World Diabetes Day: Five Years and Counting!

According to the authorities, the annual World Diabetes Day celebration on November 14 got started way back in 1991.  But of course nobody heard much about it until that history-making UN resolution was signed, recognizing the urgency of diabetes and declaring World Diabetes Day an official United Nations Day, to be observed every year beginning in 2007.  That was when IDF kicked off the global Monument Challenge, encouraging cities around the world to illuminate their most famous monuments in diabetes-awareness blue.
It’s been an uphill battle here in the U.S., starting with even recognizing Blue as “our color”…  As you all probably know, we here at the ‘Mine have launched our own campaign gathering signatures in support of the Blue Circle as diabetes’ own version of the “pink ribbon.” Sign here if you’re interested in speaking out on that.
Meanwhile, today is World Diabetes Day (!), and we *finally* have big plans in my hometown of San Francisco, thanks to Kelly Close, Manny Hernandez, the SF Bay Chapter of JDRF and a bunch of other good folks who know how to organize a cool shindig. I’m so excited for the hula-hooping flash mob Guinness Book of World Records activity tonight. Not kidding! My girls are painting themselves up in sparkly blue nail polish as I write this.
It’s the 5th anniversary of trying to get the ball rolling on WDD in the U.S., and Allison and I thought it would be fun to have a look back at its humble beginnings, as we witnessed them.

2006

There were no official activities in this country yet.  But we wrote a post about WDD. There were comments. We were pleased

2007

Photo by Mark Yarchoan

Amy: We lit up San Francisco’s Coit Tower, which is isolated up on a hill. Manny, Kelly, a few folks from the local ADA chapter and I toasted with champagne, and then went home.

* * *

Allison: I was lucky enough to participate in one of the very first official World Diabetes Day celebration events in NYC. The International Diabetes Federation and Novo Nordisk partnered held a rally at the Rose Garden at the UN, where we used blue UN umbrellas were used to form a blue circle. Afterward, we marched with our blue umbrellas to Guastavino’s, where speakers, including two youth ambassadors from Ecuador and South Africa, shared the importance of World Diabetes Day and raising awareness about the global impact of diabetes. Sadly, this was the one and only major World Diabetes Day event to be held in New York City…

Allison with Mother Love, Zippora Karz, Nicole Johnson and Jeff Hitchcock

2008

Photo by Mark Yarchoan

Amy: We lit up San Francisco City Hall. We shouted at passers-by, but there wasn’t much foot traffic. So a small group of us sort of stood around staring at the building.
Allison: In New York City, there was nothing going on. I don’t even have a record of what I was doing that day!

2009

Photo by Mark Yarchoan

Amy: We lit up San Francisco’s Ferry Building. We had more people! They brought signs, placards, and blue candles. I got to meet Meri Schumacher and some great guys from InsulinDependence.  We talked about “going bigger” for WDD.

Amy and Meri

* * *

Allison: I threw my own World Diabetes Day party! I rented a conference room at a non-diabetes related non-profit, because none of the diabetes organizations could support the event because WDD was a Saturday. Tina brought the most beautiful birthday cake for Dr. Frederick Banting (Did you know, btw, that the date Nov. 14 was chosen because it is the birthday of Frederick Banting, co-discoverer and most famous “father of insulin” — a man to whom we are all indebted?). I got a bit of flack for having pizza and cake at a diabetes party, but everyone who came had fun!

2010

Photo by Mark Yarchoan

Amy: We lit up the Metreon building in blue. Across the street in Yerba Buena Center, there was a small fair with booths. A fair! With information! And food! Bodybuilder Doug Burns spoke to the modest crowd. Yes, we had a crowd!  Some people went bowling together at the Center.

 

* * *

Allison: The New York Historical Society hosted an exhibit on the discovery of insulin, based on the book Breakthrough. I arranged for a tour with the director of the society. It was a great opportunity to see some of the original letters from the first patients to receive insulin, and also to see photos from the first insulin production facility in Toronto.

2011

WDD is going to bigger and better, all over the country, right?!
Do not forget to do the Big Blue Test today!

Happy World Diabetes Day everyone, and Happy 120th Birthday to Dr. Banting! Lots to celebrate today! We hope you have something great going blue in your town.

Let's Get Organized For World Diabetes Day!

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when I was 17 years old.

Before that my only exposure to diabetes was three of my grandparents who all had type 2. I was scared, confused, and felt completely alone.

