As you have heard on the news, the town of Paradise and surrounding areas have been completely devastated.

Most of the homes and businesses are gone, leaving thousands of people and families searching for shelter.

What is needed now is donations to emergency relief funds so people can start rebuilding their lives.

So many have reached out to check in on us and we appreciate your outpouring of love and support.

Coach Beverly and Anne are determined to keep moving our company forward while supporting the evacuees of Paradise and surrounding communities

How you can help:

Organizations that need medical staff and volunteers and supplies

East Avenue Church is sheltering dozens of evacuees and providing medical care. They are looking for medical volunteers, administrative help and supplies.

• Support Staff Volunteer Sign Up
• Medical Volunteers Volunteer Sign Up
• Supplies Wish List (via Amazon wish list)

SALVATION ARMY Camp Fire Response Center

SALVATION ARMY Camp Fire Response Center opened a distribution center at 1100 Marauder Street in Chico to serve the needs of individuals affected by the Camp Fire and we are still serving at 8 shelter locations. The warehouse will be a site to collect in-kind donations and to distribute items to fire survivors. Click this link to view needed items and contact info.

Salvation army volunteer sign up here The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help fire survivors get needed supplies and restock the warehouse. Lots of volunteer opportunities available.

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Organizations that provide direct relief – Opportunities to donate

Here are a few reputable organizations that you can feel good contributing to knowing that the funds will get to the people who need it most.

• North Valley Community Foundation – fund is going to support the needs of the evacuation centers who opened their doors to support the people who lost their homes and are fleeing the fire.
•  Paradise Police Officers Association – The link to the Go Fund Me for the Paradise Police Department Employees that have lost homes to the Camp Fire.
• The American Red Cross: Visit the Red Cross’ special donation page or call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• The Salvation Army: A special page, SalArmyCampFire.org, has been created to accept donations. People can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and specify “Camp Fire” for designated funds.

Thank you again for all your kindness and concern!

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Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition

If disaster hits, people with diabetes may need emergency supplies and help fast.

THE DIABETES DISASTER RESPONSE COALITION (DDRC) FORMED IN 2017 IN RESPONSE TO A SUCCESSION OF DEVASTATING ATLANTIC HURRICANES THAT IMPACTED THE MAINLAND US AND TERRITORIES. THE DDRC (FORMERLY KNOWN AS DERC) IS A NATIONAL COALITION OF NONPROFIT AND FOR-PROFIT STAKEHOLDER ORGANIZATIONS DEDICATED TO SERVING THE NEEDS OF THE DIABETES COMMUNITY AND/OR WHO HAVE A ROLE IN PLANNING AND EXECUTING SUPPLY CHAINS, PUBLIC AWARENESS AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES DURING TIMES OF DISASTERS.

Please check out their website at https://www.diabetesdisasterresponse.org/contact/ if you are a diabetes healthcare provider and are requesting  information about diabetes supplies during disasters.

 

Hello Wonderful Community Members,

Many of us want to help, but we are not sure how.

I have put together of volunteer and donation opportunities.  If you have more to add let me know and I will keep growing the list.

Thanks – Beverly

Organizations that need medical staff and volunteers and supplies

East Avenue Church is sheltering dozens of evacuees and providing medical care. They are looking for medical volunteers, administrative help and supplies.

• Support Staff Volunteer Sign Up
• Medical Volunteers Volunteer Sign Up
• Supplies Wish List (via Amazon wish list)

SALVATION ARMY Camp Fire Response Center

SALVATION ARMY Camp Fire Response Center opened a distribution center at 1100 Marauder Street in Chico to serve the needs of individuals affected by the Camp Fire and we are still serving at 8 shelter locations. The warehouse will be a site to collect in-kind donations and to distribute items to fire survivors. Click this link to view needed items and contact info.

Salvation army volunteer sign up here The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help fire survivors get needed supplies and restock the warehouse. Lots of volunteer opportunities available.

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Organizations that provide direct relief – Opportunities to donate

Here are a few reputable organizations that you can feel good contributing to knowing that the funds will get to the people who need it most.

