NO VACATION FROM DIABETES - Significant Health Problem In West Virginia

(01/06/2004)
There are no vacations from diabetes.

It is with you 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

The biggest barrier to dealing with diabetes is feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to know in order to manage the disease.

Diabetes is very demanding. You have to make some big changes in your life, and you are supposed to maintain those changes every day - forever.

Taking care of yourself is hard, but help is available.

"I've Got Diabetes. What Do I Do Next?" is the theme of the next Diabetes Education and Support Group. Physician Assistant Mark Hewitt will discuss some basic scheduling and monitoring issues.

You will learn how medication for Type 2 diabetes interact with food, exercise, stress hormones, and your body's own insulin in determining your blood glucose levels. Please bring all of your diabetic medicines.

The Diabetes Education and Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month. Because January 1 was a holiday, the group will meet on Thursday, January 8 at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting will take place at Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center in the Education Room, located in the annex and upstairs from the Health Department.

There is no charge for attending the support group. Refreshments will be provided and there will be drawings for door prizes. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Mariko Hewitt, Outreach Coordinator, at 354-9244, ext. 235.