JDRF

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JDRF & Beyond Type 1 Create New Alliance

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JDRF and Beyond Type 1, two forward-thinking, high-impact diabetes organizations, have created the JDRF - Beyond Type 1 Alliance. The alliance was designed to amplify each organization's strengths in order to provide even greater support for people and families affected by type 1 diabetes. The new collaboration will center around three core pillars: Community Programs, Advocacy, and Communications + Education.

“JDRF and Beyond Type 1 both work tirelessly to serve the T1D community, and each brings complementary strengths to this partnership. Through the Alliance, we will work together to create better education, easy connections to resources and programs, and a louder, more powerful voice in advocacy,” said Beyond Type 1 CEO Thom Scher. “The Alliance enables us to drive impact around shared vision while still allowing each organization to excel in its own unique areas of focus. We are honored to be working with JDRF, and excited for all of the ways the Alliance will benefit the T1D community.”

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Let's Celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month!

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Diabetes Awareness Month 2018 starts today, and World Diabetes Day is celebrated globally on November 14 to raise awareness about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes! Here are some ideas about how to get involved from some of our favorite advocacy organizations!

Together, let’s celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month and the many strong individuals and families who live resiliently with diabetes every day!

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Research Underway to Create a Cannula with Lower Risk of Infection & Inflammation

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A professor at the University of Central Florida, Elizabeth Brisbois, is working to develop a cannula that can be left in place for as long as 30 days while effectively delivering insulin into the body. Cannulas are small tubes that are inserted beneath the skin to deliver insulin into the body as part of an insulin pump system. The cannula can either be part of the infusion set or attached to the actual insulin pump. Normally, over time, the body’s immune system attacks the cannula, with cells creating a film around the cannula that begins to inhibit proper insulin delivery. That is why infusion sets normally need to be changed every two to three days to reduce the risk of infection. 

Brisbois’ goal is to create cannulas that have a lower risk of infection and inflammation, with reduced pain and inconvenience for patients. She and her team are developing cannulas that release nitric oxide, a molecule that can kill bacteria. Nitric oxide is also produced in the body to fight off germs and has an important role in wound healing.

This advance could significantly increase quality of life for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Brisbois and her team are funded by a recent grant from the JDRF and are collaborating with researchers at the University of Georgia. Learn more about the cannula research here.

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Swing to Cure Diabetes Celebrates 10 Years

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Recently, the Swing to Cure Diabetes golf outing celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Michigan Golf Course. As we have for several years, Healthy Living participated in this awesome event that benefits the JDRF and the Michigan Comprehensive Diabetes Center. Swing to Cure Diabetes was created by Rich and Chris Hewlett to help find a cure for Type 1 diabetes. They started the event after their son, Jeff, was diagnosed. These were Jeff’s thoughts on the event:

“I’m sure my parents started this event thinking, ‘Oh, this will help our son,’” said Jeff Hewlett, who was diagnosed when he was four. “For that I’m certainly grateful, but there are many people who are just like me and many other diabetics who are also grateful. It’s really impacting a lot of people, and you can see it in the research and the advances that have been made for Type 1 diabetes. Hopefully over the years as this thing keeps growing and as we continue with it, it will be something that can hopefully lead to a cure. That’s ultimately what we’re looking for.”

To find out more about upcoming JDRF events in our area, visit the JDRF Metro Detroit/South East Michigan webpage.

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See You at the 11th Annual JDRF TypeOneNation Summit!

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Join Healthy Living at the 11th Annual JDRF TypeOneNation Summit! The Metro Detroit & Southeast Michigan Summit will take place on Saturday, May 12, in Belleville from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. This free, educational event will bring together people of all ages and stages of type 1 diabetes, their loved ones, and the medical community. This year’s theme is “Living with Diabetes: A Family Day of Inspiration, Hope, and Education.” Register here. 

The TypeOneNation Summit was developed by a group of leading endocrinologists and diabetes educators. This one-day event will be full of education, information, and inspiration. Keynote Presenters include Dr. Alvin C. Powers and Dr. Korey K. Hood. In addition, there will be many break-out workshops and presentations on topics relevant to individuals and families living with T1D.

The JDRF Summit Youth Program will welcome pro-snowboarder Sean Busby. He is the founder of Riding On Insulin and will talk, inspire, and share his experiences with kids and teens.

We’ll have a table in the sponsor area, so please come and say hello!! We're in network with most major insurances for insulin pumps, insulin pumps supplies, continuous glucose monitoring systems ("CGM"), and testing supplies. This includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Priority Health, Michigan Medicaid, and Medicare. 

