Type 1 Diabetes Care for Kids

This healthy post is provided by The Chester County Hospital and Health System. To learn more about diabetes management, visit us online. >> 

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If your child is living with type 1 diabetes, you may often wonder what you could have done to prevent it – the truth is, there is currently no known way to keep it from happening. While it’s an overwhelming diagnosis, advancements are making it easier to manage day-to-day diabetes care.

In this post, we’re sharing tips to help you and your child; if you are just learning of the diagnosis or if you need help transitioning daily duties to your growing child, we’ve got what you need to keep diabetes in check.  Read on for information about the annual Dash 4 Diabetes – a great way to get your family moving for a great cause!

Just Diagnosed – Now What?

You will, understandably, have many questions for your doctor, but prepare a list to save time and to organize your thoughts. Don’t forget to ask your child if he or she has questions to be answered, too. Your physician may refer you to a dietitian or diabetes educator for more information. Registered Dietitian Michele Francis, Manager of Diabetes and Nutrition Services at The Chester County Hospital, suggests that you should be knowledgeable about the following topics and feel comfortable managing them for your child’s diabetes:

• Blood sugar monitoring, including frequency and target blood sugar values
• Proper administration of insulin
• Correct treatment of high or low blood sugars
• Nutrition and carbohydrate counting
• Effect of exercise or activity on your child’s blood sugar and how to manage it
• Sick day management plan
• Diabetes care plan for school

You will probably need to educate other family members, coaches, friends, and others about your child’s diabetes to ensure safety and understanding. Be sure your child feels included in all of the discussions, as he or she may be anxious or uncertain of the diagnosis. Remember to stay positive! Having answers to your questions is the first step to living a healthy, happy life with type 1 diabetes.

Healthy Eating

Your doctor, dietitian or diabetes educator will be able to provide more information about your child’s food choices, but there is no real “diet” for children with type 1 diabetes. It is important to understand the effects of foods, especially carbohydrates, on your child’s blood sugar level. Encouraging healthy, low-fat food choices, including daily doses of fresh fruits, colorful veggies, and whole grains is also suggested.

Make it a “family rule” to enjoy the same foods as your child, especially at meal times. This will help your child feel better about diabetes and good food choices. After all, it’s healthier for you, too. This means having fewer sweets and animal products to balance out your child’s meal plan.

Energizing Exercise

All of us need to stay active, so why not take the initiative to plan some exercise with your child? Find something fun that you both enjoy doing together, like swimming at your local pool or taking of advantage of a gymnastic center’s open-gym times to bounce on the trampoline. If your child has an interest in team sports, encourage him or her to participate. There is no reason why your child can’t and shouldn’t be active. Michele adds this note about type 1 diabetes and exercise: “Remember that activity typically lowers blood sugar, so be sure to check your child’s blood sugar more often until you learn how exercise affects the body.”

For an activity that will get your heart pumping and help those with diabetes, join in the fun for Dash 4 Diabetes!  Participate in a 5K run or 2.5K walk and sign the kiddos up for the kids run. Click here for more information or to register.

Date: Saturday, April 6, 2013 (rain or shine!)

• 2:30 pm – Registration
• 3:15 pm – Kids Run
• 4:00 pm – 5K Run and 2.5K Walk

Location: Chester County Justice Center – Downtown West Chester

Diabetes Technology

Diabetes management has seen many technological advancements, like almost everything else in health care. Blood glucose meters and insulin pumps are more innovative than ever. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, which can alert you of potential high and low blood sugars, are also available. Michele suggests that you work closely with your doctor and diabetes educator to help you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and to decide what might work best for your child.

Local Support

If you’re looking for a local resource for all of your diabetes care needs, The Chester County Hospital has two Diabetes Self-Management locations to help. Call 610.738.2835 or email cchdiabetes@cchosp.com for more information.

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Girl Rising – Reserve Your Tickets for Screening at Downingtown Regal.

My name is Holli, I m reaching out to spread the word about an opportunity to see an important film at a screening I’m hosting along with a friend. The movie showcases the strength of the female spirit and the power of educating girls around the world.

I believe it’s a worthy issue to share with our community and I’m expecting the screening to be an inspiring and memorable night. 

