November is Diabetes Month
What is diabetes? : The body does not make or properly use insulin.
Why do we need insulin? : It moves glucose from the blood into cells for energy.
What happens in diabetes?: There is not enough insulin, or the insulin is not working properly, high blood glucose results in : low energy levels; dehydration; and complications.
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disorder (your body fights itself) where the insulin-producing cells are destroyed. You need daily insulin to survive. Most common in children and adolescents. This is treatable but not preventable.
Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance. Something happening in the body makes the insulin not work properly. Risk factors are overweight; inactivity; genes; ethnicity. Most common in adults but increasing in youth. May or may not require insulin. Can be preventable with a healthy lifestyle.
Common signs and symptoms of diabetes
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Dehydration
- Blurred vision
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Excess drowsiness or fatigue
- Irritability and mood changes
- Yeast infections in girls
How to lower your risks for Type 2 Diabetes?
- Eat healthy food MOST of the time.
- Avoid overeating.
- Seek out whole fruits & vegetables.
- Avoid processed foods & snacks
- Increased physical activity. Ideally 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
- Drink water instead of juice or soda.
Applications are now OPEN for Down Syndrome Association of Delaware's fifth annual Adopt a Family Program! If you are a Down Syndrome Association of Delaware family in need of some extra support, we want to help you! This includes families experiencing financial, medical, or general hardships associated with having a family member with Down syndrome. *Please note that this program is only open to families of individuals with Down syndrome*
DSA is also accepting applications for donors! If you would like to lend a helping hand this holiday season, please check out the link below for more details
To find out more information, eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit: https://www.dsadelaware.org/for-families/adopt-a-family/.
Applications are due Friday, November 15 - don't miss out!
SODE Fall Sports Festival - November 2nd
Location: St. Andrews (Middletown, DE)
Opening Ceremony starts at 11:00 am
Click here for more information
Sensory Friendly Skating - November 3rd
Autism Delaware is hosting a sensory-friendly skating event at the
Christiana Skating Center in Newark, Delaware.
The roller rink will be equipped with dimmed lights, reduced noise levels, and a welcoming atmosphere to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.
Admission is $5 per person, and that includes skate rentals.
Admission is required for all guests.
Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Register today so you don't miss the chance to enjoy a morning of roller skating fun!
Sunday November 3rd
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Click here to purchase tickets.
SODE Winter Sports Season Sigh-ups
Register here before November 15th
Winter Sports: Basketball, Figure Skating, and Snowshoeing
REINDEER RUN AND ROMP 5K
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Deadline to register is Saturday, Nov 30! Register here
Pre-registration required - there will be no day-of/walk-up registration.
This family-friendly 5K has something for everyone! From casual walkers to elite runners, to those just looking for fun and festivity while supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware.
Zoom Dance Fitness
Monday Nights 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Sign up now to workout with Coach Jacque starting October 7, 2024. Coach Jacque will guide you through fun exercises and share easy nutrition tips you can follow right from home.
Sign up here to receive the zoom link.
A-Team DE Updates
The A-Team DE Resource Directory is now live! We’re excited to share that our website now features a brand-new Resources page. Simply click on "Filter Resources by Topic" and browse alphabetically to find the information you need. This is an ongoing project, so stay tuned for updates on how you can contribute your ideas!
Ari Avila - Spanish Outreach Director, Down Syndrome Association of Delaware
Down Syndrome Association of Delaware is a non profit organization in Delaware providing support, resources, information and events throughout all year long for families with individuals with Down syndrome. Ari Avila is fluent in both English and Spanish and is very eager to connect Spanish speaking families and share resources. Please reach out to Ari at 302-455-8705 or spanish@dsadelaware.org for more information.
Managed Care Organization (MCO) Call
Does your Medicaid Managed Care Organization’s (MCO) plan meet your child’s care needs?
Does your Medicaid Managed Care Organization’s (MCO) Care Coordinator help you resolve issues you are facing with your child’s care or help you find additional resources and supports specific to your child’s needs?
If you have questions or would like to discuss concerns, issues or gaps in services with your child’s Medicaid MCO providers, Highmark Health Options, AmeriHealth Caritas, or Delaware First Health, join Parent Information Center of Delaware and MCO Representatives on this monthly MCO call, and let your voice be heard.
Register here
- From the Parent Information Center of Delaware
Personal Emergency Profile Sheet
This is a great tool from the National Autism Association to share with family, friends, school staff, first responders, etc. Download here to personalize for your child.
