Great News and Special Event

A Special Event is being organized at The Clara Barton Birthplace Museum in North Oxford, Massachusetts!  In short, I will be available to autograph my book, “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography,” at the museum.  The date is set for August 20, 2011 between the hours of 1 & 4pm.

Originally known as “The Clara Barton Birthplace Camp,” the history behind this particular camp is short but succinct, beginning in 1932.  “Clara Barton, a well-acknowledged Civil War nurse, was born at the camps’ present site in 1821 in North Oxford, Massachusetts.  Ms. Barton’s claim to fame was her founding the American Red Cross organization through her compassionate humanitarianism.  Being a Universalist by faith, her Church purchased the 96 acres of land for use for inner-city youths.  With Dr. Elliott P. Joslin’s dedication to diabetic children as far back as 1921, these combined efforts and knowledge led to the creation of “The Clara Barton Birthplace Camp,” now known as “The Center for Diabetes Education (CDE).”  Sonneborn, Liz.  Clara Barton Founder, American Red Cross copyright 1992.

The Center for Diabetes Education (www.bartoncenter.org) is a long running and long-standing  non-profit organization.   I know first hand.

I fell in love with this summer camp for girls as a child many years ago at the age of six.  Having been diagnosed with diabetes at the age of two, a diabetologist doctor (Charles A. Graham) at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Massachusetts, highly suggested my camp attendance.  My mother did not have to hear this twice.  She trusted the word of Dr. Graham.  I did as well.

So, it was agreed.  Off to camp I went for my first  two weeks.  Never did I think that I would be able to go back every summer for the next nine summers!  I remained elated every year and robustly looked forward to the adventure!

Since the CDE’s founding, many summer camps across the United States have followed suit for the care of children with diabetes.   At this writing, I am saddened to have not been able to locate such an organization among other countries.   CDE is known internationally, giving me the opportunity to meet diabetic children from other countries.

Through my experiences at CDE those many years past, I thoroughly encourage the caregivers – parents, grandparents, guardians, family members and friends – of diabetic children to allow them to go to such a specific camp.  Their learning experiences will not only be delightful, but their social skills with diabetes, their learning how to take care of themselves is and will be priceless!

My high appraisal of CDE may be read in my book.

To date, partial proceeds from the sale of my book go toward CDE: its operations and maintenance, its infirmary medical supplies, sports equipment for the children, sleeping bags and camping necessities, etc. Their ‘wish list’ never changes!  This can be found at their website as noted.

In retrospect, when purchasing a copy whether it be as an E-book, a Paperback, or an Audio Book, consider the purchase as a tax write-off!  This is something to keep in mind with all of your purchases, especially if you consider yourself an entrepreneur or a small business owner.

To briefly conclude, this is one way you can help educate youngsters effected and affected with and by diabetes.  This is a family disease.  Therefore, you will be assisting families with their constant learning efforts regarding the bafflement and confusion of diabetes.  Your help is appreciated.

As it is easier for me to come to you,  I look forward to making your acquaintance.  This event is a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon – book a tour of the grounds and visit the historical home of Clara Barton!

Truly…A. K. Buckroth

mydiabeticsoul.com, SimplieIndie.com, Amazon.com, Tradebit.com

Personal Gardening = Healthy Naturalism

“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between Man and Nature shall not be broken.”  Leo Tolstoy

The above quote allows me to share my interest in naturalism through gardening.  It has also encouraged my extended reading interests to herbs, their uses, their proper growing needs, but especially their minor medicinal uses.  This interest not only has become a delightful hobby of mine over a period of many years, but has developed into quite a world-wide trend.  I know I am not alone!

Initially inspired by an acquaintance who gave me some of her over-grown peppermint, I rooted it, planted it, cared for it, and watched it grow in leaps and bounds.  The scent alone, wafting through my kitchen window, was all I needed to become further encouraged and enamored with other herbs.  My research led to a search of retail herb suppliers and my herb garden began! 

http://www.horizonherbs.com/

One of the many articles that crossed my desk one day is called “How Herbs and Vitamins May Benefit Your Health” by Daniel Trecroci.  http://www.dlife.com/diabetes_resources/experts/trecroci_bio  This article encouraged my way of thinking about natural healing and awareness by incorporating fresh herbs and herbal supplements into my diabetic diet.

