Local church hosts diabetes seminar
A local church has planned a diabetes seminar for tonight, hoping that members of the community, both old and young, will turn out to learn about the disease. The Shiloh Church of God in Christ at 55 Butler St. in Uniontown is hosting the seminar, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Church member Betty Saunders said information about diabetes is important for people from all walks of life.
“It’s a very important issue. It doesn’t pick and choose. It’s young, it’s old, it’s middle age,” she said.
Carmen Jenkins, a registered nurse from Brownsville General Hospital, will present the information and have literature available. Jenkins will discuss how people with the disease can manage it through simple things like changes in diet, Saunders said. She will also accept questions at the end of the presentation.
According to the Web site for the American Diabetes Association, the disease is caused when the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that converts sugar, starches and other foods into energy. What exactly causes the condition is uncertain, according to the association.
Current estimates show 18.2 million people in the United States have diabetes, although nearly one-third of the people are unaware they have it, according to the site.
Church pastor the Rev. Allen Johnson said anyone in the community is welcome to attend the free discussion, “especially those who might have just been diagnosed.
“People need to be aware of the dangers of diabetes. It’s known as the silent killer,” Johnson said. “This (seminar) could help them take care of themselves, nutritionally, by changing their eating habits and being more aware.”
The church is hosting the seminar in lieu of its usual Bible study, and Saunders said it could become part of an ongoing program.
Anyone who wants to attend the seminar but does not have a way to can call Saunders at 724-437-9902 or the church at 724-438-2601.
“There are so many things about diabetes we don’t understand, and there are so many people who are at risk,” she said. “We hope to enlighten people.”