Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) - Celebrating 25 Years

Spring/Summer 2016 HELPING TO IMPROVE THE CARE AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES. Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) - Celebrating 25 Years ...
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Spring/Summer 2016

HELPING TO IMPROVE THE CARE AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES.

Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) - Celebrating 25 Years The Diabetes Foundation Inc. is proud to celebrate 25 years of improving the care and quality of life for NJ residents living with diabetes. In honor of this accomplishment, our staff sat down with one of our founding board members, Sam Fusco, who provided an overview of our early years through this Q and A session. Here is our story….. DFI: How did the DFI begin? SF: Prior to joining the DFI, I was involved in another local nonprofit organization that focused on diabetes. With my hard work and dedication, myself and my other colleagues raised important funds for the organization, but felt the need to start something of our own. Our goal was to develop a smaller, hands-on type of organization where we would personally be able to help others through direct assistance. DFI: What was the organization’s original mission? SF: The original mission was to raise money and seek out grants that were centered around a cure for diabetes. Soon after, our organization began providing scholarship assistance to Camp Nejeda-a camp for children with diabetes, and then the medical assistance program followed and quickly became our busiest program. DFI: How and when did the medication assistance/ support program begin, and how did it become your busiest program? SF: Dr. Charlotte Sokol and Dr. Martin Blechman- a now retired husband and wife team of endocrinologists in Bergen County, Joe Faherty, and several other board members saw a real need for the medication assistance program since so many people in NJ struggled to afford the high costs of insulin, medications and supplies. The doctors saw their own patients struggling to pay their bills and rent, and once it came time for medication, they would skip it because there were no funds left for them to purchase it, and, of course, their health suffered as a result. Nearly 7 years ago, the patient support component was added. After our shipment of medications and supplies are delivered, we then follow up during and after their 2-month usage period, providing resources and information on long term diabetes Founding endocrinologist management, medical care, and husband/wife duo Dr. free/affordable prescriptions Charlotte Sokol and Dr. Martin Blechman. for long term medication

adherence. These 2 programs together go hand-in-hand to be sure that we take care of our clients for the short term, as well as the long term.

Sam Fusco, at a recent golf outing.

DFI: Did funding change over the years for your programs and services? How have you grown since the beginning? SF: Yes, because of low funds coming in as we got started, we were spending $3,000 per month- and that was a stretch. Now, we are allocating more than $20,000 per month to prescriptions due to major increases in the cost of medications, and of course our number of referrals growing by leaps and bounds. We are always swamped trying to help so many NJ residents with diabetes that are uninsured, underinsured, are struggling with high copays, and those that are in between jobs and waiting for insurance. The cost of insulin keeps going up and up, and therefore much of our funding is being poured into this program. One person at a time- we are making a difference and a major impact in the lives of NJ residents! DFI: How were you able to raise these critical funds for your organization in the past, and today? SF: 38 days after our founding, we had our first annual Golf Classic fundraiser, which gave us some start-up money. As time went on, we established our car raffle fundraisers, increased our private donations, and held other fundraisers to keep our programs afloat. We continue to do more outreach, social media, and keep our website updated as much as possible so we may reach a wider audience of supporters. Volunteers are a large Letter from the Executive Director, p. 2 part of our success in Spotlight on Interns and Volunteers, p. 3 fundraising as well, and we are so grateful to DFI 26th Annual Golf Classic, p. 4 have them!

In This Issue:

Program-A-Day Initiative, p. 5

Continued on Page 3.