Not all the herbs I grow are for assistance in managing my diabetes.  Some I grow because of their scents; others I grow for a loved one who suffers with ringing in the ears; another who has acne problems; a friend with allergies; stomach ailments; still other herbs because ot their tastes and aromas.  I use them like spices and with spices, one enhancing the flavor(s) of another.   I learned how to do this by reading books and articles = research.  You can too!

The use of the herb ‘fennel’ is one example.  For me, fennel has become a favorite herb when made into a hot or cold tea.  It has a light and licorice-y flavor.  Its natural qualities have truly gotten rid of my stomach upsets.  Used with the natural sweetener called Stevia, it is one of the many herb plants that I grow.  I use it when picked fresh from my garden or after it has been dehydrated and stored for the winter months.  

Using herbs with the treatment of diabetes is a fairly new and positive factor.  For instance, Dr. Jerry Gerson has been a diabetes specialist for approximately 45 years.  He came across an “Indian herbal formula that has given millions of people with blood sugar problems hope and help.”   http://www.healthgrades.com/directory_search/physician/profiles/dr-md-reports/dr-jerry-gerson-md-da629340  Furthermore, he has been quoted sauing “This formula has the entire medical community talking about its ability to normalize blood sugar.” 

Things that make you go “hmm!”

As for purchasing supplements (aka: vitamins), I prefer to purchase those with a certain phrases written on the label: a Natural Source” made with “Certified Organic” ingredients.  From Vitamin A through the gamut of so many other supplements throughout the English alphabet, I have used them at one time or another.  I can attest to their wonderous qualities and effects.  When I have finished with one, I’ll try something new.  Usually I go back to my original purchase.  For instance, I am never without Vitamins E and D and the supplements pycogenol, white willow bark, evening primrose oil or acidophilus. 

Read, read, and read some more!  Help yourself through research!  My constant research into self-help has lead me to growing the herb form or purchasing supplements. 

Many of what I choose to ingest works well for one ailment of another; or to inhibit the onslaught of another ailment due to diabetes and its complications.  There are herbs, vitamins and supplements available on the market for neuropthay, another for retinopathy, circulation, digestion, brain function, menopause, pre-menstrual syndrome, and a host of uncomfortable and questional bothers. 

YOU need to be resourceful when researching for yourself and your predicaments or pre-dispositions.  Believe in yourself!  All this helps me to help myslef; it is as simple as that!

Sincerely, A. K. Buckroth, Author, Speaker, mydiabeticsoul.com.

“Sugar-Free, That’s Me!!”

Diagnosed with diabetes in 1959, too many private and public adjustments had to be made in order for me to live comfortably and acceptably.  Relatively unknown and unpopular as opposed to today’s pandemia with this disease, available “treats” of any kind were unknown, nonesixtent.

Taken from Chaper 8 of “MyDiabetic Soul – An Autobiography” by A. K. Buckroth, page 104

“…One of the first sugar-free goodies I distinctly recall was something called “fizzies.”  I do not know where my mother found and purchased them.  I did not care!  They were pretty cool, creative and innovative-wise.

“Comparable to the present day antacid item known as ‘Alka Seltzer,’ fizzies could be dropped into a glass of water where one would fizz and be drunk.  Available in a variety of flavors, orange was my favorite.  I would also eat them whole, letting one flavor or the other fizz in my mouth.  The root-beer flavored fizzie was also tasty.  They made my tongue turn color, which was even cooler!  Eating them that way caused my mouth to burn and become sore.  I did not care.  Fizzies were for me

“Occasionally I would allow my brother and sisters to to experience a fizzie or two, but I never let my supply get too low.  The neighbor kids were in awe and wanted to try them but they did not like them.  I was already adapted to that sugar-free taste, the bitter twinge that is left in your mouth after eating or drinking something that is sugar-free.  Fizzies are no longer available on a grand marketing scale, but I have been able to locate them at a small and private retailer.

“Sugar-free chewing gum was introduced to me while at [The Clara Barton Birthplace] camp.  Tasteless as this was, it was sheer joy that such  a thing existed.  However, it was like chewing on a tasteless peice of rubber and hardened quickly.

