gift ideas – Page 2

12/04/2017

Our Third Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Asha Brown

On the third day of Blue Christmas, my true friend Asha Brown sent to me Honey Stinger Glucose Gels to treat a low blood sugar quickly.

“This product is my go-to low blood glucose treatment!,” says Asha Brown, the founder and executive director of the We Are Diabetes (WAD) organization. “It’s the best and tastiest glucose gel I’ve ever tried! They also don’t expire very quickly so you can pack them all over: your car, purse, work desk, etc.”

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel products provides great tasting, honey-based energy foods made with natural ingredients. Made with USDA certified organic ingredients, organic tapioca syrup and organic honey. Top athletes as well as many people living with diabetes choose Honey Stinger to deliver concentrated carbohydrates (23 g) during activity. 0 g fat, 0 mg cholesterol. 13 g sugars, 50 mg potassium, 50 mg sodium. Sodium and potassium are vital electrolytes that keep your muscles functioning while minimizing cramping associated with intense exercise. 100 calories per packet.

Honey Stinger Classic Energy Gels are more versatile than other energy gels. Consume it straight from the packet before or during activity or spread it on toast or stir it into tea.

How to Treat a Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Treating for hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is usually recommended when a person’s blood glucose level is 70 mg/dl or less. The “rule of 15” is commonly used as a guideline for treatment: After checking your blood glucose level with your meter and seeing that your level is under 70 mg/dl, consume 15 grams of carbohydrate, wait about 15 minutes, then recheck your blood glucose level. If your blood glucose is still low, consume another 15 grams of carbohydrate and recheck 15 minutes later. Since blood glucose levels may begin to drop again about 40–60 minutes after treatment, it is a good idea to recheck your blood glucose approximately one hour after treating a low.

I think Asha Brown is simply, FABULOUS!!! She’s the Founder and Executive Director of the amazing We Are Diabetes (WAD) organization. WAD is primarily devoted to promoting support, education and awareness for type 1 diabetics who suffer from eating disorders. WAD is dedicated to providing guidance, hope and resources to those who may be struggling, as well as to their families and loved ones.

Asha Brown was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 5 years old. As a dancer, actress and a fitness instructor by the time she was 17, the obsession with maintaining a healthy size and weight while coping with multiple autoimmune disorders (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as type 1 diabetes) became a full-time job. Asha’s experience with symptoms of diabulimia led her to start the We Are Diabetes organization.

Today, Asha works with families, patients, and health professionals across the USA. She uses her personal experiences with ED-DMT1 to offer hope and support to those still struggling. She also establishes relationships with eating disorder facilities and diabetes organizations across the county to help connect people to appropriate care. Asha has presented at NEDA, AADE, and JDRF, among others. She writes for numerous websites including Diabetes Health, Diabetes Daily, and Beyond Type 1. She is a member of Diabetes Advocates and BEDA.

If you or someone you know is a type 1 diabetic who is struggling with an eating disorder and are seeking support, or if you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to WAD

For the past three years, Asha Brown has made our Diabetes Mystery podcasts truly sparkle! She’s played the organic farmer, ‘Christine’ in ‘Phantom of the Okra’, the uptight, overworked personal assistant, ’Primrose Crump’ in ‘Suspect Boulevard’ and most recently the glitzy burlesque dancer, Coco Mimosa in this year’s Diabetes Mystery: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Peas’. She truly brings out the best of each performance. I’m so grateful to Asha for sharing her wonderful acting talents with our listeners and helping us raise awareness for diabetes and educate people about diabetes self-care in a fun, new way.

TUNE IN: Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing more Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

You’re not alone. Diabetes can cause complications and health problems that may worsen symptoms of depression. Depression can lead to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating, less exercise, smoking and weight gain — all of which are risk factors for diabetes.

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

https://youtu.be/rqVMfTz_HDU

12/03/201712/04/2017

Second Day of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Ansley Dalbo

On the second day of Blue Christmas my true friend, Ansley Dalbo sent to me a stylish set of Precise Portions dishware so I can easily figure out the size of my servings!

Precise Portions dishware has all the hard work designed right in, so all you have to do is follow the lines on each plate, bowl and glass. Their attractive vine and leaf design helps you to portion the right amounts without alerting anyone else that you are doing so. So you can use Precise Portions dishware for any occasion.

