Since November is National Diabetes Awareness month I have been trying to think of ways to raise awareness about this disease so I, too can do my part.
Now one thing you should know about me is that, although I am a pretty outgoing guy, I am not one to just walk up to people and strike up a conversation about diabetes. The thought of doing that actually makes me a little light headed. I cannot imagine every doing that.
But, I have no problem talking to someone who is asking about diabetes or that person that wants to know more. I will spend lots of time passionately discussing the ins and outs of this disease.
So what can you do? If you are a talker then just striking up the conversation may be a way to do it.
If you have ever participated in a fund raising walk you may have a T-shirt or hat you can wear. A lot of times when someone sees a shirt from a walk they will ask about. That is a great way to start the conversation.
I have a button that says "Cure" on it and people will often say, "Cure what?" That is my chance to raise some more awareness! It's that simple.
If you have a Facebook account or are on Twitter, you could post statistics about diabetes to raise awareness.
Another great thing to do is start a blog of your own! You can write about your life with diabetes and let others know the challenges, difficulties, and what you go through trying to manage diabetes. Join the dLife diabetes community and start blogging today!
I guess the point I wanted to make is that we each can find some way to spread the word. You don't have to pull out a bullhorn or pay for Sky writing. There are other ways to raise awareness.
Do you have any other ideas?
Good point George - we've all got stories to tell! The more the merrier!
George Simmons,
You know, in my own experience, I haven't gone all-out with diabetes organizations or diabetes walks, or really that much of anything like that for the purpose of raising awareness.
While those are certainly excellent and valuable ways to raise diabetes awareness, I have found that just being myself around the people I already know and people I have yet to meet in the future, that questions do come up about diabetes at which point I can answer their questions. My point is that one only needs to interact with others on a day to day basis, sharing each other's perspectives on life and what is important in one's life, to spread the word and raise diabetes awareness.
Anyone can do that, and it is quite effective in the long run.
Dantony C.