Desensitized to Danger: Navigating the Reality of Gun Violence (Episode 9)
Trigger Warning: Gun violence is a discussed topic on this podcast episode.
Have you ever stopped to think about how desensitized we've become to the harrowing reality of school shootings?
In this episode, host Lisa Brooks shares a personal and thought-provoking experience that may hit home for many of us as she delves into the difficult task of discussing the unimaginable with a child.
Celebrating Diaversaries: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection (Episode 5)
Ever heard of a “diaversary”?
In this episode of the “Perspectives from a Pomegranate” podcast, host Lisa Brooks reflects on her son's upcoming diaversary, a term that refers to the anniversary of being diagnosed with diabetes.
From Hives to Hope: Getting to “Bite Proof” - Food Allergy Awareness Week (Episode 3)
Did you know that 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children have food allergies?
In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, host Lisa Brooks takes us on an eye-opening journey of living with food allergies. As a mother of a child with multiple severe allergies, she recounts heart-stopping moments when her son experienced allergic reactions and the painstaking efforts she undertook to create a safe environment.
Navigating Halloween With Food Allergies and Type 1 Diabetes
Halloween — Most of the day revolves around food… and costumes. While a lot of parents are simply enjoying the day, parents of kids who have food allergies or Type 1 diabetes (or both) have more to think about than a costume.
Should I Use WiFi Or Cellular Data With Dexcom?
We were at the pool with another Type 1 family recently. They had just started using a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and we were talking about how helpful it is for a variety of reasons. The mom’s biggest frustration was how often “I lose data when following my daughter’s blood sugar remotely.”
Food Allergies Sometimes End in Tragedy
In the past week alone, I’ve seen three stories about food allergies causing a life-threatening reaction. Three. And those are just the ones I’ve picked up on via social media. Two of those stories had happy endings, and sadly, one did not. Clearly I’m not privy to the details of each situation, but based on what has been shared publicly, here are my observations.
Epinephrine Injectors Don't Always Work
Epinephrine injectors don’t always work. Yes, that’s what I said. Let it sink in. Epinephrine injectors don’t always work. This blog post was inspired by a post from a mom, Misty Gardner, in a food allergy support group. Her son just had a severe reaction during an accidental exposure to dairy and wound up in the Intensive Care Unit. Fortunately he is okay, but I was so moved by her experience and desire to educate others that I reached out to ask if I could share her story more broadly.
Defining Acceptable Risk For Our Children
Being a parent is tough for a lot of reasons. One of them is the worry most of us have about something bad happening to our children. We live in an age of school shootings and other tragedies. For those of us whose kids have life-threatening health conditions or other special needs, that risk can weigh heavily on our minds.
Going Back To School - With Type 1 Diabetes and Food Allergies
It’s that time of year – the return to school. While most parents are worrying about “the right” backpack or lunch box, parents of kids with special needs like Type 1 diabetes or food allergies are generally thinking about so much more than that.
Great Job, Waze! Love Your New Child Safety Feature
I love Waze for navigation. It recommends routes based on traffic patterns, allows me to opt for carpool/HOV choices, and alerts me to road hazards. Beyond that, a new feature allows you to set a reminder to check for your kid upon arrival.
When You're On The Phone With Someone Experiencing Hypoglycemia
It’s happened a few times…and again just now, which reminded me of how I approach this situation. A very competent member of my son’s healthcare team called late in the evening. After chatting for a few minutes, I asked why this individual was at work so late. The response was, “I take my time…and I’m low.”
Recent Food Allergy Recalls
Stop here to look at recent food allergy recalls. Even the products we know, love, or trust can make mistakes... Please Note: This list is not comprehensive. We attempt to maintain it regularly, but there may be errors or omissions.