A whole industry has grown up around freeing diabetics to lead less restricted lives. Tubeless insulin pumps, a needleless blood-glucose monitoring system, and diabetic-friendly frozen foods are among the innovations helping people with the metabolic disorder to live lives on the go.

With the number of diabetics growing worldwide - 246 million at last count, according to the World Health Organization - businesses are motivated. In 2011, diabetes therapeutic products were a $23.7 billion dollar industry feeding a growing population that's starving for a better quality of life, says Chef Robert Lewis, "The Happy Diabetic," author of two cookbooks for people with the metabolic disorder.

"It wasn't long ago that Type 1 diabetics had to be sure they packed ample sterile syringes and insulin, whether they were going to work for the day or on a road trip," he says. "Monitoring blood sugar levels, which is crucial to keeping vital organs healthy, was painful, primitive and hit-or-miss.

"And food? That's been the hardest. A diabetes diagnosis can feel like a life sentence of bland eating."

Among the "firsts" Lewis says diabetics can look forward to:

• The first tubeless insulin pump. Thirty years ago, people with insulin-dependent diabetes had to give themselves shots around the clock to control their blood sugar levels. In some cases, diabetics were hospitalized to ensure they got the insulin necessary to prevent ketoacidosis, a condition that can lead to coma and death. In 1983, the insulin pump was introduced. It attaches to the body and provides continuous insulin injections. But while it was a major breakthrough, it can be bulky and awkward, with a dangling catheter. The most recent innovation is a streamlined version called the OmniPod. It has no tubes, it's smaller and it attaches anywhere on the body with adhesive. It also has a built-in glucose-monitoring system.

• The first needleless glucometer. The Symphony tCGM System uses ultrasound to monitor blood-sugar levels, which will free people from the painful pricks needed to get a small blood sample for testing multiple times a day. The device, which attaches with adhesive to the body, continuously tracks glucose levels day and night and can send the readings to your smart phone. Under development for more than a decade, Symphony is undergoing the studies necessary to win regulatory approval.

• The first diabetic-friendly frozen meals. Meals-in-a-Bun (www.lifestylechefs.net) are low on the glycemic index, low in sugar and carbs, high in soluble fiber, low in trans fat, high in lean protein and low in sodium, Lewis says. "And the best thing is, they are delicious."  The five varieties - two vegan and three vegetarian - include selections like Thai Satay, mushrooms, broccoli and tofu in whole-wheat flax bun. "This is particularly exciting because, while there have been advances in equipment that makes life easier for diabetics, there haven't been for convenient, packaged foods."

Diabetics who do not watch what they eat may wind up suffering kidney damage, stomach problems, heart disease, pneumonia, gum disease, blindness, stroke, nerve damage, complications during pregnancy, loss of limb and other health problems, according to the CDC.

But many Americans are trending toward healthier diets, eating less meat, gluten, salt and sugar, Lewis says. Tasty foods developed for diabetics will be excellent choices for them, too.

"What's good for diabetics is good for everyone," he says. "And you don't have to give up one teaspoon of flavor.

"There's a reason why I am called 'The Happy Diabetic'; I have discovered the joy of nutrition-rich food."

About Lifestyle Chefs

Lifestyle Chefs is a Santa Clara, Calif., company specializing in creating meals inspired by world cuisines and using only natural, healthy and nutritious ingredients. Lifestyle Chefs' products are all vegetarian and diabetic-friendly, perfect for families who want fast, convenient meals that are low in calories, high in nutrition and robust in flavor. Chef  Robert Lewis, "The Happy Diabetic," was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1998. He specializes in flavorful recipes that won't spike a diabetic's blood sugar.

ALI AL SALEM, KUWAIT (08/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Nearly 60 days after arriving in Kuwait 10 Illinois Army National Guardsmen became members of a proud tradition during a right sleeve insignia ceremony at the Army Life Support Area (LSA) post chapel Aug 15.

For most, this was a second and third right sleeve patch awarded, but for one Soldier it was his fourth time, said Maj. Jeff Walden, Theater Gateway deputy director.

"This is my fourth deployment, but first time to have a ceremony." he added. "It reminds you of the importance of the mission."

For Spc. Kaila McConkey, an Arcola, Ill., native, it was the first time in her nearly four-year enlistment to receive the right sleeve patch.

"I feel that becoming a veteran and serving is one of the greatest and most important things that anyone can ever do," said McConkey.

The right sleeve insignia or combat patch was first introduced during WWII. Since that time Soldiers who have deployed to a combat area, or as a combat support element overseas, have earned the privilege and honor of wearing the right sleeve insignia.

"We may be here in a combat support role, but the role here is sending Soldiers into the fight," said Sgt. Maj. Diane Rogers of Girard, Ill., Theater Gateway sergeant major, "I've served in Afghanistan and know what they (Soldiers) are up against."

Col. David L. Jones, 113th Sustainment Brigade commander, attended the ceremony to show his support and add a few words of encouragement.

"Yes, you are a small unit, but your mission is enormous," said Jones. "We are warriors first and logisticians second."

The Illinois Guardsmen are deployed to Kuwait for a nine-month long rotation. Their mission, according to Lt. Col. Natalie Northern of Springfield, Ill., director of the Theater Gateway, is to provide transportation, billeting and accountability for U.S. servicemembers, DoD employees and contractors entering and exiting Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan for deployment, redeployment, rest and recuperation, emergency leave and temporary duty.

