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.

NEUROPATHY TREATMENT

"The Johns Hopkins Medical Letter," for September 1996, reports that some peripheral neuropathy sufferers have found relief from night-time symptoms of tingling, numbness, and "crawling sensations" in the feet and legs, by taking, with their doctor's approval, 50mg of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) before going to bed. The letter suggests that half that dose, 25mg, might help with similar daytime symptoms, but to beware of drowsiness. Discuss this with your doctor.

NEW MUSIC

VOICE reader Hazel Trujillo, a singer-songwriter in Miami, Florida (who is also a deejay, classical guitarist, self-defense instructor, diabetes educator, and blind diabetic!) announces the availability of her two record albums, "Hazel," and "On Golden Wings." Her romantic music has been played in Central and South America, many Mediterranean countries, and on Miami radio stations. "Hazel," the first album, is sung in Spanish, while "On Golden Wings" is all English, with several instrumentals. Both are her own original material. EDITOR'S NOTE: I've listened to both tapes, and I enjoyed them.

The tapes are priced at $10 each, or the pair for $15. Send check or money order to: Hazel Trujillo, PO Box 430049, Miami, FL 33243-0049.

PHONE RECORDING EQUIPMENT

Individuals who are blind or otherwise dependent on the tape recorder as a note-taking device know that sometimes it is necessary to record a telephone call. Traditional "phone mikes," for those of us who don't have a brother in the CIA, have been complex, unreliable, with more batteries and suction cups than a four-year old's Christmas toy, and their recordings have hardly been crystal clear. That has now changed.

Federationist Jerry Maccoux has developed the Phonote, a compact, no-batteries device that greatly simplifies the task of recording your phone conversations. It also gives a loud, clear, undistorted sound, as if the other party were in the room with you. You will need: The device, a tape recorder with an "aux-input" or remote microphone jack, and an extension phone line (which can be as simple as a Y-jack and six-foot phone line running from your modular plug). Plug the second line into the Phonote, the Phonote into your recorder, and you're ready. Please note a number of laws restrict the taping of phone conversations. To be safe, inform the other party a recording is being made.

The Phonote, priced at $12 (plus $3.50 shipping), is available from: Phonote, PO Box 6021, St. Joseph, MO 64506; telephone: (816) 279-4562; e-mail: [email protected]

NEW FOOT PAIN DRUG

If you have diabetes, you know that peripheral neuropathy, a progressive nerve degeneration causing numbness, pain, or tingling in the legs and feet, can occur after a number of years with the condition. But the same pain can be a symptom of another condition, one called intermittent claudication, sometimes a symptom of peripheral arterial disease, or PAD.

Peripheral neuropathy and PAD have different treatments, so it is important to tell them apart (note they can occur at the same time). If you are experiencing such symptoms, talk to your health care team, as treatments are available.

We have been asked to announce that Trental (manufactured by Hoechst Marion Roussel) is now available to treat the symptoms of intermittent claudication. As part of a complete, doctor-guided, program that includes diet and exercise, Trental could put your feet in a better place. For information about Trental, contact your pharmacist, or: Cold Feet, PO Box 6309, West Caldwell, NJ 07007-6309; telephone: 1-800-925-5669, extension 109.

BLINDED VETERANS ASSOCIATION

We have been asked to announce: The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) is a privately-funded non-profit support and advocacy organization for all blind veterans of military service, their families and friends. They offer information, advocacy, and needs-assessment services to all blinded veterans, and the vision loss does not have to be service-connected. BVA volunteers, themselves blind veterans, work in Veterans' hospitals, do community outreach, and help other blind veterans in the formal VA claims process. The BVA works closely with government agencies, in matters pertinent to blind veterans, and each year, delivers its list of legislative priorities to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs. The association publishes the periodical "The BVA Bulletin," in large print and cassette.

For more information, contact: Blinded Veterans Association, 477 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20001-2694; telephone: 1-800-669-7079.

PESKY MACHINES

When that wonderfully convenient little machine "develops a mind of its own," and starts giving you trouble, do you ever wonder why it never uses that "mind of its own" to do something useful?