Being a senior in high school and involved in activities I was the kid who grabbed a can sodapop for breakfast, skipped lunch, and grabbed anything I could get at the local fast food joint for dinner. My eating habits were poor, sporadic, and the thought of having 3 meals a day, everyday, seemed overwhelming. And we are not even talking about taking insulin or checking my blood sugar.

Too many things to think about and too many possibilities for complications made me push diabetes aside for a long time. I just did not want to think about it. I decided to take that dose of insulin and keep on going like nothing had changed.

One day it did.

After years and years of checking my blood sugar monthly, at best, I got sick. Really sick. It was the stomach flu and I could not keep any food in me. Since I could not eat, I assumed that if I took my insulin I would drop down and experience a major hypoglycemic episode so I stopped taking my shot for a day and a half. At the time this made sense to me.

I remember my wife checking my blood and saying the meter just read “HIGH.” I remember trying to walk to the family room but could not walk past the living room. I remember being lifted into an ambulance and the ceiling of the emergency room. I remember IV’s, blood draws, ice chips, and bright lights. I remember hearing my wife cry next to my bed.

At the time I did not understand how insulin worked in my body or that I needed it all the time. Ignorance is not always bliss.

Soon after this episode I got in to see an endocrinologist who confirmed my a1c was 12.5%. I have learned just what the number meant before I saw him because I had been online looking for information. Searching for a much needed education.

I am happy to say that through websites and blogs I have read, I have learned so much and do not feel in the dark about my diabetes. Sure it is not predictable but I know what it is, how to treat it, and how to handle bad situations. Education is powerful and World Diabetes Day is great reason to get yourself educated and educate others!

The more we know, the better we can take care of ourselves. And the more we educate, the more we can help stop this epidemic.

World Diabetes Day November 14, 2011

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14th. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its association members. It joins millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness.

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007. The campaign draws attention to the issues of importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes in the public spotlight. Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. 

TheGlobal Diabetes Plan was launched on September 18, 2011. The latest figuresfrom the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reveal that currently 366million people have diabetes, 4.6 million deaths are due to diabetes and US$465 billion is spent on care for diabetes. This disease is one of the century’sgreatest health challenges and remains on a relentlessly upwards trajectory.

IDFhas brought together world experts to develop a coherent framework of action torespond to the diabetes challenge.  Thesecost-effective solutions for action by governments, health care professionalsand the global diabetes community are presented in IDF’s Global Diabetes Plan2011-2021. (The presentation is available for download or viewing on video at http://www.idf.org/global-diabetes-plan-2011-2021)

The Big Blue Test is a program of the Diabetes Hands Foundation (DHF). It takes place every November 14 (World Diabetes Day). People with diabetes are invited to test their blood sugar at 2 pm (local time), do 14 minutes of activity, test again and share the results.

MeetToby Smithson, RD, LDN, CDE

Toby Smithson is a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Diabetes Educator, anational spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, and holds acertification in adult weight management. Toby was diagnosed with Type 1diabetes in October, 1968, and has managed diabetes personally every single daysince with no hint of complications. Toby founded DiabetesEveryDay to share herinsights into successful diabetes self-management.

DiabetesEveryDay.commembers enjoy 24/7 access to weekly menu selections, recipes (developed by dietitians for heart health and carbohydrate management), grocery lists and a unique library of video clips featuring Toby Smithson. New contentis added weekly, Toby draws upon her own extraordinary diabetes managementsuccess to make this overwhelming responsibility for self-care both understandableand practical. She explores not only the nuts and bolts….medical issues, foodand physical activity….but also everyday lifestyle, emotional challenges,stress, and life changing motivation; the real keys to success. To learn more, visit DiabetesEveryDay.com

Blue Circle Dance

About500 employees, families and friends of Novo Nordisk from all around the worldfilmed themselves while dancing to 'Move your feet' by Junior Senior. The ideais to generate awareness for diabetes on World Diabetes Day 14 November 2011.

Health Benefits of Kindness

WorldKindness Day, November13, 2011

WorldKindness Week, November7 - 13, 2011

Random Act of Kindness:  A selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases an animal. There is no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.

Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Established in 1995 as a nonprofit organization, The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is a resource for people committed to spreading kindness. The Random Acts of Kindness™ Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others. They provide a wide variety of materials on their website, including activity ideas, lesson plans, project plans, teacher’s guide, project planning guide, publicity guide and workplace resources - all free of charge. 