“The inroduction of sugar-free soda, ‘TAB.’ was absolutely delightful.  The following is a brief history of this product:

TaB was Coca-Cola Company’s first sugar-free drink, introduced in 1963.  Its name was a play on the notion of people keeping ‘tabs’ on their weight.

“Although sales of TaB were surpassed by the introduction of diet Coke, the brand still has fiercely loyal fans that have been known to travel hundreds of miles to find their favorite drink.’  (http://www@lundy.org.)

“The availablility of this delight was a splurge in my mother’s budget.  Although I was the only one to drink it in our household if only because my siblings did not have an acquired taste for anything sugar-free, mom found something else for them to enjoy.

“…At approximately the same time [of TAB’s introduction], another sugar-free soda product made its way into our household.  Although not as appreciated as ‘TAB,” mom bought this new ‘Fresca‘ for me and then helped me drink it.  Thank goodness!  [Initially, I did not care for Fresca.]

“Since its inception, Fresca has been marketed in the United States as a calorie-free, grapefruit-flavored soft drink, ostensibly catering to discriminating adult tastes.  In 1985, the drink was given its one major ingredient change in that it was now being sweetened with aspartame.  (http://www.en.wikipedia.org.)”

Taken from Chapter 4, “Tempestuous, tempting holidays.”

“I would like to make a special note regarding all store-bought, sugar-free treats.  They cause gas.  Yep.  Made with sugar alcohols, diuretics if you will, please be forewarned of gassiness and bloating when eating sugar-free products! 

“Sugar alcohols are sorbitol, maltitol and xylitol.  In fact, to prove my theory of gassiness to unbelievers, I have had many comical opportunities to share sugar-free treats with non-diabetics.  I made a believer out of them!  My most recent finding was a bagful of sugar-free Baby Ruth chocolate bars.  I could not believe it!  [Sugar-free Baby Ruth bars were (are) available!]   However, I am speechlessly delighted in just kowing that they exist!

Why Sugar-Free Foods Have a Laxative Effect”  by Kirsten McNutt, PhD., JD

Like fiber, sugar replacers are only slightly digested – or not at all.

“Therefore, [the] most low-digestible carbohydrate that is eaten is not absorbed.  The body’s normal response to unabsorbed carbohydrates is simply to dilute them by pulling water across the intestine lining in the upper part of the intestine.  When low-digestible carbohydrates move into the large intestine, most of that water moves back in the opposite direction.  Depending on how much water flowed in and out, stools might be unchanged, soft or loose.  This is why low-digestible carbohydrates are sometimes used to relieve constipation.

“Some bacteria that live in the large intestine can ‘eat’ low-digestible carbohydrates, and they use this type of carbohydrate for their own growth.  After they have eaten, gases and short fatty acids remain.  That’s why beans, fiber and other sources of low-digestible carbohydrates may cause an increase of gas.  Recent research shows that some of the short fatty acids promote intestinal health.  Furthermore, two sugar replacers (isomalt and lactitol) have been found to stimulate the growth of ‘good’ bacteria in the intestine.

“The possibility of loose stools and gas can be reduced by eating only small quantities of low-digestible carbohydrates.  Give your body some time to adjust to digensting these foods.”  (Diabetes Interview Magazine, February 2004, Issue 139, Volume 13, Number 2.)

“Well, thank you very much Dr. McNutt.  This answers my questions and decades of eating, often gluttonously, so so many sugar-free treats.  Now people will believe me!

And so, dear reader, I felt compelled to share this historical account with you.   More facts are shared in “My Diabetic Soul -…” but this is enough for one day.

Best regards to your health and your spirit!  Take care…

A. K. Buckroth, Author, Speaker (mydiabeticsoul.com).

The Voice of the People, My Peeps!

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening – whichever the case may be!

The Voice of the People, my “peeps,” has been heard.  Literally, your comments have been read in response to each and every blog that I have posted.  Thank you for your time and your sharing.  Each and every one is appreciated.

This blog was formed due to a book I wrote: “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography.”  Because of my sporadic blogging, comments arrive every day.   These comments from you, all of you,  have been ‘read,’ pondered, and saved.  I thank you.  Your comments are enlightening, encouraging and beneficial.