Needymeds.com, p. 6 Ask the CDE, p. 6 Can Diabetes Superfoods Work for You?, p. 7

Title

Letter from the Executive Director

A publication of the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. 13 Sunflower Avenue Paramus, NJ 07652 Tel. 800.633.3160 ~ 201.444.0337 Fax 201.444.5580 Email: [email protected] www.diabetesfoundationinc.org Mission: Incorporated in 1990, the Diabetes Foundation is dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for children and adults living with diabetes through education, medication assistance, and patient support.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chairman, Anthony Marrano President, Edmund McCann, Esq. Executive Vice President, Michael J. Sullivan Vice President, Laurence Hirsch, MD Treasurer, Gary Van Schaften Secretary, Kenneth Geary

MEMBERS Byron Driscoll Joseph Faherty Sam Fusco Joseph Giangola, MD Janet Longo, RN, RD, CDE Jessica Woo Robert Zawisha, CPA, CSA

STAFF Executive Director: Roberta Schmidt Program Manager: Bonnie Starr Office Manager: Evelyn Terceros Outreach Coordinator: Marlene Korngold Bookkeeper: Drea Evans

Roberta Schmidt

Every year, after November, National Diabetes Month, I feel both accomplished and let down at the same time from all the outreach work we have done and the small impact we make. I go over in my head all the facts - the diabetes problem is pandemic; one in ten people in New Jersey are diagnosed with the disease and thousands more go undiagnosed; diabetes and its complications kill more people every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. The annual healthcare costs for a person living with diabetes are almost twice those of the average costs for someone without the disease – how can diabetes be taken so lightly?

Is it possible that I envy those who campaign for cancer because cancer gets so much more attention than diabetes? Truly, I think there is a frustration on the part of all diabetes campaigners that the disease is so consistently neglected. It seems we are surrounded by a deafening silence in our society when it comes to diabetes. Why is diabetes being tucked away and ignored? Why aren’t people realizing the severity of this disease and its complications? Why doesn’t Diabetes have the NFL football teams wearing “our” colors? Maybe after a month of pink ribbons, races for “the cure”, football players with pink shoes and wrist bands, November arrives with a little bit less fanfare and everyone is too tired to get their adrenaline up for another cause. Could it be we don’t have enough “breakthroughs” to get more publicity? Do we lack the glamour or impressive spokespersons? I, along with many colleagues, continue to look for answers. Our office is in the thick of it every day and, yet, it is even hard for us to comprehend the scale of diabetes. Diabetes is a complex set of diseases. Complications from diabetes kill when undiagnosed, when untreated, when misdiagnosed or improperly treated. It kills when the patient does not have the support or education to self-manage. But, even for those diagnosed, treated and educated, the road is still difficult. It is a disease that requires 24/7/365 self-care. Diabetes is a challenge that so few understand or appreciate on any level. I ask all of you to spread the word about this devastating disease, to encourage family and friends to be more aware of the symptoms, to get tested, to make it a priority to donate to a diabetes cause and to help us make November as important as October next year. Stay well and stay warm this winter,

Roberta Schmidt Executive Director

Upcoming Community Events Join us for educational seminars, speak with professionals, receive free health screenings and giveaways to help manage your diabetes care, all in a comfortable and caring environment focused on your health! Programs include refreshments or dinner, depending on the location! We ask that all participants sign up by calling our office at (201) 444-0337 or (800) 633-3160, and try their best to come to every meeting to receive the full benefits of the program curriculum. Space is limited- register today!

Jersey City location, Held In Partnership With CarePoint Health Christ Hospital - 176 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City, NJ Held throughout the year on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 5:30pm, 1st floor, Staff Room A&B

Bayonne location, Held In Partnership With CarePoint Health Bayonne Medical Center - 29 East 29th Street, Bayonne, NJ Held throughout the year on the 1st Thursday of the month, 5:30pm, 2nd floor, Staff Room B

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Englewood location, Held In Partnership With Englewood Health Department and Englewood Hospital and Medical Center Englewood Public Library- 31 Engle Street, Englewood, NJ Held bi-weekly on Wednesdays, January 13th through June 22nd, 5:45pm, Mackay Room

Parsippany location, Held in Partnership With ShopRite of Parsippany and Morristown Medical Center Community Health Department ShopRite Supermarket- 808 Route 46 West, Parsippany, NJ Held throughout the year on the 1st Wednesday of the month, beginning February 3rd, 6:00pm, Café area

Spotlight On Current Interns and One of our Dedicated Volunteers Interns Nadia Admani and Christine Aguilera Nadia Admani is a sophomore at Seton Hall University studying Marketing and Economics. She wanted to work at DFI to gain experience working in a nonprofit office and as soon as she interviewed for the internship, Nadia knew that it would be a perfect place to work and to be able to apply her marketing skills.

businesses for charitable donations. Aguilera described her role as, “a privilege and a big responsibility. I was never involved in something so phenomenal and the Golf Classic was an event I will never forget. It was an accomplishment and a milestone for me.”

