Outside Resources
Online links and more for health educators and clinicians
Free texts for new moms
Text4baby is a free mobile texting service of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition (HMHB) to help women through their pregnancy and their baby’s first year. Participants receive free text messages each week, in English or Spanish, timed to their due date or baby’s date of birth.
This service is made possible through a broad, public-private partnership. It is truly free because the participating phone vendors cannot charge for the texts. Text4baby was honored in August 2010 with a US Department of Health and Human Services HHSinnovates award presented by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at a ceremony in Washington, DC.
Expectant mothers can register from their cell phone by texting BABY to 511411 or at http://www.text4baby.org/register.html.
Recognition for extraordinary nurses
The DAISY Foundation was formed in 2000, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). In memory of the skillful and compassionate care Patrick received from his nurses, the DAISY AWARD for Extraordinary Nurses was started.
DAISY Award recipients are nominated by their peers, physicians, patients and families, and other staff and administrators. They receive a certificate, an award pin, a hand-carved stone sculpture and the hospital receives a large celebratory banner hung in the recipients unit for a month. The presentation generally takes place in the nurse’s unit, often as a surprise to the honoree.
The foundation offers a turn-key package to participating organizations. For more information and a detailed outline on how to implement the program and present the award, go to http://www.daisyfoundation.org/0210_informationrequests.html.
Here’s a sample YouTube video of one award honoree
Women with diabetes unite
DiabetesSisters is an organization managed by women who are living with diabetes. The are dedicated to the mission of improving the health and quality of life of women with or at risk of developing diabetes, and to advocate on their behalf. DiabetesSisters offer a range of education and support services including a forum, blogs, expert advice forums, medication and appointment reminder programs, a free newsletter, local meet-ups, and a national conference series.
While it is extremely important to have support from friends and family it can be crucial to have an ongoing relationship with someone who also faces the same daily challenges of living with diabetes. They offer SisterMatch, a program that pairs participants with a peer of similar age, has the same type of diabetes, and is in search of someone with whom they can share the diabetes journey.
BOOK REVIEW
Diabetes Rising: How a Rare Disease Became a Modern Pandemic, and What to Do About It
Award-winning medical journalist Dan Hurley explores why a once rare disease is exploding around the world, and why doctors focus so much on treatment, rather than cures or prevention. Hurley tracks the history of diabetes from ancient times, when it was rare, to today and outlines five likely causes. He then looks at approaches that may lead to significantly better management, a cure, or significant rates of prevention.
Much of what Hurley writes is eye-opening, some is controversial. Even if you don’t agree with his positions, you’ll find them fascinating and thought provoking. Available at Amazon.
Healthcare Without Walls (Pt. 2)
Health Literacy
Do We Really Want Educated Patients? (Pt. 2)
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