FAQ
Walks, Weather, & Waves
Is diving proven for T1 & T2? The DAN Medical Research Department began its own project to study the issue of diving with IDDM because of the work done on St. John a long time ago. After a hurricane had destroyed the destination camp, they had to stop. Now is a great time to start again on St. Thomas, with much better accommodations for the adult groups we register.
Why should I consider the Stem Cell options, still experimental? Degenerative disorders arise from degeneration or wear and tear of bone, cartilage, muscle, fat or any other tissue cell or entire organ. This can occur for a variety of reasons, but aging is the most common cause. These disorders can affect any organ of the body but one common degenerative disorder is diabetes. Naturally forming in all live births the remining cord stem cells can be added to your circulatory system so they may migrate to where they are needed most. As a consequence of diabetes several organs may be affected but the intended goal is to help them recover naturally. These adult stem cells are undifferentiated totipotent or multipotent cells, found throughout the body after embryonic development. Never will an unborn child be harmed.
Can stem cells cause cancer? Teratomas (a form of tumor) are extremely rare, usually benign, and related to embryonic cells, not the adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that we utilize in our stem cell option.
Is a retreat right for me? Knowing that retreats can get expensive, think about why. Is it because you are having trouble getting started making lifestyle changes and need a renewal or recharge? A retreat may provide the extra push to cope with lifes challenges or to prove that you need a fresh outlook.
Do I have the money to invest in an expensive, specialized retreat? Life is short and we want to capture the best lifestyle possible. Be aware that some programs can cost up to $11,000 or more. The optional wellness procedures will be quite costly.
What about travel insurance? We would advise that you get travel insurance. That is going to be best purchased through DAN.org where we ask you to join in advance of attending our retreats.
What do I need to remember to pack? Any dietary requirements and snacks for the journey Diabetes ID Medication – bring twice as much in case any go missing. It is important that you don’t put your medication in the hold of the aircraft if you are flying – keep everything in your hand luggage to stop it freezing in the hold Bring a spare meter and spare batteries if you use a pump. Buy cooling packs to keep your insulin in.
What do I need to consider before I travel?
Medication – divide your medication supplies in case abag goes missing. Visit your GP or specialist for information on vaccines and how the local weather might affect your condition. Ask your GP for a letter stating that you have diabetes and explaining that you need to carry syringes, injections and any other medication – sometimes there is a charge for these letters so ask if your letter can be written in such a way that it can be used more than once.
Can I wear my POD? “The Pod is still waterproof with an IP28 waterproof rating for up to 7.6 meters up to 60 minutes,” per the manufacturer. We do not wish to lose it by accident underwater so all epidermic attachments will be removed be they a monitor or otherwise. Prior to scuba dives, keep in mind all manual sugar levels will be necessary to maintain for a minimum of 4 hours and up to as much as 8 as accommodated by the dive shop protocols aboard their vessels.