Keeping It Real

“The average rate of major amputation for black men are four times higher in Philadelphia, PA, than in Montgomery County, PA. Poor people have more amputations than rich people.” Let’s exclude lack of medical benefits for a moment, and focus on the mind-set of some people.  If you listen to people you’ll learn  a lot. These scenarios are all true:

1. Sixty-five year old black male is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. He was told after a year of treatment  to stop taking insulin. He was placed on an oral med to control diabetes, however, he kept his unopened box of insulin penlets.  Although his blood-sugars read 100-120 before bed, he injected 2-units of insulin to lower it even more. Why? “Since I paid $5 co-pay for the penlets, I might as well use them,” he said. He could have donated the medication to Doctors Without Borders since it was sealed and never used. Not only is he selfish, but put his left in danger. He could have suffered a hypoglycemia  insulin section from the extra insulin. In addition, he attended diabetes educational classes and never asked questions, because the educator was boring. “It’s like that, when you as a patient have nothing to offer,” I added.

2. Male with full Medicare coverage decides he’ll forgo paying for part D since he had never been ill. He didn’t schedule routine medical exams since he felt fine. Twenty years later his legs and feet swell, but he said and did nothing. His wife said and did nothing as well. The two of them became ill within one month of each other (heart failure and stroke). Son claims employer probably don’t emphasize the benefits of keeping part D of medicare. Caring for one’s heath is a family effort. Whether you’re living with your parents or not, one should take an interest in the planning process.

http://www.medicarerights.org/about-mrc/newsletter-signup.php

3. Young couple gets married. Husband is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Wife prepares two separate meals instead of adopting husbands new life style. During three-week diabetes education call, mother and daughter fail to come to two. Instead, they attended a girl scout cookie sale. The father happily went along went decision, and failed to attend class as well. Not to mention, they arrived 30-45 minutes late during the first class.  During family gatherings wife and family members emasculate husband by yelling, “You can’t eat that!” Husband fumed with embarrassment and left the dinner. Out of frustration he neglected his health, and became ill. He developed diabetes complications (vision, kidney, and foot).  Daughter wants to be a nurse, but she had never taken an interest in father’s care. She’s ignorant about any type of ailment,  has never volunteered as a Candy Striper, or interned in any summer science programs, yet she was accepted into an undergraduate  nursing program. “She’s just being a kid,” mother blurts. What’s wrong with this picture?

Saving Your Soles Project

Save your soles is seeking African-American men with diabetes to take care of their feet and to avoid future amputation. Contact the following consultants:

Asoka Balarama, MD & Bruce D. Klughertz, MD: (215) 884-0140

Riyaz Bashir, MD: (215) 707-2230

Lee Kirksey, MD: (215) 662-9551

Steven Spencer: (215) 886-0174

Rashad Choudry, MD: (215) 456-6178

Steps to Saving Your Soles

1. Be proactive and attend a diabetes seminar at your local health center  or hospital and meet new people.

Divabetic.org (This is not just for women)

2. Ask family members or friends to go with you to the doctor or meeting.

3. Take an active role in your care.

4. Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions.

5. Surround yourself with people who are on the same page as you. Close the chapter on nay sayers.

integrayeddiabetes.com (fun and informative group that meets quarterly in Wynnewood, PA)

tudiabetes.org

dlife.com

diabetesnet.com

Remember, there’s only one you, and only you can save you.