Mississippi's Walk for Diabetes

Calling all families touched by diabetes!

Does one of your parents have diabetes? What about your child? How about a coworker, friend, neighbor or member of your immediate or church family?

“With 346,500 Mississippians living with diabetes, chances are good that someone you know has diabetes,” said Mary Fortune, of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, who has had type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. “Join us at Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes, held in six locations around the state. We need your help to raise critical funds for life-saving medical supplies for Mississippians with no insurance and to continue providing care, programs and services to all Mississippians who ask for our help, whether a child or a senior.”

Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes will be held first in Jackson on Sunday, Oct. 4, followed by Columbus on October 18 and McComb on October 24. Walkers and runners alike will lace up their sneakers October 25 in Meridian, November 1 in Oxford and November 8 in Hattiesburg.

The annual event will feature a one-mile walk or 5k run, music, a ‘Sugar,’ – the DFM mascot– look-alike contest, a picnic and fun for the entire family.

Every dollar raised here in Mississippi stays in Mississippi. In fact, a $25 donation pays for one vial of certain types of insulin; $50 buys one box of glucose testing strips; $75 sends one Mississippi child to the DFM’s weekend Camp Kandu; and $125 provides one newly diagnosed child with a ‘We Care 2’ backpack full of a meter, strips and other valuable information. A donation of $150 provides an emergency care box to a Mississippi school or daycare center to help them keep their students with diabetes safe and healthy. A donation of $250 pays for screening supplies for 100 people.

“Times are tough, and now more than ever, people are turning to us for help,” Fortune said. “And now more than ever, we’re asking you to join us at Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes. You, along with your family and friends, can make a real difference in the lives of so many Mississippi individuals and families who have nowhere else to turn but to us, the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. We ask that you form a team and help us defeat diabetes!”

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) is the state’s only nonprofit health organization that provides diabetes research, information, patient services and advocacy, and its mission is to provide hope through programs, services and research to the 346,500 Mississippians with diabetes. Every dollar raised by the DFM stays in the state to support these efforts. In addition, 89 cents of every dollar raised goes toward the organization’s charitable purposes. The DFM is the one diabetes organization totally dedicated to all Mississippians– from children to seniors– who live with diabetes.

For more information about the Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes near you, visit www.msdiabetes.org or call 1-877-DFM-CURE.

Adding Life to Years

We are the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

Operative word: Mississippi.

No other nonprofit diabetes group can tout that it works solely for Mississippians. Nor can any other group say that it provides scholarships for our state's children to attend summer diabetes camps, and no other nonprofit diabetes organization in the Magnolia State can say that they provide actual help to people who have no insurance.

We do a lot.

Our phones ring off the hook every day with requests for assistance. People who have nowhere else to turn, people who are desperate for medical attention and for help with their testing supplies, people who feel that all is lost- these are the people with whom we interact on a day-to-day basis.

And we serve everyone.

Some groups serve a select audience, and this fact is something many people do not know. We do not cherry-pick families to serve. We do not discriminate based on a type 1 or type 2 diagnosis. We do not focus solely on children or adults- we serve EVERYONE. Mississippi is lucky to have a local, grassroots organization working for it and its 346,500 citizens with diabetes. Believe it or not, we are one of only a handful of states with such an organization.

Why does that matter?

It matters because every day, people make donations to other groups who send their money to a national chapter. Translation: Hard-earned monies are traveling to larger cities in bigger states, and a small fraction of the money, if any at all, stays in our state. And it matters because Mississippi ranks No. 1 in the United States for obesity and a string of related epidemics, including diabetes. With that being said, our state needs as much help as it can possibly get. Translation: Money that leaves our state cannot directly benefit our state.

Where does that leave the thousands of Mississippians who need help with their medications or with educating their child's teacher about diabetes and its complications?

No money, no service.

It's important for people to understand who we are as an organization, and that we are deeply, 110 percent committed to ALL Mississippians with diabetes- from our children to our seniors. And it's important for people to know that our services are available to people with no strings attached. When we visit a newly diagnosed child in the hospital, which we did just yesterday- three times, it's not because we're secretly hoping to make a profit off of that family; we want and need for people to know that we have a multitude of resources available to them at their fingertips, and at little or no cost.

Caring for ALL Mississippians and adding life to years- that's what we do. Won't you join us?

The Importance of Transparency

Who is the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi?

The answer is simple.