HOWEVER, I do not reply to you one-by-one.  Not only is this due to a time factor, but also because of “worms.” Yep, worms. These are the infamous computer worms that wreak havoc upon any computer system.  Since blogging on this site, I have received 394 worms. Yep, 394! Yuck, yuck and double yuck!  I do not like worms, whether in my computer or slimily wreathing upon the ground.  In my world, worms were created for fishing, not ‘phishing.’ Therefore, literal fishing men and women all over the world can have them.  Peace be with you on that subject!

Most accumulated remarks have come from your readings on my being a “cyborg” due to using an insulin pump.  Many other comments pertain to “The Diabetes Center for Education” (DCE).  In fact, partial proceeds from the sale of this recently published book, “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography,” are contributed to that non-profit organization.  I am glad to have read that you like this action.   This is another one of my endeavors toward a win-win outcome.

To briefly explain, the DCE  is a seasonal learning and awareness “camp” for children, adults and their families whom are effected an affected with this disease.  I spent nine summers of my childhood there.  That’s a long time!  BUT, I thoroughly learned how to take care of myself from giving myself insulin injections (at age 6), to balancing food intake, to varying types of exercises performed each and every day.   

Another popular topic of interest involves the fact of Diabetes Supplies and Expenses (“Medical Expenses”).  This particular article seems to have enlightened many non-diabetic persons to the costs and efforts of each and every diabetic having to maintiain a successful existence with diabetes.  Facts is facts!  The truth hurts!

Your inquiries have successfully heightened my awareness and knowledge.  Truly.

For instance, repeated questions of “where did you get your website?”; “why did you (or didn’t you) mention this (whatever) in your article;” “why can’t I get your RSS feed” (IDK what such a thing is)?

Further comments remark on misspellings (thank you); the positive aspects of certain and often detailed subject matter; the sharing and ‘bookmarking’ of certain informative blogs; and the awareness of shared information, infomation that some individuals never thought about.  I am glad to have enlightened you.  At least I like to think I did!

Without further ado, I look forward to hearing from you!  My next blog will involve a controversial topic of eating sugar-free foods.  I’m sure you will find this interesting.

Best regards!  Keep learning!  And read my book!  It is available online as an E-book, a Paperback, and an Audio Book.  (Mydiabeticsoul.com.)

As always…A. K. Buckroth. Author, Speaker

NEW NEWS: “The Center for Diabetes Education”

A Special Event is being organized at The Clara Barton Birthplace Museum in North Oxford, Massachusetts!  In short, I will be available to autograph my book, “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography,” at the museum.  The date is set for August 20, 2011 between the hours of 1 & 4pm.  

Originally known as “The Clara Barton Birthplace Camp,” the history behind this particular camp is short but succinct, beginning in 1932.  “Clara Barton, a well-acknowledged Civil War nurse, was born at the camps’ present site in 1821 in North Oxford, Massachusetts.  Ms. Barton’s claim to fame was her founding the American Red Cross organization through her compassionate humanitarianism.  Being a Universalist by faith, her Church purchased the 96 acres of land for use for inner-city youths.  With Dr. Elliott P. Joslin’s dedication to diabetic children as far back as 1921, these combined efforts and knowledge led to the creation of “The Clara Barton Birthplace Camp,” now known as “The Center for Diabetes Education (CDE).”  Sonneborn, Liz.  Clara Barton Founder, American Red Cross copyright 1992.

The Center for Diabetes Education (www.bartoncenter.org) is a long running and long-standing  non-profit organization.   I know first hand. 

I fell in love with this summer camp for girls as a child many years ago at the age of six.  Having been diagnosed with diabetes at the age of two, a diabetologist doctor (Charles A. Graham) at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Massachusetts, highly suggested my camp attendance.  My mother did not have to hear this twice.  She trusted the word of Dr. Graham.  I did as well. 

So, it was agreed.  Off to camp I went for my first  two weeks.  Never did I think that I would be able to go back every summer for the next nine summers!  I remained elated every year and robustly looked forward to the adventure!   

Since the CDE’s founding, many summer camps across the United States have followed suit for the care of children with diabetes.   At this writing, I am saddened to have not been able to locate such an organization among other countries.   CDE is known internationally, giving me the opportunity to meet diabetic children from other countries. 

