الثلاثاء، 7 يونيو 2016

الاثنين، 6 يونيو 2016

الخميس، 2 يونيو 2016

الأربعاء، 1 يونيو 2016

Swimming, Archery and Empowerment: Lisa and Nichole’s Diabetes Camp Story

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The American Diabetes Association® is proud to offer Diabetes Camps as a way for children living with diabetes to just be kids and enjoy traditional summer camp activities—all while learning important diabetes self-management skills from trained medical professionals and gaining self-confidence by spending time with peers who also live with diabetes.

This story comes from Lisa Savoy, whose daughter Nichole has attended Diabetes Camp three times. Read on—then find out how to become a Camp Champion.


From left to right: Nichole, Gary, Lisa and Ryan Savoy

From left to right: Nichole, Gary, Lisa and Ryan Savoy

How do I even begin to explain what a life-changing experience Camp Carefree was for my daughter? Nichole was diagnosed with type 1 at age 9, and we actually learned of New Hampshire’s Camp Carefree, a two-week sleepover camp for kids with diabetes, during that first trip to the doctor. The doctor who diagnosed her happened to spend part of his summers there, and he encouraged us to look into it because Nichole was old enough for camp.

Our daughter used to be a bit of a “mommy’s girl,” though, so we weren’t surprised that she didn’t initially express interest. However, by age 11, Nichole told us that she was ready—and it was the best decision she’s made in her life.

Since being diagnosed, Nichole hadn’t slept over at anyone’s house; going to Camp Carefree was a big deal for her and us. We could tell she was a little nervous as she sat quietly in the car during our drive to camp, but one of the great things about Camp Carefree is that new campers check in before returning campers—all of the other children arriving with us were in the same boat as Nichole. She was hardly out of the car before she made friends with a girl her age!

We only stayed for a bit before leaving Nichole with her counselors and fellow campers. I remember looking at her as we drove away, praying she would do well. It took me almost a week to grow accustomed to not getting up to check on her in the middle of the night. During her time at camp, writing letters was our only method of communication, and I couldn’t wait to see her again.

When I arrived back at the camp two weeks later, I was greeted by a different Nichole. Camp Carefree had matured my daughter—she came home with more confidence and more knowledge about diabetes. Before camp, Nichole had only changed her insulin pump infusion site once. Afterward, she couldn’t wait to show me that she could change and rotate her sites all on her own, and she shared diabetes knowledge that even I didn’t know.

What Nichole loved most about Camp Carefree was that she spent two weeks with other kids who deal with the exact same things she does on a daily basis. She said she felt normal, and the friendships that she made at camp have made a lasting impression. She talks to her new friends almost daily, and even though some of them live far away, she’s gotten to see a few in person since camp ended.

Now about to begin her fourth summer of camp (and final summer as a camper), Nichole can’t wait to return—she’s even planning to become a Counselor-In-Training next year so she can help new campers the way that her counselors helped her.

I encourage every family who has a child with diabetes to look into Diabetes Camp. The time away may seem long, but it goes by quickly and is absolutely worth it. Camp Carefree is the best thing to happen to my daughter since diagnosis.


Want to get involved with Diabetes Camps? Become a Camp Champion! By donating to the Association’s Diabetes Camps, you’ll help Team Tackle—an initiative uniting current, former and upcoming players from all 32 professional football teams—provide life-changing experiences for children with diabetes. Learn more at http://ift.tt/1P576ut.



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الثلاثاء، 31 مايو 2016

الأحد، 29 مايو 2016

#IDriveMyHealth: Amanda’s Story

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Nearly three in four NASCAR® fans are impacted by diabetes, which affects approximately 30 million people nationwide. The Drive to Stop DiabetesSM campaign, presented by Lilly Diabetes in collaboration with American Diabetes Association®, strives to empower Americans with diabetes to live well. The face of the campaign, NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Ryan Reed, has type 1 diabetes and is an inspiration for all people with the disease.


 

D2SD_ 2016_5-19v2Holding the cold microphone in my hand for the first time at age 6, I looked out at the crowd and I was hooked. I knew I wanted to sing and entertain people for the rest of my life. I was already performing and entertaining to anyone who would listen. Yes, I was that kid.

Hi, my name is Amanda Jo. I am a country music singer and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. I am also a person with type 1 diabetes.

I will never forget the day my dad picked me up from school and took me to the doctor to get a routine checkup, 16 years ago. While my dad and I saw the doctor, my mom spoke with her friend on the phone. She told her friend: “I’m sure she’s fine. It’s not like she has diabetes or anything.”

Another phone call came in later that afternoon, one that would change my life. I had type 1 diabetes. I was fortunate that they had caught it early. My blood sugar was only in the 250s at diagnosis—I was still early in the honeymoon stages of the disease.

Although the diagnosis came as a complete shock to my family, I quickly decided to not let it stop me from following my dreams of becoming a country music singer. I moved to Nashville with a dream in my heart, a car full of belongings and an insulin pump on my side. Since that time, I’ve recorded an album full of my stories, travelled all over the United States and performed on hundreds of stages. I am living my dream.

Managing diabetes as a country music singer can be complicated. I’ve learned to be prepared for anything. Finding healthy meals is challenging on the road—it’s very unpredictable. I make sure to have plenty of snacks and glucose sources on hand in case I can’t eat meals on time. I also make a conscious effort to stay hydrated; zero-calorie fitness drinks are my preferred choice.

The most important tools I use to manage my diabetes are my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor. The ability to know what my blood sugar is and the direction it’s headed at the push of a button is lifesaving. I am able to quickly peek at my CGM on stage without anyone seeing. I can make small adjustments via my insulin pump . . . and continue on with the show.

D2SD_ 2016_5-19I was first introduced to Ryan Reed and the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign after his 2015 win at Daytona. The more I found out about Ryan and his story, the more I felt connected to him. He is another person with type 1 diabetes who leads an active lifestyle. I love that he did not let the disease interfere with his dream of being a NASCAR driver. He also reaches out to others with diabetes to encourage them to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle and follow their dreams.

I live a fun-filled and crazy life. I wake up in different cities at different times, play music for new crowds and meet new people almost every day. The highs and lows of diabetes are not always simple to manage with my adventurous life. But I refuse to let it stop me from doing what I truly love. Why would I?

My biggest #IDriveMyHealth recommendation is this: Don’t let diabetes stop you from following your dreams.

Look out for me the next time I’m on the road in your hometown!


 

Are you a NASCAR fan impacted by diabetes? Share your healthy lifestyle tips with us on social media, using #IDriveMyHealth.

To learn more about the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign and find out how to get involved, visit http://ift.tt/1Orwomd.



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