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation is the United States delegate to the World Kindness Movement, an organization that includes various nations. People in these countries promote kindness within their countries’ borders and are creating a global network of kindness and compassion. As people from different cultures and from all walks of life are joining to spread kindness, they are creating a powerful, synergistic action throughout the world.

Health Benefits of Kindness
Studies have shown acts of kindness can result in physical and mental health benefits.
• Kindness can bring a sense of richness and fulfillment to our lives, and promote good health and longevity.
• Helping others can decrease the effect of diseases.
• After performing an act of kindness many experience a feeling of euphoria followed by a period of calm.
• Acts of kindness have shown to reduce feelings of stress, depression, loneliness, overeating, etc.
• Helping others increases self-worth, happiness and optimism.
• A person feels more energetic after performing an act of kindness
• A more optimistic and happier outlook on life

Kindness is not only something that has positive benefits for ourselves, it is something that has a positive effect on the community.

Try Some Kindness (The Letter K Song)

As people tap into their own generous human spirit and share kindness with one another, they discover for themselves the power of kindness to effect positive change in their lives and the lives around them. When kindness is expressed, healthy relationships are created, community connections are nourished, and people are inspired to pass kindness on.

November 10, 2011, nutritionDay in the U.S.

November 10, 2011 is the third annual nutritionDay in theU.S. The mission is to improve patient safety and quality of care by raising awareness and increasing knowledge about disease-related malnutrition.

nutritionDay Vision.
To provide the healthcare community, includingacute care facilities, rehabilitation facilities, home healthcare and nursinghomes, with a full spectrum of resources to assess and ultimately minimizehealthcare-related malnutrition.

To learn more about nutritionDay in the U.S., visit http://nutritiondayus.org/

The worldwide website for nutritionDay is at http://www.nutritionday.org/

The websites contain valuable resources to improve patient safety and quality of care.

Dietitians in the News and Blog Up-dates November 9, 2011

Seven Favorite Paper.li Food and Nutrition Daily's

Paper.li is a content service. It enables people topublish newspapers based on topics they like and treat their readers to freshnews, daily. Paper.li believes people are the ones qualified toorganize and oversee the content that matters most.

Kids Eat Right Daily; @kidseatright

A national campaign of the American Dietetic Associationand ADA Foundation to promote healthy eating and prevent childhood obesity.

The Kids-Health-and-Nutrition Daily; @TwinToddlersDad

Blogger; alwayslearning, researching and writing about toddler nutrition. Have an idea orquestion related to toddler nutrition? Drop me a line!

The Nutrition Tidbits Daily; @HealthCastleGlo

Editor-in-Chief forHealthCastle.com. Author of @GoUnDiet book. Dietitian and nutrition geek.

*How2Cook*Today; @how2cook4u

How2Cook4U hopes you will enjoy your cooking more andeating even more! 

Garden☼ Food and Nutrition News; @GardenCuizine

I’m a Gardening Chef and RegisteredDietitian, sharing Healthy Lifestyle, Recipe, Food & Nutrition tips usingfresh Garden ingredients http://GardenCuizine.com

 The Diva-Dietitian Daily; @DivaDietitian

The Skinny on Nutrition From Registered Dietitians aroundthe Web. 

Fast Food World; @ValburgerElba

Social Fast Food

November 2011 Wellness News

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers and Health Professionals. Wellness News is up-dated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.

November 2011

November Highlights

American Diabetes Month Military Family Appreciation Month Diabetic Eye Disease Month Epilepsy Awareness Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month and COPD Awareness Month National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month National Healthy Skin Month National Long term Care Awareness National Marrow Awareness Month National Family Caregivers Month National Hospice Palliative Care National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Prematurity Awareness Month National Adoption Month Family Stories Month World Vegan Month National Roasting Month Banana Pudding Lovers Month Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month National Fun with Fondue Month National Georgia Pecan Month National Pepper Month National Pomegranate Month Peanut Butter Lovers Month Raisin Bread Month Sweet Potato Awareness Month National Pet Cancer Awareness PTA Healthy Lifestyle Month MADD's Tie One On For Safety Holiday (11/16-12/31) Native American Heritage Month

Food Day 2011, What is a Serving Size?

