Leighann Calentine's Blog, page 22

Kids First Diabetes Second Book: Diabetes Summer Camps

Summary: One of the best ways for children to meet other d-kids is by going to diabetes camp. There are a variety of diabetes summer camps throughout the country, including family camps, day camps, and overnight camps.

You might be wondering why I am talking about summer diabetes camps during the middle of winter. Now is the time that many d-camps begin accepting applications for their summer camps.

This summer will be Q’s sixth summer going to diabetes camp. We schedule her summer activiti...

{Kids First Diabetes Second} Diabetes Camp

You might be wondering why I am talking about summer diabetes camps during the middle of winter. Now is the time that many d-camps begin accepting applications for their summer camps.

This summer will be Q’s sixth summer going to diabetes camp. We schedule her summer activities around camp because it is the one week every year that she can have a week of freedom away from us.

Just don’t ask her about having to pee on ketone strips…she HATES that because you have to walk all the way down to...

Kids First, Diabetes Second: An Introduction To The Book

Summary: Introduction to the book Kids First Diabetes Second written by Leighann Calentine sharing advice for parenting a child with type 1 diabetes.

Since it’s the beginning of a new year, this month I thought I would share the very beginning of my book Kids First, Diabetes Second with you. The introduction gives a little bit of the background of the book and the tone it takes. It’s not a medical book, but it is full of tips and tricks to help you get through and hopefully you will find a b...

{3 Little Diabetes Things} 12.26.2016

I sometimes have a “little” something to say about diabetes…

Alan Thicke Dies

Did you know that Alan Thicke was a d-dad and raised awareness about type 1 diabetes?

Read “Alan Thicke, ’80s Sitcom Dad And Theme Song Composer, Dies At 69” on NPR.

From the JDRF Press Release

His son, Brennan, was diagnosed with T1D at age 4 after a revelation at a family reunion. Alan’s stepmother, a nurse, noticed that Brennan was exhibiting the symptoms of type 1 diabetes – including extreme thirst and excessi...

Politics and Diabetes (and why we need to educate ourselves on these issues so that we can advocate)

I don’t typically talk politics, but there are some important issues that affect people with diabetes as we transition to a new president and cabinet. Two things (of many) that we, as parents of children with type 1 diabetes, need to keep an eye on are the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare) and changes to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Please don’t forget that you have a voice and can contact the people who represent you in the house and senate and let them know how these is...

{3 Little Diabetes Things} 12.04.2016

I sometimes have a “little” something to say about diabetes. Today I’m sharing three products that Q has been using.

Sugar Medical Callie Crossbody Bag*

We are always on the hunt for a bag that will hold Q’s pump, low supplies, glucagon, her phone, and her CGM without being too big. Q also likes wearing purses across her body. And that’s how my husband wears it when he takes the load off her. (Real d-dads aren’t embarrassed toting their daughter’s girly supply bag.)

The new Callie Crossbody...

Reflections on Diabetes Awareness Month

For Diabetes Awareness Month I chose to share 30 daily diabetes thoughts and facts, across social media platforms Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

My goal is always to reach beyond those affected directly by diabetes to help educate or dispel a myth. I know that together we reached beyond those directly affected by diabetes because the number of people that the daily graphics “reached” on Facebook was astronomical. They were being seen by friends of friends of friends and hopeful...

{Diabetes Awareness Month} Thought 30

“Diabetes is just one aspect of a child with type 1. Of course take care of their medical needs, but try to make them feel like a kid first and foremost.”

Every day during Diabetes Awareness Month, I will share a fact, tip, or thought on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Please remember that I never give medical advice. Ask your endocrinologist or pediatrician for advice about your own child. Make your own informed decisions for your own child.

The information provided here is for...

{Diabetes Awareness Month} Thought 29

“Though you want your child to eventually self-manage their diabetes, take back over care if it becomes too much for them or they need a break. They have their entire life with diabetes ahead of them.”

Every day during Diabetes Awareness Month, I will share a fact, tip, or thought on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Please remember that I never give medical advice. Ask your endocrinologist or pediatrician for advice about your own child. Make your own informed decisions for your...

{Diabetes Awareness Month} Thought 28

“Begin transitioning self-care by teaching them age appropriate tasks such as checking their own blood sugars, counting carbs, or giving insulin.”

Every day during Diabetes Awareness Month, I will share a fact, tip, or thought on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Please remember that I never give medical advice. Ask your endocrinologist or pediatrician for advice about your own child. Make your own informed decisions for your own child.

The information provided here is for enterta...