Through my experiences at CDE those many years past, I thoroughly encourage the caregivers – parents, grandparents, guardians, family members and friends – of diabetic children to allow them to go to such a specific camp.  Their learning experiences will not only be delightful, but their social skills with diabetes, their learning how to take care of themselves is and will be priceless!

My high appraisal of CDE may be read in my book. 

To date, partial proceeds from the sale of my book go toward CDE: its operations and maintenance, its infirmary medical supplies, sports equipment for the children, sleeping bags and camping necessities, etc.  Their ‘wish list’ never changes!  This can be found at their website as noted. 

In retrospect, when purchasing a copy whether it be as an E-book, a Paperback, or an Audio Book, consider the purchase as a tax write-off!  This is something to keep in mind with all of your purchases, especially if you consider yourself an entrepreneur or a small business owner.

To briefly conclude, this is one way you can help educate youngsters effected and affected with and by diabetes.  This is a family disease.  Therefore, you will be assisting families with their constant learning efforts regarding the bafflement and confusion of diabetes.  Your help is appreciated. 

As it is easier for me to come to you,  I look forward to making your acquaintance.  This event is a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon – book a tour of the grounds and visit the historical home of Clara Barton!  http://clarabartonbirthplace.org/site/?q=node/8

Truly…A. K. Buckroth

mydiabeticsoul.com, SimplieIndie.com, Amazon.com, Tradebit.com

“End of March Madness Sale”

Interested in E-books?   This “End of March Madness Sale” is just that, madness to introduce you to a book called “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography.”

It is insightful, inspirational, and on sale for a limited time at mydiabetcisoul.com!  Go to the “Buy The Book Now” tab at the top of the page.  Then,  follow the brief directions on using the code word (“march”) for your limited time discount. 

This opportunity lasts only until midnight, March 31, 2011.

Of course, written as an autobiography the author’s stories are true.  Having lived over a half-century with diabetes, minute strategizing along with courage, self-discipline and perseverance have developed a positive blueprint to health.  The author shares a  diabetic’s life blueprint with you, through this encouraging book. 

Read A. K. Buckroth’s personal story.  It reflects her encouragement in self-care.  It promotes knowledge.  It promotes learning.  It promotes spiritual and physical growth with pro-activity.

This book can help you help yourself in the world of diabetes: self-care, management, daily planning, learning, etc., are all ingredients to a sucessful life.  This book relates life with a terminal condition!

The discounted E-book version is available now at mydiabeticsoul.com. Use code word “march” for the limted-time-discount.

“My Diabetc Soul – An Autobiography” by A. K. Buckroth is also available in Paperback and Audio Book

Check them out!

Partial proceeds go toward “The Barton Center for Diabetes Education.”

Thank you.  A. K. Buckroth.

LENT

What is this – “L – E – N – T?”   What is the use of “it?”  What is its purpose?

As a ‘cradle’ Roman Catholic, meaning that I was born into and brought up as a Roman Catholic person, dictates of this religion were and remain ever-present.  They are not bad things by any means.  They are fundamentally Christian.  Christianity is a good thing, right?   I have always held it as a fact in good standing, at least for myself.

As I choose to observe “Ash Wednesday,” strangers always ask me to explain what this is: what is the purpose of having a thumb print of literal ashes placed upon my forehead?  This day, Ash Wednesday,  March 9, 2011, sightings of thousands upon thousands of people will now label themselves as Catholics due to this mark, this brand, in honor of  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Father.  Furthermore, this essay will attempt to clarify Ash Wednesday and answer your similar question/inquiry.

With goodness in mind, the dictionary definition of Lent, as a noun, is: “the period of forty weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter [Sunday] observed in Christian Churches [and homes] through fasting and penitence to commemorate Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness.” *  Catholic masses are scheduled each year to celebrate this holy opportunity as a reminder of Jesus’ life.  Before I get too far, let me share with you that a ‘Mass’ is “the celebration or service of the Eucharist, a sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church, consisting of a series of prayers and ceremonies.” *

“What’s a sacrament?” you ask. “What is the Eucharist?”  I’ll let you look those up on your own!

