co-op.

So began the adventure of selling our apartment, purchasing a house, packing and inevitably moving. If you have ever moved from one residence to another, you know this is no small feat. Add two children to the equation and the complexity of it all becomes daunting. Three months after the initial decision, our apartment was under contract. One month after that, boxes and boxes were stacked up and ready to go; but where? Luckily, we found a house, but since we needed to be out of the co-op before we were ready to close on the new house, we moved in with my mother.

One and a half months later, boxes in storage and the four of us crowded into my mother’s abode, we are approaching the time when we can move out of mom’s, move in to our new house, and begin the arduous yet very rewarding task of unpacking. 

Spending time with mom is wonderful, but the relocation is made all the more challenging with the added pressure of coping with diabetes. Simple things like finding a new pharmacy, to more complex issues like what box did I pack my son's pump in? adds another dimension to moving in with mom with the notion that we will relocate one more time before finally completing this move and settling in to our new home.    

Interview With T1D Mom, Tricia D.

My son spent one week at the Naomi Berrie diabetes summer camp, where he was able to participate in a wide range of fun activities under the guidance of Columbia University Medical Center staff. This camp is both safe and fun for children with diabetes and takes the pressure and stress off of their parents. The camp is filled with many amazing children and their equally amazing parents. I was able to interview one of the parents, Mrs. Tricia D., about her experience with diabetes and how it has affected the different components of her life. Tricia is a special education lead teacher of the Eastchester School District of New York and has over ten years of experience in the field of education

1.      What type of supervisor do you think you are?

I would like to think I am supportive, flexible  and encouraging.

2.      What type of leadership style do you possess and how do your subordinates perceive you?

I think I likely possess a democratic like, sort of informal leadership style. Likely my subordinates perceive me as honest, fair, loyal, hard working, open-minded and flexible.

3.      What relationship do you have with diabetes and how has diabetes affected your ability to perform your work duties?

My son has Type 1 Diabetes. He is twelve-years-old and takes an insulin called Novolog. Though diabetes has not dramatically impacted my performance, it has impacted my priorities. I often take calls when my son tries to reach me even if it interrupts an activity.

4.      How has diabetes affected your relationships with others like friends and family members?

Diabetes has impacted familial and friend relationships in several ways.  Many do not understand the impact of this disease on our family. They don't understand that the disease is LIFE THREATENING!! They do not understand how much effort and patience is involved in maintaining the physical and emotional wellness of my son. They don't know how much he goes through, nor do they ask. As previously mentioned, priorities have shifted. It is difficult for me to listen to complaints about things I no longer "sweat" because of my "bigger picture". So it can be frustrating and isolating at times. I feel sometimes that people don't "care" when they don't ask or seem to be interested in things that go on with my son. More support would help me feel less "abandoned", I guess.

5.  Do you or your family subscribe to a specific diet because of diabetes?

While we, as a family, do not adhere to a specific "diet" we do try to have well balanced meals, we try to limit processed foods and try to eat as low carb as we can.

6.  What advice would you give to a person in a leadership position?

My advice would be to be understanding and supportive of the individual needs of your subordinates.

7.  What advice would you give to a diabetic?

Continue to make good choices regarding your health, be patient and don't give up. Don't let the disease slow you down :)

I thank Tricia for giving an open and honest account of her experience. I love her attitude about priorities. It is difficult for parents of children with disabilities to find the support and comfort they need as they experience the daily ups and downs of the disease. The Berrie Camp is an awesome place that gives respite to parents of children with disabilities. I am glad that the hospital offered him and Tricia's son this week of attendance. I am also grateful to be able to meet others who understand the daily struggles of this circumstance.

My Son, Jayden.

Our Family!

How To Cook with Kale

Kale is an all-season leafy green vegetable that is high in fiber, calcium, protein, iron and vitamins A, C and K. It is low in calories and carbohydrates and has zero fat. Kale is anti-inflammatory, supports cardiovascular health, and is rich in antioxidants. Kale is non-starchy, so it is excellent for the diabetic diet.