This is a great event – we learned so much last year when we attended the workshops. Hope to see you soon!

FDA Approves Dexcom G6 CGM

Dexcom's new G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Dexcom's new G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

Yet another great piece of news in the area of Continous Glucose Monitoring technology advancement: Dexcom received FDA approval for their next generation, G6 CGM product.

For a more detailed analysis of the Dexcom G6 CGM, visit the recent blog posts from Diatribe, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Beyond Type 1

The G6 solution is an exciting development for the diabetes community as it promises a ten day wear on the sensor, acetaminophen blocking, no finger stick calibrations,  potential integrations with the Tandem insulin pump, OminPod's tubeless pump and more.

A launch date has yet to be determined but Healthy Living Medical Supply will be ready to provide this new platform to our patients once it does become available.

Interested in learning more about CGM and the possible therapeutic benefits? Read this article from the Healthy Living blog on the benefits of CGM. 

We're here to help!

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A Beautiful Sunday Morning at the JDRF One Walk to Find a Cure for T1D

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The Healthy Living table at the One Walk...check out the Jenga tower!

The Healthy Living table at the One Walk...check out the Jenga tower!

It was really a glorious morning for the JDRF One Walk on Sunday, a couple of weekends ago! There was a lot of great energy on the Detroit Riverfront with music, snacks, and kids’ activities (like bouncehouses)! Many teams, big and small, came ready to walk in support of their friends or family members with T1D.

Healthy Living sponsored a table, and we had a good chance to talk with a lot of people. We greeted them, offered stress balls and bubbles, and also had the opportunity to answer questions about our services. The hit of the morning at our table was giant Jenga. Many groups of kids played, and some of the race volunteers put a lot of concentration into the game. One young guy built a tower to the point where there were no more possible moves. (Check out the picture attached to this blog.) Very impressive!

JDRF always puts on amazing events, and we were proud to participate in this year’s Detroit One Walk.

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Come Out and Walk to Make a Cure a Reality!

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Lighthouse at Milliken State Park (Flickr, Corey Seeman)

Lighthouse at Milliken State Park (Flickr, Corey Seeman)

The JDRF One Walk has one goal: to create a world without type 1 diabetes (T1D). This year, Healthy Living Medical Supply will again be sponsoring the JDRF One Walk and will be at the Detroit event on the morning of Sunday, September 17th. We would love to see you there! Come out and walk the mile to help raise money to support life-changing breakthroughs that give hope to everyone impacted by type 1 diabetes! Even better, Milliken State Park and the Detroit Riverwalk are beautiful in the fall and offer great views.

Join the Movement and Participate in the Detroit 2017 JDRF One Walk!

Hope to see you in a couple of weeks!!

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Getting Ready for Back-to-School with a 504 Plan

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(Flickr, woodleywonderworks)

(Flickr, woodleywonderworks)

Nothing can beat the freedom of summer. I am sad to say that back-to-school time is coming back around the bend. There are many resources that can help you and your kids get ready to head back to the classroom with diabetes.

One aspect of planning that is especially important for children with diabetes is the 504 Plan. According to Beyond Type 1, “A 504 Plan ensures that no student with any sort of disability is discriminated against, and is given the same education as every other student, all the while being provided a safe space to manage their condition as needed during school.”

To learn more and work on developing a 504 Plan for your child, here are some awesome resources:

Enjoy August and savor the rest of your summer!

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Come Check Out the JDRF Summer Bash in the "D"!

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Get ready for sand volleyball! (Pixabay.com)

Get ready for sand volleyball! (Pixabay.com)

Are you ready for sand volleyball, basketball, and a morning full of fun outdoor activities? Have you heard about the JDRF Summer Bash in the "D" coming up next week on Saturday, August 19? The event is free to attend and, in addition to the fun, will offer free drinks and snacks, and resources on subjects like:

  • Back to school tools and information
  • Fitness and sports tips
  • The latest in T1D technology and products
  • JDRF OneWalk, Ride, and Marathon info (coming up soon!)

Registration is required - click here to register.

Healthy Living will be sponsoring the event, and we'll be there! Come talk to us about enrolling for CGM, starting on an insulin pump, or upgrading to a new pump. Or just come by to learn about the newest technology out there for T1D. We'd love to talk with you or challenge you to a game of giant Connect Four!

More details about the event:

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.

  • Check out our online supply store at store.myhlms.com for accessories and over-the-counter medications.

