Spring Style Special

Transcription

1 Spring Style Special By Julia Telfer dlife Staff Writer Thanks to years of research and modern technology, we've come a long way in understanding and treating diabetes. Despite how far we've come, the day-to-day management -- and all of the supplies that come with it -- can feel like a burden. If your medical supplies have ever made you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, you're not alone. Not only are there less invasive treatment options available today, there are also a plethora of diabetes lifestyle products out there to help you stay in control of your diabetes while your personal style shines through. We've put together a fashion show of diabetes lifestyle products -- jewelry, bags, pump pouches, sharps containers, clothing, and more -- inspired and created by real people living with diabetes. Whether you're shopping for yourself or a loved one, there's plenty of style to go around this spring. Check it out. Fusion Wrap The Fusion Wrap, a fashionable, yet functional accessory, is available in styles for women, men, and children. Whether you're going out for the night or taking a jog, Fusion Wrap is a wearable pocket that zips around the waist or hips. Now, you can safely carry small belongings or crucial medications with you at all times. Featured products: Sizes offered are small, medium/large, and extra-large. Choose from six different colors and styles: black, royal blue, tie-dye, neon pink, camouflage, and pink camouflage. Pump Wear Inc. Pump Wear products help "kids be kids" and let adults have fun. The online store offers a full line of diabetes awareness and support items as well as cases and clothing that promotes comfort, flexibility, and individuality. Featured products: Pump Paks, Pump Bands, Pump Pocket, Insulated Diabetes Bags, Diabetes Jewelry, Waterproof Cases, Gift Certificates, and more. 1

2 Diabetes Designs When Vanessa's son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the young age of 2, she was devastated, but also very familiar with the condition since it ran in her family. She developed a wide selection of "user-friendly" meter cases in many different colors and fabrics for children, teens, and adults. Featured products: Glucose Tablet Keychains, Charms, Compact Cases, and more. Myabetic Determined not to let diabetes keep her from living the life of her dreams, professional dancer and teacher, Kyrra Richards, founded Myabetic to promote a positive attitude and healthy lifestyle. Myabetic offers fashionable and functional diabetes supply cases designed to accommodate everyday diabetes necessities while reflecting personal style. Featured products: Diabetes supply cases for men, women, and children. Wallet style, handbags, clutches, and more. Cooling Pouches (stylish, insulated cases to store insulin). Visit the dlife Store today to purchase Myabetic products! adorn Designs Owner of adorn Designs, Jennifer Adorn -- someone who has lived with diabetes since was frustrated with the boring medical bags that look like first aid kits. She wanted to be prepared for anything while making sure that style and fashion were at the forefront of her disease. Featured products: Diabetic Bag, Diabetic Handbag, Diabetic Supply Case, and Diabetic Pouch. 2

3 Skidaddle Bags, Inc. Maria Lester launched Skidaddle Bags in 2007 to allow people with diabetes to express their love of fashion and make life with diabetes a little more colorful. The products include bags for men and women and come in a variety of styles including: Hipster, Messenger, Clutch, Meter Bag, and Smart Pack. You can also purchase gift cards. Sugar Medical The traditional black nylon bag didn't suit Carolyn Jäger, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 13, five years after her 6 year old sister was diagnosed also. Their mother began creating bags to fit both their styles, which helped them cope with the new lifestyle. Following her mother's lead, Carolyn continued to make supply bags for her and her sister and Sugar Medical was created. While every bag is designed to be durable and practical, style is very essential in their design process. Featured products: Supply bags, Supply Pouches, gift certificates, packaging and gift-wrap options. Lauren's Hope Lauren Philips is an active young woman with diabetes who refused to wear a medical ID bracelet because she found them ugly and didn't want to draw attention to her illness. Now, instead of wearing a plain medical bracelet that announces her illness, Lauren is wearing a fashion forward medical alert bracelet that combines multi-colored crystals, sterling silver beads and an unobtrusive emergency medical ID tag. And so can you. Lauren's Hope has products available for men, women, and children of all ages. They offer several types of medical identification including: medical ID bracelets, necklaces, waterproof and adjustable bracelets, diabetic driver and diabetes passenger stickers, medical identification luggage tags, temporary medical ID tattoos, medical ID ankle bracelets, custom engraved medical ID tags and much more. They even have medical ID tags for the puppy living with diabetes! 3

4 This company donates a portion of their profit to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, so you can feel extra good about making a purchase. Creative Medical ID Medical identification jewelry you'll love to wear that will keep you safe in a medical emergency. Browse the online catalog of feminine and classic to hip and trendy jewelry for women, men, boys, and girls. Creative Medical ID aims to bring you quality at affordable prices, using genuine Swarovski crystals, pearls and beads from all over the world. Each purchase comes with free engraving, a complementary Medical Emerency Wallet Card, and a free Organza Jewelry pouch, perfect for gift giving or keeping for yourself. Speaking of gifts, check out their gift wrap, resizing, and repairs services -- and their 90-day guarantee. Cafe Press Sick of everybody taking your diabetes so seriously? Check out these hilarious diabetes T-shirts and trinkets for some comic relief. Not only will you get a good laugh, you'll also spread awareness about living with diabetes. Meter Skins These days everybody seems to be personalizing cell phones with covers and cases that make a fashion statement -- so why not do the same with your blood glucose monitor? Check with the manufacturer of your device to see what products they offer. For example, Fifty50 Pharmacy offers kid-cool meter skins that come in a variety of designs. Some companies might even have bonus offers -- if you register your SoloV2 meter online, you will get a free meter skin in the color of your choosing. Drew Shoes Foot care is an important part of diabetes management. Special shoes and shoe inserts (i.e., orthotics) can be made to fit softly around your sore feet or feet that have changed shape. These special shoes help protect your feet. Medicare and other health insurance programs may pay for special shoes if your doctor recommends them. Check out Drew Shoes, the leading provider of diabetic shoes on the market, for shoes that combine the best of function and style. 4

5 Not everyone needs to purchase "diabetic shoes," but everyone should buy shoes that are the best possible match to the shape of their feet. There are no standards in shoe sizing, so here are some simple shoe shopping points to remember: 1. Allow 3/8-1/2 inch between the end of the longest toe and the shoe. 2. When standing, the shoe should not be skin tight over the ball of the foot. 3. Shoes should be comfortable when you put them on -- don't expect them to break in and stretch to fit your foot. 4. Find shoes with cushioned/comfortable insoles and soles if possible. 5. Go shopping later in the day, as feet tend to swell during the day and it's best to be fitted while they are in that state. 5