Volunteer Patient Advocate Matthew Gliksman

Christine Aguilera (left) and Nadia Admani

Marketing skills play a significant role in terms of advertising fund raising events; social media gets the word out effectively and quickly. She states, “As technology advances, it is easier to engage benefactors.” When asked about her experience at DFI, Nadia admitted that although some days were ‘nerve wracking, but exciting, she acquired confidence, especially in public speaking and learned about the nonprofit culture. Christine Aguilera is a junior at Felician University with a major in Health Care Administration. What drew her in to an internship with our organization was a combination of DFI’s mission and the nonprofit culture, as well as the chance to learn about community education events and fundraising. Christine also liked the, “warm and friendly office staff”  and a good part of her summer was devoted to the Golf Classic, handling publicity and cold calling

Matthew Gliksman is a Bergen County resident and a 2014 graduate of the University of Maryland, with a major in Neurobiology and a minor in statistics. While submitting applications and attending numerous interviews for medical schools throughout the U.S., Matthew is one of DFI’s patient advocates, as well as a member of the community outreach team.

Matthew Gliksman

Matthew has strong skills in patient support, critical thinking, problem solving and always “goes the extra mile” to research solutions for each of their medical and financial needs. Matthew will often call medical social workers and discuss new alternatives in diabetes medication and supplies, which will be affordable, obtainable alternatives for their own patients. He is well versed and understands how important it is to be relevant and sensitive to someone facing hardships.

DFI Celebrating 25 Years - Continued from page 1. DFI: 25 years devoted to diabetes and our foundation is a major accomplishment! You must be very proud! What do you attribute to your success? SF: We have dedicated board members, volunteers and staff that smile while they work and give much more than 110% of their time and energy. In the early years, we had no other help, other than board members, and we thought each day could have been our last.  Currently, we have a larger board, a dedicated staff, a host of volunteers (and- several of our board members, staff and volunteers have diabetes or family members with diabetes- making them even more passionate about the cause.) Diabetes and the Foundation have been a part of my life for the last three decades and will always remain that way. I am extremely proud of the DFI, and always have been. It amazes me how you can ask people with or without diabetes to join our board, volunteer for a few hours a day or a few days a week, and they are happy to be part of our family. Roberta Schmidt, Executive Director, has been quite instrumental in getting the DFI known from Northern Bergen County NJ to Southern Cape May NJ. She is the best thing that ever happened to our organization- but let’s keeps that a secret! Haha!

DFI: How has diabetes affected you personally? SF: My daughter was diagnosed with T1D at age 18, and now she is 47 and doing well. Her son- my grandson- was also diagnosed with T1D two years ago at age 11. He is doing well, however like anyone with diabetes it takes a lot of time, a positive attitude, real commitment, and dedication to managing the daily ups and downs. They have both learned how to manage things to the best of their ability, and do all of the things they want to do in life. My grandson plays football for his school, is an excellent student, and is a ball of energy! DFI: So in conclusion, are there any visions that you have for the future of the DFI? SF: Of course, I would like to see the future without diabetes, however until then, I hope our foundation will continue to grow and help more and more NJ residents. My wish is that through the help and support of our donors and funders, that we are able to increase our budget and further expand our programs year after year.