We are the state's leaders in diabetes care. We are the only nonprofit organization in Mississippi that provides programs and services, education and empowerment to every, single Mississippian- young and old- with diabetes.

What type of programs and services?

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is the only organization that actually keeps every dollar raised in Mississippi to provide such services as a FREE school program for teachers who have students in their classroom with diabetes. This program saves lives every year, and this program is offered solely by the Diabetes Foundation.

Yes, we are in the business of saving lives. And we do- everyday.

For those individuals who have too little insurance or no insurance at all, when others shrugged and told them, "I'm sorry, I don't know what else to tell you," the DFM offered assistance in the form of life-saving medications and emergency testing supplies.

Eighty-nine cents of every dollar raised is applied toward the Diabetes Foundation's charitable purpose. What does this mean, you ask?

It means that through the generosity of donors and fundraisers, the DFM is sending 35 Mississippi children to diabetes camp this year. What other group can say that they've given scholarships to THIRTY-FIVE Mississippi children, and along with that scholarship, help for today and hope for a healthy future.

Who is the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi?

We're neighbors helping neighbors, people who genuinely care- not because we want a donation, but because it's our civic duty to leave Mississippi a healthier place than we found it.

The next time someone asks you to make a donation, ask them where the money is going. If the answer is something vague, stop and ask yourself about how your donation will directly affect the lives of people around you. If you don't ask, who will?

Never Too Young for Diabetes

http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23478/madeline-neumann-faith-healing-3

Stories like this are the reason that we have created a new campaign: "You're Never Too Young to Have Diabetes." Every day, you hear stories about children dying from undiagnosed diabetes. Believe it or not, it happens in your own hometowns, and it happens regularly. "Oh, it's the stomach bug." "It's just hormones- she'll grow out of it." "He played too much today; that's why he's so tired and thirsty." These are excuses for the unknown- the symptoms of diabetes.

The basic premise of this campaign is that children of any age can develop diabetes, and that undiagnosed diabetes can lead to a life-threatening medical condition known as 'diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),' which may require emergency medical intervention.

Undiagnosed diabetes for anyone can be lethal, but many people operate under the misconception that small children cannot develop diabetes. Nothing could be further from the truth. Actually, we visited a newly diagnosed 20 month old very recently, and a two year old not long before that. There are children even younger than that who develop diabetes, too.

It is vitally important for EVERYONE to know the warning signs of diabetes in children, which can include the following:

Increased thirst
Frequent urination
Unusual sleepiness, fatigue
Irritability
Unexplained weight loss
Bedwetting/ other accidents in children who are toilet trained
Nausea and/or vomiting

Children of any age with symptoms of diabetes should have their blood glucose tested.

Want to learn more? Call us: 1-877-DFM-CURE. And remember that you're never too young to have diabetes.

Camp Kandu, Where Kids with Diabetes "Kandu" Anything

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is unique for many reaons. We are unique in that every dollar raised stays in the state. We are unique because we are the only nonprofit diabetes organization that works directly for Mississippians of all ages with type and type 2 diabetes.

This weekend was Camp Kandu where we provided a weekend of fun, excitement and education for over 100 parents and kids with diabetes. We had Lillie Grace (5) assisting Kelli (5) with her blood sugar. Lillie Grace did not understand why Kelli did not know how to do it on her own. We had Sadie (3 and a half) singing at breakfast, "You Are My Sunshine!" It was a beautiful weekend with much laughter and bonding as families came together to make new friends and learn to live well with diabetes. These are the things which make the DFM unique.

Striking a Pose for a Good Cause

On March 26, the Diabetes Foundation hosted its annual Ultimate Fashion Show and Champagne Brunch at the Country Club of Jackson. Bringing friendly faces and the most fashionable styles together, the Ultimate Fashion Show was the talk of the town!

More important than the beautiful clothes, delicious quiche, fabulous giveaways and gorgeous spring weather, though, is that so many people come out to show their support for the DFM and its dedication to helping make Mississippi a healthier place.

So, not only was the Ultimate Fashion a big hit on the runway, but behind
the scenes, as well. Somewhere in Mississippi, a family is learning how to test their child's blood sugar on the new meter provided to them by the DFM. Somewhere in Mississippi, a child's school has an emergency preparedness box to help them prevent diabetes emergencies. Somewhere in Mississippi, an individual with nowhere to turn grabs the helping hand of the DFM and receives life-saving medications. All across Mississippi, people are being screened for diabetes and are being sent risk tests and other diabetes literature, because until there's a cure, education is needed for today.