Back to the topic of Lent, this Catholic observance “prepares the faithful to celebrate the mystery of Jesus Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection.  It is a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, a time to examine one’s relationship(s) with God and with others, other humans.  The Church also calls Catholics to a spirit of penance, above all to practice the “Acts of Religion”: fasting, prayer and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others.”**  Overall, it is a reminder to be good, to be Christian-like, to keep your soul clean in order to go to heaven, just as simple as that!

My foundations for this religious belief among so so many others, have become easily understood – respected – since my infancy and upbringing.   This is comfortable for me with its familiarity, helping me to discern right from wrong, good from evil.  And the concept is maintained for at least ninety days out of any year: Ash Wednesday to that last day of Easter.

The ash print on the forehead?  That’s a reminder to each of us that we will die, that we will die as Christians, that we are good people and have striven to follow in the example of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior of Mankind, the Redeemer, the Lord of Man, etcetera, etcetera.

I hope this essay helps discern your quandary.  The attached photo display pertains to the Roman Catholic Calendar.  Hopefully this will help you to further understand certain observances and Holy Days.

Happy Easter!  A. K. Buckroth www.mydiabeticsoul.com

Medical Supplies

Ooh bo-oo-oy.  Big stretch.  Taking my time.  Taking my time because I do not want to do what I promised myself I would do today, something I have put off for months – months.  This particular task-to-goal involves organizing and getting rid of medical supplies that have gone unused.

I began conveniently storing them in my bedroom closet for easy access some many, many, years ago.  Somehow or another, more supplies ended up in a kitchen cupboard at the other end of the house if only because there was room. 

You see, I am a diabetic and have been for almost 52 years (August, 2011 anniversary date).  Having been trained as such to keep my life in and on a  tight schedule with a tightly controlled (militaristic), regimented daily routine, the present overbearing sight of unused medical supplies gave me a sense of un-ease with this disease.   Also, as these items began collecting dust, the fact of keeping them, hanging on to them “just-in-case,” became unbearable, analytically unnecessary.  As with many facets of this, my life as a diabetic, the addition of dust compounded unacceptance.   I have rationalized the ‘collective’ matter and put it into perspective (reality).  Simply, if this stuff is literally collecting a fine layer of dust and I haven’t used this, that or the other for an obvious long time, get rid of it!   Phew!  I am a realist.

During the past sixteen years I have used four different brands of an infamous invention known as ‘the insulin pump.’  Sure, it’s a great BIG deal while strategizing life with this disease.  But this essay is not specifically about or limited to such mechanisms.  Admittedly being a cyborg, such machines have allowed me disconcerting flexibility.    Also keep in mind that none of the pumps that I have used are or were fool-proof.   While helping me to maintain an acceptable HbA1C level (see definition further on) when working properly (key words), all of them stopped working at one point or another.  Therefore, another supply or another was given, purchased, suggested, forced on me to troubleshoot this expensive ($6.5K+) machine.  I am not cheap.  Therefore, my medical supply collection is not as well.

“HbA1c levels depend on the blood glucose concentration. That is, the higher the glucose concentration in blood, the higher the level of HbA1c.   Levels of HbA1c are not influenced by daily fluctuations in the blood glucose concentration but reflect the average glucose levels over the prior six to eight weeks. Therefore, HbA1c is a useful indicator of how well the blood glucose level has been controlled in the recent past and may be used to monitor the effects of diet, exercise, and drug therapy on blood glucose in diabetic patients.

“In healthy, non-diabetic patients the HbA1c level is less than 7% of total hemoglobin. It has been demonstrated that the complications of diabetes can be delayed or prevented if the HbA1c level can be kept close to 7%. In general, values should be kept below 8%.”

Okay, with that important information aside, it is still time to clean out the closet!   No procrastinating now!  I’m on a roll!  And, as joyously anticipated, the closet looks so much better!  There’s room – open, cleared, cleaned out and cleaned off; room enough for seven hats, or many books, or blankets and pillows or board games.  Good heavens, knowing that I can’t decide, I decided to leave it empty.  Gosh, that was a simple decision.