  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

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JDRF TypeOneNation Summit: Healthy Living Team Highlights

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The Healthy Living team at the JDRF TypeOneNation Summit, 2017.

The Healthy Living team at the JDRF TypeOneNation Summit, 2017.

This last Saturday, seven members from the Healthy Living team participated in the 2017 TypeOneNation Summit in Belleville, Michigan, hosted by JDRF. As usual, it provided us with a great opportunity to learn and continue building relationships with customers, potential customers, vendors, and members of the provider community (we were positioned right across from U of M's Mott Pediatric Diabetes Team). There was so much good energy and activity, and a lot of great programming for kids and adults.

HLMS Team Member Highlights

Here are some reflections from our team about the summit:

I also attended Dr. Schmeltz's Advanced Insulin Pumping session. It was truly an eye-opener to see and hear how diabetes can complicate simple tasks I take for granted. Even when using an insulin pump, patients and caregivers must plan carefully and tweak pump settings to do simple things like eat a piece of pizza or go on vacation. Pump technology definitely makes things easier but still demands serious dedication and self-control. I particularly enjoyed the end of Dr. Schmeltz's presentation where he discussed the latest in pump/CGM technology and products coming soon. It seems like the long-awaited artificial pancreas will be ready in the not-so-distant future. –- George K.

The day ended with an inspirational talk by Will Cross, who lives with Type 1 Diabetes and made it to the summit of Mt. Everest ten years ago - it was the kind of message that reminded me that we're here as a company to add value to our customers by making their lives better through exceptional customer care. –- Matt

I attended the "Taking T1D to School" workshop and learned a lot about state-funded schools and how they have to take classes on helping the students with T1D. They need to be able to help the student out if they cannot help themselves, and the student also has the right to test and inject in class without causing an interruption. A lot of parents, especially parents that have kids that are newly diagnosed, do not know much about how much assistance they can get and think it's all up to them, which makes it so much harder for them as well for the child. –- Rickelle

Along with interacting with everyone, I enjoyed attending the Advanced Insulin Pumping session with Dr. Lowell Schmeltz. I learned a lot more about insulin pumping and ways it can be used better for a patient to gain better control of their diabetes.  It was also neat to be able to go to each table and interact with educators, pump/CGM company reps and other organizations/companies that were there. -- Crystal

Personally, I was very excited to meet a couple of gentle therapy dogs at the table next to us. The husband/wife team actually trains each dog specifically for an individual and his or her needs. Related to diabetes, the dogs can learn to smell low blood sugar to alert their owners about the situation. -- Emily

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JDRF Teen Carnival Brings Fun & Collaboration

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Giant Connect Four at the Healthy LIving Medical Supply table.

Giant Connect Four at the Healthy LIving Medical Supply table.

About 30 teens and family members attended the 3rd Annual JDRF Teen Carnival last Saturday, January 28 in Belleville, Michigan. Matt Montagne, Healthy Living’s VP of Strategy and Innovation, went to the event to contribute to the fun (he brought giant versions of Connect 4, Jenga, and Yahtzee) and to learn from the inspiring Type 1 Diabetes community.

Teens had the opportunity to break out and share their experiences, and so did parents and caregivers. The two groups came together to summarize what they discussed and shared their thoughts about strategies for improving communication around diabetes management, including:

·        Avoiding judgment

·        Using humor

·        Letting go from time to time

·        Testing blood sugar regularly and teens keeping up ‘their end of the bargain’

Matt also spoke with a Health Plus family and learned about their disappointment that Healthy Living couldn’t continue handling their supply needs after the Health Plus roll-over into HAP. He let them know that we are working on getting in network with HAP, and if they ever switch insurances, they should contact us (at (866)779-8512) to see if we are in-network. 

As always, JDRF put on an amazing event! The next JDRF event that we are gearing up for is the 9th Annual JDRF Type One Nation Summit on May 14th at Wayne County Community College's Western Campus.

WE MAKE MANAGING YOUR DIABETES SUPPLIES EASY.

  • We work with many insurance plan partners.
  • You can approve your refills via text or phone.
  • Our company’s focus is excellence in customer service.
  • In addition to providing supplies, we also have a mail-order pharmacy.
  • Diabetes is our specialty, and we’re prepared to help!

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
  • Check out our online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.

