|
RPMH, SNCHD team up to help fight diabetes |
|
Written by Amanda Moreno
|
|
Thursday, 05 November 2009 |
Diabetes is a controllable disease, and sometimes preventable.
November is American Diabetes month and a chance to raise awareness.
Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital has a Diabetes Outreach Program, which is run by Alice Velez.
"The more you learn the more you are going to be in control," Alice Velez, Diabetes Outreach Program director, said
The program has been active for 10 years. Through the program patients can receive information and counseling on the basics of diabetes. They can learn how to take care of themselves and how to monitor blood sugars.
"Each person is different and they have to decide what is going to work for them," Velez said.
The process isn't necessarily easy, but it can be done. Diabetes can be controlled by eating better, monitoring blood sugars and having an exercise schedule.
"It's the little changes that can make a difference, and possibly prevent diabetes," Velez said.
Rolling Plains has partnered with the Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department and Sweetwater Intermediate School to educate fifth graders and their parents on the risk factors of diabetes.
The program was started in 2006 and serves as a way to educate parents on the risk factors that their children have.
"If we can educate at least one parent, then we are serving a purpose," Linda Kite, public health promotion coordinator, said.
This year 116, of the Sweetwater Intermediate School fifth graders participated in the program. The parents are provided with a form that lists three risk factors and is asked to return it. Once the information is compiled, Kite and Velez figure the risk factors and send results to the parents. Once the results are mailed, a short program is held at SIS.
"We encourage the parents to attend so that we can explain the results and give them some information on diabetes," Kite said. "Some parents just don't want to hear it, but the best way to control it is by knowing about it."
The program will be at SIS, on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 5:30 p.m. The screenings will be explained, health information will be talked about, and questions will be answered.
"This is a chance for parents to ask questions and receive some answers," Kite said.
Through the Diabetes Outreach Program, people with diabetes have access to help with their glucose meters, advice on monitoring their levels, and an explanation of tests that need to be taken during the year.
"It's important to have a yearly eye exam because vision can be affected, and often times people don't catch it until it's too late," Velez said.
The program has pamphlets of information, in English and Spanish. They also offer blood pressure checks. A support group also meets once a month to discuss nutrition ideas, areas that need to be focused on, and other helpful information. All services are provided free of charge.
Screenings are also done twice a year at the health department.
"Monitoring your blood sugar is important because once the problems get severe it's difficult and sometimes impossible to fix them," Velez said.
It is estimated that by 2050, 48 million Americans will be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
"Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, and alot of it has to do with the obesity problems that we are having," Velez said.
According to Texas statistics, 1.7 million people, 18 years and older, have been diagnosed with diabetes. Nationwide there have 19.8 million people, in this age group diagnosed. There is an estimated 425,157 adults that are undiagnosed.
The Diabetes Outreach Program is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until noon. To set up an appointment call 235-1701 extension 306. |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 November 2009 )
|