“Keeping portion sizes balanced is the key for healthy eating and Precise Portions makes doing that easy and beautiful!,” says Ansley. “Their plates will help anyone figure out how to eat a healthy, balanced meal and their china looks lovely so you don’t have to advertise that you have diabetes.”

The amount of food you eat is closely related to blood glucose control. If you eat more food than is recommended in your meal plan, your blood glucose (sugar) will go up. Although foods containing carbohydrate have the most impact on blood sugars, the calories from all foods will affect blood sugar. The only way you can tell if you are eating the right amount is to measure your foods carefully.

The only way you can tell if you are eating the right amount is to measure your foods carefully recommends the Joslin Diabetes Center.

QUICK TIP: Use a glass which you know only holds 4 or 8 ounces to better control your portion. You can also place a piece of tape on the outside of a glass to mark a 4 or 8 ounce line so you will be able to measure easily.

Our past Diabetes Late Nite guest, Ansley Dalbo and her husband run a website where newly diagnosed type 2 patients and their families could learn the basics about diabetes through an easy-to-use video-based email program– www.DiabetesWhatToKnow.com.

To help you feel blessed not stressed this holiday season we’re sharing our first-ever 12 Days of Blue Christmas Gift List . We’ve asked our panel of experts, friends and past Diabetes Late Nite guests for their product recommendations as well as tips to help you stay happy and healthy.

Remember, the holiday season can be an extremely stressful time for all of us. But stress, both physical and mental, can send your blood sugar levels out of whack. It’s important to start taking steps now to relax, unwind and/or mediate to keep yourself and your family healthy for life.

Are you feeling ‘blue’ this holiday season?

The good news is that diabetes and depression can be treated together. And effectively managing one can have a positive effect on the other.

If you think you might be depressed, seek help right away. Your doctor or diabetes educator can refer you to a mental health professional.

12/01/2017

12 Days of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas from Mr. Divabetic

We understand why the holiday season can be difficult for people living with diabetes, or their loved ones.

It’s bound to be a stressful time as you are confronted with numerous social commitments, overly helpful relatives, busy holiday travel, financial burdens and an abundance of food and drink indulgences. A dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, on top of managing your diabetes can ruin your holiday spirit and compromise your hurt your diabetes health.

If you’re fearful about the toll the holidays will take on your diabetes then let us help.

Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression. Seek out community, religious, sports and/or other social events. They can offer support and companionship.

Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. And learn to say ‘no’. Saying ‘yes’ when you should say ‘no’ can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.

Still feeling blue?

To help you de-stress and feel blessed I‘ve put together my first-ever 12 Days of Blue Christmas Gift List!

Apart from repeated listenings to Elvis Presley sing ‘Blue Christmas’ in preparation for December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast, I was inspired to compile this 12 Days of Blue Christmas Gift Guide after reading this blog post:

”Several friends and I are planning on doing the 12 Days of Christmas for a lady who really needs some pampering right now. She is sole care-giver to her husband, who is a double amputee, has diabetes and is on dialysis everyday. We are wondering what are some things we could give her to correspond to each of the 12 days. Doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, can be cute or funny. Just something to let her know we are thinking about her” posted on thriftyfun.com

If you’re feeling stressed about overspending during the holidays but still want to be show your gratitude to that special someone living with diabetes in your life, then check out our 12 Days of Blue Christmas Gift Ideas list:

Day 1 – Board game. I love Quiddler, winner of over 20 Best Game Awards. It’s easy to learn and fun for everyone! The goal is to arrange all the cards in your hand into one or more words. My friends and I had a blast playing this game in Ptown over the Columbus Day weekend.

Day 2 – Pair of gloves. Peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. Poor circulation and loss of feeling in the hands can cause people with diabetes not only to have cold hands, but also to fail to realize when cold temperatures are endangering their hands. UGG now sells gloves for men and women! Their rich leather gloves lets you use your touchscreens while keeping your hands warm. … Leather and sheepskin. Everybody I know raves that they are the “Best Gloves” ever owned. Warm, snug, and striking appearance.

Day 3 – Picture of the friends, co-workers, nieces, nephews, pets and/or grandkids (three).

