How to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

On January 22, 2010, we received word from my daughter's pediatrician that changed our lives. My youngest child had a blood glucose level of 550 and needed to be hospitalized. Her diagnosis is Type 1 diabetes. While we had to make a multitude of changes to help Emily with her chronic condition, I also had to make definite changes in my life so I would have the strength and energy to care for my daughter.

Physical Health

By that summer, I realized if I didn't find some ways to alleviate the stress, I would surely become ill myself and I wouldn't be any good to anyone then. So I started taking walks again in the evenings, something that had gone by the wayside. I left the iPod at home so I could meditate while I walked. Then Emily and I started taking Zumba at the Y. I conferred with a certified natural health practitioner and raw chef who helped me start a clean eating program. I went to Whole Foods and enlisted the aid of an employee in the nutrition section who helped me find the right nutritional supplements such as probiotics to help me feel better. The stress-related stomach aches and hives I was experiencing seem to be gone for good. I'm able to sleep better and get lots more accomplished during the day.

Spiritual Health

Always a believer and practicing Catholic, I felt bereft by my daughter's diagnosis. Somehow my faith waivered and I wasn't sure it would ever be rock-solid again. But I've heard it said "keep the faith" so that is what I did. I continued to pray, attend weekly mass and even implement pilgrimages to a nearby Abbey for Eucharistic Adoration and meditation. I could feel the stress leaving my body a little bit at a time. My prayers were being answered.

Emotional Health

In order to learn as much as I could about this disease, I began attending a monthly, local diabetes support group. One of the moms told me that her husband asked her whether every newcomer has 'the look' when they come to their first meeting. I knew what he meant but for those of you who don't - 'the look' is one of shock and fear mixed with a lot of sleepless nights as you try vigilantly to wrap your brain around what's happening to your kid. The support group was instrumental to learning about Type 1 diabetes from other parents who had been there. The group was helpful, supportive and caring and it has been an incredible blessing for me.

Mental Health

I began to trust that Emily would be okay when she went to summer camp or visited her grandparents or spent the night with a friend. I had to let go and let her be a kid and just trust. So from time to time she takes a few trips away and I am taking advantage of time to relax, see friends and enjoy life again - just a bit.

Type 1 diabetes is here to stay and I need to be at my optimum physical and mental health to help Emily control it.