FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Artwork:�
Dancing fruits and vegetables
����������� 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 and do not imply endorsement
by the Diabetes Action Network of the NFB.
NEW FOOT CARE TREATMENT
����������� Diabetic
foot disease is a serious complication of diabetes.� When diabetic neuropathy leads to numbness, and wounds and
lesions go unrecognized and untreated, the resulting infections can lead to
amputation.� The care of slow-healing
diabetic foot wounds and lesions is an important issue.
����������� On
May 8, 2000, an FDA panel recommended expanded approval of Novartis
Pharmaceuticals' new Apligraf, for use in the treatment of diabetic foot
ulcers.� Apligraf is a skin substitute,
the only one approved for marketing in the United States.� Apligraf is available now.
����������� For
more information, see your pharmacist, or have your doctor contact:� Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, PO Box
11, #59 Route No 10, East Hanover, NJ�
07936 USA; telephone:� (973)
781-8300; website:�
http://www.novartis.com
SYRINGE CAUTION
����������� Becton
Dickinson (BD) makes insulin syringes, in 1cc, 1/2cc, and .3cc sizes.� If you are insulin-dependent, blind, and a
user of tactile insulin measuring devices, like the Syringe Support,
Load-Matic, or Count-A-Dose, you use BD syringes.� Be aware they now offer the "BD Ultra-Fine II Short Needle
1cc syringe," with a 30ga, 5/16" needle.� Yes, it is more comfortable to inject, but users of tactile
insulin measurement devices may experience problems drawing up consistent and
reliable dosages with the short needle syringes.� Use caution.� The package
states:� "Before changing to a
shorter needle, consult your health care professional."
NEW GENERIC CYCLOSPORINE
����������� On
January 18, Eon Labs Manufacturing announced that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration had approved its Cyclosporine Softgel Capsules, USP (Modified)
as a generic equivalent to Novartis Pharmaceuticals' Neoral, the
biggest-selling softgel immunosuppressant for organ transplant recipients.� The new medication will be available in the
brand-equivalent strengths:� 25mg and
100mg.
����������� Over
66,000 patients are currently awaiting organ transplants in the U.S. alone,
more than triple the number who received transplants in 1998.� Because the human body attempts to
"reject" transplanted organs, treat them as "invaders"
needing to be destroyed, transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive
medication for life, to keep their new organ.�
Neoral is effective but expensive, and the availability of a generic
competitor should force down the price, and save thousands of dollars for the
transplant recipient.
����������� For
information on this medication, or others they produce, contact:� Eon Labs Manufacturing, Inc., 227-15 N.
Conduit Avenue, Laurelton, NY 11413; telephone:� 1-800-526-0225; website:�
http://www.hims.online.com
NEWSLINE FOR THE BLIND
����������� The
National Federation of the Blind announces the availability of Newsline, an
electronic publication of major daily newspapers, specifically tailored for
blind and visually-impaired readers.�
With 72 local "hubs" in 33 states, Newsline electronically
"reads" all of each day's�
edition, which is immediately made available via modem to the local
distribution centers.� Users telephone
the nearest local center (or place a long-distance call to the National Center
for the Blind) and listen to the articles they choose, read to them in a
synthesized voice.� The reader is free
to jump between articles, sections, and publications, and to pick the speed of
reading to suit their needs.� There is
no subscription fee or other charge to access the system; however, long-distance
phone charges� may apply, if the nearest
local service center is not in your vicinity.
����������� Newsline
is not the Internet, and no computer is necessary to use it.� The system is easy to learn, and easy to
access.� Service is available to any
person at least legally blind, and again, there is no charge.
����������� �USA
Today,� �The New York Times,� �The Washington Post,� �The Los Angeles Times,�
�The Toronto Globe and Mail,� �The Wall Street Journal,� and the �Chicago
Tribune� already participate.� More
publications, including local papers, are expected to join shortly.� As the system expands, even more blind
individuals will have rapid and comprehensive access to daily print news media,
a substantial improvement over "live reader" services.� The goal is to make the service available to
every blind person in the country, and soon.
����������� The
NFB is looking for individuals and organizations willing to sponsor and
maintain more new local distribution centers, in areas not yet served.� For further information, about participating
or sponsorship, contact Newsline Network, National Federation of the Blind,
1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone:� (410) 659-9314.
NEW APPROVALS FOR HUMALOG
����������� Humalog,
Eli Lilly and Company's quick-acting insulin, was approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) several years ago, for adult diabetics, between ages 12
and 65.� Their package documentation
always stated the necessary tests had not been performed with children or the
aged.� That has changed.
����������� On
May 2, 2000, Lilly announced the FDA had approved the use of Humalog insulin in
children over the age of three and adults over age 65, for treatment of
diabetic high blood sugars.�
����������� Humalog
is powerful and quick, and is available by prescription only.� For more information, talk to your
pharmacist, or contact:� Eli Lilly and
Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285; telephone:� 1-800-545-5979; website:� http:/www.lilly.com
EYE SPECIALISTS DEFINED
����������� So
you need to see the eye doctor?� What
kind of eye doctor?� An ophthalmologist
is a physician (MD or DO) who specializes in eye care, and the treatment of eye
diseases and conditions.� This
individual has completed a general medical degree, plus three or more years of
specialized training in eye care.
