Diabetes UK

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NEWSLETTER February 2006

The committee wish all members a happy and healthy new year.

 

November Dinner

Sadly our chef Darren was taken very ill shortly before the event but Avril came to the rescue by hosting the meal as well as doing most of the shopping.  Thank you, Avril.  I know all those who attended enjoyed the evening.  Darren’s promised recipes for Baked Salmon with Horseradish Mayonnaise, Spinach and Cheese Squares, Bittersweet Chocolate Torte, and Date Bran Muffins  will be available at the next meeting.  If anyone who is unable to get to the meeting would like copies please let me know which ones you require and send me a stamped addressed envelope able to take several sheets.  By popular demand the recipe for the apricot and almond rolls is below.

The ingredients can make a small tart or square biscuits as well as rolls or any other form you choose.

Heat the oven to gas mark 5

Ingredients

Quantities will vary according to the number you wish to feed and the method you choose for baking but the quantities below will serve 4-6 people

Good quality filo pastry  3 full sheets            Honey         1 tablespoon

Ready to eat apricots       1/2 a packet            Pinch of cinnamon

Ground almonds     2oz                                   2oz melted butter

Chopped roasted hazelnuts       2oz   

 

Method

Brush each sheet of filo with the butter and lay on top of each other.

Chop the apricots finely and mix together with all other ingredients in a bowl.  For rolls cut the layers of filo into strips about 2 ½ inches wide and then into 3 rectangles. Spread a little of the apricot mixture over the filo strips and roll gently.  Lay the little biscuits on to a greased baking tray and brush with melted butter.  Alternatively you could roll the sheets like a Swiss roll and cut into rounds or create squares..  Cook for 15 to 20 minutes checking after 15.  Cool on a wire rack. Enjoy.

The biscuits will disappear quickly and are especially good served warm.

 

DIABETES UK PUBLIC MEETINGS.

Two meetings were held in our area at which plans for local support for Diabetes patients were outlined.  The meetings were quite well attended by people who had had no previous contact with the local group and several elected to join us.  We look forward to welcoming them at meetings.  The Roadshow at Guildford was also a great success, reaching many people who had questions which had not previously been answered.

These pioneering ventures will, I am sure, be repeated in 2006.

PODIATRY

Changes are to be made to the service as from March Ist 2006.  I have full details but the important elements are as follows:

Acute clinics will be available at Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals for foot ulcers, black toes, redness, swelling, infection, discharge and bleeding.  Access to these clinics is by telephone 01932 570507 or by referral from an Intermediate Clinic.

Intermediate Clinics will be held at local health centres and will assess patients with nail problems, corns, callous, blisters and unusual sensations in the feet.  Access to these clinics is by telephone 01932 570607

Community Clinics  will still be accessed by telephoning 01932 570607 there individual treatment plans can be arranged.

The intention is to ensure that, since resources are scarce patients are able to access the most relevant and efficient service.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

New members may not know that special bottles are available which should contain a copy of your most recent prescription and be placed in your fridge.  A green cross on the outside of the fridge door and another just inside your front door will alert ambulance crews in an emergency so that they know what medications you are taking.  I found this scheme very useful recently when Fred had a stroke.  The ambulance arrived so quickly and my thoughts were on packing him a bag so it was good that the crew saw the cross and asked for the bottle.  Bottles will be available at the March meeting if you wish to collect one.  They have generously been provided by Woking Lions.

 

SUBSRIPTIONS FOR 2006

 

These are now due to cover printing and postage of the Newsletter.  Please send a cheque for £3 made out to St. Peter’s and District Branch, Diabetes UK to Pam and enclose the form from your envelope.  We are grateful to Runnymede Association of Voluntary Services who photocopy the Newsletter for us at lower than commercial rates.