Thank you, Mississippi, for supporting the DFM and, more importantly, for extending a hand to your neighbors in need.

Tales of Conferences, Balls and Screenings Aplenty

Time flies around here.

The year began with a gigantic diabetes Super Conference, stacked with stellar speakers, a sold-out crowd, cooking demonstrations and representatives from several of the nation's leading pharmaceutical and medical companies.

February began with the Foundation's Mardi Gras gala, the annual Bacchus Ball. A Creole cocktail buffet, Motown music, fabulous live and silent auctions and the largest crowd to date made the Bacchus Ball not only great fun, but also a large success.

And here we are in March. And what a month it will be. Mid-March marks the beginning of the Foundation's awareness campaign, Diabetes Discovery Week, during which time the Foundation distributes literature, conducts health fairs and screenings and participates in several other efforts to identify the 115,000 Mississippians who live with undiagnosed diabetes.

Hattiesburg will be having its own Diabetes Health and Awareness Day on March 26. There will be blood-glucose screenings, informative sessions on everything from basic diabetes 101 to insulin-pump therapy. For more information on this day of diabetes awareness, call 601-579-7790.

The 22nd-annual 'Car for a Cure' giveaway also takes place March 26. Tickets for the 2009 Honda Civic LX Coupe are on sale now and may be purchased either online at www.msdiabetes.org at by calling 1-877-DFM-CURE.

Also on March 26 will be the DFM's Ultimate Fashion Show and Champagne Brunch, featuring colorful spring fashions for men, women and children. Held at the Country Club of Jackson from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Fashion Show will benefit the Foundation's Camp Kandu for children with diabetes. For ticket information, call 1-877-DFM-CURE.

Busy schedules are typical of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Call if you need us, and stay posted for what inevitably will be an equally busy April.

Super Conference = This Weekend!

It's almost here!

Big-name, leading diabetes experts.

Top-of-the-line diabetes products.

New technology.

The 30th-annual diabetes Super Conference literally will have it all!

Heck, let's throw in a few more "!!!!" because it really is that exciting! This is, hands down, one of the biggest opportunities this state has seen, well, probably since last year's diabetes Super Conference. The annual event attracts people from all corners of the state and sold out last year. And as we near the final stretch and make our final pitch, the phones continue to ring off the hook, and the excitement continues to build!

Please join us Saturday at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Jackson (on Amite Street). The conference begins at 8:15 and wraps up at 3. Pre-registration is advised. Register online at www.msdiabetes.org or by calling 601-957-7878.

Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi

"Super!" Conference

It's that time of the year again...well, almost. In just over a month, the Diabetes Foundation will be hosting its 30th-annual (Wow! Thirty years! It just goes to show how successful these meetings are!) diabetes Super Conference. This conference is an amazing opportunity to interact with some of the nation's leading diabetes experts on subjects of interest to every member of the family- kids, parents, caregivers, siblings- type 1 or type 2. Last year's conference sold out and had a lengthy waiting list, and even though the conference will be held in a bigger venue this year, it is still expected to sell out! (Can I get another "Wow"?!) All of us at the DFM are really excited about the Super Conference. It is wonderful to see so many people turn out in droves to learn about how to take better care of themselves and/or the family members they love.

So, who will be the featured speakers this year? I'm so glad you asked!

- Ann Albright, PhD, RD, Director, Division of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

- Chef Luis Bruno, Executive Chef at the Mississippi Governor's Mansion

- James R. Gavin, III, MD, PhD, Endocrinologist and Past President of Morehouse College

-Nicole Johnson, MA, MPH, Miss America 1999, host of dLife TV and author of "Living with Diabetes"

- Stephen W. Ponder, MD, FAACP, CDE, Pediatric Endocrinologist, Driscoll Children's Hospital

- Joe Solowiejczyk, RN, MSW, CDE, Internationally acclaimed family therapist

- Ed Thompson, MD, MPH, Mississippi State Health Officer

These people comprise an INCREDIBLE lineup of speakers! They bring such a breadth of knowledge to the table and will be giving talks to people affected by type 1 or type 2 diabetes, children and adults. Visit our Web site for more information: www.msdiabetes.org.

Trust me, it's going to be "super!"

