Diabetes Event Planned at Wellness Center
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. One in 10 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 30 million people. Another 84 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Nov. 1 marks the beginning of American Diabetes Month®, the American Diabetes Association’s annual awareness campaign.
Holzer is hosting a Diabetes Awareness Event at the Holzer Therapy and Wellness Center in downtown Gallipolis, Ohio on Saturday, October 27 from 9am to 10:30am. A variety of educational materials/booths will be available, in addition to a Walk With a Doc at 10am featuring Suzanna Duncan, NP, Endocrinology, and Charles Davis, MD, Pediatrics. Both providers will discuss information on how to prevent and manage diabetes in adults and children.
During the event on October 27, Holzer Family Pharmacy will offer a flu clinic for individuals age 18 and up. Insurances can be billed for the shot as well as cash payments accepted.
Holzer offers Diabetes Self-Management Classes in Gallipolis, Jackson, and Pomeroy, Ohio, and a Diabetes Support Group, which meets on the first Thursday of the month in Gallipolis. “Educating our communities on how to properly manage and prevent diabetes is crucial,” stated Beverly Jarrell, RN, Diabetic Educator, Holzer Health System. “As a diabetic, I am excited to offer this type of event for our communities, as well as bring more awareness of the classes and assistance Holzer offers for diabetics. I encourage individuals who want to check out the wellness center, ask questions about diabetes, or who are looking for a support as they deal with a diagnosis of diabetes to visit us on October 27.”
The American Diabetes Association offers these five tips for diabetes prevention.
1. Incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle. There are many benefits to regular physical activity. Exercise can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar, and boost your sensitivity to insulin, which helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range.
2. Eat plenty of fiber. Fiber helps reduce your risk of diabetes by improving your blood sugar control, lower your risk of heart disease, and promote weight loss by helping you feel full. Foods high in fiber include fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and nuts.
3. Go for whole grains. Whole grains may reduce your risk of diabetes and help maintain blood sugar levels. Try to make at least half your grains whole grains. Many foods made from whole grains come ready to eat, including various breads, pasta products and cereals. Look for the word "whole" on the package and among the first few items in the ingredient list.
4. Lose extra weight. If you are overweight, diabetes prevention may hinge on weight loss. Every pound you lose can improve your health, and you may be surprised by how much. Participants in one study who lost a modest amount of weight — around seven percent of initial body weight — and exercised regularly reduced the risk of developing diabetes by almost 60 percent.
5. Skip fad diets and just make healthier choices. Low-carb diets, the glycemic index diet or other fad diets may help you lose weight at first. But their effectiveness at preventing diabetes isn't known, nor are their long-term effects. And by excluding or strictly limiting a particular food group, you may be giving up essential nutrients. Instead, make variety and portion control part of your healthy-eating plan.
For more information on Holzer’s Diabetic Services or to sign up for the classes or support group, call Beverly Jarrell at 740-446-5971 or email bjarrell@holzer.org.
Photo is of Dr. Davis, Pediatrics.
Photo is of Suzanna Duncan, NP, Endocrinology.
