Nick Jonas has Type 1 Diabetes

Doctors really don’t know what causes Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes. Research is being done to explore both genetics and environmental triggers, but many kids who are diagnosed with diabetes have no family history of it at all.

Diabetes is manageable; kids who have this condition can live normal, active lives if they pay close attention to treating their condition. Diabetes can’t be cured, but its effects can be minimized. If your child doesn’t do this conscientiously, he or she might develop several undesirable complications. These can include:

• Neuropathy. This is nerve damage. It commonly causes problems in the legs, but it can also affect other systems in the body as well.

• Retinopathy. Diabetes can cause damage to the eyes, including causing blindness.

• Nephropathy. Nephropathy is kidney disease. Weak kidneys allow toxins to build up in the body and make a child sick.

• Heart Disease. Heart disease is more common to diabetics than non-diabetics. It can lead to other complications such as stroke, embolism, or heart attack.

So how do you know if your child has diabetes? There are some symptoms that all parents should be on the lookout for:

• Excessive thirst. Is your child constantly asking for something to drink?

• Frequent urination. If you find yourself saying, “Are you in the bathroom again?”…pay attention!

• Drowsiness or lethargy. They fall asleep over their homework, or they just can’t get the energy to do things they used to enjoy. If you’ve tried adjusting your child’s bedtime and it isn’t helping, bring this to your doctor’s attention.

• Sugar in urine. Obviously your doctor will have to test this, but it’s a pretty significant indicator.

• Sudden vision changes. The cells in the eyes are being attacked by the immune system, so vision decreases fairly quickly.

• Increased appetite. Are they suddenly hungry all the time, and can’t seem to get enough? They could be going through a growth spurt, as all kids do…but it could be diabetes.

• Sudden weight loss. None of that food is being processed like it should be. Instead of gaining weight, they might lose weight very quickly.

• Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath. The imbalance of sugar and insulin in the blood can come out in strange ways, including very sweet breath.

• Heavy, labored breathing. Your child might find it hard to catch his or her breath, even if they aren’t doing anything strenuous.

• Stupor, unconsciousness. If diabetes goes too long without being diagnosed, it can cause kids to faint or, in extreme cases, fall into a coma.

Taken alone, most of these symptoms seem harmless, but together, they could indicate the presence of Type 1 diabetes. Don’t be afraid to bring them up to your doctor; he or she can judge whether there’s anything to be concerned about. The sooner you start treatment, the more likely your child is to live a normal, active life.

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It is estimated that more than 180,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Unfortunately, that means one out of every eight women could be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.*

As part of Bright Starts ongoing effort to support breast cancer awareness, education and research, the company announces its third annual Bright Starts Pink Power Mom search. The contest honors eight mothers who have survived breast cancer and used their experience to make a difference in the lives of others who are also affected by the disease.

Nominate a Mom

A Bright Starts Pink Power Mom is a breast cancer survivor or someone who is currently battling breast cancer. They are role models whose distinct stories influence and inspire women’s awareness and involvement with organizations dedicated to finding a cure.

Bright Starts selects eight Pink Power Moms every year and honors each woman with a prize package including: a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice; a gift bag that includes signature Pink Power Mom fleece and canvas bag; a $200 American Express gift card; and a variety of Bright Starts products. The women are also featured in a national print advertisement and their stories are profiled online at www.pinkpowermom.com.

Nominations will be accepted online at www.pinkpowermom.com through June and winners will be announced at the end of August.

An Inspiring Story

Amy Paterson, a 2008 recipient of the Pink Power Mom recognition, is one woman whose story captures the spirit of the program.

When her son Jonah was 2 ½, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As Amy spent months completing chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and physical therapy, she realized that there was an unmet need for onsite hospital childcare.

Together with two other moms, Amy started My Little Waiting Room™ to bring drop-in childcare to hospitals. My Little Waiting Room will make it easier for families to keep appointments and get the medical care they need. The first My Little Waiting Room is expected to debut this year in Portland, Oregon. Bright Starts will be a brand partner for infant products in the facility with the donation of baby gear and toys.

“There’s no doubt that breast cancer changes your life,” said Paterson. “Thanks to the support of my medical team, my family and friends, I am a survivor. Helping other families to better make and keep medical appointments through My Little Waiting Room is how I’ve chosen to give back. With the help of Bright Starts, I hope to make a positive, meaningful difference for families in the same way that so many people helped mine.”

The Pink Connection

To supplement the Pink Power Mom program, Bright Starts will donate a portion of the proceeds from its top-selling Pretty in Pink™ Collection to support breast cancer research. The collection features 11 new items including the Bounce-A-Bout™ Activity Center, Swing Anywhere™ portable swing, Activity Jumper and an assortment of new toy items.

“We are proud to celebrate the lives of extraordinary women who have overcome breast cancer and recognize those who illustrate their unwavering devotion to finding a cure,” said Ryan Gunnigle, President and CEO of Kids II, designer and manufacturer of the Bright Starts brand. “Hosting this search is just one small effort to honor women who are making it possible for today’s baby girls to have a bright, healthy tomorrow.”

Pretty in Pink Collection products range from $4.99 to $79 and are available at leading U.S. retailers and online.

Press