How to Help? Creating Your Contribution

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Are you looking for ways to get involved in the diabetes community and support research and awareness? First, check out these four big events coming up this summer, happening nationwide: 

·       The American Diabetes Association’s Step Out Walk and Tour de Cure

·       The JDRF One Walk and Ride to Cure Diabetes

Creating Your Contribution

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has other do-it-yourself ideas for fundraising in your neighborhood. Here are several to consider:

1.     Community Walks: Create a walk or a fun-run that gets kids and families involved. This doesn’t have to be a huge event to be successful – just get people together and moving for a cause you believe in.

2.     Join Team Diabetes: Participate in an athletic event that you’re excited about, like a 5K, a marathon, or a triathlon – and in the process, raise funds to support the mission of the ADA.

3.    Create a Local Fundraiser: We’re talking grassroots, right in your community, getting your neighbors involved. Some ideas include:

·       Services auction

·       Car wash

·       Golf event

·       Bake sale

4.     Always & Forever Tributes: Celebrate the life of your loved one by creating a personalized Memorial Tribute Webpage.

The American Diabetes Association offers web support for each of these volunteer options. You’ll be able to boost awareness about diabetes in your community and raise funds to find a cure.

WE MAKE MANAGING YOUR DIABETES SUPPLIES EASY.

  • We work with many insurance plan partners.
  • You can approve your refills via text or phone.
  • Our company’s focus is excellence in customer service.
  • In addition to providing supplies, we also have a mail-order pharmacy.
  • Diabetes is our specialty, and we’re prepared to help!

WE LOVE TO HELP.

  • Sign up for the Healthy Living Blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
  • Check out our online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
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Diabetes Is Expensive: How Healthy Living Helps

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Broad Scale Price Hikes

It’s an expensive chronic disease to manage. Diabetes takes a financial toll on patients and families and on the health system. Type 1 diabetes alone accounts for $14.9 billion in healthcare costs in the United States each year, according to the JDRF. The price of supplies has also gone up. In the case of Glucagon, an emergency drug for people with diabetes, Truven Health Analytics reports that the list price has gone up 544% since 1998. One vial cost $40 in 1998 and now has a list price of $257.60. 

Glucagon Emergency Kit

Glucagon Emergency Kit

Cost Increases Hit Patients

At Healthy Living, we are especially tuned-in to the burdens that diabetes can create for individuals living with the condition. The cost of insulin has been increasing, and high health insurance deductibles make patients responsible for a greater portion of supply costs than ever. As noted by Business Insider, diabetes-related expenses can climb higher than $1,000 a month for only one person.

Healthy Living Helps

Our goal is to ensure that our patients NEVER run out of supplies so that they can stay adherent to their prescribed therapy while at the same time making sure there isn't unnecessary and costly surplus.

Our Process

It usually begins with Michelle, who works closely with insurance companies and plan benefits portals to thoroughly verify insurance and member benefits. This helps members know exactly where they stand with their insurance, deductible balance, co-pays. Then, Healthy Living’s experienced customer care agents break out potential orders into a la carte options - this allows members the opportunity pick and choose the supplies they really need and hold off on ordering the items where they may have surplus. The Healthy Living Medical Supply team serves as personal consultants for customers to help them maximize their insurance benefits. 

WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

  • Call us @ (866)779-8512 or text us @ (248)577-9903.
  • Reach us through online chat at myhlms.com.
  • Sign up for the Healthy Living blog at myhlms.com/subscribe.
  • Check out our new online store at myhlms.com/shop for accessories and over-the-counter medications.
  • Visit myhlms.com/providers to electronically complete and sign prescriptions for patients.
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Creating Connections: Healthy Living Meets Its Members at JDRF Events

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Healthy Living joined in the excitement at the JDRF Summer Blast in Taylor last Saturday, August 13. Our group was honored to be a part of the event and enjoyed having the chance to get know (and learn from!) the Type One diabetes community, including a few of our customers and provider partners.

Are you ready for the Giant Jenga Challenge?

Are you ready for the Giant Jenga Challenge?

This past May, the TypeOneNation Summit, also organized by the JDRF, was a great way for the Healthy Living team to meet our members face-to-face. One employee at the event, Autumn, commented, “It was particularly encouraging to see how positive the JDRF community is. The prevailing attitude was hope for the future and tackling diabetes head-on, rather than being a ‘victim.’ We also had a great time with the Giant Jenga Challenge, which was a huge hit!”

The JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can strike children and adults, and has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. At this time, the disease cannot be prevented or cured.

Coming up this fall, Healthy Living will be participating in the JDRF One Walk at the Detroit Riverwalk on September 25. Click here to register for the walk, start your own team, or donate to the JDRF.