The supplies?  Well, the inventory holds: 1 (one) Link Assist; 3 (three) boxes of cartridges, 2 (two) of these are unopened; 8 (eight) boxes of infusion sets, 3 (three) of which have been opened; 1 (one) software CD; 1 (one) “Quick Reference Guide;” 1 (one) “Pocket Guide;” 1 (one) battery cover; 4 (four) hard plastic battery removers; 1 (one) hand-held device; 2 (two) hard plastic insulin pump shipping cases; 3 (three) glucometers without strips; 4 (four) unopened boxes of lancets; and menial additions of sundry medical supplies.  Now, on to what to do with this stuff…

To pause, let me address readers that are totally unfamiliar with what I am writing on about.  Non-diabetics are granted my utmost respect when caring for a diabetic which involves constant learning.  It’s all tiring, fatiguing, boring and such.  But facts is facts.  Interested parties can easily, very easily, look up this stuff.  And so…  

Of course I telephoned each of the responsible manufacturing companies to inquire about ‘this stuff.’  You know what I was told?  Of course not, but I will tell you: “Throw it away.”  T H R O W   I T   A W A Y.   Throw it away??!!! As this repeated phrase was and is not only unacceptable to me but flabbergasting in itself, I was still on a pride-driven roll with a curve: give it to a person in need.  Heck, it’s all paid for!  With that in mind, I contacted my doctor.  She told me to “put it [the inventory] on Craig’s list and give it away that way.”  Wow.  I was and remain floored, stunned, with her remark. 

In my attempts to become someone’s anonymous heroine, to give away, to donate packaged, clean, necessary and expensive medical supplies is presently for naught.   Lovingly packed and organized, these boxes have since been carried and tenderly placed in another room.  Once again, I know what I must do but I cannot get myself to do it – post it all on Craig’s list.  It doesn’t seem right; such an action makes me uncomfortable.  I have also thought of contacting the American Red Cross, thinking – hoping – that, perhaps, a medical facility in Croatia, Poland, Greenland, Romania, Wherever would be excitedly appreciative of such items.  Or is diabetes non-existent over there?! 

Summarily, I consider this matter to be an undecided conundrum with the addition of insult.  I’m also sure that I am not alone and not the first to have faced this challenge.  Things that make you go “hmm.”

A. K. Buckroth, Author, www.mydiabeticsoul.com, www.GlobalDiabetesAwareness.com.

A Successful Life As A Diabetic

My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography” by A. K. Buckroth

This article introduces you to a successful life of a diabetic.  Through the publication of  My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography by A. K. Buckroth, I share my life with you while enduring over fifty years with diabetes.  The book joyfully begins with my birth in 1957 following with the medical diagnosis of diabetes in 1959.  At the age of two years old, I was tagged – labeled – and presently remain acknowledged as a juvenile diabetic.  At the age of twelve, I was told I would be dead before I reached thirty-one years.  Zealousness took over after I heard that.  It was important for me to get things done: travel, graduate, have a family, etc. before my term was up!  This book may even be considered as a historical process in the life of any successful diabetic.  

As mentioned, this book travels through a half-century of my life beginning with necessary growing tumults of childhood due to this disease; on through adolescence; living through peer pressures; one marriage with three miscarriages; single-motherhood; college graduations; world travels; and careers all while fighting to stay alive on a daily basis.  Learning maturity along with self-respect, self-discipline and having to succumb to norms of societal conformity have thus far resulted in a progressive and happy life.  That always was the ultimate goal.   With a soaring spirit, my story is told.

Through nine summers spent at the Clara Barton Birthplace Camp for Girls  (now known as The Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc.), I recall being flabbergasted and relieved that there were other girls like me.  Incredibly awesome!  Serious fun through sharing, learning, singing, laughing, playing, and more learning had been instilled in my soul to the present day, my diabetic soul.  The numerous and knowledgeable camp staffers not only guided and directed me towards living healthy, it set the foundation of my life, to be able to live my life.  I continue to live responsibly and successfully under that guidance.  Once you accept to know right from wrong, nothing can be so bad.  Through the grace of being able to go to camp, I learned how to figure it all out properly with diligence.

With that in mind, proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the ongoing endeavors of The Barton Center.  That statement is plainly stated in the book along with the address of The Barton Center just in case a reader or more would like to make a separate donation.

