FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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.
Correction
In the last issue of the VOICE, in the article titled: "1996 Raffle Winners," one name was left out. We omitted Joy Cardinet, of Reseda, California, who sold 101 tickets. Thanks for a job well done, Joy!
Diabetes Studies
The Chicago Center for Clinical Research is studying investigational treatments for people suffering from diabetes. Whether you are diet-controlled, on oral diabetes medications, or using insulin, you may be eligible to participate in a research study of one of these treatments. It is only upon successful completion of such research studies that new treatments become freely available -- you can help! To learn more about participating in one of these clinical studies, telephone: 1-800-494-2227.
Water Warning
If you are undergoing dialysis, be aware that many municipalities are switching from chlorine to chloramines to disinfect their water supply. Official documents state: "Although chloraminated water is safe for anyone to drink, it can be a serious problem to individuals with kidney disease undergoing dialysis on artificial kidney machines. The chloramines must be reduced to acceptable levels..."
If you are, or will shortly be, using dialysis, check with your water supplier!
Catalog on Internet
Blazie Engineering, maker of the Braille'n Speak and other products for the blind, is now on the internet. Their "home page" features graphics, sound clips, and many documents previously available only in print or Braille.
The home page contains Blazie's products catalog, their quarterly newsletter, and complete owner's manuals for many Blazie products. The page also features a "forum," where users can ask questions and leave comments.
To access Blazie Engineering's home page on the World Wide Web, type: http://blazie.com/. For more information, or help in getting connected, contact: Blazie Engineering, 105 E. Jarrettsville Rd., Forest Hill, MD 20150; telephone: 410-893-9333.
Non-visual Guitar Instruction
We have been asked to announce: Bill Brown, who has taught guitar for over 25 years, has created an all-cassette (no written materials) guitar course. The course is intended for beginners, and even includes a telephone "tuning hot line" in case the student needs help tuning the guitar. Upon completion of the course, the student will know the basic guitar chords, most common rhythm patterns using these chords, the names of notes on the strings, and a number of songs. The student will also be able to access the entire Guitar By Ear library of songs. To order, send a check for $34.95 to: Bill Brown, 704 Habersham Road, Valdosta, GA 31602; telephone: (912) 249-0628.
VOICE Formats
VOICE OF THE DIABETIC 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 side effects? Your unique insight, coping strategies, and lifestyle can still inspire others. Are you a relative, a friend, or a health professional? More than 187,000 VOICE readers could benefit from your story.
For information and article submission guidelines, contact: VOICE OF THE DIABETIC, 811 Cherry St., Suite 309, Columbia, MO 65201; telephone: (573) 875-8911.
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin (EPO), a drug routinely given to patients on dialysis, is actually a hormone that occurs naturally in healthy human kidneys. It stimulates the production of red blood cells. If the kidneys are damaged (by diabetes or other conditions), natural EPO production diminishes, and anemia, low red blood count, can result. To correct this anemia, restoring a healthy blood count, the patient is given recombinant human EPO.
Therapeutic use of EPO helps correct anemia and reduces blood transfusion requirements for patients experiencing chronic renal failure or End Stage Renal Disease.
Job Opening
Wanted: Diabetic Education Specialist. Opening for an individual who understands the skills of blindness, and believes in the abilities of blind diabetics to independently self-manage their condition. Must be able to teach alternative methods of diabetes management, manage projects, work independently, and must be willing to travel (South Dakota area). Will train medical staff and educate community. Medical background not required, but ability to communicate/interact with medical community necessary. BS degree and two years related experience required. Competitive salary and benefit package, including comprehensive health plan. For more information, telephone: 1-800-658-5441, and ask for Martin.
Scholarship Winner
In the summer 1996 edition of the VOICE, Debra Frank announced the Angelo Centano Golf Scholarship. Sponsored by the St. Therese Knights of Columbus, of Valley Stream, NY, the event was a memorial to the late Angelo Centano, a blind, insulin-dependent diabetic athlete whose motto was "quitters never win and winners never quit." Open only to contestants with type I diabetes, the contest required a 300-to 600-word essay about any aspect of athletics or physical activity which winning the scholarship would help the entrant achieve.
VOICE readers rose to the occasion. Responses were of high quality. The prize, a $500 scholarship, was claimed by James Elekes, of Springfield, New Jersey, who wrote of the need to maintain tight blood glucose control, and the special difficulties he faced trying to maintain an exercise program after being injured in a train accident. After being told of his victory, he stated: "Your notification had added significance, as it was made on the sixth anniversary of my kidney transplant from my younger brother Michael." He reiterated that the scholarship would enable him to purchase physical fitness equipment necessary to maintain good diabetes management, improve cardiac and circulatory function, and enhance his overall quality of life.