• North Valley Community Foundation – fund is going to support the needs of the evacuation centers who opened their doors to support the people who lost their homes and are fleeing the fire.
•  Paradise Police Officers Association – The link to the Go Fund Me for the Paradise Police Department Employees that have lost homes to the Camp Fire.
• The American Red Cross: Visit the Red Cross’ special donation page or call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• The Salvation Army: A special page, SalArmyCampFire.org, has been created to accept donations. People can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and specify “Camp Fire” for designated funds.

Thank you again for all your kindness and concern!

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THANKSGIVING HOPE

The Camp Fire has deeply affected our sister community of Paradise and beyond. As we sit down in our homes for Thanksgiving dinner, we realize that many of our colleagues, friends and patients with diabetes, will celebrate Thanksgiving in a shelter, facing an uncertain future.

World Central Kitchen is making and serving 15,000 Thanksgiving meals as a gesture of love and community to those displaced by the fire. Bev and her boys volunteered at the World Central Kitchen to make over 500 sandwiches for the first responders and meals for local shelters. But, when an entire town is destroyed, there is so much more to be done. 

Coach Beverly and Anne are donating $5,000 to local Camp Fire Organizations through our Online University sales. It’s our message of hope to those struggling through this crisis that, “we believe in you.”

If you are interested in contributing, here is a listing of Camp Fire Organizations.

A heartfelt thanks to all of you who have reached out to us and contributed funds or asked how to help. We love and appreciate our diabetes community. You are AWESOME.

This Thanksgiving, we are especially thankful for all our colleagues and friends who are dedicated to improving the lives of those living with diabetes.

We wish you all love, laughter and the gift of deep connection at your holiday gathering this year!

Join the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) this month as they raise awareness about type 1 diabetes!

Starting in November, JDRF kicked off Diabetes Awareness Month by sharing personal stories of adversity and perseverance. They are launching a campaign to remind communities that people are not defined by their type 1 diabetes.  Here is a brief list of some updated terms to use when talking about diabetes.

They have jazzed up their website so users can access fun and informative quizzes on the JDRF website to test your knowledge of type 1 diabetes.

Plus, on the site, users can also create their own “#ImTheTpye” profile to join the community and spread awareness of type 1 diabetes, like this adorable teenager in the photo.  JDRF will also be taking steps to increase research funding as well as guaranteeing that all individuals have access to proper diabetes care. 

Make sure to check the JDRF Website after World Diabetes Day on November 14 for more personal stories and blog posts! 

Other exciting opportunities to connect and advocate for best diabetes care include:

• Join TypeOneNation.org, is JDRF’s vibrant social network for people with T1D, their families and friends. The site is created for—and powered by—the T1D community. Share T1D topics, tips and tricks or connect through shared experiences. You’re not alone in this journey, and TypeOneNation is here to help us come together!

 

• Find your local JDRF chapter on JDRF.org and check out their upcoming events or follow them on Facebook. A JDRF chapter may be closer than you think! Local chapters provide dynamic programming, local resources and community events that will help you engage with neighbors and friends in your area.

 

• A T1D diagnosis is overwhelming, and our Bag of Hope® aims to provide newly diagnosed families with a variety of resources they can use to help with their child transition into this new way of life. Along with educational materials, we’ve included a special friend — Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes® — to show newly diagnosed children that they are not alone while learning to take shots and test blood sugar. Ask your local chapter about delivering a Bag of Hope to a newly diagnosed family in your area.

Holiday Survival Guide – 10 Steps to Success

Even when everything goes according to plan, the holiday season can be stressful. We get out of our usual rhythms of sleep and work. There are travel negotiations, eating out, parties, counters filled with treats, kids on vacation and visitors.

What can we do to make it through the holiday season and be ready to embark on the new year feeling our best? We have ten strategies for you and your patients. And even if you can’t do all ten, just pick one or a few that you feel you can commit to and succeed with most of the time.

10 Steps to Survive the Holidays PDF – a handout that includes the info below to print and share with your friends, patients and colleagues!

1. Be a sleep warrior – Americans are chronically under slept. Not getting enough sleep is associated with increased hunger, higher blood sugars, poor concentration, frequent illness and impaired problem solving. Make sure to give yourself the gift of at least 7 hours of sleep a night. This sleep will help you make the best choices for your health and will protect against illness and fatigue. You got this.

