Day 5 of the #HAWMC: Aspiration

Today our challenge is "if you could do anything as a Health Activist...", what's your biggest goal with no money, time or physical limitations.

A cure.

Of course it would be to get every scientist/doctor/pharma/investor together and say...CURE DIABETES!!

However, in the mean time...

I'd hold a world wide summit with every doctor/nurses/pharma/"Dr" Oz/Biggest Loser producers/any well meaning idiot that has spoken some mistruth about diabetes and make them take a diabetes class. I would set them down and set them straight. I would educate them. I would have every misconception about BOTH types of diabetes wiped out during this summit.

These professionals would leave knowing the differences in types. To not refer to diabetes as a general type or a one size fits all. For our Doctor's or Nurse's to not ask us at every well/sick appointment if our diabetes is "controlled". To not chastise the care giver for our diabetic having an less than stellar A1C.  For the professionals to listen to the diabetic or the care giver seeing as how we know diabetes better than they do. To give us kudos for being the best stand in pancreas we can be withOUT a degree. For magazine companies to stop advertising how you can reverse diabetes or cure it. To stop all the "this is what you should, would, could do" and just do it...advance technology so there is better accuracy in blood sugar readings, better calibrations with CGM's and smarter insulin pumps so that when the cure comes ALL diabetics are healthy enough to receive a cure.

Thank goodness there is no time or money limitations to this challenge as I'm sure there are some pretty thick headed people out there...the world wide summit may last for days...or months!

Have I changed? ... #NHBPM Day 29

The National Health Blog Post Month is almost done!! I can't believe it!!

Today we are asked to share:

"How being a patient/caregiver has changed you."

Hmmm...I've always been a speak my mind type of gal. If I feel strongly enough about "x" then I will stand firm on my belief. It doesn't take much for me to get fired up about something...just ask my hubby! The difference is...my kids. Momma Bear comes out in FULL force and will kill if needed...well, kill is a strong word but you get what I mean. Since I have been vocal and advocating for diabetes for Nora since 2004 it's been an easy transition when needing to be vocal and advocate for our son, Jackson, and his bleeding condition. This has set me up to now be vocal and advocate for Evelyn. Although, with Evelyn, it's a little different, being that she is 18. I think, if nothing else, she has seen me in that role and has been doing that for herself for a while in everything she does.

I will tell you that being vocal and advocating for your kids helps in ALL aspects of their health condition. It helps with talking with Doctor's, Nurse's, the dreaded Insurance, school, sports...just about everywhere. I know when someone is feeding me a line of BS and will call them out on it instead of listening to them and actually doing it. I have told Nurse's what is expected when they stick my son for his infusion...and I've told more than one Nurse that I allow then two tries to gain access to his vein and if they don't succeed then I may have to punch them. Ghastly! However, if it's your son getting stuck for IV access, you might say the exact same thing...maybe nicer. BUT those Nurse's know I mean business!!

It has changed me by speaking out about, educating, raising awareness and giving people a glimpse into our lives. And by people I mean you, your neighbor, the stranger down the street, the person in another country and yes, even talking to lawmakers. Pretty much I'll talk to anyone and if they learn something BONUS!!

I guess it's changed me by turning my getting fired up into getting fired up for a PURPOSE....MY KIDS!