Diabetes News, Weekend Edition

Our thoughts are with those affected by Hurricane Ike, Gustav and Hannah, many of whom are diabetics.

PRNewsWire, Sept. 11, 2008.

Feeding America Issues Urgent National Plea for Funds to Feed Hurricane Gustav Victims in Baton Rouge and Throughout Louisiana

The public is urged to visit feedingamerica.org to make a financial donation to the disaster relief fund.

 In the days before the storm hit, an estimated 2 million people evacuated coastal towns. Some of the most pressing needs are not directly related to storm damage, but rather the effect of the mass evacuation. Thousands of at-risk families were forced to spend their limited resources on transportation, lodging, dining out and other expenses. Many have returned to homes without electricity, meaning that all food left in refrigerators and freezers had spoiled. Many are without the funds to replenish their food supplies — or even the ability to access groceries.

 Donations made to Feeding America are used to secure and distribute easily prepared food such at canned and shelf-stable goods such as soups, peanut butter, and tuna, which required no refrigeration or preparation; meals: ready-to-eat (MREs); and hand-held snacks like granola bars. The organization also secures frequently requested items such as bottled water, baby formula, disposable diapers and cleaning supplies, which are more difficult to acquire following a disaster.

 

From the American Red Cross:

Prepare for Disasters Before they Strike: Build A Disaster Supplies Kit

 There are six basics you should stock for your home in the case of an emergency:

water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items for medical conditions.Or purchase your emergency kit at the Red Cross Store.

How You Can Help Hurricane Relief

When people are victims of a hurricane, the American Red Cross is ready to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance. You can help people affected by the Hurricanes of 2008, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Go online to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to donate today! You can also use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” to “2HELP” (24357). Donations will appear on monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. All applicable text rates apply.If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, you should call 1-800-REDCROSS. To learn more about hurricane preparedness, visit RedCross.org.

More Diabetes News:

 The Financial Express, September 12, 2008. Novo Nordisk Launches New Diabetic Device. The new generation Flex Pen needs 30 percent less force, making it more comfortable for patients and encouraging more compliance.

Wall Street Journal Market Watch, September 11, 2008. American Diabetes Association Announces New Latino Diabetes Toolkit.

“To celebrate the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize those in the Hispanic/Latino American population who have, or are at risk for, diabetes, the American Diabetes Association, through a grant from the Abbott Fund, is introducing its new Adult Prevention Toolkit designed specifically for community-based and faith-based organizations in Hispanic/Latino communities. The toolkit provides organizations with comprehensive and culturally relevant information on diabetes and healthy living. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Diabetes Association will also be hosting Feria de Salud Por Tu Familia, an outdoor Latino health festival in cities across the United States.”