Date of screening: Apr. 8, 7:30pm 
Location: Downingtown Cinema on Quarry Road
Cost: $10 per ticket 



The film is called Girl Rising. It is being shown selectively in areas where enough demand is generated. This important and beautiful film is the center of a global movement to educate and empower girls living in extreme poverty in the developing world. Girl Rising tells the true stories of remarkable girls, who are striving beyond circumstances and demonstrating extraordinary strength to overcome odds. The powerful message is clear: educating the 66 million girls that are currently not in school can unleash world-changing power. 

This film will raise awareness of the economic and cultural barriers that girls face around the world as well as inspire and give hope. 

Please go to the link to watch the trailer, get the details and reserve seats here: http://bit.ly/15GvHQS 
—Tickets must be bought in advance at the above URL 
—No tickets will be sold at the theater on the screening date 
—A portion of ticket sales go to girl-focused programs in the developing world

Register for The 2013 Philadelphia Area Promise Walk for Preeclampsia

The 2013 Philadelphia Area Promise Walk for Preeclampsia will be held at Challenge Grove Park in Cherry Hill. The home of the beautiful Jake’s Place Boundless Playground.

 Speakers include:
 Dr. Owen Montgomery, Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department Drexel University, College of Medicine Chuck Cahn, Mayor of Cherry Hill, NJ Danielle Hallinan, 2013 Promise Walk Mission Mom.

Our stroller friendly walk is 3 miles. Activities include bounce house, face painting, balloon twisting, jazzercise, survivor stories, raffles and more.

Saturday, May 11th 2013 Registration opens at 8:30 Walk begins at 10:00am.  Register online now http://www.promisewalk.org/philadelphia 92% of all funds raised go directly to the Preeclampsia Foundations mission to raise awareness and catalyze research

Sarah Hughes
Promise Walk Coordinator
philadelphia@preeclampsia.org
The Promise Walk for Preeclampsia- Philadelphia/South Jersey Making Strides, Delivering Hope.

Find us on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/promisewalkforpreeclampsiaphiladelphia Follow us on Twitter- @PromiseWalk_PHL

East Ward Elementary School Consignment Sale on April 6, 2013

East Ward Home & School Association is holding a consignment sale in the East Ward Elementary School gym on April 6, from 9:00am to 1:00PM. This is a CASH-ONLY sale! Over 30 families are selling items in the sale! 

This sale is NOT limited to kids’ items. Also being sold is adult clothes, household goods, books and furniture! Come out for some fun shopping at great prices! The last hour will include mark-down prices!


Happy Shopping! 

Chester County’s own Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Shelby Riley, Shares Advice on Caring for Aging Parents

Here is March’s installment of “Ask Shelby” from Chester County’s own Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Shelby Riley.

Dear Shelby,

I have recently assumed the role of caregiver for my aging mother.  I am having so many confusing feelings.  How do I do this and not lose myself in the process?

Signed, Caring and Concerned

Dear Caring and Concerned,

Although I have worked with many adult children who have cared for their aging parents, I am going to ask my associate, Hope Nichols, to answer this one, as she has worked with the geriatric population and their families for years.  Hope writes:

“First, it’s important to accept that things have changed. Be prepared for a radically new paradigm. Old roles may not apply; old methodologies may not apply; old emotions may not apply. Be prepared to work from a whole new script.

Try to understand that when you start taking care of your parent, they lose the one thing they’ve always had in relationship to you: authority. That’s something that is not going to be easy for your parent to give up. Expect them, in one way or another, to lash out about that loss. Try your best to have compassion for what they are experiencing.  Remember, most of us will be in their shoes some time down the road.

Give them their autonomy whenever possible; offer your parent options instead of orders. It’s important for them to continue to feel as if they, and not you, are running their lives. Let them decide as much as they can about their own care, and help them by supporting the healthy choices they’ve made on their own.

Encourage your loved one to participate in social activities as much as possible.  Keeping them actively connected with friends and family enhances their quality of life, and helps affirm for them that they are still of value to others.

During this phase of your life, remember to take care of yourself, too.  Take walks, stretch out, eat right, make sure you spend quality time away from Mom or Dad. Your life still needs to be about you, and your loved one will be pleased to know that they are not depleting you of your personal joy.

