Trying to educate and motivate the masses....

I did a press release the week before the 4th of July to about 800 media outlets in about 5 states and the National Media outlets.
It was interesting that I got about 5 or 6 outlets that did pick up the story and go with it. California, Texas, New York, Illinois,Florida...I got another google alert today that showed another paper that did an article on it word for word. I got a television station that pretty much did a piece word for word also....it's too much fun.
It was titled Baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie and ...out of control diabetics.
you can see it here...

FOR RELEASE ON OR BEFORE JULY 4TH FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL
BOB HAWKINSON

Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and
…out of control diabetics?

This Fourth of July, millions of American Diabetics will have to strike a balance between celebration and dedication to their health.

“Baseball games, outdoor activities, picnics, and all the food choices that go with them, the stresses of rushing around to prepare for the parties, the long hot day in the sun, and staying up late to watch the fireworks. It can all add up to disaster for a diabetic if they misfigure any of the variables”.
So says Bob Hawkinson, author, and a lifelong insulin dependent diabetic of 44 years.

Here are a few helpful steps to be successful.

1. Know what you are eating. There are all kinds of hidden things in Aunt Bessie’s Famous Fourth of July Potato salad. Do your best to estimate, and also take small portions. Ask if you think it may be made with added sugar in addition to the potatoes. (Refrigeration is also good, food poisoning bad!)

2. Use a plate and take a known amount when snacking. Watch out for the temptation to just eat out of the bag or pick off the plate all day long. It’s not easy to track what you have been eating when you can’t see a known quantity. (It becomes obvious that you have had 25 of Aunt Flossie’s brownies).

3. Check your blood sugar often. With all the added activity and unusual food choices, it’s easy to misfigure. (This is where grazing on Aunt Flossie’s brownies will show up!)

4. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. With all the added activity and heat, you may need a lot more fluids. Avoid the sugar drinks like sweet tea…even though it may be tradition, it can be loaded with lurking sugar and carbohydrates.

5. Alcohol, while a staple at many parties and picnics, can be dangerous to a diabetic. Beer, wine, or mixed drinks, can all have different carbohydrate levels and effects. Alcohol can have unexpected effects (other than a lampshade dance on the bar) and is generally not recommended for diabetics.

Staying healthy, and in the zone, is always a challenge for a diabetic, but it is especially difficult during the holidays. The good news is that it is possible when you do the right things.

Bob’s book “The Joy of Diabetes” is not only inspiring, but it also educates with a light hearted and pithy approach. Bob who is 45, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 1. His goal is to “help other diabetics grab hold of this disease by the horns and wrestle it to the ground”. To order his book, go to www.joyofdiabetes.com.

For an entertaining and informative interview, bob@joyofdiabetes.com

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A mindset.....

I have been blessed throughout my entire life. One way I know, is that throughout my life, people have always told me so. I know it sounds kind of strange,but ever since I was a child, people have always mentioned to me that I am truly blessed and that God watches out over me. I don't know if that is odd but I know I have heard it at least 60 or 80 times in my life. I know that it is true as I have always been watched over and guided(not just in my diabetic walk but in all that I have done),
but I am not sure how it is obvious to others....
I will have people come up to me that I barely know or met and they will take me aside and tell me so.....it's kinda cool and kinda peaceful....sometimes kinda surreal.
I am not sure what God wants from me, but I just keep going and doing what seems and feels right. I try to bless others although I don't know that I am too good at that.

I have been truly blessed to see diabetes through a mindset of joy even though it is a chronic and potentially debilitating disease. It has nearly killed me at least 6 or 8 times that I can remember, yet I hold no anger, malice, or hostility.
It just is what it is, and so far, I have been lucky enough to enjoy 45 years of an incredibly exciting, fun, adventurous, and love filled life.
I no longer do things that I have no joy in. I am not willing to waste my minutes of life doing that which I don't believe brings peace or joy to myself or others. I walk away from hostile people if I don't believe I can turn them around. I don't yell at people or try to make them feel less about themselves. There is no long term joy in that for me or them. Typically my only source of frustration is when I am forced to do something that I believe takes me off track of that which I am supposed to achieve or accomplish.

Today is a gift.....tomorrow will come, but you never know if you will be around.

That goes for more than diabetics.....no one knows when or where, but we do know we will all soon pass. What today will be worth my time? I shall pursue that........

Keep Going........Peace, Bob