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Great Weather for DFI 26th Annual Golf Classic With a spectacular weather day, the 26th Annual Diabetes Foundation Golf Classic brought out over 100 golfers on September 28th to support the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) at the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, NJ. Ridgewood Country Club is ranked one of the top ten courses in New Jersey. DFI’s annual golf outing gives golfers of all levels the opportunity to measure their skills against the club’s challenging course. Congratulations to Mark Shewbrooks who scored 72 to be the men’s low gross. Mike Ashton came in with a 70 for the Individual Low Callaway while American River International took first place with a 69 for Team Callaway. The Express Scripts foursome took second place and Cardone Industries placed third for Team Callaway prizes. Players also enjoyed brunch before play, with cocktails, dinner and entertainment following. The hit of the evening was Matthew Furmann, professional magician who continues to amaze the guests. Once again, Beasley Reece, former professional football player with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers was our Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer. He explained how diabetes is a constant, daily battle in his life, so he truly understands the Golfers from the MagnaCare group, including MC Beasley Reece. struggles of DFI clients. Guests bid on Live Auction prizes including a trip for two to the Augusta Masters; a week at Nizuc Resort & Spa on the Yucatan Peninsula; one week at an oceanfront private home in the Florida Keys; a 6 Person Field Mini-Suite at Yankee Stadium; premier tickets to a New Jersey Devils game; and, a round of golf at the Ace Club and Ridgewood Country Club. Some of the Silent Auction items were the Lucky Duck Farm guest home in Cooperstown, NY; golf lessons at Darlington Gold Center in Mahwah, NJ; a three-

The entire group poses before the shotgun start.

night stay at the Top of the World Resort in Lake George, NY; tickets to a New York Giants game; and two signed footballs and many more. DFI is very appreciative of all the donors that made these prizes possible. DFI is grateful to long-time event sponsor Becton Dickinson (BD) of Franklin Lakes, NJ, and for the support of our other golf outing sponsors including Golfer Gift Sponsor: Express Scripts; Brunch Sponsors: Brake Parts, Inc., Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., and Cardone Industries; Golf Cart Sponsor: Amber Road Inc.; On Course Beverage Sponsors: Magna Care and Novo Nordisk; Hole Sponsors: Oritani Bank, Sullivan Engineering and M & T Bank. Many thanks to Cadillac of Mahwah, Jack Daniels Porsche and Tri-County VW for bringing their superb cars for holein-one prizes; and to all foursome sponsors. Next year’s event will be held on September 26, 2016. Please contact DFI at [email protected] or 201-444-0337 if you are interested in becoming a sponsor or participating in the event. Golfers from the Sullivan Greenberg Associates group.

The castle-like clubhouse of beautiful Ridgewood Country Club.

25th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Talent Competition Everyone is welcome to join the Diabetes Foundation for an evening of celebration. The 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Talent Competition will honor selected professionals who have been committed to the field of diabetes in New Jersey. Scholarships will, also, be given to fellows from NJ medical schools who are interested in pursuing a specialty in endocrinology. These scholarships will enable the awardees to attend the annual scientific diabetes conference. The talent competition is provided by representatives from hospitals and pharmaceutical companies and offers great entertainment for all guests. For more information: call 201-444-0337 or visit our website at diabetesfoundationinc.org.

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DFI Spreads The Word This Past November Through It’s “Program-A-Day” National Diabetes Month Initiative We all know someone with diabetes – a disease that affects 29 million Americans and almost 1 out of 10 people in New Jersey. The statistics are alarming: 1 in 3 people will develop diabetes in their lifetime, and about a quarter of people with diabetes don’t even know they have it. To raise awareness this past November during National Diabetes Month, the Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (DFI) hosted a “program a day” to reach out to New Jersey residents through health fairs, community events, seminars, and social media. Led by Program Manager Bonnie Starr, DFI staff and volunteers participated in events throughout New Jersey, working tirelessly to disseminate diabetes prevention and healthy living messages, and to increase the visibility of DFI programs and services available to the community. Each year, this initiative gives us a great opportunity to get into communities all over the state that we haven’t been able to reach before, and learn about their needs.