"Food Day is October 24 and will continue to be in the years tocome. Food Day seeks to bring together Americans from all walks oflife, parents, teachers, and students; health professionals, communityorganizers, and local officials; chefs, school lunch providers, and eaters ofall stripes to push for healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable,humane way. We will work with people around the country to create thousands ofevents in homes, schools, churches, farmers markets, city halls, and statecapitals."

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Representative Rosa DeLauro(D-CT) are the Honorary Co-Chairs for Food Day 2011, and the day is sponsoredby the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the nonprofit watchdog groupthat has led successful fights for food labeling, better nutrition, and saferfood since 1971. Like CSPI, Food Day will be people-powered and does not acceptfunding from government or corporations—though restaurants, supermarkets, andothers are certainly encouraged to observe Food Day in their own ways.

Become a Food Label Detective
An Educated Consumer has the
Tools to Make Wise Decisions

6 FOOD DAY PRINCIPLES

1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods.
2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness.
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger.
4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms. 
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids. 
6. Support fair conditions for food and farm workers.

A special thank you to Marcela Lucena, Erik Bustillo, and the Florida International University, Student Dietetic Association for helping spread the word about Food Day.

World Food Day October 16, 2011

World Food Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in November 1979. FAO celebrates World Food Day each year on October 16th, the day on which the Organization was founded in 1945.

“FOOD PRICES – FROM CRISIS TO STABILITY” has been chosen as the 2011 World Food Day theme to shed some light on this trend and what can be done to mitigate its impact on the most vulnerable.

WORLD FOOD DAY 2011

On World Food Day 2011, let us look seriously at what causes swings in food prices, and do what needs to be done to reduce their impact on the weakest members of global society.

The objectives of World Food Day are to:

*Encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end;

*Encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries;

*Encourage the participation of rural people, particularly women and the least privileged categories, in decisions and activities influencing their living conditions;

*Heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world;

*Promote the transfer of technologies to the developing world; and

*Strengthen international and national solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and draw attention to achievements in food and agricultural development.


To learn more about World Food Day, visit the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Global Handwashing Day October 15th

Global Handwashing Day 2011 will involve millions of people in over 100 countries around the world. Global Handwashing Day (GHD) was created to:

• Foster and support a global culture of handwashing with soap.
• Shine a spotlight on the state of handwashing in every country.
• Raise awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap.

Why Handwashing with Soap?

Handwashing with soap is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent diarrheal and acute respiratory infections, which take the lives of millions of children in developing countries every year. Together, they are responsible for the majority of all child deaths. Yet, despite its lifesaving potential, handwashing with soap is seldom practiced and difficult to promote.

Turning handwashing with soap before eating and after using the toilet into a habit could save more lives than any single vaccine or medical intervention, cutting deaths from diarrhea by almost half and deaths from acute respiratory infections by one-quarter. A vast change in handwashing behavior is critical to meeting the Millennium Development Goal of reducing deaths among children under the age of five by two-thirds by 2015.

Global Handwashing Day focuses on children because they suffer the most from diarrheal and respiratory diseases and deaths, but research shows that children can also be powerful agents for changing behaviors like handwashing with soap in their communities.


Whenshould you wash your hands?
·        Before,during, and after preparing food
·        Beforeeating food
·        Beforeand after caring for someone who is sick
·        Beforeand after treating a cut or wound
·        Afterusing the toilet
·        Afterchanging diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
·        Afterblowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
·        Aftertouching an animal or animal waste
·        Aftertouching garbage
 

For more information on handwashing with soap, including research, tools, and news visit www.globalhandwashing.org.

The Global Handwashing Day's theme video with
instructions for children on how to wash their hands properly.

It’s In Your Hands

Resources and References

1. CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Handwashing:Clean Hands Save Lives

2. Global Handwashing Day 

3. Partnershipfor Food Safety Education, Fight BAC!  

4. The Scrub Club. A fun, interactiveand educational Web site that teaches children the proper way to wash theirhands. The site contains interactive games, educational music, downloadableactivities for kids, educational materials for teachers and program informationfor parents.

5. Healthy Schools, Healthy People, It’s a SNAP!  (School Network forAbsenteeism Prevention) program is a joint initiative of the CDC and AmericanCleaning Institute. This program seeks to improve hand hygiene habits to helpprevent the spread of infectious disease and reduce related absenteeism. Thisgrassroots, education-based effort can help improve health by making handcleaning an integral part of the school day. Without proper handcleaning, a single infection can quickly spread among students, teachers,family and friends.

