Tips

In a previous blog, titled “What is Dementia?”, the condition of dementia was explored in terms of symptoms, causes, and treatments. Broadly, dementia describes a cluster of symptoms that interfere with every day life. The symptoms can included memory loss, inability to learn new things, problems with organization, change in personality, agitation, delusions, and even hallucinations. With improvements in medicine leading to longer lifetimes, more people than ever have loved ones who live with dementia. Continue Reading Continue reading...

For children with diabetes, Halloween is often a difficult time. Diabetic children must refuse much of the abundant candy being offered to them persistently during the Halloween season. As a result, the holiday can lead to feelings of deprivation for these children. Although Halloween planning for parents with diabetic children can seem daunting, there are many ways to make the holiday a great treat for everyone. A wonderful Halloween for you and your diabetic child begins with forming a game plan. Medical ID bracelets are essential to a happy, safe Halloween. If your child doesn’t have medical alert jewelry already, now is the time to get it. Continue Reading Continue reading...

Birthday parties can often be tough for children with diabetes because they usually mean saying no to treats that everyone else is enjoying. However, parties don’t have to be a drag for these kids. Organizing a party that is diabetic-friendly and allergy-safe is simple. Begin by organizing your successful party with the invitations. Make a note on the card to parents to please let you know if their child has any allergies or is diabetic. This removes any stress a parent might feel about asking for special attention for their child. Being aware of allergies and diabetes requirements ahead of time also makes your planning easier. Continue Reading Continue reading...

If you or your child has food allergies, you know how difficult it is avoiding allergens while eating out. In recent years, awareness in restaurants and employee training has been improving, but dining out will always remain nerve-wracking for those with food allergies. With careful planning, however, it is possible to truly enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Increasing your safety while dining out begins at home. The first step is to know what menu items to avoid. Do research to find out where hidden ingredients lurk. It isn’t obvious, for example, that Caesar dressing includes anchovies or that licorice candy contains wheat. A restaurant employee with the best intentions may inadvertently serve a food containing an allergen. This is why it is important for you to be well informed about foods that may cause an allergy for you or your child. Continue Reading Continue reading...

For parents with a child living with diabetes, back to school time can be stressful because it means handing responsibility for the child’s diabetes management to school staff. However, this time need not be so stressful for parents. There are a number of ways that parents can help to assure their child’s safety at school. The most important step is to gather the necessary information needed by the school staff for them to properly manage the child’s individual diabetes needs. The American Diabetes Association offers a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) document to be filled out by the student’s personal diabetes healthcare team, which includes parents. The plan would be given to relevant school personnel, such as the school nurse, to review and keep in their records. Continue Reading Continue reading...