RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Inclusion of materials in this publication is for information only; it does not imply endorsement of any product by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.

Talking Household Thermostat

The new Kelvin Talk-a-Therm is a fully interactive talking household thermostat -- it talks to you (tells you the settings, so you don't have to strain to see them) and it has speech recognition capacity -- you can talk to it; adjusting it with your voice. Just introduced, the Kelvin was developed by a company named Action Talking Products, a joint venture between the National Federation of the Blind and Independent Living Aids.

The fully programmable Talk-a-Therm can be preset (by voice or button controls) for specific times and specific days. Every button and function speaks, making it easy to program without sight. Once the Kelvin has been programmed, temperature can be adjusted by voice commands, via built_in speech recognition. Only marginally bigger than a conventional thermostat, it measures 5.25 by 5.25 inches, 1.25 inches deep, and can be installed by any competent professional. The Kelvin Talk-a-Therm (cost: $130) is available from: Materials Center, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314; website: www.nfb.org or from: Independent Living Aids (ILA), P.O. Box 9022, Hicksville, NY 11802; telephone: 1-800-537-2118; website: www.independentliving.com.

New Hypoglycemia Alarm

Diabetes brings with it the risk of hypoglycemia, low blood sugar. Some of us need some help. What many of us need is an alarm, a device to warn us we're going low, when we cannot tell for ourselves. There is now such a device -- FDA approved.
Diabetes Sentry Products, from Bellingham, Washington, offers the Sleep Sentry, a wrist watch-sized device that sounds an audible warning whenever the wearer's blood sugar drops too low. Not a blood glucose monitor, this noninvasive device meters changes in body temperature and sweat consistent with hypoglycemia, and sounds a warning in time for you to take action. Completely noninvasive and continuous, the Sleep Sentry costs $399, shipping included, and may be ordered from: Diabetes Sentry Products Inc., 1200 Dupont St., Suite #1D, Bellingham, WA 98225; telephone: 1-866-270-5675; website: www.diabetessentry.com

Nutrition Supplement

Your insulin or oral diabetes medications are only part of your diabetes self-management. Although food supplements do not replace your medications, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated their efficacy to prevent or treat any disease, a healthy diet is important, and research is continuing on the role specific supplements may play in controlling diabetes. AlphaBetic Multi-Vitamin Supplement is a food supplement formulated for the special needs of diabetics. A blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, is available in sugar-free caplets. Contact: Abkit, Inc., 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006; telephone: 1-800-226-6227; website: http://www.alphabetic.com

Easy Diabetic Cookbook

If you want to prepare healthy diabetic meals, but find most cookbooks just too complicated, you need Linda Coffee and Emily Cale's new and improved Diabetic 4 Ingredient Cookbook. There are almost twice as many recipes as before, 350, in all food categories, with complete nutritional and exchange information, each one using four ingredients. The book costs $19.95 (+$3.50 shipping), from: Coffee and Cale, PO Box 2121, Kerrville, TX 78029; telephone: 1-800-757-0838; www.fouringredientcookbook.com

Full Service Diabetes Supplier

Access Diabetic Supply promises free delivery, no paperwork, and free in-home training in the use of blood glucose testing devices. Your private insurance is welcome, and they accept Medicare, too. They offer free blood glucose monitors to folks who sign up. Check them out on line: www.diabeticsupply.com or call: 1-800-819-8738.

Newsline for the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind's NEWSLINE is an electronic publication of major daily newspapers, specifically tailored for blind and visually_impaired readers. Newsline electronically "reads" all of each day's edition, which is immediately made available via modem to the local distribution centers. Users listen to the articles they choose, read to them in a synthesized voice. The reader is free to jump between articles, sections, and publications, and to pick the speed of reading to suit their needs. There is no subscription fee, and Newsline is not the Internet, so no computer is necessary to use it, just a touch-tone telephone. Service is available to any person at least legally blind. There is no charge.

For further information, contact: Newsline Network, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: 1-888-882-1629.

