| Traveling with diabetes, insulin pumps Dec 13th 2012, 06:00  - With Mayo Clinic diabetes educators
Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N. read biography
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Living with diabetes blog -
Dec. 13, 2012 Traveling with diabetes, insulin pumps By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.
Controlling Your Diabetes Subscribe to our Controlling Your Diabetes e-newsletter to stay up to date on diabetes topics. Sign up now  Many of you will be flying for the holidays. You may be wondering how Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations at airports affect you, particularly if you use an insulin pump. Diabetes supplies
First, it's a good idea to arrive at the airport with ample time prior to your flight departure, particularly during peak travel periods. Let the security officer know that you have diabetes and are carrying your supplies with you. Once screened, the following diabetes-related supplies and equipment — including insulin pumps — are allowed through the airport checkpoint: - Insulin and insulin loaded dispensing products — vials or box of individual vials, jet injectors, biojectors, epipens, infusers and preloaded syringes
- Unused syringes when accompanied by insulin or other injectable medication
- Lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, alcohol swabs and meter-testing solutions
- Insulin pumps and insulin pump supplies — cleaning agents, batteries, plastic tubing, infusion kits, catheters and needles (insulin pumps and supplies must be accompanied by insulin)
- A glucagon emergency kit
- Urine ketone test strips
- Used syringes when transported in a Sharps disposal container or another similar hard-surface container
- Sharps disposal containers or similar hard-surface disposal containers for storing used syringes and test strips
Insulin pumps and full-body scanners
You may also be wondering if an insulin pump can go through the full-body scanner. We recommend that you check with your insulin pump company. And chances are that the insulin pump may trigger a secondary pat down. I recently read an article on airport security and insulin pumps or sensors in the November 11, 2012 issue of Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. The authors state that "new technologies are constantly being developed for diabetes management" and that "it is impossible to know in advance all of the possible ramifications relating to patient care and safety." Apparently, when an insulin pump or sensor is passed through a full-body scanner or X-ray scanner, there may be a risk of electromagnetic malfunction. Insulin pump manufacturers typically recommend that you remove your insulin pump or continuous glucose monitoring device before going through the body scanner. However, don't send your devices through the X-ray machine as an alternative. It's safest to check with your insulin pump or sensor manufacturer for the latest information before flying. Consider calling the manufacturer's customer service line or checking their website. For example: - Medtronic's website includes a chart of devices and equipment that may cause interference with your insulin pump or sensor and guidelines for what to do when encountering such equipment.
- Animas's website currently recommends removing the insulin pump prior to using a body scanner. As an alternative, Animas suggests asking for a "walk through" or "pat down" inspection.
- OmniPod currently states on their website that their PDM (patient diabetes manager) and Pods can safely pass through airport X-ray machines.
Tips for a smooth travel experience
Whenever possible, bring prescription labels for medications and medical devices. Hopefully, this will make the security process go more smoothly. Pack your medications in a separate, clear bag and keep that bag in your carry-on luggage. Don't forget to include a quick-acting source of glucose to treat low blood sugar as well as an easy-to-carry snack such as a nutrition bar. And always carry or wear a form of medical identification that includes contact information for your doctor. Finally, pack extra supplies. Additional information can be found on the TSA website. Happy holidays and safe travels! Peggy blog index  |  | Holiday survival tips Dec 12th 2012, 06:00 If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away. - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) - Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
- Call your physician, health provider or clergy
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
www.nami.org
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
| | Healthy gift ideas for the holidays Dec 12th 2012, 06:00  - With Mayo Clinic nutritionists
Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D. read biography
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Nutrition-wise blog -
Dec. 12, 2012 Healthy gift ideas for the holidays By Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.
Recipes for Healthy Living Subscribe to our Recipes for Healthy Living e-newsletter for healthy and tasty recipes. Sign up now For the past several years, I've blogged about holiday gift ideas with a health twist. Consider giving any of these gifts to family and friends. Or give a hint that you might like to receive one yourself. Here are this year's picks: - Canning starter set. Gardeners and fresh produce fans will appreciate getting a jump start on preserving next year's bounty. Most sets include a water bath (large pot), jar lifter, funnel, jars and lids. Newer low-cost kits have nonmetal racks that can be used in kitchen stock pots. Toss in grandma's favorite canning recipes.
- Food games. There are tons of trivia games out there for foodies. Check out the latest cooking edition of the legendary "letter tile" game. Don't forget that little ones like to play with food too — search on "kitchen chemistry toys" and "play food" for gift ideas.
- Muffin top pan. This fun gift makes it easy way to enjoy the best part of the muffin — and keeps the serving size reasonable.
- Thermal totes and reusable grocery bags. Help family and friends keep food safe and be environmentally conscious when grocery shopping.
- Daily calendar with tear-off healthy recipes. Great for last-minute meal ideas. While you're at it, include a recipe box so favorite recipes can be saved.
- Magnetic strip and spice tins with see-through tops. Fill with favorite spices. Add a favorite recipe or two.
- Apron or chef coat. Dressing the part can be an inspiration to get cooking. Styles vary from nostalgic aprons to professional chef coats.
- Frozen pop molds or makers. Fun for the whole family, these molds can be filled with pureed fruit for a healthy frozen treat.
- Tea mug with built-in infuser. Add herbal, green or white tea. This gift is a great way to kick the coffee habit and get more antioxidants.
- Gym bag. A nice new bag may provide the motivation to get back to the gym.
Need more ideas? Here are a few from previous years: lunch tote, water bottle, pedometer, baking stone, soup tureen, steamer insert, countertop compost crock, gift baskets with whole grains, and herb seeds and pots. Share your ideas for healthy gifts. Happy holidays! - Jennifer blog index | |
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