Day 4 – Four single servings of a healthy snack! Since portion and calorie control are much easier to calculate, single-serve food products provide the health and wellness many are looking for with the added benefit of convenience. I like to carry Emerald 100 calorie pack, natural almonds & walnuts packs around with me as I run checking out all the holiday windows in New York City.

Day 5 – The Best of the Temptations Christmas album. How it relates to ‘5’? (The “Classic 5” lineup of the Temptations featured: David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, and Eddie Kendricks. The Temptations’ version of ‘Silent Night’ is the most beautiful version. The “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” intro is from Floyd Cramer’s medley. First released August, 1980, on the Temp

tations’ album “Give Love At Christmas.”

Day 6 – Six pack of seamless socks. I used to giveaway Dr. Scholl’s Seamless socks at various Divabetic outreach events. They were the most popular giveaway I had! Constructed with premium materials, features a soft, non-binding top that doesn’t constrict your legs. Moisture dispersion technology keeps your feet dry and antimicrobial properties keep your feet feeling fresh. These socks feature a smooth toe seam to prevent irritation and friction on your toes, and a cushioned bottom for additional protection. The socks are cotton-free to reduce moisture absorption and latex-free to help avoid common allergic reactions

Day 7 – Lucky 7 lottery tickets!

Day 8 – 8 oz diabetic foot & body creams from Dr. Greenfield’s and/or PEAK 10 SKIN care products. Dry skin, a frequently overlooked complication of diabetes, is an irritating side effect of chronically high blood glucose levels. Try these tricks to keep your skin healthy and soft. Dr. Greenfield’s Diabetic Foot Cream helps reduce the risk of foot complications due to diabetes. The patented formula of emollients, vitamins, antioxidants and protein luxuriously moisturizes and softens feet while reducing painful cracking and dryness.

PEAK 10 SKIN skin care products use high levels of proven active ingredients that will make a difference in the hydration and protection of your skin. PEAK 10 SKIN products contain no parabens, no added fragrances, no gluten and are never tested on animals.

Day 9 – A gift certificate for Nine West Shoes (flats preferred).“You only get one set of feet in this lifetime,” says Dr. Curry. “It’s important to take care of them properly. The sacrifice of wearing the latest fad in shoe wear is not worth the health risk of permanent foot deformities with accompanying knee or hip pain.” Our pick is to add a dose of luxury to any holiday ensemble with the Nine West® Sholette loafer.

Day 10 – Ten hours of great movies (your favorite DVD’s)

Day 11 – Eleven toothbrushes (one for almost every day of our Diabetes Blue Christmas celebration! ). Regular dental visits are important. Do you know tat when diabetes is not managed properly, high glucose levels in saliva may help bacteria and plaque thrive. Plaque that is not removed can eventually harden into tartar? Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar management, and decrease complications.

Day 12 – Calendar. Grab a T1D Exposed calendar. The mission of this beautiful Nude Diabetes Advocacy Project is to promote awareness, connect people living with type one diabetes (T1D), and fundraise for both local and global diabetes organizations. Living with T1D changes a person’s body, and the T1D Exposed calendar features tasteful nude portraits of individuals embracing those changes and their lives with type one. Our good friend, Doris Hobbs, participated in this year’s calendar.

TUNE IN: Don’t miss December’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast featuring music by Elvis Presley on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, 6 PM, EST. We will be discussing ways to not let diabetes make you feel ‘blue’ during the holiday season with our panel of experts. Guests include ‘Walking With Peety’ Author Eric O’Grey, Chilbrook Kennels Breeder Author, Diabetes Alert Dog and Scent Detection Expert, Debby Kay, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Susan Weiner MS, RDN, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, High Voltage. Throughout the podcast we will be featuring songs from the new “Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” album courtesy of SONY Music. The album brings together Elvis Presley’s best-loved yuletide performances from “Elvis’ Christmas Album” (1957) and “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas” (1971) re-imagined with sublime and exquisite new arrangements performed by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

NEED MORE INSPIRATION? Our panel of experts, Divabetic community members and past Diabetes Late Nite guests will be sharing their Blue Christmas Gift suggestions on this blog for the next twelve days to help you enjoy the festive spirit of the season without compromising your diabetes health!