Happy New (cough) Year!

The new year started off with a bang (or rather, a sneeze). Tricia and I brought my niece along with us to the CWD Best Practices Conference in Marco Island FL. I was still feeling under the weather, but had been looking forward to this conference for almost a year. I had written earlier that my wife and I were going to be presenting together at the conference on how to integrate nutrition and activity into diabetes management, a 'marriage' of sorts.

So we got in on New Year’s Eve, but rather then joining in the festivities we went right up to bed (I guess that should have been a sign of what was to come). I had one day where I felt ok, and in retrospect it was a great day. I was able to go for a long run on the beach and really enjoy running somewhere new. That evening the conference began and I had a great time, meeting old friend and making new ones.

But (there’s always a but) that was about it for me. The next day I was so sick I could hardly walk. I slashed most of my presentations with the kids in an effort not to get them sick, and spent that day (and the following one in bed). It was a horrible feeling..... Here I was at this beautiful destination and I couldn't enjoy it. The beach was pristine, the view from our hotel deck was spectacular, and I was shivering and convulsing with aches, pains, and a fever.

My BGs were all over the place too (isn't that mandatory when you're sick?) I did a few temp basals to try and get them down, it always amazes me how much insulin I need when I’m sick. I took more insulin then I do on a daily basis – but I didn’t eat. And my boluses usually account for about 55% of my daily insulin.

Although I spent most of the time in bed, the conference did have a few highlights. The fever did subside for a bit, and I did present with my wife, and although it was a bit hazy with the fever I really enjoyed it. And I also presented to the parents on extreme athletics with Joe Eldridge from Team Type 1, and anytime I get to do that with one of the TT1 boys it’s a thrill.

I’m headed back to Buffalo now, and hoping that my cold clears up by next week. I’m flying back down here to run in Walt Disney’s marathon as part of Team CWD. Here’s hoping I’m able to pull through.

I can't wait!!!!

I can't even write coherently. The next two weeks are going to be so cool!!!! I’m headed out to a Best Practices Conference for Children with Diabetes in Marco Island. These conferences are geared towards families where one (or more) of the children are diagnosed with diabetes. Parents attend session on diabetes management while the kids are off on supervised activities. Tricia and I will be flying out with my niece, Ella who’s six (we thought that would give us a good taste of what it'll be like to have a little one:).

Tricia and I will be presenting one of the sessions together, which is a first for us. Since she has a nutrition background and I have exercise physiology we thought we would do it on how to integrate nutrition and activity into diabetes management. I’ll also be presenting with Joe Eldridge from Team Type 1 on taking sports to the next level.

I’ll be flying home for work (of course) but then flying back the following weekend for Team CWD, a new initiative for CWD. We’ll be running in the Walt Disney Marathon weekend; family members are participating in the 5k, ½ marathon, or marathon. So very cool!!!!

Some new year resolutions…

I realize that New Year's Eve is still a few days away, but my MD appointment last week really got me thinking about what I need to work on. At diabetes conferences people always say how remarkable it is that I participate in triathlons, but I'm not perfect - far from it. Regardless of how people perceive us, there are always things we can improve on.Well, here's my list.

Caffeine Boy, I don’t know if it was the new job, or the move to a new state, but I’m drinking coffee – a lot of coffee. I make a pot of coffee and usually have to make another one before my wife even wakes up. Then I have it throughout the day, I even catch myself having it when I check into hotels in the evening.My Resolution Cut the caffeine. I went out and bought some decaf for the house, and am going to make a conscious effort to buy decaf when I’m out.

Water This kind of went hand in hand with the caffeine. The water went out, the caffeine went in. I feel like I’m borderline dehydrated most of the time.My Resolution Instead of a coffee cup, I I’ll start carrying a water bottle in the car. I’m also going to buy some of those Crystal Light on the go packets to make the water flavored.

Time Management This is something I’ve really struggled with, but now with the job and the new demands for CWD, and Triabetes, I really need to get this stuff sorted out. I think I let things like MD appointments and personal issues take a back seat, which is not good for me, or my family.My Resolution I’m going to try learning a little more about what my PDA has to offer (I use outlook) in the hopes of scheduling some time for everything

And for all of you?If I was going to make some recommendations about New Year’s resolutions, I would certainly recommend setting some goals for the year. Now is the perfect time to do so (everyone else is doing it!!!!)

1)Remember that people get in the habit of trying to do too much, too soon and end up failing at everything. Don’t get caught in this trap. Pick one or two small changes that you can make, then when you successfully accomplish them move on to bigger and better things.

2)Pick goals that you are able to measure, ‘feeling better’ is noteworthy, but it is subjective and hard to quantify. Weight loss or a daily fitness regimen is easier to measure, and is related to feeling better.

3) Find support. Tell your friend and family members about your goals, get them to follow suit. Find a way to support them while they support you, whether you have the same goals or not.