America's Jobline

Blind job-seekers have traditionally been at a disadvantage, as few job vacancies have been widely posted in accessible format. In response, the National Federation of the Blind has developed technology to access and search computer database files with a standard touch-tone telephone -- and now anyone can access a million or more current job listings, free of charge, by telephone. To access America's Jobline, simply dial: 1-800-414-5748. America's Jobline is instantly available, 24 hours a day, providing all job announcements in a high-quality synthesized speech format. The system provides callers the ability to search America's Job Bank (sponsored/administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and state workforce-development agencies), allows job seekers to create and store in the system personal job-search profiles (electronic resumes) for use in quickly locating vacancies for which they are qualified; and allows users the option to retrieve, if they wish, only the new and relevant job listings posted since the last call, or all previously saved announcements. To try Jobline yourself, call: 1-800-414-5748. NOTE: Not all states currently subscribe to Jobline; the list changes frequently -- contact the NFB (410-659-9314, in Baltimore) if the above 800# does not work in your area.

To learn more about America's Jobline, contact: National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314; website: www.nfb.org

Famous Name

In 1924, ten years before Walt Disney drew his famous cartoon, Donald Duck was born, in Mallaig, in the Highlands of Scotland. The boy went on to become a doctor, and never once thought to change his name -- as it didn't cause much trouble.

"I did send a patient to hospital in Edinburgh, once," he said, "And they asked him who was his primary care physician? He told them: 'Donald Duck.' 'Right,' they said, 'And we'll be sending you to the psychiatrist!'"

Banquet Address

Last year, at our National Federation of the Blind annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia, NFB president Dr. Marc Maurer gave the Banquet Address, titled "The Assimilation of Crisis." This address is available, free of charge, in large print and audiocassette, or downloadable (in "RealAudio" format), from the NFB Website: www.nfb.org. This speech, and others by President Maurer (and much more!), are available from the National Federation of the Blind Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314, open 8:00 to 5 pm. EST, weekdays.

Diabetes Literature from NFB National Center

The National Federation of the Blind maintains an extensive literature collection, with free materials on many subjects, including diabetes, available in a variety of formats. The diabetes articles are available, in large print or on 4-track audiocassette, in a single volume titled: Diabetes Action Network Articles, or singly, in large print. These are free of charge.

The Materials Center also has a supply, in Braille and on 4-track audiocassette, of the new ADA Exchange List for Meal Planning, 2003 Edition. In Braille, price is $10; on tape, $2.

To order, or to request a complete NFB literature catalog, contact: NFB Materials Center, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314. You may also order by e-mail: [email protected] The Materials Center is open 8:00 am to 5 pm, EST, weekdays.

Diabetes Supplies

American Diabetic Supply, Inc., will ship your diabetes supplies to your door. They handle all insurance claims and provide free delivery. Folks with Medicare and/or private insurance (no HMOs) may receive supplies with no further cost. For information, contact: American Diabetic Supply, Inc., 400 S. Atlantic Ave., Suite 108, Ormond Beach, FL 32176; telephone: 1_800_453_9033.

Hold The Fries, Please

"Fast food" is better known as junk food for good reason. Eating the stuff, however convenient, you can't keep to any diet but the "see-food" one popularized by Garfield the cat. Forget the burgers for a moment; did you know a small order of fries has 30 grams of carb in it? How many carbs did you say were in your meal plan -- for the whole day?

If you must eat fast food, remember you can get the nutritional information for it. Websites like www.mcdonalds.com have the nutrition information posted, and other fast food outlets either have the same information on their websites, on a poster on the wall, or in a handout they'll give you. Just ask them.

SugarTrac Update

From the Editor: Last issue, VOICE Vol. 20, No. 1, I updated you about the progress of the new SugarTrac non-invasive glucose monitor. The manufacturer, LifeTrac, from Fort Myers, Florida, is seeking official approval, from the Food and Drug Administration, and expects to receive it shortly.

Richard Peters, inventor of the meter, is still upbeat about his product's prospects. LifeTrac has been working with Harvard Medical School to complete the administrative requirements. Internal problems have delayed final action, but the SugarTrak is still on track.

