Fannie Allen is someone more acquainted with helping others than with accepting help. As a patient with diabetes, she’s also proud that she continues to be able to live independently. Part of the secret to her success is the daily use of a Health Buddy appliance.
Fannie says the Health Buddy appliance is simple to use and very educational: “It takes me ten minutes or less to answer my Health Buddy appliance. The questions are very important. I like it asking me a question, then telling me about the same thing, then asking again—the repetition and rephrasing helps to increase my knowledge. I like the variety of questions; it gives me something new to think about.”
Fannie has received several commendations and honors for her volunteerism in the area of human rights, and she prides herself on her continuing thirst for knowledge. She feels that the content assists her in keeping her mind sharp, noting that “I’ve learned a lot—the changing questions keep me informed of what’s vital to know, and I’ve learned that it’s life-threatening if I don’t manage my diabetes. The Health Buddy appliance makes me feel good, that I’m on the right track.”
Most importantly, Fannie states that “Health Buddy appliance has helped me stay out of the hospital—I know to watch my carbohydrates and sugars.” She knows that her care providers at the Council on Aging, Silicon Valley, are looking out for her as well. “If I have a high blood sugar, my nurse will call me out of the blue and ask how I’m doing.”
Does she ever want to be without the Health Buddy appliance? Fannie says simply: “The Health Buddy appliance gives me hope for our seniors and disabled people. I’ll keep it forever.”
