Monthly Archives: October 2017

A new role.

October 10, 2017 – 10:18 am

Since I became part of this Diabetes Community, I’ve been encouraged by a number of people to tell my story… to raise my hand… to ask questions… to speak my truths.

I was encouraged by Christel, who wrote this blog post nearly two years ago, and has had me thinking about how to use my voice ever since.

I’ve been encouraged by Cherise, who, for the last five years, has reminded me constantly that my voice matters just as much as anyone else’s.

I was encouraged by Bennet, who told me over four years ago:
“I tend to think of us as more inclusive than exclusive. We need all the advocates we can get”.

Thanks to the encouragement of these friends and many others, I can now reveal that Maryland’s Secretary of Health has named me to the initial State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness.

The council is pretty big: 34 members. Sixteen are from groups like the State Department of Health, Department of Aging, and Department of Education; plus groups like the American Heart Association, The American Diabetes Association, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and the University of Maryland School of Nursing. The remaining 18 members are individuals like me. My term will last two years, during which I will attend two meetings of the full Council each year, plus at least four quarterly meetings each year working with a committee, hopefully on diabetes.

I don’t know where this is all headed. But I know this: the people in the room get to be part of the discussion.

We need people in the room.

So, as I have been challenged, let me challenge you:

– Think about and search ways to use your voice within your very own community.

– Remember that your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s.

– Don’t forget that we need every single advocate we can get.

I will also add: Look for places and ways to help others find their voice too.

I’ve often wondered if my writing and podcasting might eventually lead me toward more of a public service role than I had imagined five and a half years ago. I guess the answer is Yes. In fact, my service is now dedicated to my Diabetes Community, and my entire community on a statewide level.

My encouragement to you is to get into the room. Break the door down if you have to. Be part of the discussion.

People find their roles in ways they often cannot foresee when they begin a journey. The lovely part is enjoying the journey, and making each role as meaningful as possible. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my life.

By StephenS | Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , | Comments (3)

8 Questions… just because.

October 5, 2017 – 10:14 am

It’s been kind of a whirlwind week, in the middle of two or three whirlwind weeks in a row. Lots of things going on, some important news, and a few really sad stories outside of the Diabetes Community.

Since we’re busy and we’ve had a lot of dark clouds hanging over our collective heads lately, I think we all could use a break. So, without further ado, here are eight interesting diabetes questions based on, well, nothing really. Feel free to leave your answers in the comments. Here we go:

1. Insulin pump or MDI (multiple daily injections)? Or neither? We know that some people who live with Type 2 diabetes don’t take insulin at all, and some insulin users are using inhalable insulin. I’m still working with my Animas Vibe pump, even though Animas has decided to go out of business. Whatever you do to help manage your diabetes, if it’s working, you’re doing the right thing. Isn’t it great to have choices? When we’re allowed to have choices?

2. Dexcom or Libre? With U.S. FDA approval of Abbott’s Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitor, I suspect this will be a question asked more and more in doctor’s offices and at diabetes conferences nationwide. These aren’t the only CGMs available, but they’re the only ones available as standalone devices (not required to be paired with an insulin pump). Again, it’s great to have choices, when we’re allowed to have choices.

3. Have you heard of The Affordable Insulin Project? This is another of DPAC’s efforts on an issue that affects millions of Americans. Check out the website and see how you can help spread the word and help make access to the life-saving drug that many cannot live without more affordable. To find out more, go to AffordableInsulinProject.org.

4. Have you donated insulin or supplies to victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico? Insulin for Life USA is helping to coordinate efforts to send much-needed insulin and test strips to those impacted by hurricane Maria, and also hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Find out how you can help pay it forward by going to ifl-usa.org.

5. Are you donating blood? All of us were shaken this week by the news that hundreds were gunned down at a concert in Las Vegas. In response, many have donated blood via the American Red Cross. Did you know that many People With Diabetes in the USA can donate blood? Whether it helps victims in Vegas, or those closer to your home, every pint is necessary and so appreciated. I can state unequivocally that donating blood has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Consider donating too, then go to RedCrossBlood.org.

6. Did you watch the Sammies this year? Maybe you missed them because you were concentrating on the Emmys. The Sammies, or Service to America medals, are known as the Oscars of government service. They’re given each year to federal employees who are recognized as “breaking down barriers, overcoming huge challenges and getting results”. That’s especially true of Courtney Lias and Stayce Beck of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who have been instrumental in helping artificial pancreas research move from the “maybe, someday” stage to patient’s hands. I cannot say enough good things about them. Read about their incredible work HERE. Congratulations Stayce and Courtney!

7. Will I see you this weekend? Friends for Life comes to the Washington, D.C. area this weekend in Falls Church, Virginia. If you’re coming, I hope to see you as I advocate at the DPAC table in the exhibit area. Look for a brief recap in this space shortly.

8. Will I see you next weekend? When it rains, it pours, and diabetes events will be pouring over Northern Virginia like monsoon season in Myanmar this October, as the Diabetes UnConference and Diabetes Sisters’ Weekend for Women co-locate in Alexandria October 13-15. I will once again be a facilitator at the UnConference, and I am very much looking forward to getting together for peer-to-peer support, encouragement, and all the feels. I’ll let you know how it goes later in the month.
 
 
Those are my questions of the moment… have any answers, or questions of your own? Let me see yours in the comments below.

By StephenS | Posted in Out Of the Box | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)