DRAIN CLEANER AND DECLOGGER (From the Internet)

Requires: 1/4 cup baking soda 1/2 cup white vinegar

Pour the baking soda into the doubtful drain. Follow with vinegar. Close or cover drain until fizzing stops. Flush with a pot of boiling water.

ILLINOIS MEDICARE INFORMATION

The Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) is the Medicare Administrator for the state of Illinois. To expedite its task of providing high-quality, timely service to program beneficiaries within the state, HCSC has developed the Beneficiary Outreach Program. The program's Beneficiary Outreach Committees, composed of both providers and beneficiaries, provide feedback on new and pending changes, brief government agencies, congressional staff members and consumer organizations (such as the Senior Health Insurance Program, SHIP), serve as information resources in Social Security Administration offices, and help train those who counsel Medicare beneficiaries. For information, contact: Health Care Service Corporation, 233 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601; telephone: 1-800- 642-6930.

NEW RESOURCE LIST

We have been asked to announce: Linda Schall has assembled a list of diabetes equipment for blind or visually impaired diabetics. Talking glucose monitors, tactile- marked insulin pens, insulin gauges, syringe magnifiers and more, along with a listing of suppliers and information resources, all are listed in her "Medical Resources for Visually Impaired Diabetics." Available in standard print, large print, or Braille, price $30, the list is available from: Community Integration Consulting, 14 W. Park Blvd., Westmont, NJ 08108; telephone: (609) 854-7711.

JEWISH MATERIALS

We have been asked to announce: The Jewish Heritage for the Blind is pleased to announce the availability of the "Megilas Esther" and the "Haggadah" in large print. For ordering information, please call, fax, or write to: The Jewish Heritage for the Blind, Department of Large Print Publications, 1655 East 24th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229; telephone: (718) 601-9128; fax: (718) 338-0653.

NEWSLINE FOR THE BLIND

The National Federation of the Blind announces the startup of "Newsline," an electronic publication of major daily newspapers, specifically tailored for blind and visually-impaired readers. Already operational in the Baltimore-Washington area, "Newsline" electronically "reads" all of each day's edition, which is immediately made available via modem to local distribution centers. Users telephone their local center (or place a long-distance call to the National Center for the Blind) and listen to the articles they choose. There is no subscription fee or other charge to access the system.

"USA Today," "The New York Times," and the "Chicago Tribune" already participate. More publications, including local papers, are expected to join shortly. As the system expands, more blind individuals will have rapid and comprehensive access to daily print news media, a substantial improvement over "live reader" services. Our 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 of the required local distribution centers. For further information, or to listen to a sample (read by the DECtalk speech synthesizer), contact Newsline Network, National Federation of the Blind, 1800 Johnson Street, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone: (410) 659-9314.

BUFFERED INSULIN

You may see mention of "buffered insulin," and wonder what it is. Buffered insulin is for use in insulin pumps. An additional ingredient has been added to ensure smooth flow of insulin through the pump. Although some pump-users employ unbuffered insulins (the same as used in a conventional insulin syringe), and do well, the potential for a stoppage exists. Use of buffered insulin in a pump lessens the odds and cuts the risk.

NONINVASIVE GLUCOSE MONITOR UPDATE

Biocontrol, developers of the Diasensor 1000 non- invasive glucose monitor, began a new round of clinical tests of the device on February 3, 1997. This study, requested by the FDA, is to determine whether the difficulties that led to previous denial of FDA approval to market the device have been overcome. Upon successful completion of this trial, anticipated to take 120 days, the 510(k) notification, application to market in the United States, will be resubmitted. Further details of the study are described as "confidential at this time."

BOARD MEMBERS

The Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind.

President: Tom Ley Baltimore, MD

First Vice-President: Ed Bryant Columbia, MO

Second Vice-President: Janet Lee Cedar, MN

Treasurer: John Yark Stamford, CT

Secretary: Sandie Addy Prescott Valley, AZ

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 194,449 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.