Inspiration And Expert Advice: Expert Columns
“IT’S YOUR DLIFE!”
Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N
Those of you who watch dLifeTV each Sunday evening know this message well. At the end of every program, one of the hosts always smiles and says, “It’s your dLife!” to encourage you to take charge of your diabetes, meet your personal health goals, and live a life that is full and complete. Over the past few weeks, this phrase has taken on an even deeper message–it’s still your dLife, but with it…you have the power to change the world.
It’s your dLife! – You Can Save Lives
Hurricane Katrina brought the diabetes world together in powerful way. Millions of individuals were left homeless and without adequate medical supplies. Shortly after the disaster, with lightning speed, diabetes companies, organizations, and individuals contacted each other and began to send shipments of insulin, supplies, and funds to people with diabetes in the region.
It’s your dLife! – You Can Share
You live with diabetes each day and have so much to offer those who are newly diagnosed, struggle with their control, or have loved ones who don’t understand:
• If your initial entrée into the world of diabetes was a rocky one, but has since improved, volunteer to speak at a local diabetes class and help guide others.
• Let your health care team know that you are available to speak to patients with questions about insulin pumps or other tools that you use and enjoy.
• Participate on the dLife.com message board. Other dLife members can learn from you and you will gain from offering the advice that they can share. When you connect with others in the diabetes community, we all benefit.
• Form a diabetes support group in your area. Download free educational materials from the National Diabetes Education Program.
It’s your dLife! – You Can Change the Future
Get involved on a local or national level as a diabetes advocate:
• Become involved in the American Diabetes Association’s Advocacy Action Center. Learn about pending diabetes legislation and advocacy issues in your local area. Visit www.diabetes.org for details.
• Contact your congressman and voice your opinion about a variety of different issues, including diabetes funding, stem cell research, and the battle to allow children to test their blood sugar levels at school. Visit the dLife advocacy section for links to your representatives.
• Participate in a diabetes research study and help science move toward a cure. To find one in your area, speak with your health care team or local university, visit the dLife Diabetes Want Ads or go to www.clinicaltrials.gov, for a list of different national medical research projects.
How you relate to those around you is totally up to you. You must care for yourself, of course, but when you are ready, consider reaching out to others. It’s your dLife…use it well.
Janis Roszler, RD, CDE, LD/N