I’m Going To Keep On Truckin’
Today is the 5th Monday of the Month and I decided to share a Brian Color Conflict Resolution experience with you. My goal is to encourage you, as I did, to challenge yourself and change your Brain Color Perspective.
Yesterday, my friend and blog mentor, Karen Hanrahan and I had a blog brainstorming session. Karen is a “Blue Brainer.” I affectionately call her “Caringrace” because she lives her life with care and grace, and generously offers both gifts to others.
Karen and I were discussing my blog and how I could increase my blog readership, reach out to others and share my Brain Colors with my readers. We discussed my enthusiasm for my What Color Is Your Brain? book and workshops.
Then, Karen suggested that I examine the diabetes community and my passion to offer educate, comfort and encourage to the adults, children and the families dealing with the challenges of diabetes. Our discussion touched my “Blue Heart!” “Caringrace’s” gently escorted me from a place of discomfort to one of excitement and energy to share my experiences, knowledge and passion to help others, as my family and I have been helped. I am most grateful for “Caringrace’s” encouragement!
Our “Blue Brainstorming” allowed me to develop a “Yellow Brain” Plan, use my “Green Brain” to process the information that made sense in my head and my heart, and experience my “Orange Brain” change to excitement about future blog posts. Now, I have a plan to write a weekly post relating to diabetes management, education, research, events, support and resources. 
20 Million American have diabetes, and almost 1/3 of those individuals are undiagnosed.
The synchronicity of my decision was immediate. This morning, Jean Kroupa, BSN RN COHN-S/CM and the Director of Education for IAOHN (Illinois Association of Occupational Health Nurses) I had a conversation about my What Color Is Your Brain? Keynote Presentation for the IOHN Conference on October 2, 2008.
Jean and I have previously talked about my commitment to diabetes research and education, so I knew she would appreciate hearing about my decision to write more blog post about diabetes. Then, Jean, who works with truck drivers, told me…”if a truck driver is diagnosed with Type 1 insulin dependence, they are not no longer allowed to drive a truck… they lose their job.”
I clearly understand the serious safety issue of a driver having a diabetic reaction and his or her judgment becoming impaired. They could be a danger to themselves and others. However, the information was still disturbing.
An American Diabetes Association Journal report states: “Addition to a life on the road, which limits dietary options and exercise opportunities, commercial truck drivers with diabetes face a complex and largely adverse regulatory environment. Drivers who work across state lines are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.
Until recently, FMCSA regulations completely prohibited licensing of commercial interstate drivers who require insulin therapy. However, under recent legislation, FMCSA was mandated to consider exemptions for insulin-using commercial truck drivers who could demonstrate an ability to safely operate commercial motor vehicles, and, in September 2005, the first four waivers were granted.”
The ramifications to the drivers (who may not be able to afford or obtain health insurance), their families, the companies they drive for, and ourselves are shocking!
Trucks haul virtually all consumer goods in the United States!
Diabetes has become an epidemic in the United States!
I believe, we need to create a greater awareness of this insidious disease and the complications it creates for a multitude of individuals.
Please, join me on my journey. I encourage you to share my diabetes blog posts with others. You never know who you might be helping to resolve a conflict or change their perspective about diabetes.
Meanwhile, I’m going to Keep On Truckin’ to create a greater awareness and offer education, comfort and encouragement to everyone who deals
with the “highs” and “lows” of diabetes!
Sheila N. Glazov ~ Author ~ Speaker ~ Educator
Please, visit my website to learn more about your Brain Colors, my books and workshops.
Flickr credit for diabetes buttons
Please Spread the Word
I have a feeling that we will have many more opportunities to foster and encourage each other’s success.I was delighted to prompt you. I treasure the friends we have become along the way. I admire all that you are up to.
“Caringrace,” I know we are going to create copious opportunities to encourage and celebrate one another. Our friendship was a lovely surprise! I’m enjoying our “Blue Brain” mutual admiration society, which we fill with giggles and gaggles of glee! I’m excited and curious to see what our next “Orange Brain” adventure offers us!