Goal:  Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. You deserve it.
 

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2. Keep active – Holidays can put our exercise plans to the test, but we have a few ideas for you. Invite friends and family to join you for an after meal stroll instead of plopping on the couch.   After meal walks lower post meal blood sugars and increase energy by getting muscles activated. And just 10 minutes of walking after meals can make a big difference.  Other ideas include; play catch or Frisbee, put on some music and get people dancing, rake leaves, organize a game of touch football, have family and friends sign up for a local walk event.

Goal:  Work toward 30 minutes of activity a day. 
 

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3. Don’t forget the Fiber – With all the snacks and tempting foods, whole healthy foods may take a back seat.  Enjoy the abundance of seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains that are fiber rich and that decrease inflammation.  Examples include; yams, squash, mandarin oranges, almonds, pistachios, quinoa, kale, brown rice, warm oatmeal, salads and broth based soups.

Goal:  Strive to eat at least 25gms of fiber a day.

 

 

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4. Enjoy the ultimate beverage – H20. Water is the perfect way to keep hydrated, replenished and keeps appetite in check. Add a splash of flavor with a jigger of fruit juice or fresh cucumbers, lime slices or a sprig of rosemary.  Be creative. Sparkling waters come in a vast variety of flavors, are calorie free and contain no artificial sweeteners.

Goal:  Keep hydrated by enjoying plenty of water.

 

 

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5. Keep an eye on alcohol – While it’s true that red wine offers a beneficial anti-inflammatory compound called resveratrol, drinking too much alcohol can lead to unintended outcomes.  Studies show that we make poorer food choices if alcohol is on board. This can offer special challenges in party settings, where temptations are abundant. A drink of alcohol contains about 100 calories and mixed drinks have even more. In addition, alcohol can lead to low blood sugars, especially for those taking insulin or sulfonylureas.

Goal:  Limit alcohol to one drink a day women, two drinks a day for men.

 

 

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6. You are already sweet enough – Holidays and sugar go hand in hand.  If possible, try and eat less than 6 teaspoons of added sugar (does not include natural sugars found in fruit and milk). This goal may not be realistic on all days, but aim for success 80% of the time.  Excess sugar intake can cause inflammation and buildup of fat in the liver. One strategy is to limit sugar intake during the day and save your 6 teaspoons for that special desert or parties.  When looking at labels, it is helpful to know that 1 teaspoon equals 4 gms of sugar. 

Goal: Limit sugar to 6 teaspoons a day.

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7. Your teeth need extra special attention – Taking care of our teeth and gums improves health. Gum inflammation is associated with blood vessel inflammation. Swollen gums can also lead to increase in blood sugars. During the holidays, find time for regular oral hygiene. Your mouth (and dental team) will thank you.

Goal: Brush teeth at twice daily and floss at least one daily.

 

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8. Keep connected to friends and family who love you just the way you are! – As enjoyable as holidays can be, reuniting with family can also cause stress and stir-up emotions. Feeling out of sorts can lead to stress eating and decrease self-care.  If possible, reach out to a trusted friend to share your feelings or keep a holiday journal. Consider bringing a favorite book along during your travels that you find inspiring and comforting.  Give yourself permission to steal away for some quiet time.

Goal: Self-care is important during the holidays.

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9. Enjoy an Oxygen Cocktail – Studies show that when humans venture into natural outdoor settings, heart rate and blood pressure improve. Take a moment to appreciate the feeling of the air on your skin, take a deep breath of fresh air, try to find nests in leafless trees, listen to the animal sounds and bird songs and just enjoy that moment.

Goal: Step into nature daily.

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10.   Take inventory of things that you are grateful for – Find a moment each day to reflect on a few things that brought you joy or good feelings. Maybe it was your cousin who lent you her favorite sweater.  Or an Aunt who gave you the best hug.  Special moments with a best friend or an after dinner walk enjoying the fall leaves.  These small moments of connection and beauty are one of the most treasured gifts of the holiday season that linger in our hearts and memory long after we say our goodbyes.

Goal: Take note of special moments.