(left to right) ShopRite of Lincoln Park Dietitian Danielle Colombo, DFI Outreach Coordinator Marlene Korngold, DFI Volunteers Baeley Haught and Sophia Bishai

NJ Foot & Ankle Center Shows us their teal to support Diabetes.

Several organizations and individuals also served as valuable partners during this month to co-host events, publicize to the community, donate refreshments or products, offer expertise and education, and much more!

Special Thanks To: Books and Greetings of Northvale Cabot Cheese Cooperative CarePoint Health Center For Food Action of Bergen County Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church of Newark Community Food Bank of NJ Congressman Donald Payne and staff, 10th District Crunchmaster/TH Foods

Dee Tran, RPh, CDE Elaine Atkinson, RN, CDE Emily Johnston, RD, CDE Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE Food Bank of South Jersey Gluten Free Media Group Horizon Health NJ Care-A-Van Program Jackie Newgent, RD Janice Messick, RD, CDE Karen Donovan, RN, CDE

Kathe Olohan, RN, CDE Laura Cipullo, RD, CDE Liberty Science Center Liss Pharmacy of Newark Mary Eliza Mahoney Health Center Melissa Towey, POUND Fitness Menlo Park Mall Nestle/Boost Nutrition NJ Commission For The Blind and Visually Impaired- Project B.E.S.T.

NJ Foot and Ankle Center of Oradell O’Keefe’s Company Moisturizers Redex Industries/Udderly Smooth Products Regina Hanna, RN, CDE Riviana Foods/Carolina Rice ShopRite of East Orange, Fair Lawn, Lincoln Park, Newark, Hoboken and Manahawkin - Retail Dietitian Staff SoyJoy

SkyZone Trampoline Park of Pine Brook Sophisticated Hearing of Ho-Ho-Kus Valley Hospital Diabetes Center/ Home Care Verve Inc./Glee All-Natural Gum Wayne YMCA Weight Watchers- Northern and Western NJ WowButter Young Professionals For Diabetes- DFI

And of Course Our Wonderful DFI Staff, Volunteers and Interns Who Worked So Hard and Traveled Near and Far To Make This Initiative A Success!

Dedicated to improving the care and quality of life for people with diabetes.

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Name on card: _________________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________ Or make checks payable to Diabetes Foundation, Inc. • Tickets also available online at www.diabetesfoundationinc.org No substitution or cash in lieu of prize. Void where prohibited. Diabetes Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) Charitable Corporation. All taxes, fees, etc., are the responsibility of the winner. DFI, 13 Sunflower Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652 • Phone: 201-444-0337 Fax 201.444.5580, Email [email protected] ID No. 420-4-31229 RL#366

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Needymeds.com Announces Prescription Help for Everyone The Diabetes Foundation, Inc. is proud to partner with NeedyMeds, a national non-profit organization that maintains a website and Help Line of free information on programs that help people who can’t afford medications and healthcare costs. NeedyMeds offers information on 7,000 assistance programs, 15,000 free/low-cost/ sliding scale clinics and 1,500 drug discount coupons. NeedyMeds also publishes Disease Information Pages including a link to Diabetes Foundation, Inc. You will find links to medical information and resources as well as patient assistance programs for specific medications used to treat the disease, and programs that provide financial support for a wide range of needs related to the disease (meals, medical equipment, adaptation needs, and transportation).

NeedyMeds also provides a free drug discount card that offers a discount of up to 80% at more than 63,000 pharmacies nationwide. Anyone can use the card regardless of income level or insurance status and no registration is required. The same card can be used by friends and family members to save on prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and medical supplies written as a prescription and pet prescription drugs purchased at a pharmacy.

Contact NeedyMeds at 1-800-503-6897 or the website at www.needymeds.org for your Drug Discount Card today or for more information about the programs they offer.

