Thank you, Erin Palinn, for coming to our meeting in October. Erin is the Registered Dietitian at Longs Peak Hospital, and she did her homework to understand the nutritional needs of ostomates. Our discussion included topics on sodium (should strive for 2,000 mg throughout the day), probiotics (jury is still out on benefits for ileostomates, but research is continuing), protein and collagen (great information on collagen peptides and their daily benefit), and protein drinks with high sugar content (not good! The sugar causes the drink to pass too quickly). We were so happy to have Erin join us, but sad that she’s leaving the Denver area. Good luck on your next adventures!

Mike Okada from Native Roots will be our next guest speaker. Native Roots has expanded and now has multiple locations throughout Colorado and the Front Range. Mike is the General Manager of the dispensary in Longmont. He spoke to our group about three years ago, and this time we have asked him to specifically address questions and concerns surrounding the CBD explosion. We will meet at Longmont United Hospital, Gauguin Room, on November 7, 1:00 pm.

Short Bowel Syndrome Study (SBS)

The UOAA has posted the following information regarding a study for those with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS):

Takeda Advisory Board Opportunity – Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
Takeda will be hosting an advisory board to gather feedback from those living with or caregiving for someone with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). The feedback and insights collected from this advisory board will help Takeda shape future materials, initiatives, and offerings for the SBS community. This feedback is critical in helping Takeda best serve the community, and we are currently looking for additional SBS patient and caregiver attendees to participate in the advisory board. In addition to coverage of travel and lodging costs for the meeting, attendees will receive compensation for their time and participation at the advisory board. Criteria for participation includes: 

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Diagnosed with, or caregiving for someone diagnosed with, Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)
  • Willing and able to share his or her experiences with Takeda and its agents
  • Ability to travel to advisory board location within the continental United States

 If you or your members may be interested in participating in this program, please let them know they can call Snow Companies at 1-844-247-1640 or email Anna@mypatientstory.com to discuss their interest in the program and to see if they are eligible. Please note that candidates will go through a screening process; not everyone screened will be able to participate. We appreciate your help in making interested individuals aware of this opportunity.

Ostomy Dictionary for Travelers

Traveling abroad and want to be able to communicate about your ostomy needs? Want to help someone but having a language barrier? The European Ostomy Association provides a dictionary of ostomy terms in 19 languages. From German to Polish, and even Arabic! It’s published in German, but it’s pretty easy to follow along if you have the English template to follow. Good to have in your suitcase if you’re traveling overseas!

UOAA Advocacy Research Study

The UOAA is conducting its first-ever research study to examine components of UOAA’s Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights to demonstrate best-in-practice standard guidelines for ostomy care. The data collected will help to make improvements to the underserved ostomy population. 

They are seeking voluntary participants to complete their survey. They are recruiting as many ostomy patients as possible, including those that are members of ostomy support groups and/or in UOAA’s community including the Advocacy Network. Participation should take approximately 12 minutes. There are no risks or benefits.

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/uoaa-patients

If you have any questions, you can reach out to Jeanine Gleba, UOAA Advocacy Manager at ostomy.org.

Ostomy Myths

October 5 was Ostomy Awareness Day, and there were many articles about Ostomy Myths. One of my favorites was from the blog Blood, Poop & Tears. Originally compiled in 2011, it made the rounds again this year, and I love that it’s not taken too seriously. The author is no longer supporting this website, but the information is as good now as it was then.

Apple Watch Hard Fall feature

Do you own an Apple Watch? I recently bought one because I wanted the Hard Fall feature. This is a feature that Apple has incorporated that sends an emergency signal to 9-1-1 and an emergency contact that you designate, should it detect a fall. But it is only available on the new iWatch Series 5 (the Apple sales guy actually said not to even bother with the Series 4). I ended up buying a Series 3 watch anyway, just because I didn’t want the added expense (and the Series 5 Watch has only been available for a couple of weeks). But already there have been news reports of a bicycle rider falling and the iWatch calling emergency services to help. Something to consider if you have a fear of falling. (Posted simply for information because I am an instructor with the Stepping On program to prevent falls for seniors. This is not an endorsement)