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Food Related: Stevia, Xylitol and Nuva are alternatives to Saccharin, Aspartame and Sucralose

An alternative sugar substitute to Saccharin, Aspartame and Sucralose is Stevia which is a natural sweetener with zero carbohydrates. 

Xylitol  1 teaspoon = 4g of carbohydrates. It's found naturally in fruits and vegetables.

Nuva is 100% natural with zero calories, artificial ingredients and glycemic index. 1/2 teaspoon = 2 g of total carbs. Nuva contains Erythrytol, a natural sweetener derived from fruits, Inulin, a natural fiber that helps digestion and Stevia Rebaudiana, a plant that has been used as a natural sweetener throughout the world for centuries.We purchased this product in our local health food store.

Food Related: Importance of Fortified Foods vs Enriched

We choose fortified foods over enriched foods because when a food is fortified, nutrients that were never present in the foods are added to further enhance the nutritional value of the product. With enriched foods, the nutrients that were lost during processing are added back in and with no additional nutritional value.

Travel Related: Airport Security

Hey there... If your next trip involves flying, you may find this info helpful. A lot has changed in airport security in recent years, so being prepared can save you a lot of hassle at the checkpoint!

The information below is excerpted from the guidelines for travelers with type 1 diabetes provided by the TSA.  Before leaving for your trip, you may want to check the TSA website, and call your airline for additional information. 

* Inform the Security Officer that your child has type 1 diabetes and you are carrying supplies with you.
* Inform the Security Officer if you think your child may become upset during the screening process.
* Offer suggestions on how to best accomplish the screening to minimize any confusion or outburst for the child.
* Know that at no time during the screening process will you be separated from your child.
* Know that if a private screening is required, you should escort and remain with your child during the private screening process.

* The following type 1 diabetes-related supplies and equipment are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened:
     - insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products (vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, pens, infusers, and preloaded syringes); 
     - unlimited number of unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication; 
     - lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs, meter-testing solutions; 
     - insulin pump and insulin pump supplies (cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kit, catheter, and needle); 
     - glucagon emergency kit; 
     - urine ketone test strips; 
     - unlimited number of used syringes when transported in Sharps disposal container or other similar hard-surface container. 
     - Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal container for storing used syringes and test strips.
     - Insulin in any form or dispenser must be clearly identified.

* If you are concerned or uncomfortable about your child going through the walk-through metal detector with an insulin pump, notify the screener that your child would like a full-body pat-down and a visual inspection of the pump instead.
* Advise the screener that the insulin pump cannot be removed because it is inserted with a catheter (needle) under the skin. 
* Insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin. 
* Advise screeners if your child is experiencing low blood sugar and is in need of medical assistance. 
* You have the option of requesting a visual inspection of your insulin and type 1 diabetes associated supplies.

If you encounter problems with the screening process, ask to speak with the TSA security supervisor. You can report problems encountered while traveling by calling the TSA Consumer Response Center toll free at 1-866-289-9673. 

Now... sit back, relax and enjoy your flight!

 

Exercise Related: Rainy Days

On rainy days when the kids can't go outside to play they can still get exercise. At our house we use the tread mill. It's a great way to get some exercise (with supervision of course) and stay dry.  

Food Related: Leftovers

I store leftovers in the refrigerator with either the nutrition facts from the packaging cut out, or the written serving size and carbs taped to the lid, this is  for an easy grab at meal time. No quessing!

Give yourself a quick break

I keep a calculator next to the scale in the top draw. It gives my brain a rest, even if it's  only for a moment.

For a Quick Snooze

Sony has a dream machine clock radio with a nap feature that is to die for.  I can set the nap feature for 10, 20, 30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes.  Which is perfect for the midnight madness or a few winks before the school bus comes home.

Exercise Related: Swimming & Pumping

Johnson & Johnson has a large water block (plus) band-aid that is 100% water proof.  It shields out water, dirt and germs. Cover the inset with this big patch to keep it from slipping off as well as  sand-free.We have used this bandage to cover JoJo's inset for years.  It works like a charm.

Emergency Room Visit

If you need to go to the emergency room call your doctor's office and have them call ahead and set things up...it will save time and the hospital is  aware of your needs.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

If you believe that your child is in DKA, DO NOT load him/her up in the car and head for the emergency room. You will have to wade through too many people and the wait can be much too long. Call an ambulance; they will begin re-hydrating with an I.V. as soon as they get there, which will help to begin to arrest the DKA slide. My daughter caught her pump tubing on the computer desk, but her set looked ok; in the middle of the night, she was in trouble, and she had the presence of mind to tell us to call the ambulance rather than have us take her and lose a lot of time.

Overnight Visits

One of the most nerve-wrecking things is to have someone else take care of your child on an overnight stay. Creating a check list and going over it with the caregiver. To calm your nerves and those of the caregiver, try the following:
a. Have him/her follow the overnight routine you use at home (ex. midnight or 2 a.m. BG checks); b. Locate your child’s bed in or near the caregiver’s bedroom (if appropriate); c. If in an adjacent bedroom, keep the doors open and; d. If your sanity requires it, set your own alarm to call the caregiver at 2 a.m. (yucko!)

Birthday Party Tip

In the past we have JoJo and Nick's  birthday party after school, right around afternoon snack time and before dinner.  The party guests even came home with the kids on the school bus. We had cake or cupcakes for snack as soon as they arrived home.  The rest of the time was about the  birthday celebrating.  The party guests were picked up before dinner. 

The ideas you'll see here are from moms and dads like you. Use the ones you like, but obviously don't do anything your child's medical team doesn't recommend.

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