 

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10 Steps to Survive the Holidays PDF – a great handout that includes the info above to print and share with your friends, patients and colleagues!

 

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Beverly Thomassian and Theresa Garnero invite you to the First Annual

Women as Change Agents in the Diabetes Landscape Conference

The goal of this conference is to give voice to courageous women leaders who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond. We have carefully created an agenda that includes a collection of women leaders and trailblazers in the field of diabetes. We are inviting them to share their journey and vision to inspire a generation of future luminaries.

Our Intention is to inspire diabetes health care professionals to take risks, try new approaches and envision themselves as powerful change agents.

To generate excitement and action toward change, we are building in purposeful time for networking, creating a plan for change and brief activity breaks between speakers.

Women as Change Agents Conference Brochure

Women as Change Agents Conference Agenda

Registration Fee: (includes breakfast, lunch, Diabetes Med PocketCards, CE Certificate)

• Before Feb 15th, 2019: $219
• After Feb 15, 2019: $249

 

 

Presenters include:

• Ann Albright, PhD, RD
• Tracey Brown MBA, BChE
• Nicole Johnson, DrPH, MPH, MA
• Maureeen McGrath, MS, PNP-BC, BC-ADM
• Susan Guzman, PhD
• Edi Matsumoto, FNP, MSN, MFA, CDCES, BC-ADM
• Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDCES
• Beverly Thomassian, RN, BC-ADM, MPH, CDCES

See Bio Page for detailed speaker information

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This conference is a labor of love and passion. It is a dream co-opted by two Diabetes Nurse Specialists who believe that woman make a powerful difference in the lives of people living with diabetes.         

Registration Information:

Date: May 10th, 2019 | 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: AC Hotel San Francisco Airport / Oyster Point Waterfront 

CEs – 7.5 for Nurses, RDs and CA Pharmacists

 

Coach Bev and Anne are safe at Diabetes Education Services

So many have reached out to check in on us and we appreciate your outpouring of love and support.

Diabetes Education Services is open and ready to serve. Our office is located in Chico, CA which is about 10 miles west of Paradise and the Camp Fire.

Coach Beverly and Anne are safe and sound and determined to keep moving forward and provide services to our Diabetes Education Community. 

Camp Fire in Paradise and Surrounding Communities

As you have heard on the news, the town of Paradise and surrounding areas have been completely devastated.

Most of the homes and businesses are gone and there is only scorched earth in its place.

For twenty years, I have driven up the hill to Paradise on Tuesdays, to run the diabetes program at Adventist Health, Feather River Hospital.

I loved that small community hospital, all the patients I get to work with and our amazing diabetes education staff. Together, we built an ADA Recognized Diabetes Program, a thriving support group and we launched a wildly popular Diabetes Prevention Program in January 2018.

Very sadly, the hospital is partially burnt down and many of the surrounding clinics are completely gone. It is a miracle that the courageous nurses and hospital staff were able to evacuate all the patients to safety while fire was raging all around them. They are such amazing heroes and I am forever thankful for their courage and dedication.

The future of our Diabetes Education and Prevention Program is unknown, but we will figure out a way to provide this critical service to our community in the near future. I am very worried about several of my patients whom I have known for years and have become such an important part of my life. I hope to hear from them soon.  

How you can help:

So many of you have asked how you can help. Most people fled their home with only the clothes on their back and their pets. The shelters are overwhelmed with food and clothing donations.

What is needed now is donations to emergency relief funds.

Here are a few reputable organizations that you can feel good contributing to knowing that the funds will get to the people who need it most.

• North Valley Community Foundation – fund is going to support the needs of the evacuation centers who opened their doors to support the people who lost their homes and are fleeing the fire.
• Caring Choices Chico: 100% of your donation will be used to directly offer aid to those in need. Donors can indicate if they are making a contribution or a donation to a specific person, area or need.
• The American Red Cross: Visit the Red Cross’ special donation page or call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• The Salvation Army: A special page, SalArmyCampFire.org, has been created to accept donations. People can also call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) and specify “Camp Fire” for designated funds.

Thank you again for all your kindness and concern!

With love,

Coach Beverly & Anne