Puppy Love
A new study out of Ireland shows that the dog may truly be man's best friend. A recent research review conducted at Queen's University, Belfast, found that people with canine companions tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suffer from fewer medical problems, and recover more quickly from serious illness.
In the Independent, Deborah Wells, author of the study, explains: "It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress. The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner."
Dogs 1: Cats 0.
Have a pet that keeps you healthy? Comment below.
RELATED: Heaven Scent Paws Diabetes Service Dogs
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Joslin Leadership Passes the Torch
“I want to take the Joslin team to the next level, pushing research towards impacting cures and spreading the quality of care,” said Ranch C. Kimball, the newly-appointed president of the world-renowned Joslin Diabetes Center today.
Selected following an international search conducted over five months by a committee of distinguished representatives, Kimball earned the unanimous approval of the Joslin Diabetes Center Board of Trustees. He will assume the post effective February 1 of this year. Kimball has some big shoes to fill, replacing leading endocrinologist (and dLife medical advisory board member) Dr. C. Ronald Kahn. After 25 years in Joslin leadership roles, Dr. Kahn leaves the presidency to devote more time to his diabetes research activities.
Responsible for attracting major biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms to establish operations in the state of Massachusetts, Kimball earned the honor of the Biotech Industry Organization’s award for top state executive in the country. He also served as Governor Romey’s chief economic leader and advisor, overseeing 22 agencies, four cabinet secretaries, and more than 2,500 employees from several business sectors.
dLife asked Kimball about his goals during the course of his presidency:
“I want to drive the diversification of research funding, taking the real and exciting promise of our research and communicate those advancements to the funding community.” He added that he wants to make diabetes a less intrusive part of people’s lives, by means of technology such as insulin pumps, glucose meters, and other technological advancements while working towards a cure...The foot is on the gas pedal to go after this disease and its complications.”RELATED: Joslin press release
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Season Premiere of dLifeTV!
It's the beginning of a whole new season of dLifeTV!
This Sunday (January 21st), come with dLife as we follow the remarkable journey of the incredible shrinking Governor – Arkansas’s Mike Huckabee and how he’s winning the battle against diabetes. Also, diabetes in a coal mine, and how to manage your doctor.
All this, on the Season Premiere of dLifeTV, airing at 7:00PM ET, 6:00PM CT, 4:00PM on CBNC. Don't miss it!
Related: Check out the Viewing Room for more videos!
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Legislation to Expand Stem Cell Research - Approved!!
This update from the JDRF - "Shortly after 3 pm yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, legislation to expand embryonic stem cell research, by a vote of 353-174, with 8 Members not voting. This represents a pickup of 18 votes from the House vote last year to override the President’s veto of H.R. 810 (legislation identical to H.R. 3). Thanks to all of the JDRF volunteers across the country who responded to our Action Alert and who contacted their Members of Congress and asked for a vote in support of the bill. All of your efforts are paying off, and we are clearly moving in the right direction by picking up votes from last year.
Click here to see how your Representative voted.
After a few hours of debate on the House floor, opponents of H.R. 3 attempted to amend the bill via a parliamentary procedure known as a “motion to recommit”; this motion would have prevented universities or research institutions that are conducting somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT, or therapeutic cloning) from receiving federal funds to conduct embryonic stem cell research. Fortunately, the motion failed by a vote of 189-238.
The Senate is expected to debate and vote on its companion bill, S. 5 in the next few weeks. We will be in contact with you soon regarding the Senate vote and instructions on how you can help reach the goal of a veto-proof margin of 67 votes."
For more on how to be involved in diabetes advocacy, visit our Advocacy page and make a difference.
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Urgent Stem Cell Action Alert
This just in from the JDRF:
As a result of all of your hard work over the past few years, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has made expanding federal support for embryonic stem cell research a top priority for the new Congress. Continuing the momentum that we’ve worked so hard to build by securing another victory in the House on stem cell is extremely important. We need to generate as many different communications as possible to the House in order to pass it.
We need you to complete the following 3 steps:
1. Click here to go our Take Action page. Review the letter supplied and enter your personal story in the paragraph provided. Including your unique and personal story is the key to getting your Representative’s attention. Your letters will be faxed automatically to your Representative’s offices upon completion.
2. Once you have completed your letters, dial the toll free number below to connect to your Representative’s office. When prompted, enter your Zip Code, and you will hear a brief message reminding you what we would like you to say.
Your federal Representative is: Rep. Joseph Courtney
3. Forward this Action Alert to as many people as you can and urge them to participate in contacting their Representatives in support of H.R. 3.
For more on how to be involved in diabetes advocacy, visit our Advocacy page and make a difference.
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Resolution Solutions
Is your diabetes health on your short list of resolution "must dos"? As we enter week two of resolution season, dLife offers you some helpful tips and moral support to keep you on the path to good control.
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The Results Are In!
The results are in - and dLife has won a Diabetes OC Award for Best Non-Blog Diabetes Resource!
Howard Steinberg said it best.
"We are very honored to be recognized by those that really know what is valuable to the online diabetes community. dLife would like to thank them for voting dLife the Best Non-Blog Diabetes Resource. It's certainly an honor to be included in such an esteemed group of nominees, many of whom have also made significant contributions to dLife.com, dLifeTV, and dLife's other media channels. We'd also like to take this opportunity to commend the Diabetes O.C. for your efforts in bringing together the diverse talents and voices of the diabetes bloggers. Web is perhaps THE critical channel for patient empowerment and all of us here at dLife look forward to continuing to inform, inspire, and connect people with diabetes everywhere in 2007 and beyond. Thank you."
Thank you to everyone who voted!
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