Ask the CDE - Emily Johnston Question: After all of the holiday indulgences, should I try a detox diet to lose weight and cleanse my body? Answer: Detox diets are trendy, but they can truly put your health at risk. Some detox plans are expensive, requiring you to buy supplements, make shakes with exotic fruits and seeds, or buy pre-made drinks that cost as much as a whole meal. The healthiest detox is to simply increase your intake of fiber and water and decrease your intake of sugar.  Your body is quite good at detoxifying itself, it’s got entire organs that detoxify your system all day long (your kidneys and liver are hard at work even when you’re sleeping!). So don’t worry about “detoxing” with fancy products, just eat well, all year round, and your body will do the hard work for you.  If you have a heavy meal, a high sodium weekend, or just feel that you’ve gone a little overboard, try out my all natural “detoxifying” Hydration Salad. Other hydrating,

high fiber foods to try are jicama, watermelon, celery, radishes and peppers. Enjoy! A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a health professional who possesses comprehensive knowledge of and experience in pre-diabetes, diabetes prevention, and diabetes management. In-depth knowledge and extensive, hands-on experience are needed to acquire this certification.

Hydration Salad • 1 fennel bulb, cleaned and chopped (stems removed) • 1 small granny smith apple, washed and chopped • 2 small cucumbers, washed and chopped • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp fresh dill, washed and chopped • Juice of 1 lemon Combine in large bowl. Serve over green salad, on multigrain baguette, or just eat with a fork.

Emily Johnston MPH, RD, CDE, has been a dedicated presenter and volunteer with DFI for the past few years. She has a wealth of experience working in large healthcare organizations, medical offices and even within supermarkets and other community settings to provide effective nutrition and diabetes care counseling to those in need. She is an adjunct faculty member at Montclair State University and regular preceptor of nutrition students and interns.  .

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Can Diabetes Superfoods Work for You? By Chef Ward Alper, The “Decadent Diabetic” It is a Wednesday, hump day. But it is cold and rainy outside. Today may have been your worst day at work since you started back when you were 16. This morning, even your pet goldfish gave you attitude. The commute was a nightmare. To lift your spirits, you worked out at lunch and strained a muscle you didn’t even remember you had. The store tonight is packed and only half the checkout aisles are open. The scent of the hot pre-done pick up foods has invaded your nostrils. All you want to do is go home, settle in, and wrap yourself around a bowl of mac and cheese. Does not even have to be homemade, that blue box looks mighty good right now. Cold or not, an ice cream sundae would taste really good, wouldn’t it? And you know it will make you feel much better. Oh yes, right, you almost forgot, you have Diabetes and full fat and carb mac and cheese really is not the best choice, but you are in the mood to prepare a carefully planned meal about as much as having a tooth drilled. It is not just people with Diabetes that feel this way. Eating for the soul is part of everybody’s life regardless of dietary concerns. Here is a decadent rescue from the blahs: Get some boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. Brush them with olive oil. Add the juice and zest of half a lemon. Sprinkle them with some dried oregano or basil and salt & pepper (to taste, and monitor salt with your doctor’s advice). Bake them in the oven. While they are baking, make a tasty side salad--cut up a tomato, a few black olives, chunk up an avocado, tear up a little fresh basil and dress it all with the juice and zest of that other half of

the lemon and a little olive oil. Now what about that Mac and Cheese? A small portion of egg noodles with a little butter, fresh parsley, and parmesan cheese will work, or better yet, some spaghetti squash prepared with Cheddar cheese or a nice sharp American cheese will go a long way to fill up your plate and your spirit. Sit that next to the tomato avocado salad and the chicken and you have a great meal with enough carbohydrates left for dessert. Remember that Ice cream sundae you wanted? Pop a container of Low Carbohydrate GREEK STYLE Yogurt in the freezer for 15- 20 minutes (don’t let it freeze solid), spoon it out, top with fresh strawberries sweetened with a little TROP 50 orange juice and a few toasted almonds. Enjoy! Relax, watch the tube, read a book, and before you go to sleep, a cup of lemon ginger or lemon zinger tea to send you dreaming of the dessert you are planning for the weekend. Maybe a nice Diabetes-Compatible Amaretto cheesecake. Hey, maybe a Wet Wednesday in Winter ain’t so bad after all? Who knows, that pet goldfish of yours will love you again tomorrow? You may have Diabetes, but the world of scrumptious eating is really at hand if you are willing to open you mind and try a few new things. Enjoy, be healthy, be happy, be creative, be DECADENT!

