Stories on Health

Simply having diabetes adds many more responsibilities to my day. And starting a new job search—whether I am presently employed or not—means that, as a diabetes patient, I’ve got to pay attention to some specific things.

Most importantly, I have to take a proactive approach to career prospects and ask intelligent questions about potential employers’ health benefits and coverage limits. I need to stay knowledgeable about current costs and trends in treating diabetes and choose not only the best salary, but also the best health coverage benefits possible.

Above all else, I’ve learned not to stay in an unhealthy job just because it has “benefits.” Chronic stress will not help you in either your future job search or your present career. Compromising your health in the name of your career won’t get you anywhere, much less further up the corporate ladder.

I’m pretty proficient with my computer, but I was still surprised to learn all the software and tools available for diabetics. I’ve kept a logbook about my diabetes for years, but I had no idea there were so many ways to manage that information neatly and quickly—including data on weight, diet, other medicines, and more.

With just a little searching, I found software packages that let my computer analyze my blood sugar readings, and I even came across some Web-based systems that allow me to track my testing data, create graphs and charts, and print it out to bring to my doctors. Not only that, but they have software to work on an MAC, PC—even my PDA and online.

Since I’ve been using my computer to help track my diabetes, I’ve been amazed to find all sorts of patterns I was never aware of before, such as seeing the connection between my blood glucose numbers and my thirst or hunger levels. Getting to know my body better is key to getting the disease under control, plus I get the peace of mind that comes with having the data ready for my doctors if they ever need it.

Education is one of the most important things about growing up and getting out into the world on your own. Education opens doors that charm and connections can’t, and helps you learn how to excel at almost anything you can imagine.

Education for children is crucial, because the more children know, the better able they are to make wise decisions as they grow. Without a depth and breadth of education, a child can grow up close-minded to solutions and situations that may otherwise be helpful and healthy. Child education about health—including diabetes—is the can be the start of good health habits that last a lifetime.

Child education about diabetes is easy, since there are so many sources from which to get information. Consult your doctor, your friends, and the Web to find everything you need to know.