Diabetes-awareness program set
Planning Fayette Home Care and Hospice’s Diabetes Health Fair 2004 at Uniontown Hospital are (from left) Norma E. Simbra, R.D., nutrition consultant; Sue Shearer, R.N., certified diabetes educator, Fayette Home Care and Hospice; and Doreen Bugai, volunteer and patient advocate for Fayette Home Care and Hospice and the American Diabetes Association. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with diabetes, you should mark your calendar to attend the Diabetes Awareness Day 2004 sponsored by Fayette Homecare & Hospice at Uniontown Hospital from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16.
The prevalence of diabetes is on the rise in the United States. Closer to home in Fayette County, the number of diabetics diagnosed is on the increase, as the population ages and as significant numbers of area residents continue to be overweight.
“It is time to recognize that this serious disease (diabetes) has reached epidemic proportions locally,” said Sue Shearer, R.N., and certified diabetes educator for Fayette Homecare & Hospice.
According to current data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Fayette County has the highest death rate from diabetes than any other county in southwestern Pennsylvania, and southwestern Pennsylvania’s death rate from diabetes is dramatically higher than the state average.
It is the leading cause of adult blindness, end-stage kidney disease and amputations of the foot and leg. In addition, people with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Death rates are twice as high among middle-aged people with diabetes as among middle-aged people without diabetes.
“There is good news though,” said Shearer of Fayette Home Care’s diabetes treatment and education program. “Aggressive treatment from your doctor, combined with healthy eating, regular physical activity, taking prescribed medications and routine glucose testing can help delay or even prevent illnesses due to diabetes.
“I am confident that the information and services made available through this special event will make a real difference in the lives of people with diabetes,” she added.
Nicole Johnson-Baker, Miss America 1999, diabetes educator and advocate, will be on hand to speak with guests about taking control of the challenges that come with being diagnosed with diabetes.
Medical professionals will be conducting vision, hearing, foot, body fat, depression, stress and posture screenings. Informational presentations on medication, insurance, diabetes supplies, nutrition, endocrinology, bone density and exercise will be held in conference rooms throughout the hospital.
Representatives will be on hand to demonstrate low-calorie food preparation, syringes without needles, insulin pumps, glucose meters, neuropathy creams, special diabetic socks and shoes plus herbal medicines and vitamins.
Members of Fayette Home Care’s Diabetic Support Group will be available all-day long to discuss the benefits of support therapy and membership applications will be available for interested individuals. Membership in the group is free to community residents.
Free samples of various diabetes-related products will be on display, and participants are eligible for numerous prize drawings. Screenings and assessments will be conducted throughout the hospital. Diabetic refreshments and desserts will be served.
Volunteers will be available in the main lobby at the Uniontown Hospital to guide participants to their area of interest.
For more information about the Diabetes Health Fair 2004 or diabetic disease management, call 724-439-1610.