Ward Alper is a chef who lives and eats DECADENTLY in Portland, Maine. Since his type 2 diagnosis more than five years ago, he has refocused his recipes and eating to support his health. He has maintained a consistent A1C of 5.2-5.3, while still enjoying the pleasures of eating. Ward shares recipes and more at his website, The Decadent Diabetic, encouraging fellow people with diabetes to expand their choices.

Recipe Corner: Greek Style Spinach Soup Chef’s Note: This soup is a cross between Greek chicken soup, and Italian Wedding soup. Bless those Mediterranean cooks! My advice is to double the recipe. It is as easy to cook a big batch and freeze it as it is to make it for one time. Besides, the frozen soup will help you out on a Wet Wednesday in Winter.

Ingredients

• 1 medium to large sweet onion Sliced (thick or thin, your choice) • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil • 2-4 cloves crushed garlic (depends on how much you love garlic) • Black pepper to taste

• Salt to taste • 2 Tablespoons flour • 2 quarts of low sodium chicken broth • Juice and zest of 2 lemons • 2 teaspoons of oregano (more if you have fresh)

• 1 teaspoon of basil (more if you have fresh) • 3 boxes frozen chopped spinach (thawed) • 36 small meatballs, cooked • Parmesan cheese to top each bowl at the end

OPTIONAL: 2 well beaten eggs In a good sized soup pot sauté onion in olive oil until soft but not brown. Add salt and pepper about one minute into the process. Add garlic and flour. Cook for one minute or so. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring so as not to have lumps. Add the juice and zest of the lemons and the cooked meatballs. Cook for 15-20 minutes on low heat. Raise heat, add the thawed spinach and bring to a boil.

OPTIONAL: at this point you can very slowly add the beaten eggs Pour into bowls and top with parmesan cheese.

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Non-Profit U.S. Postage

PAID Paramus, NJ Permit #874

13 Sunflower Avenue, Suite 1010 Paramus, NJ 07652 Tel. 201.444.0337 or 800.633.3160 www.diabetesfoundationinc.org CONNECT TO DIABETES FOUNDATION

Facebook: Diabetes Foundation Inc. Twitter: @DiabetesFndtn Instagram: Diabetes Foundation Inc. DISCLAIMER Diabetes is a serious disease requiring professional medical attention. The information and recipes in this newsletter, although as accurate and timely as feasibly possible, should not be considered as medical advice, or as a substitute for the same. Please follow individualized dietary guidelines and instructions as directed by your physician and/or health care team.

DON’T FORGETWE’RE HERE TO HELP! Please call us for more information on programs that can help your family, friends and neighbors! MEDICATION ASSISTANCE:

The DFI provides diabetes medications and supplies to uninsured or underinsured New Jersey residents, assuring that they are able to care for their diabetes while they secure more long-term aid from other sources.

CAMP NEJEDA PROGRAM: The DFI provides the funding to send children from the tri-state area to Camp Nejeda, a co-ed diabetes camp in Sussex County, NJ.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH: The DFI provides up-to-date information on diabetes and its complications, helping patients gain a better understanding of how to achieve and maintain a healthier life.

PATIENT SUPPORT SERVICES: DFI staff members connect with patients to provide educational information and resources for them to move forward, letting them know that they are not alone in the process.

The DFI Young Professionals, a cause-related subgroup of the Diabetes Foundation, Inc., raises health awareness about diabetes among young adults through networking, education and social events; it supports the mission of the DFI to provide diabetes medication assistance, support services, education and kids camp scholarships to those in need throughout New Jersey.

DFYP is looking for people ages 21-40 years old, interested in socializing, networking and having fun, while promoting diabetes awareness. Contact Us To Add Your Name To The List Or For More Information:

Phone: 201-444-0377 Email: [email protected]