[EeyoreButterfly]

Oops. Posted this on Chit Chat, meant to post it here:

I just accepted a summer/weekend job as roller coaster operator at a theme park here in the KC area. I was really hoping that my costume would come with a "rain pouch" like we had at Disney to keep my meter and tabs in since I know that heat can negatively affect me, but it did not. I'm calling One Touch tomorrow to ask for a replacement mini (mine got lost in the moving process) and I'm hoping that I can fit that and tabs in my pockets.

I'm wondering how best to address the issue. I know the supervisor of my ride and he already knows about my diabetes, but we haven't really discussed what that means. Any tips on not going low in this heat? I'm excited because I miss working in a theme park, but nervous because it's my first time working in the heat since diagnosis.

ETA: Temps here have been upwards of 100 degrees. I know my tabs won't be a problem, but will it cause issues with my meter/strips? I'm thinking that it might since my job will be in the sun and the upper range of the operating temp is 111. What can I do to keep it cool enough to not damage the strips and keep the meter operational when I need it?

[DeusXM]

One thing I would suggest is that perhaps you don't need your monitor near to you for the entire duration of your working day. I'm assuming that if you're testing, you're either going for a meal (ie. your break) or you're expecting a hypo, in which case you'd be leaving the vicinity of the ride anyway for safety reasons. So perhaps there may be somewhere nearby where you can leave the monitor and strips in a less toasty environment?

As for avoiding going low in the heat, the problem comes from the heat dilating your blood vessels to the surface of your skin, meaning insulin is absorbed more quickly. Since you're not on insulin I'd imagine that the heat will have less of a pronounced effect on you than you might think. My advice here would be to have either glucose tabs or even a bottle of regular soft drink to hand, and ensure that you know your hypo warning signs. Some people with hypos can 'feel' them coming for some time before they actually happen - if this is the case with you, use your body's natural detection abilities to prepare!

[EeyoreButterfly]

I'm going to have to have it with me because there is no where to keep personal belongings except the locker room. My ride is outdoors, so even if I kept it at the panel it will be in the heat. I want to keep it with me because if last summer is any indication, I am much more likely to go low when it is hot out. I want to be able to test if I feel like I am heading that way since I can normally feel myself dropping.

I know I'm not on insulin, but I've managed to have some doozies. I very clearly remember being in the park last year as a guest and on several occasions needing sugar ASAP and heading for the nearest sugary snack. I know now what was going on, at the time I did not.

[1Lollygagger]

Originally Posted by EeyoreButterfly

Temps here have been upwards of 100 degrees. I know my tabs won't be a problem, but will it cause issues with my meter/strips? I'm thinking that it might since my job will be in the sun and the upper range of the operating temp is 111. What can I do to keep it cool enough to not damage the strips and keep the meter operational when I need it?

Hi E.B. from a fellow local! Worlds of Fun, huh?

I'm sure you've seen or used the small, rectangular, foam-lined lunch boxes sold at stores like Walmart or Target. You could get one of these and put your meter and strips in it along with one or two of those little frozen "blue ice" things. That should keep the temperature inside much lower than the outside temps. In addition, you might want to shade the "lunch box" with a small umbrella to minimize the warming effect of the direct sunlight.

Best wishes!

[EeyoreButterfly]

I didn't know you were KC area! Yep, it's WoF, specifically the Patriot coaster. I don't think I can have a lunch box with me. Again, it would have to be kept in the locker which is a fair walk from my location. I was looking at some of the carrying cases on DLife, but it's hard to tell if they can fit in my pocket or not based on an internet picture. I may scope out Walgreens or CVS tomorrow.

For those who use the Frio wallets, how cold do they get? The lower end of my meter's operating range is 43 degrees. I'm assuming they don't get that low, but I would hate to have the opposite problem!

[kgm0612]

I'd ask your supervisor to make an exception and let you carry one of those small insulated lunch bags with you.

In the past, I've seen workers at Six Flags with coolers next to them so I'm surprised that this amusement park doesn't let their employees do the same.

Karen

[1Lollygagger]

Originally Posted by kgm0612

I'd ask your supervisor to make an exception and let you carry one of those small insulated lunch bags with you.

I agree with Karen, E.B. I'm not very knowledgeable about the "Americans With Disabilities" act but it might apply to your situation. As I understand it, employers are required to make "reasonable accomodations" for employees with certain medical needs. Contact the human resource manager at WoF and ask. If that doesn't do it, a letter on your behalf from a local attorney might be enough to persuade them.

Re: the Frio unit, it might work. I have one that I've used for insulin pens and they do cool the insulin. The Frio is, however, damp because of the water in the crystals and works best if exposed to air. On humid KC days, the high relative humidity will decrease the effectiveness of the Frio since it works based on evaporation. Warm, dry air helps evaporative cooling; warm and moist air retards it. Also, my Frio is black and black absorbs heat if exposed to direct sunlight. And, finally, the Frios, after a time, tend to develop a musty smell caused by mold spores.

Bottom line, I'd suggest that you try to get a small insulated cooler approved. If you promise the bosses that you will not be using it for food or drink, that should strengthen your case.

Good luck!