News You Can Use February 2024

FEBRUARY 2024, ISSUE 184

News You Can Use

Love Your Journey: Self-Care Tips for Women with Diabetes

Valentine's Day is a time when love takes center stage, but it's essential to remember that love should start with yourself, especially if you're a woman living with diabetes. In this article, we'll explore the significance of self-love and self-care for women on their diabetes journey and provide practical tips to make Valentine's Day enjoyable and diabetes-friendly.

February is American Heart Month

You have the power to take action to protect yourself against heart disease. Small heart-healthy actions like adding more movement to your day or choosing healthy foods, can have a big impact on protecting #OurHearts.

Unconventional Valentine's Day: Exploring Three Unique Diabetes-Friendly Activities

Valentine's Day is often associated with clichés like chocolates, fancy dinners, and roses. But what if we told you there are unconventional yet meaningful ways to celebrate this special day, especially if you're a woman with diabetes? It's time to break away from the ordinary and embrace unique experiences that not only celebrate love but also prioritize your health and well-being.

From the Experts

Expert Insights: How to Treat Kidney Disease

So, you have been told you have kidney disease….what now? If you have read the two previous articles, you know that it is possible to slow or stop the progression from getting worse. But how do we do that? Read an expert's take on what to do next to treat kidney disease.

This article is Sponsored by BI-Lilly Alliance and written by Amy Hess Fischl, MS, RD, LDN, BC-ADM, CDCES.

Managing Diabetes and Kidney Disease: A Meal Planning Guide from an Expert

This tip sheet highlights the importance of individualized meal planning for those managing diabetes and kidney disease, emphasizing the use of the MyPlate guide as a foundational tool.

Advocacy

Stay Informed, Stay Engaged: Discover the Latest in Advocacy

Brown Bag Series: Do You Know Your Rights?

As a person living with diabetes, do you know your rights? Join DPAC on 2/15 to hear more about your rights & share your experiences setting up accommodations at school, college, work – and other

situations like job interviews, airport security, or amusement parks!

Featured Resources

Heart Healthy Recipes

What says Valentine's Day more than heart-healthy strawberries? But they don't have to be dipped in chocolate! Try them in this easy salad instead.

Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken

2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar

2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 medium kiwifruit, peeled

4 cups baby spinach leaves, long stems removed

5 ounces cooked chicken breast, shredded

1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1) Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, maple syrup, and olive oil. Set aside.

2) Slice the kiwifruit into thick rounds and then cut each slice into quarters. Set aside.

3) In a large bowl, place the spinach leaves. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss well. Divide the spinach between two serving plates or pasta bowls.

4) Top each plate with chicken, kiwifruit, and strawberries. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top. Serve immediately.

Makes 2 servings.

Upcoming Happenings

No matter if your diagnosis was recent or decades ago, you are welcome at our PODS Meetups. This February, we're hosting virtual meetups for women aged 18 and above who are managing any form of diabetes, including prediabetes. Our goal is to foster a welcoming and respectful environment for women with diabetes or prediabetes, emphasizing health-focused discussions. Come and connect with other women who understand your journey, share your stories, and who you can gain support and insight from.

Click on the event listing in our event calendar to sign up!

Galentine's Day Survey:

LOVE Across All Stages

We are excited to announce that DiabetesSisters and DivaBetics are joining forces to conduct the first-ever Survey on LOVE for women with diabetes across all stages of life. As you know, managing diabetes can be a constant challenge, and it often requires adapting to changes in life that we experience as women. Our survey aims to shed light on these experiences.

We are set to release the survey on Galentine’s Day, February 13, and unveil the results on International Women's Day, March 8, 2024. Your participation in this survey is invaluable, as it will enable us to enhance the quality of care, support, and encouragement, we provide to our members. We kindly request your help in spreading the word, as our ultimate goal is to encourage as many women as possible to complete the survey.

Be on the look out for survey promotions and some fun giveaways!