Kale

Kale can be prepared in many ways. While steaming is the healthiest way, it can also be sauteed, boiled, baked, juiced, and eaten raw. A relatively easy way to cook kale is to steam it for five minutes then chop it up and add it to stews, soups, casseroles and stir-fries, seasoning it to taste. My favorite kale dish is a sauteed medley, which includes garlic, onions, mushrooms, and kale.   


Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 pounds coarsely chopped young kale (stems and leaves)

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 8 ounces sliced white or portabella mushrooms

• 2 cloves finely sliced garlic 

• 1/2 cup vegetable stock or water

• 5 tablespoons olive oil

• salt and pepper

Directions: 

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. 
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft, but not colored. 
3. Raise heat to high and add the mushrooms, stock and kale. Toss to combine. 
4. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. 
5. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring until all the liquid has evaporated. 
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

There are so many wonderful meals that can be made with kale. I hope this easy recipe gets you started. Please feel free to comment with different ways that you have used this awesome vegetable in your kitchen!

Seasonal Foods

Seasonality of food refers to the times of year when the harvest or the flavor of a given type of food is at its peak. This means eating foods at the same time of the year that they are grown. The food's peak harvest time usually coincides with when its flavor is at its best. Both chefs and health experts agree that people should eat seasonally for many reasons. Some reasons include:

• It's healthier

• It's cheaper

• It supports local farmers

• Food tastes better

• Food is fresher

• More varied diet

Eating, and therefore cooking seasonally can also enhance an individual's culinary skills, but how do we know what is in season? The simple way is to note which fruit is in abundance at a lower cost in the supermarket. For example, during summer months, watermelon can be found everywhere, but come winter, there aren't many in sight. Another simple way is to use the chart I have provided below. For more exotic or less known items, like bok choy or endives, you can look up ways they are used and tasty recipes you can try. Check out my next post where I give instructions on how to cook with kale.

Winter	Spring	Summer	Fall
Apples	Apples	Apples	Apples
Avocado	Apricots	Apricots	Bananas
Bananas	Asparagus	Avocado	Beets
Beets	Avocado	Bananas	Bell Peppers
Brussels Sprouts	Bananas	Beets	Broccoli
Cabbage	Broccoli	Bell Peppers	Brussels Sprouts
Carrots	Cabbage	Blackberries	Cabbage
Celery	Carrots	Blueberries	Carrots
Grapefruit	Celery	Carrots	Cauliflower
Kale	Collard Greens	Cantaloupe/ Muskmelons	Celery
Leeks	Garlic	Celery	Collard Greens
Lemons	Greens (cooking)	Cherries	Cranberries
Onions	Lettuce	Collard Greens	Garlic
Oranges	Mushrooms	Corn	Ginger
Parsnips	Onions	Cucumbers	Grapes
Pears	Peas	Eggplant	Greens (cooking)
Pineapple	Pineapple	Garlic	Green Beans
Potatoes	Radishes	Green Beans	Kale
Pumpkins	Rhubarb	Honeydew Melon	Lettuce
Rutabagas	Spinach	Kiwifruit	Mangos
Sweet Potatoes and Yams	Strawberries	Lima Beans	Mushrooms
Turnips	Swiss Chard	Mangos	Onions
Winter Squash	Turnips	Nectarines	Parsnips
		Okra	Peas
		Peaches	Pears
		Plums	Pineapple
		Raspberries	Potatoes
		Strawberries	Pumpkins
		Summer Squash & Zucchini	Radishes
		Tomatillos	Raspberries
		Tomatoes	Rutabagas
		Watermelon	Spinach
			Sweet Potatoes and Yams
			Swiss Chard
			Turnips
			Winter Squash

I'd love to hear from you about the ways that you use seasonal foods in your daily diet. Here's wishing you happy cooking and healthy eating!

Taking Advice from a Diabetic Foodie

Eating healthy is essential for all human beings, but it is especially true for those who suffer with a chronic illness. People with diabetes are extremely sensitive to diet, as what they eat can mean life or death for them each and every day. From ignoring fast food advertisements and the array of restaurants one may pass each day, to finding ways to make healthy food deliciously appetizing, there are many obstacles to overcome when one decides to eat healthy. One of the greatest obstacles for my family of four is the cost of healthy eating. Have you ever wondered how you can eat healthy on a budget? Shelby, the self-proclaimed diabetic foodie posted an article by Vanessa Davis that gives some amazing advice on what to eat, along with some kid-friendly recipes that will not break the bank.