This can be an intimate and loving time for both you and your parent; don’t forget to look for the silver lining. I promise it’s in there!”

Our best to you, Shelby and Hope

Learn more about Hope on the SR&A website: http://www.shelbyrileymft.com/8.html

Shelby Riley, LMFT is the owner of Shelby Riley, LMFT and Associates, LLC.  She is currently the President of the Pennsylvania Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (PAMFT).  Remember to check out Shelby’s website www.shelbyrileymft.comfor useful information about therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

Chester County Nursing Moms Group (Changing Locations)

Meet other local nursing mamas, share ideas, and weigh your baby. Effective Monday April 1st the Nursing Moms support group (run by Paoli but open to all nursing mothers) will now be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 2-3pm. The new location is across from Paoli Hospital at 2 Industrial Blvd in the “Green Room.” Amy Siegrist IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is now facilitating

Directions to 2 Industrial Blvd – Turn RIGHT at STOP sign instead of left for the parking garage. Turn right at second STOP sign onto Industrial Blvd. Follow to last driveway on left, 2 Paoli Park. Turn left into parking lot. Enter building under clock and follow signs.

(This group formally met at Hankin Library)

19th Annual Parkway Dash 4 Diabetes – Register to Dash or Volunteer Today!

There is no known cure for diabetes, which is a chronic disease that afflicts 1 in 10 Americans. The Chester County Hospital believes education is the most important component to managing diabetes. Take a step in the right direction and support The Diabetes Self Management Program at The Chester County Hospital by participating in the 19th Annual Parkway Dash 4 Diabetes. The competitive 5K run and leisurely 2.5K walk, presented by Parkway, starts at the Chester County Justice Center on April 6 at 2:30 PM and travels through the beautiful West Chester Borough. The registration fee for the Dash is $25. To register or for more information, visit http://www.ChesterCountyHospital.org and search “Dash.” Registration is also available day-of the event.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
It takes a village to put on this popular and exciting community event in downtown West Chester. Volunteers are needed for all shifts/positions, including road marshals, registration, clean-up and kids run coordinators. The location of the jobs will be at the Justice Center or on the Race route as assigned. The times of the positions vary starting at noon and ending at 5:30PM. For additional information regarding some job descriptions, please go to the following URL – http://www.cchosp.com/cchpage.asp?p=1401. All requests for specific volunteer placements will be made on a first-come-first serve basis. To learn more or sign-up, please contact Nancy Shoudy, Co-Chair at nancyshoudy@hotmail.com. Information needed to sign-up are the following: name, e-mail address and t-shirt size required.

Celebrate Earth Day with the Family at the Kid’s Fun Run

Celebrate Earth Day with the Family at the Kid’s Fun Run

Earth Day is the prefect time to teach our children about the importance of protecting our environment. As parents, our children serve as a great motivator to join the fight to ensure a clean air and healthy environment for generations to come. Taking our kids out to enjoy nature in a fun environment inspires awareness and action for protecting our natural resources. This Earth Day, consider participating in the 5K Run for Clean Air as a family and joining others in our community coming together to celebrate environmental health, clean air and sustainability.

The 5K Run for Clean Air, now in it’s 32nd year, is the largest Earth Day Festival in Philadelphia. Moms Clean Air Force, a non-profit over 120,000 concerned parents strong, is sponsoring a Kid’s Fun Run at the the 5K on April 20th. This new event will include a 250 yard dash for kids under 5 and a half-mile fun run for ages 6-12. The event will take place on the steps of the Art Museum with a course following Martin Luther King Drive. Family entertainment will include eco-friendly activities like rain stick making and Frisbee spin art and programming and giveaways from Radio Disney’s Green Team.

Moms Clean Air Force is a nation-wide non profit organization committed to protecting our children’s health from toxic air pollution. The Southeastern PA chapter is actively working for strong mercury and carbon standards to protect our most vulnerable citizens, including children with asthma, pregnant women and babies. We are active in the community raising awareness and support, while also connecting with our elected representatives to remind them to keep children’s health a top priority in legislative decision making. If you are interested in getting involved with Moms Clean Air Force, be sure to sign-up for action alerts and for updates on local events.