����������� An
optometrist is a licensed health care professional trained to provide the
following services:� Comprehensive eye
examinations, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and vision disorders,
prescribing of glasses, contact lenses, and low-vision aids, certain surgical
procedures, low vision rehabilitation, vision therapy and medications, and
vision counseling.� This individual is
not a physician, but has completed a four-year graduate program, to earn the
degree of OD, Doctor of Optometry.
TASTES AWFUL
����������� Canada
is a land of cold, and of colds.� Now,
from Canada comes Buckley's Mixture, a powerful, sugar-free, alcohol-free cough
medicine without artificial flavors or colors.�
Does a strong medicine have to taste really bad?� Maybe so, but it's guaranteed to work.� Already available at Rite Aid, Eckerd,
K-Mart, and www.homepharmacy.com, Buckley's may soon be available at your
pharmacy.� Try it.� You won't like the taste, but you'll feel
better.� For more information,
Contact:� Buckley's; telephone:
1-800-434-1034; website:�
http://www.buckleys.com
BOARD MEMBERS
����������� The
Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind.
President:�
Ed Bryant
����������� Columbia,
MO
First Vice President:� Eric Woods
����������� Denver,
CO
Second Vice President:� Sandie Addy
����������� Prescott
Valley, AZ
Treasurer:�
Bruce Peters
����������� Akron,
OH
Secretary:�
Sally York
����������� Castro
Valley, CA
Board Member-At-Large:� Gisela Distel
����������� Albany,
NY
Board Member-At-Large:� Paul Price
����������� Valley
Center, CA
VOICE FORMATS
����������� VOICE
OF THE DIBAETIC 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 in NLS format) on a conventional music-speed
tape player will yield incomprehensible "chipmunk sounds."����
����������� 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.
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 the 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 286,411 VOICE readers could
benefit from your story.
����������� For
information and article submission guidelines, contact:� VOICE OF THE DIABETIC, 811 Cherry Street,
Suite 309, Columbia, MO 65201; telephone:�
(573) 875-8911.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
VOICE DISTRIBUTORS NEEDED
����������� Since
the VOICE is now offered free, our Diabetes Action Network will provide extra
copies to anyone wanting to help spread the word.� We will gladly send from five to five hundred-plus copies each
quarter to be used as free literature.�
Medical facilities can order as needed for patients.� Individuals can usually place copies of the
VOICE in libraries, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors' offices, or other public
locations.
����������� Diabetes
education is essential.� Anyone who
distributes the VOICE will be helping people with diabetes, and their families,
to learn about the disease and its ramifications; to learn that they have
options; and that their world is far greater than whatever "limits"
may be imposed by the disease.� If you
would like to help spread the word by distributing the publication, please
contact:� Voice of the Diabetic, 811
Cherry Street, Suite 309, Columbia, MO 65201; telephone:� (573) 875-8911, fax: (573) 875-8902.� NOTE:�
Please provide a phone number so we can reach you.�
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBSCRIPTION/DONATION FORM
����������� The
VOICE OF THE DIABETIC is a quarterly magazine published by the Diabetes Action
Network of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) for anyone interested in
diabetes, especially diabetics who are blind or are losing vision.� An outreach publication, it emphasizes good
diabetes control, diet, and independence.
����������� Donations
are gladly accepted and appreciated.�
Contributions are not only tax deductible but are needed to keep the
VOICE and the Diabetes Action Network moving forward to help people with all
aspects of diabetes.
����������� Members
of the NFB Diabetes Action Network enjoy priority services and unique benefits
such as a continuous free subscription to the VOICE, automatic access to
committees covering all aspects of diabetes, free counseling concerning all
facets of blindness and diabetes, as well as access to diabetics who have
experienced complications.
����������� The
VOICE is free to any interested person upon request.� Each subscription costs the Diabetes Action Network approximately
$20 per year.� To help defray
publication expenses, members are invited, and nonmembers are encouraged, to
cover the subscription cost.
����������� To
begin receiving the VOICE, please check one:
[ ]�������� I would like to become a member of the
NFB Diabetes Action Network and receive the VOICE OF THE DIABETIC. (Members are
entitled to special benefits.)
[ ]�������� I would like to receive the VOICE OF
THE DIABETIC as a nonmember.�
(Nonmembers are encouraged to pay the institutional rate of $20/one
year; $35/two years; $50/three years.)
Send the VOICE in (check one):
[ ] print��
[ ] cassette tape for the blind���
[ ] both
���������������
and physically handicapped
���������������
(recorded at slower-than-
��������� ������standard speed of 15/16 IPS)
Optionally check this box:
[ ]�������� I
would like to make (or add) a tax-deductible
����������� contribution
of $__________ to the Diabetes Action
����������� Network
of the National Federation of the Blind.
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Name:_____________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________
�������
__________________________________________________
City:_______________________� State:______� Zip:__________
Telephone:�
(���� )________________________
Send this form or a facsimile to:�
Voice of the Diabetic
811 Cherry Street, Suite 309
Columbia, MO 65201
Telephone:�
(573) 875-8911
Fax:� (573)
875-8902
Please make all checks payable to:
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND