Monthly Archives: April 2018

diabetis vs. diabeteez

Posted on April 19, 2018 by janekdickinson

From time to time I hear complaints about the way some people pronounce diabetes. They seem to really hate hearing “diabetis” instead of “diabeteez.” For me, hearing “diabetis” actually takes me back to my childhood. When I was first diagnosed … Continue reading →

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Proper use of an oxygen mask

Posted on April 18, 2018 by janekdickinson

  Yesterday I traveled by airplane early in the morning and then back last night. On one of the legs the flight attendant announcing safety instructions made a big deal about putting the oxygen mask over both mouth and nose, not … Continue reading →

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Lesson(s) in flexibility

Posted on April 16, 2018 by janekdickinson

I’m supposed to be in Minnesota right now; they are having a major Spring Blizzard, so instead I’m in Denver. I was actually supposed to fly two days ago, then yesterday. Now I’m flying tomorrow (I hope). Lessons learned: 1) … Continue reading →

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Diabetes is boring

Posted on April 13, 2018 by janekdickinson

Except when it’s not! There is new information almost every day. New technology, new medications, new combinations of medications, new ways to take medications, new gadgets and gizmos, new research findings. And yet it’s the same old, same old. Numbers, … Continue reading →

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Non-nutritive sweetened beverages

Posted on April 12, 2018 by janekdickinson

I recently facilitated a discussion where a participant pointed out that he doesn’t like plain water. He drinks artificially sweetened flavored water instead. A health care provider in the room commented about a study where drinking artificially sweetened beverages led … Continue reading →

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Improving communication for the right reasons

Posted on April 11, 2018 by janekdickinson

One really can’t avoid articles about communication in health care these days. Patient-provider communication, provider-provider communication, it’s all over the place. Communication has always been key; we just seem to be catching on finally. There are still some gaps, though. … Continue reading →

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Forgiveness

Posted on April 10, 2018 by janekdickinson

It turns out that when we forgive, we unlock energy. We have to forgive to move forward and get on with experiencing life. People with diabetes often live with anger, blame, and shame. A lot of that is self-inflicted. Consider forgiving … Continue reading →

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Relatedness, competence, and autonomy

Posted on April 9, 2018 by janekdickinson

As human beings we usually want to be happy, healthy, and successful. We are most likely to achieve those three things if we connect with others (relate), learn to do what we need/want to do (be competent), and think for ourselves (have autonomy). … Continue reading →

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Hearing correctly

Posted on April 6, 2018 by janekdickinson

Have you ever had an experience where you heard something differently from the way someone else heard it? I’ve met with patients who, when asked what type of diabetes they have answer, “I don’t have diabetes. No one has ever … Continue reading →

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Apply to be on the ADA Board

Posted on April 5, 2018 by janekdickinson

Hey, colleagues! Have you ever considered giving back by being on the board of a professional organization? Now’s your chance! The American Diabetes Association is currently taking applications for their national Board of Directors. Here’s the link…take a look!

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