We invite blurbs and tidbit articles for inclusion in this column. Materials received may be edited and used as space permits. Products and services included in this column are for information only; their inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
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."
The VOICE is also available, free, by e-mail, distributed quarterly. Go to: www.nfbcal.org/listserv-signup.html to sign up.
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.
Antibiotic Can Cause Hypoglycemia
Biaxin (clarithromycin), a very powerful antibiotic now widely used in the United States, has been linked to cases of hypoglycemia, when given to type 2 diabetics who are using sulfonylurea medications to control their blood glucose levels. Be sure, if you have diabetes and need this, or any other antibiotic, to test often, and keep aware; many medicines can interact -- and if you're not ready, you can find yourself in trouble. Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist about drug interactions.
Short Needle Caution
If you use a syringe to inject insulin, you have probably been offered new, shorter, "comfort-length" needles, to reduce injection discomfort. However, any switch in needle length needs to be done with care.
Your doctor can tell you whether shorter, or longer, needles might be better for your insulin injections (that's a medical problem), but needle length will affect your ability to accurately draw up insulin (that's a mechanical problem). If you are blind, and use the Count-A-Dose device, or another insulin gauge, to draw up and mix your insulins, be cautious: switching to the same size syringe, with shorter needles, can cause underdosing. You may think you dialed your usual number of units, but that's not what you got...
Shorter needles are not exactly equivalent to "standard length." Don't interchange them randomly; and if you switch, discuss it with your doctor, and then cross-check, to make sure you are drawing up an accurate insulin dose.
2004 Raffle Winners
At the keynote banquet for the 2004 annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind, in Atlanta, Georgia, the winning ticket was drawn in the Diabetes Action Network raffle. Winning ticket holder was Cathy Haveman, of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Lots of people helped sell tickets, and the following folks each sold 50 or more. In descending order of tickets sold: John Stroot, of Clinton, IN; Bee Walker, of Columbia, MO; Ken Staley, of Chicago, IL; John Barker, of Gary, IN; Karen Mayry, of Rapid City, SD; Marlene Hunn, of San Francisco, CA; Ed Bryant, of Columbia, MO; Tom and Eileen Ley, of Baltimore, MD; and the NFB of Mobridge, SD. Truly a winning performance--See you next time!
Reminder
Medications affect the body. That is their purpose. Used inappropriately, they can be dangerous -- as the only truly "safe" medication would be a very weak one. What, in this life, doesn't have risks, if used incorrectly?
Because old age brings with it so many health issues, the elderly consume a disproportionate number of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some of these drugs were not specifically tested on seniors; others may be safe when taken alone, but not as part of a given multi-drug regimen. Sometimes the "alternative secret herbal remedy" you bought from the health food store will affect your prescription medications. The more you take, the more likely one pill will alter the action of another -- and seldom for the better.
What you don't know -- can hurt you. Does your doctor know everything you're taking, prescription or otherwise? Does your pharmacist? It's not just the seniors. Regardless of your age, when was the last time you reviewed your medications with either of these professionals? It's like an oil change in your car -- if you can't remember when you last checked, it's time to do it now.
New DAN Board Members
At the annual seminar and business meeting of the Diabetes Action Network, held on July 1, 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind, elections were held, to fill national board positions for the 2004/2005 year. Here are the results:
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
Type 2 Diabetes: Reduce Stroke Risk
New statistics show that though diabetes doctors know their patients are at high risk of heart disease and stroke, only approximately half treated their patients to get their LDL cholesterol levels down low enough to meet the guidelines. As high LDL (bad) cholesterol is a major cause of cardiac complications, to ignore it is very serious, to say the least.
High cholesterol is treatable. Along with diet and exercise, doctors routinely prescribe a class of medications called statins, such as Pfizer's Lipitor. And, in one study, diabetics with no previous history of cardiac events, who took statins prophylactically (i.e., before symptoms appeared), were 37 percent less likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
Get your cholesterol checked -- and talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep it down.
New Breath Mint
Diabetes is just one of a great many conditions that can produce bad breath. You know, just when there's someone you need to impress, you're wishing for your toothbrush ... Right. You've probably seen the little packages of breath fresheners -- they look like sheets of paper? This one's different.
We have been asked to announce: Momints, the original liquid-filled breath mint, are now available in two new flavors and a new package. Flavors are original peppermint, plus cinnamon and "Winter Burst." The original package (same size as the competition's little flat sheets) holds 36 mints, and suggested price is $1.69, but there are now also little tubes, each holding eight mints, with a suggested price of 50 cents. No sugar, and no sugar alcohol, either. Get them at 7-Eleven, Barnes and Noble College Bookstores, CVS, Sunoco, and more. Maker is Yosha! Industries, of Westfield, New Jersey. For information, go to their website: www.momints.net
Stories on Tape
Writer Peter Nebergall, whose last book, Raindancers, was published in 2003, has a new collection of stories. Titled Silver Lining, it is available on normal (music speed) audiocassette, for a price of $8. Contact: Peter Nebergall, PO Box 754, Columbia, MO 65205; e-mail [email protected]
Discards
The following was contributed by a New Yorker. Really.
Four guys are driving across the country together. One is from Nebraska, one from Idaho, one from Florida, and one from New York.
Shortly after the trip begins, the man from Idaho starts pulling potatoes from his bag and throwing them out the window.
"What the heck are you doing?" asks the man from Nebraska.
"We have so many of these things in Idaho, I'm sick of looking at them!"
In a few moments, the guy from Nebraska opens his pack, and begins pulling out ears of corn. Out the window they go.
The Floridian asks: "What are you doing that for?"
"We have so many of these things in Nebraska, I'm sick of looking at them!"
Inspired, the man from Florida opens the car door -- and pushes the New Yorker out.
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 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 336,050 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.