I hope to see you and your family at the 5k Run and Kid’s Fun Run on Saturday, April 20th, 2013! On-line pre-registration is open until April 15th and you can save 15% off the registration fee by using the promotion code IRUN4KIDS.

Event Details:

5K Run for Clean Air, 3K Walk, and Kids’ Fun Run
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Register at www.5krunforcleanair.org
Race Day Registration Opens – 7:30 a.m.
Festivities Begin – 8:00 a.m.
Run and Walk Kick off – 9:00 a.m.
Kids’ Fun Run 9:45 – a.m.
Earth Day Celebration and Awards – 10:00 a.m.

Sarah Mazzone is the community field organizer for the Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Clean Air Force. Moms Clean Air Force is a national non-profit committed to fighting for clean air to protect our children’s health. To get involved or stay updated on other local events, please sign-up to join the force today!

Weighing In on the FitBit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale

With a New Year upon us, it’s time to start thinking about resolutions and changes we made for 2013. For a lot of us, that includes getting our diet and exercise back on track after all of the holiday indulgences. Forget about resolutions that don’t or won’t stick – the good news is that Fitbit has the solution with the ultra-popular wireless activity trackers, Fitbit One and Fitbit Zip, and the Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale. Products that will help make sticking to a New Resolution easier – because it focuses on doing small changes each day. 

Studies have shown that if you just walk 10,000 steps a day, you can gain immeasurable health benefits. An average American only walks 6,000 a day! And if you had the tool to motivate you to make small changes throughout your day (walk a little bit more, eat a little bit better), and you can see/track how all these things add up to big results on your computer and your phone- wouldn’t that be fantastic? 

Recently there have been some technological advancements that allow us to have these type of tools at our disposal at a very inexpensive price. Because we know that both technology and healthy living rank highly on your list, we want you to try these products that helps you track your all day movement very accurately and very effortlessly. Fitbit, the market leader in innovative health and fitness products and maker of the popular fitness products, wants to give you a little help in achieving your goals in 2013. 

My mom recently turned 60 years old and has lost 65 pounds over the past year. When I told her about the Fitbit Aria Wi-fi Scale, she really wanted to try it. This is what she had to say about it. (Her very first Blogger review)

Fitting my fitness regimen into a busy schedule with a demanding job and choir rehearsals or meeting almost every night has been tough over the year of my 65-pound weight loss.  Now, as I enter year 2 of my overall plan to lose a total of 80 pound, i.e. 15 to go, the Aria Smart Scale is a welcome tool.  It has relieved me of the chore of manually recording data in the morning for my daily weigh in, and has given me more information than I used to track.  I wish I had had it 50 pounds ago!  Keeping on track at this point means tracking any backsliding or lack of progress that would cause me to ramp  up my exercise program and cut back on calories.  With a tool like this, that analysis just became simpler!  I am sure I will meet my goal and maintain the loss long term with the scale added to my arsenal of fitness tools.

All of the Fitbit products sync wirelessly to your computer and select phones. And with your free Fitbit account you can set goals and stay motivated to keep on your path to fitness with graphs, badges and friendly competitions. Check to see how you compare with friends and family, and even provide a message to egg them on. The Fitbit app works with all of Fitbit‘s products.

You can purchase the FitBit Aria Scale locally at Best Buy, Staples, The Apple Store and online at www.fitbit.com.

*Disclaimer:  I received the FitBit Aria free and compensation as part of a promotional program with Fitbit and MomSelect. All opinions are my own. 

Fighting Childhood Hunger When School is Out: The Nuts and Bolts of Summer Feeding Programs

Fighting Childhood Hunger When School is Out: The Nuts and Bolts of Summer Feeding Programs 

Children who receive school meals during the year often need nutritional supports during the summer, too. Many districts have had to scale back on summer school, which means many areas are desperate for additional summer feeding sites in order serve children in need. Anyone who is interested – from churches and camps, to social service organizations and community members interested in hosting a summer feeding site – can attend to learn about what you can do to help feed eligible children and the benefits provided by 
summer feeding programs.