Blindness is no barrier to athletics, physical activity, strenuous exercise, nor good diabetes control. James Elekes is a fine example. Take note, folks--you can do it too!
Diabetes Action Network Seminars
At the 1997 convention of the National Federation of the Blind, in New Orleans, Louisiana, our Diabetes Action Network will have two seminars. The first will be on Monday, June 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. There Eli Lilly and Company will provide us a speaker, who will discuss the new quick-acting Humalog insulin. An open diabetes discussion will follow. On Tuesday, July 1, we will have our second seminar, starting at 6:30 pm. Our keynote speaker will be a dietitian, who will discuss "carb counting" as a meal- planning tool. Both seminars are free and open to the public. Locations will be posted in the agenda (provided when you register).
Elections Coming Up
At this year's national convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, elections will be held to fill divisional board positions. These are one-year terms, running from July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998. Positions to be filled are: President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested in a board position, or know someone who you think would do a good job, then contact our Diabetes Action Network President, Tom Ley. Yes, hard work and dedication are prerequisites for each board position. Anything worthwhile is usually challenging, and requires hard work. Leadership should be a positive force, and one must lead by good example.
Plan Ahead and Be Prepared
At this year's annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind there will be many insulin-dependent diabetics in attendance. Each of us should have the foresight to bring extra insulin and syringes so as to avoid needing to search for a pharmacy.
At every convention, a few diabetics undergo avoidable hypoglycemic attacks. Hotels are jammed, and restaurants are packed, with long waits for a table. We diabetics should always be prepared for an insulin reaction. THINK AHEAD! Always carry something sweet, such as candy or glucose tablets, that can be used for reactions. We should be sure to have, in our rooms, snack foods to help control our food needs.
We diabetics can travel anywhere and do almost anything we want, except go without food. Our bloodstreams should have a balance of insulin and glucose. If there is not enough glucose (food) then we have an insulin reaction.
"Plan ahead and be prepared."
Display Tables
For this year's annual convention of the NFB, our Diabetes Action Network has reserved space in the exhibit hall, where we will display literature and equipment of interest to blind diabetics and others interested in diabetes.
There will be hundreds of other display tables with products and information that may be of interest to blind persons.
CAN YOU HELP? It takes many people to work the display tables, and If you can help for two hours, four hours, or more, please contact our Display Table Committee Chairman: John Yark, 218 Seaton Road, Apt. 2, Stamford, CT 06902; telephone: (203) 324-7862.
JOB Seminar and Breakfasts
The 1997 Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) National Seminar will be held on Sunday, June 29, 1997, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana. This will be an exciting three hours of blind persons talking about their jobs and how they got them. Admission is free; come for practical tips from those who know best because they've been there. This year as before, recruiters from federal agencies and private firms have plans to visit the seminar.
The JOB Networking Breakfasts, held every morning of convention for the past six years, will be offered again in 1997, providing further opportunities. All begin at 7 a.m., in "The Courtyard" restaurant (come early for good seats), and all are BYOB (buy your own breakfast). Some examples include: The JOB First-Timers' Breakfast (a chance to meet convention veterans and start the process) on June 29 and 30; Emergency dispatchers on June 30; Braille Proofreaders and Transcriptionists, and another for Blind Persons in Medical Fields, on July 1; Artists and Craftspersons on July 2; A new JOB Networking Breakfast on July 3; Blind Computer Access Teachers on July 4; an (invitation only) Breakfast for Employment Professionals on July 5, and more! June 30 through July 4, there will also be "Generic Breakfasts for Job Seekers," to help you get started. All of these will be crowded, so reservations are recommended.
Job Opportunities for the Blind (JOB) is a joint program of the National Federation of the Blind and the U.S. Department of Labor. If you have any questions, or want to make breakfast reservations, call JOB at 1-800-638-7518.
Further information about the JOB seminars and the NFB National Convention will appear in the BRAILLE MONITOR, published by the National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314.
Smoking Research
researchers in japan (where smoking is becoming increasingly popular) report solid new links between tobacco use and type ii (niddm) diabetes. the eight-year study, conducted by .gifu University School of Medicine, found that those who started smoking at age 18 or younger were 3.9 times more likely to develop type II diabetes than those who did not. Also, after statistically screening out other factors such as obesity, inactivity, alcohol use and family history, the researchers found that those who smoked 16 to 25 cigarettes per day were 3.27 times more likely to develop type II diabetes than were those who never smoked. Ex-smokers were more than twice as likely (2.25 times) to develop the disease, compared with lifetime non-smokers. If you don't smoke, congratulations. If you do, quit now!
Talk it Over
The information and advice contained in VOICE OF THE DIABETIC are for educational purposes, and are not intended to take the place of personal instruction provided by your doctor, or by your health care team. Discuss any changes in your treatment with the appropriate health professionals.