Here is a link from last year's conference:
http://www.wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=7616429&nav=menu119_3

Kids Helping Kids 'D-Feet' Diabetes

November has been an action-packed month for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, with four School Walks taking place around the state! The DFM is committed to education, and this commitment has inspired us to work with our state's children to combat diabetes, one school and classroom at a time! During National Diabetes Month, the DFM participated in numerous educational programs, including Mississippi's School Walk for Diabetes!

Ocean Springs Middle School participated in Mississippi's School Walk for Diabetes during the second week of November. It was a week of diabetes tips, daily lessons on diabetes management and prevention, and plenty of walking! All of the P.E. classes walked for diabetes every day, and on Wednesday, over 450 students came to school early to show their support for the DFM and help 'd-feet' diabetes! This school was absolutely tremendous in their school spirit and enthusiasm for raising diabetes awareness!

Madison Avenue Upper Elementary participated in Mississippi's School Walk for Diabetes the third week of November, and these kids were amazing! Not only did each grade participate in a big School Walk at the end of the week, but all of the students took part in diabetes classes throughout the week, where they were given the opportunity to ask questions about a disease that, as most of them pointed out, affects nearly every person's family, including their own.

These were just two of the programs that took place in November. The DFM loves getting to the heart of diabetes by working with our state's future leaders and empowering them while they are children to not only learn about diabetes, but also to take charge of their health.

Cut the Calories, not the Cheer

‘Tis the season for good food. Unfortunately, good food does not always equate to healthy food. The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) offers a few tips for cutting the calories, without cutting the holiday cheer.

“Foods are among the many pleasures of the holiday season, but for many people, these present a challenge,” said Irena McClain, MPH, associate director of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. “What many people may not know, though, is that most foods, even traditional holiday goodies, can fit into a healthy-eating plan, because the secret is moderation and balance.”

The DFM suggests these effective tips for holding the line at holiday stand-up events:

· Remember that juggling drinks and small plates, shaking hands and mingling with friends and family can take attention away from the foods that should be on the holiday naughty list.

· Be sure to eat small, low-calorie meals during the day so that the holiday foods can be enjoyed later. Eat a healthy snack right before the party, because a hungry stomach can sabotage even the strongest willpower.

· Don’t rush to the food immediately after arriving at the party. Meet and greet, get a beverage and settle in first.

· Make only one trip to the buffet table, and be selective.

· Keep portions small. Often, a taste is all that is needed to satisfy a craving or curiosity.

· Skip the fried foods, and eat crackers, bread and fruit.

· Fresh vegetables are always great. Have a small dollop of dip, just enough to coat the carrot stick or broccoli.

· Broiled shrimp or scallops are also a good choice. Choose cocktail sauce or lemon and horseradish as a condiment.

“If you’re attending a dinner party away from home and need to bring a dish of your own, make a low-fat version of a family favorite,” McClain said. “And if possible, choose two appetizers instead of an entire entrée or share an entrée with a friend.”

Likewise, there are a few additional, simple ways to keep the cholesterol and calorie count low. For example, choose skinless white meat of poultry, because it has fewer calories and fat than dark meat. Eating a roll is fine– if it’s fresh, butter or margarine may not be needed.

Keep the helpings of food to a minimum. Try to keep the total amount of food eaten to a portion size equal to a normal-sized portion.

“Remember to be realistic during the holiday season– trying to lose weight during the holiday season may be a self-defeating goal,” McClain said. “However, strive to maintain your normal weight. Depriving yourself of special holiday foods or feeling guilty over a particular food choice is not part of a healthy-eating strategy– and certainly not part of the holiday spirit.”

The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi (DFM) is the state’s only nonprofit health organization that provides diabetes research, information, patient services and advocacy, and its mission is to provide hope through research, programs and service to the 346,500 Mississippians with diabetes. Every dollar raised by the DFM stays in the state to support these efforts. In addition, 90 cents of every dollar raised goes towards the organization’s charitable purposes. The DFM is the one diabetes organization totally dedicated to all Mississippians– from children to seniors– who live with diabetes.

For additional help with diabetes-friendly recipes or eating patterns, call 1-877-DFM-CURE or visit the DFM Web site www.msdiabetes.org.

Additional Web sites of interest:

• http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1848222_1683337,00.html
• http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy-eating/healthy-diabetes-thanksgiving-collection/index.html
• http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/ssp/index.aspx