Everyone needs a heroine and a miracle – maybe just a good example.  Five decades of living with diabetes has been an honor, a divine gift.  Sound corny?  Once you read this autobiography, you will not only know what I mean, but you will believe in your strengths. You can maintain a balanced busy life!  I am proof that diabetes is not a death threat.   Accomplishments and encumbrances happen with or without strategizing one’s lifestyle.  “My Diabetic Soul – An Autobiography,” is a reality redeemer for all readers. 

My website, www.Mydiabeticsoul, is available for further information with access to the first two chapters of the book and a Contact Me section, my favorite part.  I like to hear your thoughts and opinions.  The Simplie Indie Online Store is presently taking orders for paperback  and e-book versions.  Enjoy and take care – important words to live by!

 A. K. Buckroth, www.mydiabeticsoul.com, www.SimplieIndie.com, www.GlobalDiabetesAwareness.com.

Insulin Pump Travels/Travails

Just returning from a cross-country flight, the following report shares personal experiences of traveling with my insulin pump as it is attached to my body.

Travel preparedness for and with  this equipment alone takes anywhere from many weeks to a few days.  As a lifetime diabetic, traveling has been possible, however an encumbrance.  For instance, if and when I need to order supplies for this particular machine, I make sure I have the funds to pay for the supplies.  When an order is placed, it arrives within four days (e.g., infusion sets, cartridges, IV 3000s, alcohol preps, batteries, etc.).  Other necessary diabetes-care supplies takes two weeks to arrive after an order is placed (e..g, glucose meter strips and lancets, insulin(s), ketone strips, glucagon, Ace-Inhibitor pills, syringes, etc.).  This chore does not include clothes packing, weather charting, dog sitter arrangements, having someone post my soon-to-be-due bills, etc.  It is what waits for me at any airport that I find uncomfortable and uneasy. 

Approaching the security checkpoint is extremely unnerving.  

After removing my laced sneakers as required (I insist on wearing closed-toe shoes to avoid feet harm), I place them in the available large rectangular bucket as is compulsory.  Another bucket will hold by medical-carry-on bag, my stand-alone wallet and a book.  Sure, everything scans out wonderfully well – so far.   I always wondered why the security agents have never ever questioned me about carrying syringes on board!

Okay, so my stuff is going through.  Now it’s my turn, my physical turn to pass through. 

Embarrassment #1: I no longer attach my insulin pump to the front of my bra because I quickly learned from another flying experience not do so in order to avoid tremendous self-embarrassment and humiliation!  So, I always clip it to the waist band of my pants or skirt.

As I walk through the security doorway screening thingy, it beeps.  The screening thingy has always beeped since wearing an insulin pump.  It’s been fifteen years now, and it still causes the security doorway screening thingy to beep.  I understand why.  Its metal computer components set it off.

  Embarrassment #2:  “Step over here, ma’am,” a guard says politely.  I do what he or she says.  “Female attendant required,” is always the next statement from the available guard.

As a uniformed female security guard approaches my holding area (off to the side in open and plain view of all the security guards and all other travelers = embarrassment #3), she explains what she will be doing.  “It’s my insulin pump that set it off,” I explain.  “I’m sure it is,” she replies.  “Now empty your pockets.”  Having empty pockets to begin with, I turn them out.  With bright blue rubber examination gloves covering both of her hands, she begins the slow process of touching my body – all over: head, neck, shoulders, breasts, rib cage, hips, inside waist band, buttocks, crotch, thighs, calves, ankles, feet.  Then it is done again.  She also swabs the palms of my hands with a round cloth, approximately four inches in diameter.  This is to check for incendiary powder.  My feet bottoms have also been wiped on other flight occasions, but not always.

After at least fifteen minutes, I am cleared to go.  This happens all the time!  Due to this process, my flight dreams have become eluded.  I do not want to travel by airplane.  The only choice I have is not to go – anywhere – by airplane.   However, that is often times impossible, especially on a moment’s notice.  

In retrospect, I respect what has to be done but I don’t like it.

Does anyone else out there feel the same way?  It would be nice to know that I am not the only one.  I can’t be.  Not with 90 million diabetics in this country, one-third of whom use an insulin pump.   

I still dream about being cured.  In the meantime, I endure as I am sure you do.  I look forward to hearing from you!

A. K. Buckroth  www.mydiabeticsoul.com; www.GlobalDiabetesAwareness.com.