We need a practical, inexpensive, easy-to-use, talking, non-invasive, blood glucose monitor, and the SugarTrac, given any luck at all, should be that meter. I'll be waiting, and as soon as I know something more, I'll let VOICE readers know the specifics. For information, contact LifeTrac, Fort Myers, Florida; telephone: 1-877-768-6978; website: www.sugartrac.net

Adaptive Computing Equipment

Freedom Scientific is a powerhouse adaptive equipment maker for the blind and visually impaired computer user. A union of Arkenstone, Blazie Engineering, and Henter-Joyce, Freedom Scientific offers screen magnifiers (including MAGic 9 software, which both magnifies up to 16x and speaks the words on the screen), talking attachments (voice synthesizers) for your computer, Braille printers and much more. Whether you need adaptive software or hardware, check them out: Freedom Scientific; telephone: 1-800-444-4443; website: www.freedomscientific.com

Diabetic Supplies On Line

Pharmacist Bryan Luna, Rph, offers diabetes supplies, including glucose monitors, on line at www.diabeticsupplies.com . This convenient website is simply laid out, and can be accessed in large print, too. For those without the internet, telephone: 1-877-787-7543. They will file your Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance forms. Free product catalog; 30-day, money-back guarantee.

Mental Sharpness
Most of us have a good idea of what a low blood sugar reaction can do to our cognition -- our ability to do something like take a test. How many of you "hit the donuts" a bit, before an exam, so you can keep from going low? Lots. Is it better to be "too high," when you have to do something intellectual? Maybe not. Diabetes Care magazine, for January 2005, reported diabetics who ran high showed a statistically significant short-term decline in verbal and mathematical skills, while their sugars were elevated. We all knew it's smart to keep your blood sugars in the normal range -- and this proves it.

Did You Use Vioxx?

Some individuals who used the pain medication Vioxx experienced complications from the drug. If you used this medication, or were a caregiver for someone who did, you might want to find out more about your legal options. Contact: Dean Spurlock, Attorney, 5601 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76112; telephone: 1-800-700-1075.

Do You Need The Voice on Audiocassette?

If you are at least "legally blind" (ask your health care team, if you're not sure), you are eligible for The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the U.S. Library of Congress. The NLS provides a free library service of recorded books and magazines to persons unable to use standard print materials because of visual or physical limitations. This service is available to eligible residents of the United States and to American citizens living abroad.

If you qualify for membership, you qualify for the free loan of the special tape player needed to play these cassettes(they WON'T WORK in your stereo or your Walkman -- they'll sound like Martians arguing) -- and you can keep it as long as you're using it. If the tape player needs repair, send it back; they'll fix or replace it for free.

Full details about eligibility requirements, a list of available equipment, and the addresses of cooperating libraries may be obtained by contacting the Reference Section, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20542; telephone: 1_800_424_8567.

Board Members

The Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind.

PRESIDENT: Paul Price
Valley Center, CA

FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT: Lois Williams
Huntsville, AL

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT: Sandie Addy
Prescott Valley, AZ

TREASURER: Joy Stigile
Reseda, CA

SECRETARY: Joyce Kane
Stratford, CT

BOARD-MEMBER: Ed Bryant
Columbia, MO

BOARD-MEMBER: Josie Armantrout
Bemidji, MN

BOARD-MEMBER: Bruce Peters
Akron, OH

Elections Coming Up

At this year's national convention, in Louisville, Kentucky, elections will be held to fill our Diabetes Action Network divisional board positions. These are one_year terms, running from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006. Positions to be filled are: President, First Vice_President, Second Vice_President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three Board Members. If you are interested in a board position, or know someone who you think would do a good job, then contact Diabetes Action Network President Paul Price, 13946 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082; telephone: (760) 749-2044; e-mail: [email protected]. Yes, hard work and dedication are prerequisites for board positions -- but one must lead by good example.

Correction

Last issue, VOICE Volume 20, No. 1, we published "New Treatment For Diabetic Foot Ulcers," by Dr. Stephen A. Brigido, about a product called GraftJacket. In that story, some of the contact information supplied to us was incorrect. The correct telephone number for Dr. Brigido is: (570) 420-8080.