National School Lunch Week October 10 – 14, 2011

"In the long view, no nation is healthier than its children, or more prosperous than its farmers." - President Harry Truman, on signing the 1946 National School Lunch Act. Through the Years The National School Lunch Program was created in 1946 when President Truman signed the National School Lunch Act into law. The National School Lunch Program is a federal nutrition assistance program. Through the years, the program has expanded to include the School Breakfast Program, Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Feeding Program and the Summer Food Service Program. In 1962, Congress designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October each year as "National School Lunch Week." The video below looks at the school lunch program from the late 1930’s to the present day and includes President Obama signing the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. One can see from the photographs some of the changes in the foods provided. There is an increase in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and lowfat dairy. (Part of the video has clips from a film produced by the USDA in the mid-60s.) School Lunch Resources  Organizations, Associations, and Programs  School Nutrition Association 2011 Theme: “School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy”  Recognized as the authority on school nutrition, the SNA has been advancing the availability, quality and acceptance of school nutrition programs as an integral part of education since 1946. The School Nutrition Association is a national, nonprofit professional organization.  Mission. To advance good nutrition for all children.  National Farm to School Month Farm to School is broadly defined as any program that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the goal of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health, nutrition education, and supporting local and regional farmers. Farm to School programs exist in all 50 states, but since Farm to School is a grassroots movement, programs are as diverse as the communities they serve. National Farm to School Month The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946. Kids Eat Right your source for scientifically-based health and nutrition information you can trust to help your child grow healthy. As a parent or caretaker you need reliable resources and you can find them here, backed by the expertise of nutrition professionals. Team Nutrition.  10 Tips Nutrition Education Series; Menu Planner for Healthy School Meals; Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Materials. Campaign launched by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to encourage and teach children, parents, and caregivers to eat healthy and be physically active every day. Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ is about making America's children healthier. It's about practical suggestions that will help you motivate children and their caregivers to eat healthy and be active. Eat Smart. Play Hard.™ Campaign messages and materials are fun for children and informative for caregivers. Building Blocks for Fun and Healthy Meals; Fact Sheets For Healthier School Meals Choose MyPlate.  The website features practical information and tips to help Americans build healthier diets.  Let’s Move  is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years. Giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices. Providing healthier foods in our schools. Ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food. And, helping children become more physically active. Elmo Doesn't Fear Obama's School Lunch Elmo joins White House Chef Sam Kass in White House kitchen to talk about the importance of healthy and delicious school meals following President Obama's signing of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. We Can. The We Can! GO, SLOW, and WHOA Foods fact sheet (pdf) can be posted on the refrigerator or used when grocery shopping. The We Can! Parent Tips - Snack (pdf) 100 Calories or Less tip sheet can help consumers choose vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk for healthier snacks. Healthy Children  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Healthy Children - Nutrition; Food Allergies in Children Action for Healthy Kids, we believe there are ways to reduce and prevent childhood obesity and undernourishment. Learn how Action for Healthy Kids is working with schools, families and communities to help our kids learn to be healthier and be ready to learn. National Dairy Council® (NDC) Child Nutrition Fuel Up To Play 60 sponsored by National Dairy Council and the National Football League, in collaboration with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school program that encourages the availability and consumption of nutrient-rich foods, along with at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Fruits and Veggies More Matters   Additional Resources   The Chefs Move to Schools program, run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will help chefs partner with interested schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools’ dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices.   Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA).  Improving child nutrition is the focal point of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). The legislation authorizes funding and sets policy for USDA's core child nutrition programs. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act allows USDA, for the first time in over 30 years, opportunity to make real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children.   Final Rule (pdf): Cooperation in USDA Studies and Evaluations, and Full Use of Federal Funds in Nutrition Assistance Programs Nondiscretionary Provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Public Law 111-296 (6/29/11) Priceless: School Lunch   "Priceless" launched the One Tray campaign depicting the cafeteria tray as the conduit for a reformed school food system that supports healthy children, local farms, and smart schools. The video was created by three IATP Food and Society Fellows, Shalini Kantayya, Nicole Betancourt, and Debra Eschmeyer to raise awareness for the Child Nutrition Act.   Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture stated “National School Lunch Week reminds us how important it is that our children be healthy and active, that they not go hungry, and that they have access to nutritious meals."