Protecting Our Future
I’m sure if I asked you what actions you would take to protect your children, family or loved ones, you would be passionate and committed in your response. I know you. You live a life of service and sacrifice. Whether it is spending extra time with a patient, teaching a peer how a new insulin device works or helping out the elderly neighbor next door, you are there. Countless nights you’ve retired to bed with unmet goals and unfinished chores; sacrifice comes at a cost. Numerous times a day you put others before yourself; service is selfless. Like I said, I know you.
We may not share similar faith beliefs, but I’d like to share from my daily devotional this morning from Dr. Charles Stanley, “Protecting Our Future” (September 24, 2014). He questioned if some of us live a life shortsighted. In contrast, he states (as a minister in the Christian faith) that God wants our priorities to reflect His purposes—to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love others through a life of service and sacrifice (Matthew 22:37-40).
On most days I am confident you are living with a long view.
That long view today- in our field- holds a future with childhood obesity combined with genetic predisposition for type 2 diabetes. Are you aware that in the past decade 8 - 45% of adolescents today diagnosed with new-onset diabetes are type 2? What? Where will that put them in 15-20 years with complications? (D. Rapaske MD, www.audiodigest Diabetes Insight Volume 05, Issue 13, July 6, 2014).
Unfortunately one of my most momentous meetings at the 2014 AADE National Meeting in Orlando was with Kari Rosenfeld, executive director, and Ann Constance MA, RD, CDE, FAADE Outreach Network of the Blueberry Family Health Foundation. Their mission is to improve the lives of children and families by supporting research, education and wellness initiatives with a vision to end type 2 diabetes in children. It was an unfortunate meeting ONLY for the news they had to relay – the incidence and severity of obesity and type 2 diabetes in children. Please visit their website. I hope AADE Pennsylvania will become founding contributor. http://www.bbfamilyhealth.org/about
I am sure Kari and Ann had other opportunities afforded to them (please read each bio). They chose sacrifice and service. They chose leadership—again. They chose to work to better the lives of those afflicted with and affected by diabetes. They chose to make a difference locally by building relationships with farmers to provided healthy food options. They chose to make a difference with a non-profit status to affect change nationally and globally with strategic planning underway.
Please. We need you – all of you. We need new members – growth in our organization. Sacrifice. Membership holds priceless value in networking, shared resources saving time and effort in our work. Please attend and participate in your local networking groups. Service. Some of you have much knowledge and wisdom to share and many of you have innovative ideas and enthusiasm necessary to move us forward protecting our future.