Medical Equipment and Supplies

Specialty Shoes and Diabetic Supplies, Inc., from Beaumont, Texas, is a one-stop supplier for your diabetes needs. They stock blood glucose meters, strips, lancets, vacuum erection devices (for diabetic impotence) other diabetes care items, and, of course, specialty pedorthic footwear. They accept Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and private insurance. Contact them at: SSDS, 229 Dowlen Road, Suite 15A, Beaumont, TX 77706; telephone: 1-877-817-7737; e-mail: [email protected]

Healthy Cookbooks

JoAnna Lund writes healthy cookbooks. They are simple, "common folks" recipes, and all contain both complete nutrient counts and diabetic exchanges. There are three titles: FAST, CHEAP, AND EASY; GRANDMA JO'S SOUP KETTLE; and FRESH FROM THE HEARTH. Price is $10 each, or $25 for all three. There is no shipping charge. Contact: Healthy Exchanges, PO Box 80, DeWitt, IA 52742; telephone: 1-800-766-8961; website: www.healthyexchanges.com

Diabetic Socks

We have been asked to announce: Diabetes often brings trouble with the feet. Blisters, sores, and abcesses are a risk. A diabetic needs proper, well-fitted footgear, and seamless socks of proper size, ideally made of an acrylic material that will wick moisture away from the feet. Jobst SensiFoot Diabetic Socks are made in five sizes, and designed to help keep your feet safe and healthy. Contact: BSN-Jobst, Inc., 5825 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209; telephone: 1-800-537-1063; website: www.jobst.com

Have a P&J

We have been asked to announce: All peanut butter is not created equal. Read the label; some best-selling brands are full of added sugar. Choose a healthy peanut butter, like Peanut Butter & Co. Three of their products: Smooth, crunchy, and hot (yes! peanut butter with red peppers!), feature reduced sugars. They all taste old-fashioned great. So get some "light" (low-calorie) bread, some sugar-free jelly, and this peanut butter, and enjoy. Contact: Peanut Butter & Co., Brooklyn, NY 11222; telephone: 1-866-456-8372; website: www.ilovepeanutbutter.com

Diabetic Products

Health Care Products makes many over-the-counter medications and supplements for diabetics, including Multi-Betic Vitamins and DiabetiSweet sugar-free sweetener. Find these products in the diabetic section of Eckerd, Osco, Sav-on, Target, GNC, and other retailers. For information, contact: Health Care Products, 369 Bayview Avenue, Amityville NY 11701; telephone: 1-866-263-9003; website: http://www.diabeticproducts.com

New E-mail Diabetes List

Our Diabetes Action Network now offers its own 'listserv,' [email protected]. Although its primary focus is on blindness and diabetes, any and all discussions concerning diabetes are welcome. We welcome topics like: Diet, devices, healthcare, diabetes control, and how to improve the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC. Remember, please do not give any direct medical advice, unless you are a medical professional. Membership is free, and open to all.

There are two ways to sign up. You can go to the following website: www.nfbnet.org/mailman.listinfo/diabetes-talk or you can sign up by e-mail, by sending a message to: [email protected] and putting "subscribe" in the subject line.

VOICE Formats

VOICE OF THE DIABETIC is offered in two formats: standard print, and 15/16 ips audiocassette, "talking book" speed. Anyone who is currently receiving the VOICE in print and having difficulty reading it, may receive it on cassette at no charge. VOICE tapes REQUIRE the special tape player available free to the legally blind from Regional Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which can be obtained by telephoning the National Library Service at: 1_800_424_8567. Note: Attempting to play VOICE tapes (or any other tapes recorded for the Blind in NLS format) on a conventional music-speed tape player will fail, yielding only incomprehensible "chipmunk sounds."

Periodically we receive requests for the VOICE in Braille or large print. It is not available in either of those formats at this time.

All a subscriber needs to do, to switch from standard print to tape, or to receive both formats, free of charge, is contact us at the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC Editorial Office.

Articles Needed

If you have diabetes, are a family member or friend of a diabetic, or a health professional with an interest in diabetes, we invite you to submit an article for publication in the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC.

Our philosophy regarding diabetes is positive. Do you have an inspiring, enlightening story? We, the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind, seek to show people they are not alone, and do have options, regardless of diabetic complications. If you have experienced ramifications, others, who may be facing the same side-effects, could benefit from what you have to say.

Perhaps you have not experienced complications__your unique insight, coping strategies, and lifestyle can still inspire others. Are you a relative, a friend, or a health professional? More than 342,049 VOICE readers could benefit from your story.

For information and article submission guidelines, contact: VOICE OF THE DIABETIC, 1412 I-70 Drive SW, Suite C, Columbia, MO 65203; telephone: (573) 875_8911.