November is American Diabetes Month

This November, join the American Diabetes Association in a national movement to Stop Diabetes.

Here's how you can get involved:

• Share -Inspire others by sharing your personal story by word of mouth, social media sites (Twitter, Facebook) and by blogging.
• Act - Consider walking or riding your bike more often to get some extra exercise.
  
• Learn - The ADA and AmericanDiabetes.com are both useful resources for those living with diabetes or at risk for the disease.
• Give - Help raise money for diabetes research and education.
  

The Diabetic Jet-Setter's Survival Guide

Air travel for diabetics has gotten progressively easier over the last 10 years, coming a long way from when diabetics were constrained to bus and train travel due to security concerns about diabetic supplies. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have teamed up to offer time-saving tips for jet-setting diabetics.

• Pack Extra Medicine and Supplies - Pack twice as much medicine and supplies as you will need. Put half of it in your carry-on and half in your checked baggage, just in case you lose your luggage or have an emergency situation.
• Stock Up on 3 oz. Containers - Make sure your containers are less than 3 oz. and that they are stored in a clear, one-quart plastic bag.
• Label Your Prescriptions - Make sure your name, pharmacy, doctor and dosage are identified on your prescription labels.
• Box Up Syringes - There is no limit on the amount of syringes you can bring on board, but they should be placed in a hard shelled box for protection.
• Identify Yourself as a Diabetic - As you approach the security check-point, make sure to tell security that you have diabetes. It is also a good idea to have proof of diagnosis of the disease, although this is not required.

Caring for Diabetic Skin

People with diabetes can have complications with their eyes, heart and nerves, but what about the body's largest organ? According to the American Diabetes Association, as many as 1/3 of diabetics develop a skin disorder.

Here are some tips to make sure your skin is getting the care it needs:

• Make sure your skin is always clean and dry. Sprinkle talcum powder in areas where skin touches other skin to reduce chafing, sweating and irritation.
• Avoid hot showers or baths which can dry out the skin. Opt for lukewarm water and use a gentle moisturizing soap followed by moisturizing lotion.
• Promptly wash any cuts or scrapes with soap and water and cover the wound with a gauze pad.
• See your doctor if skin wounds appear serious or don't seem to heal.

Father's Day Gift Ideas for Dads with Diabetes

Father's Day is just around the corner. If your Dad has Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, why not show how much you care with a gift that celebrates your Diabetic Dad? Here are a few Diabetes friendly gift ideas for Dads:

Low-Carb Gift Basket - Healthy, low-carb snacks are great for diabetics. Well Baskets has an all natural low-carb gift basket filled with vitamin and nutrient rich snacks like smoked salmon, pistachios and artisana nut butter.

Magazine Subscription - Men's Health, Diabetes Forcast and Diabetes Self Management all feature articles, information and news about Diabetes, health, nutrition and fitness.

Donate to the American Diabetes Association - Make a tax-deductable donation to the American Diabetes Association in honor of your Dad. The funds will go toward research to find a cure for Diabetes. Your Dad will also get a personalized e-mail or card with your message to announce your donation.

Cook a Diabetes Friendly Meal - Invite your Dad over for a Diabetes friendly meal. There are plenty of delicious recipes and ideas from American Diabetes. Whether your Dad loves Mexican, Italian, Seafood or American cuisine, American Diabetes has recipes for Appetizers, Entrees, Salads and even Desserts.

Remember - Father's Day is Sunday, June 21st!