A Type 1 Teen’s Daily Essentials
This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Phil, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PhilRx http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
It’s been almost 7 years now since my oldest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was in August of 2010, a mere week into the start of elementary school, and I remember at the time being so overwhelmed with new information and the what if’s. I thought for sure our daily life would change drastically. Now that he’s a type 1 teen, however, I can say that while the diagnosis plays a part in our daily life, it doesn’t rule our life. In fact, we’ve found even more freedom with Phil.
Phil is a prescription refill service that delivers your ongoing prescription medication right to your door. After a simple sign-up process online, Phil will then do all the work for you. Your prescriptions transferred, insurance troubleshooted, as well as any chasing after doctors are all a part of what Phil does. So you don’t have to.
Phil also works work with community-based independent, local pharmacies that are highly-rated for their customer service. If there are any issues with your medication, they do all they can to make it right. As we found out from personal experience. It’s a service that’s essentially free to the customer, only with the same copay that you’re used to paying, and free shipping.
My son is a typical teen and just wants to be a normal kid, without worrying about insulin refills and test strips. Finding Phil is another greater step towards his independence. However, while our daily life doesn’t look nearly as different as I once feared it would, there are a few essentials that any type 1 teen needs on a daily basis.
A Type 1 Teen’s Daily Essentials
Medications – The list of his daily prescriptions is fairly substantial; with 2 different kinds of insulin, pen needles and syringes, a test kit with test strips, lancets, ketone strips, emergency glucagon injections, and so forth. It’s easy to miss a refill. I appreciate how Phil takes the take the burden off our shoulders. I can also easily manage our medications online, so there’s no more guesswork.
Snacks – Keeping a variety of balanced snacks on hand is vital. If a type 1 diabetic goes low on their blood sugar, they will need an immediate boost. The best kind contain around 15g of carbs and are loaded with protein. Since we’re not always going to be home, especially during the busy summer months, packs of non-perishable snacks should also be kept in the car as well as in a travel bag.
Fresh air – Get outside and play! One of the best pieces of advice that I received from a doctor when my son was in the hospital 7 years ago was to just let my kid be a kid. Don’t stress too much about numbers. Get him outside, splashing in the pool, trying new things, and enjoying the sun. Keep the test kit and snacks nearby, but put away. Move and laugh. Let your kid be a kid. Or, in our case now, a growing type 1 teen.
Switch to Phil
Do you have medications you need to manage? Find out what Phil can do for you! For first-time customers, Phil will pay up to $20 off your insurance copay, or $20 off the cost of the medication if you are uninsured, while supplies last.
I love this concept! It sounds so easy to use (and way easier than going somewhere to pick up your medications.) I don’t have regular medications to manage for myself, but I have several family members who have multiple medications.
Diabetes is such a serious disease. What a great look into the life of a teenager managing the illness.
I have taught a few students who had Type 1 Diabetes and I feel like this would have been very helpful for them to have and think about.
One of my best friends growing up had type 1. This post was so truthful! Its rough but manageable!
So much they have to worry about and keep track of at such a young age. I’m glad there are tools to make it all easier!
Omg dealing with diabetes must be tough!!! This looks like one handy tool to have on hand if you have diabetes!
I have no idea what the life is like for adults nor teens with Diabetes Type 1. I know that my oldest is at risk now, her levels are pretty high but for now we are doing diet, lifestyle changes. I have no idea what’s Type 1 and Type 2, I am sure it has it’s difficult days as a parent 🙁 Thank you for sharing, because it helps educate me (and others)!
Having everyhting he needs delivered is so cool. It saves you time from having to visit the pharmacy and being able to manage it online is great.
I had never heard of Phil before but it seems great to have if you have diabetes! I defnitely will have to pass it on to friends!
Love that they’ve made a tough situation a bit easier. Convenience is always a good thing in an already complicated or sometimes challenging situation.