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
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
WIN A 2017
Only
3,000 Tickets
$100 Per Ticket
PORSCHE 911
DRAWING ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2016
JACK DANIELS PORSCHE
355 ROUTE 17 SOUTH • UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ
See the Porsche 911
on display at the
New York International Show
March 25 - April 3, 2016
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Name: _______________________________________________Telephone:__________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________City/State/Zip: ______________________________________
_____# of tickets at $100 each = $ ________ (total amount)
q Amex q Visa
q MasterCard
q Discover Card No.___________________________________ Exp. Date_________
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
5
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. .
6
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.
7
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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
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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]