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Links
for diabetes-related gifts
Groovy
Patches™
make wearing canulas a little more fun. The patches are sterile and surround
the infusion site of an insulin pump. They come in dozens of fun colors and
patterns that children and adults will love!
Pump Wear, Inc.
– offers stylish
creative and fun ways for kids (and adults, too) to transport their insulin
pumps.ell
Baskets –
gift baskets designed for persons with diabetes.
Bootie Bags,
Inc. -
Designer bags from the top portions of blue jeans. Portion of profits go to the
JDRF.
QD Quilts for
Children Free quilts for
children with diabetes.
Pumppack.com
 Patti B.
Geil
Cooking Up Fun for Kids with
Diabetes. Recipes &
projects to help kids understand the importance of health
eating.
 Loy
brothers
487 Really Tips for Kids with
Diabetes: Tips that kids
have sent to Spike and Bo (brothers with type 1 diabetes covering everything
from playing sports to accidents to hormones.
Adoption
story
Amanda was left alone
in the world at only age 10 when her grandmother who was raising her died.
After entering into foster care, Amanda was also diagnosed with type 1
diabetes. She is now 13 years old, loves to read, and is living in a group
home. Amanda is in need of a forever family. Founder, Lahle Wolfe has
approached her social worker about possible adoption. But please visit her link
(above) if you or someone you know might be interested in adding Amanda to your
family. Please keep Amanda in your prayers. It is hard for older children to
find homes and a teen with diabetes will take a special person willing to open
their hearts!
Wishing
you, and your loved ones, a healthy, happy holiday filled with joy and hope,
Lahle
and her Miracle Four, Samuel, Jonathan, Rachel, and Elizabeth
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Getting
through the holidays with diabetes
Studies have
shown the children are especially prone to hypoglycemia (low blood
sugar) during times of excitement – especially birthdays and holidays. Stress
and changes in routine can also lead to hyperglycemia (high blood
glucose).
It is important
to remember that diabetes is not rocket science; it is far more complicated!
Plan on having to make adjustments during holidays including more frequent blood
sugar testing and be alert to changes in your child’s
behavior.
If you are having
trouble managing your child’s blood sugars (or your own) call your doctor
immediately. A health care professional can help you make adjustments to your
diabetes care routine safely so that you can enjoy the holiday season and avoid
a trip to the emergency room.
Tips for getting
through the holidays with diabetes:
v
Test blood sugars more
often.
v
Take “safe” foods with you to all
holiday food gatherings.
v
Remember that excitement in
children can cause lows.
v
Stress and illness and changes in
routine can cause highs.
v
At the first sign of any
dehydrating illness CALL THE DOCTOR
v
Break up stimulating events –
don’t try visiting family and friends all in one day.
v Carry extra supplies and insulin
while traveling – even locally.
v
Have emergency medical phone
numbers and info handy at all times.
v
Never go anywhere without a
glucose meter, glucagon, fast sugars, and insulin.
v
Transport insulin, pens, and
BYETTA in cooling pouches specifically designed for keeping medications at the
right temperature. Don’t use ice bags which can freeze and damage insulin and
BYETTA.
Children get lost
in malls more often during holiday shopping season than at any other time of the
year. Finding any child fast is important, but for a child with diabetes it can
mean life or death. Here are a few tips to help prevent a serious situation
arising from a lost child with diabetes:
v
Carry a recent picture of your
child as well as all current medical information.
v
Take your cell phone to the mall.
It will make it easier for security to locate you
quickly.
v Be sure your child has some sort
of diabetes medical information on him/her as well as a cell phone number to
contact you.
v
Tell your child what to do (and
what not to do) if they become separated from you BEFORE heading to the
mall.
v Very young children should be in
strollers or even have a child “leash” in busy
places.
v
Never, ever, ever leave your child
of any age unattended.
If reasonable,
attach a small purse or pouch to your child’s hip. Put in a spare glucose meter
and fast sugars. If your child becomes lost and you cannot get to your child
quickly, your child’s sugars can be tested and treated via that cell phone you
will have with you!
Children with
diabetes should never be left in “babysitting” services at malls or other places
of shopping. Personnel are not trained, are often distracted, overworked, and
understaffed, and these places are veritable germ factories.
If you cannot
shop with your child, find a responsible family, friend, or caregiver who knows
your child – and who knows about diabetes care! If you don’t have someone to
help, shop the Internet. The added cost of shipping and handling will amount to
little more than the cost of a qualified
babysitter!
 Holiday
(or anytime) inspirational sites
We all know that
living with diabetes can be a real downer. It is physically, emotionally, and
financially exhausting. We have to provide care for our children, that, if not
done correctly can have adverse effects. This is a hard burden for most people
to understand.
People
occasionally send me links to inspiring stories. Sometimes reading about others
overcoming life’s challenges inspires me to keep on moving forward in my own
difficult life. Facing each day is somehow made easier when we know we are not
alone.
Read the
story of Dick Hoyt and
son and then view the YouTube video that
they made. It will inspire you and warm your heart. Tissue advisory: have
hankies on hand! Video
Texas sisters win video
competition with inspiring
story of conquering diabetes.
Inspire21.com features
stories of both religious and secular inspiration from all walks of life.
Stories are both fiction and non-fiction.
JustGive.org features
stories of inspiring acts of kindness by others. Read about inspiring Children.
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