Photo caption: Lt. Col. Natalie Northern of Springfield, Theater Gateway director, receives the right sleeve insignia of the 113th Sustainment Brigade from Col. David Jones the 113th Sustainment Brigade commander, at the Army Life Support Area post chapel in Kuwait Aug 15. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua S. Edwards)

Use of "perc" now subject to tougher safety measures

CHICAGO - August 24, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to impose tougher safety measures on the use of perchloroethylene (a solvent commonly known as "perc") by dry cleaners. House Bill 4526 requires dry cleaners to use "best management practices" while using the solvent. The law is backed by the dry cleaning industry, environmentalists and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

"If improperly handled, dry cleaning solvents can seep into our groundwater and skies, and pose a threat to workers," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will help protect our drinking water and we salute the dry cleaning industry - and especially the Korean American Drycleaners Association - for partnering with environmental advocates to get this done."

Sponsored by Rep. Michael Zalewski (D-Summit) and Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), this legislation includes improved control and containment systems, better training, and more comprehensive reporting. The law will require all new dry cleaning machines, beginning in 2013, to have "primary and secondary" control systems to reduce the concentration of perc, and to have sealed containment structures to contain leaks or spills by 2014.

"This legislation will significantly reduce future contamination of wells used for drinking water through improved handling and disposal of perchloroethylene through practices that are reasonable and affordable to the thousands of drycleaners across Illinois, many of which are small, family-run businesses," said John Kim, Interim Director of the Illinois EPA.

"We've known about the dangers of perc for years, so, as an elected official, an Illinois resident and a parent, I am glad we could produce an agreement among small business owners, the Illinois EPA and the General Assembly to protect Illinoisans from this potentially harmful chemical," said Rep. Zalewski, who helped lead the negotiations.

Under the new law, each dry cleaning facility will be required to have at least one person trained in "best management practices" to be present when operating dry cleaning machines. The training must be approved by the Illinois Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Council. Proof of training must be available at the dry cleaning facility and a refresher course must be taken every four years.

"Protecting the purity of our state's drinking water is a serious duty," said Sen. Steans, Vice-Chair of the Illinois Senate Environment Committee. "This law will modernize the dry cleaning industry and prevent perchloroethylene from reaching our faucets."

Perc - used for dry cleaning since the 1930s - was the first chemical to be classified as a carcinogen by a federal agency. Wellwater tainted by perc in the Village of Crestwood put the issue front-and-center in 2009. Of the 47 public health warnings issued by the Illinois EPA and Department of Public Health, 36 were due to detection of perchloroethylene.

"This bill is an example of what can happen when people in the dry cleaning industry, environmental advocates and concerned elected officials come together with a common solution," said Sung Kang, Chairman of the National Drycleaners Institute and past-President of the Korean American Drycleaners Association. "This new law provides protections to both the environment and the industry."

The new law requires more reporting and transparency. Dry cleaning license renewals must include certification that all hazardous waste is being stored and transported lawfully. Manufacturers of perchloroethylene and other solvents sold in Illinois will be required to provide the Illinois EPA with information so that the Agency can determine if such chemicals are posing a health risk to the environment.

"We were able to bring all stakeholders to the table and arrive at a triple win for Illinois: protecting public health, preserving the environment and bringing economic stability to the dry cleaning industry," said Melville Nickerson, Staff Attorney at the Environmental Law and Policy Center, who led negotiations on behalf of environmental groups.

"This bill will help prevent the hazardous dry cleaning chemical perc from contaminating groundwater, while also helping vet safety of new dry cleaning chemicals that may come along to replace perc," said Max Muller, Program Director at Environment Illinois. "We applaud Governor Quinn, the Illinois EPA staff, and the dry cleaning industry for their leadership on this."

There are 994 licensed dry cleaning facilities in Illinois. Last year, about 45,000 gallons of perchloroethylene were purchased in Illinois. The Illinois Drycleaner Environmental Response Trust Fund Council has classified only three dry cleaning solvents as being "green": carbon dioxide, Propylene Glycol ("Solv-Air") and "Green Earth."

Proponents include the Illinois EPA, Korean American Drycleaners Association, National Drycleaners Institute, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Illinois Environmental Council, Environment Illinois, Sierra Club and others. The law is effective immediately.

CHICAGO - August 24, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to strengthen protections for people who participate in online dating services. Senate Bill 2545 creates the Internet Dating Safety Act, which puts new safeguards in place for those using an Internet dating service. Today's action is the latest by Governor Quinn to increase public safety in Illinois.

"With online dating becoming increasingly popular in the 21st century, it is important to make sure its participants are safe and aware of potential risks," Governor Quinn said. "This new law will help keep Illinois citizens both financially and physically safe from predators they may unknowingly encounter when using an Internet dating service."

Sponsored by Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), Senate Bill 2545 requires Internet dating services to let users know if they do or do not conduct criminal background screenings. If they do conduct screenings but continue to allow members with criminal convictions access to services, the service must state that screenings are not "foolproof." The law also requires Internet dating services to provide a safety awareness notification to its members.

The law is effective immediately.

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