Mission Statement

This is from our August 2009 Article

15th Anniversary
Sugar Free Weekend Retreat for Kids

The American Diabetes Association is hosting it's 15th Anniversary Sugar Free Weekend Retreat for Kids, which supports children with diabetes and their families by helping them learn how to manage their disease in a fun, relaxing, peer-to-peer environment. The annual weekend retreat will be held Friday, September 11th through Sunday, September 13th, 2009 at Camp Arrowhead in Lewes, Delaware. In recognition of this 15 year milestone the following awards will be presented: Patt Wagner – “Founder Award”, Don Post – “First Family Award”, Dewey Beach Lions Club – “Lifetime Supporter Award”, The Brian Foundation – “Family Foundation Award” and Congressman Michael Castle – “Advocacy Award”.

Since 1994, this retreat has provided an educational platform for children and adults to share day to day challenges and triumphs of managing diabetes and to connect with families who have had a child diagnosed with diabetes. The volunteers (Certified Diabetes Educators, doctors, dietitians, exercise physiologists and nurses) offer children and parents seminars that discuss topics such as: nutrition, exercise, carbohydrate counting, depression, insulin technology, and addressing the emotional aspects of having diabetes. The objectives and goals are to provide the children and their families with

• 1) A healthy experience in a comfortable environment

• 2) Opportunities for children with diabetes (or those at risk) to meet each other

• 3) A support system (advocacy) for families

• 4) Information on how to better manage diabetes

• 5) Peer-to-Peer education

• 6) The latest research about diabetes care and a cure.

For more information, please contact Dionne H. Rowsey, at 302.656.0030, ext. 4651 or drowsey@diabetes.org or visit http://www.diabetes.org/family-link/delaware-family-link.jsp.
For interested parties, download the “Sugar Free Retreat Brochure” by clicking below to complete the registration and return with payment as soon as possible. Space is limited, so don't delay. “This will truly be a phenomenal weekend to experience!”

Summer Bounty

The summer parties and cookouts are in full swing. The bountiful gardens are finally producing all those colorful vegetables. The warm sun and cool evenings encourage getting out and doing something fun and active. Now is the time to think about those food choices and activities you are doing to keep your diabetes management program on task. Don’t let those cookouts and parties derail all the positive changes you have accomplished. Keep the flavor and watch the calories- that’s all it takes to enjoy all those flavorful foods for the rest of the summer and into the fall.

So read on and see how easy it is to decrease your calories, not feel deprived and enjoy a variety of delicious foods.

1. We all tend to underestimate how much we really eat so in the end we actually eat more than we think. Keeping an ongoing record of what we eat helps us to see what we are really consuming. Writing foods down helps you to see your eating patterns and then make healthy changes.
2. Watch the fats! Some fat in your diet is necessary and not all fats are bad. But fat does have twice as many calories than carbohydrates or proteins. So use a non-stick pan, go easy on dressings and butter or margarine and use lower fat versions of your old favorites. Add extra flavors with herbs and spices.
3. Snack on more fruits and vegetables. Most are lower in calories and fat but high in fiber and nutrition and as an added bonus, help you to feel fuller! So an apple instead of pie and a baked potato instead of french fries!
4. Drink more water! If you think you are hungry try water first. And remember being well hydrated gives you more energy for exercise!
5. Look for healthy snacks to satisfy you. Read the ingredient list and pick those with nutrition benefits, such as less than 3 grams of fat, less than 140 mg. sodium, 15 grams sugar and are made with whole grains to provide 2-3 grams fiber.
6. If you need a quick snack or pre- meal boost, try these nutritious dips for cut up veggies, baked chips or pretzels: hummus, salsa, fat-free black bean dip, flavored mustards and fat free dips like Ranch and onion.
7. Try those water-filled fruits to curb your appetite. Foods with a high water content tend to be even more filling than drinking water with your meal. So cut up that cantaloupe and watermelon and add a serving to your next meal.
8. Pay attention to your meals- they can be quick, easy and you can depend on them when you are in a hurry. Gather the basic ingredients you need so preparation is a cinch. Start with few of your favorite ingredients so you can whip up a fantastic healthy meal in a matter of minutes. Examples: Pita pocket sandwiches, beans and brown rice, soup and whole grain crackers, whole grain pancakes, chicken or veggie quesadillas. Come up with your own favorites too!

Here are a few healthy quick recipes making use of the summer bounty of vegetables! Gather up that squash, tomatoes, and peppers and enjoy!

Roasted Vegetable Quesadilla
(makes 4 servings)

1 large zucchini, chopped
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
¼ small white onion, chopped
1 Tbsp chili powder
8 whole grain tortillas
1 cup shredded reduced fat Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese
Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss zucchini, bell peppers and onion with chili powder. Place on baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil. Bake 5 to 8 minutes or until tender.
Heat large nonstick skillet over high heat. Place 1 tortilla in skillet; top with 1/2 cup vegetable mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Top with second tortilla, flip over until both sides are crispy.
Allow to cool for one minute. Cut the quesadilla into halves or quarters using a pizza cutter. Serve with low fat sour cream, lime wedges and hot pepper sauce to taste (if desired).
Nutrition facts (per serving)
Calories: 203;
Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 261mg
Carbohydrates: 26
Fiber: 6g;

Zucchini & Basil Soup
(makes 6 servings)

4 medium zucchini, peeled, sliced into ½ inch rounds
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves
½ cup fat free cottage cheese
¼ cup walnuts, chopped fine
Freshly ground black pepper
Add chicken broth to medium pot and bring to a boil. Add zucchini slices and cook until soft. Strain liquid into another container and set aside.
In a food processor or blender, add zucchini, basil, cottage cheese, walnuts, and half reserved chicken broth. Puree until smooth. Add remaining chicken broth slowly, until desired consistency.
Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer to container and refrigerate until well chilled or overnight. Serve chilled.
Nutrition facts (per serving):
Calories: 82
Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 0; Cholesterol: 2mg
Sodium: 452mg
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g

For more recipes click below

Eating Well & Recipes

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Help Defeat Diabetes With American

 Idol Host Randy Jackson

Hollywood- American Idol's own host Randy Jackson has announced that he has Type II Diabetes and has teamed up with the American Heart Association to help defeat this dreaded disease. February is not only when American Idol starts heating up but more importantly it is Heart Month! To learn more about the American Heart Associations "the Heart of Diabetes" campaign click here. Be sure to check out some of Randy Jackson's Web Cast videos and American Idol news story.