Davis' article is both disheartening and encouraging. She states that it will cost more to eat healthy; that is just something we have to accept. At the same time, it will only cost $150.00 more than one's current unhealthy diet. I am not sure of the frequency Vanessa is talking about, but I assume she means per month. While this could still be quite high for a family struggling financially, it sure does beat the medical costs that are inevitable with the long-term consumption of unhealthy food.

Vanessa also asserts that there are 500,000 fast food restaurants around the world. How can one compete with that? As Davis states, "learn your way around the kitchen." Cooking is much cheaper than eating out, and with online recipes and free cooking courses, it will be just a matter of time before you are eating healthy and saving money. Davis gives a few tips on how to make the most out of your meals by cooking with seasonal produce and picking foods, like eggs and oats, that are more filling.

Well, I certainly am going to take some of this advice, like figuring out what is seasonal and what is not and incorporating those foods into my family's diet. I can also budget for $150.00 a month by cutting out other expenses like going out to eat at a restaurant, ordering pizza and choosing a matinee over a regular priced movie. I think the sacrifices are worth it and will be beneficial to my entire family for years to come.

Check out my next post which will include the information on seasonal produce that my research has garnered!

Information Saves Lives Follow Up

In a previous post, I spoke about the warning signs for type 1 diabetes and noted that if an individual begins to experience extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, sudden vision changes, increased appetite, sudden weight loss, labored breathing, a sweet, fruity odor on breath or sugar in their urine, it should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought. I am following up on that post because, not only should we note the signs, but we should take action once we notice them.   

The sooner medical attention is sought, the less risk there is of developing complications. This is very important because diabetes can increase the risk of many serious health problems. These complications can include eye problems, skin problems, neuropathy, stroke, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Neuropathy is nerve damage and often causes numbness in the feet. High blood pressure raises a person's risk for heart attack.

With the correct treatment and recommended lifestyle changes, which often includes diet and exercise, many people with diabetes are able to prevent or delay the onset of complications.

Wikipedia Rocks II

In a previous post I talked about Wikipedia, the interactive website that is not quite considered a reliable source, but that contains tons of information on all subjects. I searched type 1 diabetes, in which an article came up, where I thought the first paragraph could use some additional facts about both the classical and additional symptoms. I posted the paragraph previous to my modifications and then the altered paragraph, which accepted my changes immediately, or so I thought. Upon a recent visit to the same Wikipedia page on type 1 diabetes, I realized that my changes were no longer reflected and the paragraph reverted back to its original format. Let me show you what I mean!   

Original paragraph previous to my changes:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (also known as type 1 diabetes) is a form of diabetes mellitus in which not enough insulin is produced.^[4] This results in high blood sugar levels in the body.^[1] The classical symptoms are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss.^[4] Additional symptoms may include blurry vision, feeling tired, and poor healing.^[2] Symptoms typically develop over a short period of time.^[1]   

Paragraph with my changes included:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (also known as type 1 diabetes) is a form of diabetes mellitus in which not enough insulin is produced.^[4] This results in high blood sugar levels in the body.^[1] The classical symptoms are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger and appetite, sugar in urine, and weight loss.^[4] Additional symptoms may include blurry vision and vision changes, drowsiness and lethargy, heavy breathing, sweet breath, feeling tired, and poor healing.^[2] Symptoms typically develop over a short period of time.^[1]

Paragraph as it currently reads:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (also known as type 1 diabetes) is a form of diabetes mellitus in which not enough insulin is produced.^[4] This results in high blood sugar levels in the body.^[1] The classical symptoms are frequent urination, increased thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss.^[4] Additional symptoms may include blurry vision, feeling tired, and poor healing.^[2] Symptoms typically develop over a short period of time.^[1]

I am not sure about the process that takes place for changes to become permanent within Wikipedia, but apparently my modifications did not make the cut. If you know how this works, please enlighten me; I welcome the comments.