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Diabetes--A Growing Problem
The number of diabetes cases in the U.S. is rising at an alarming rate. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 4,100 new cases are diagnosed every day in America.
Programs to teach people how to manage their diabetes are becoming more crucial so that people can maintain their quality of life. Penobscot Valley Hospital in Lincoln has its own, locally operated diabetes education program and continues to enhance it to meet the needs of the region.
“It’s a need that’s not going to go away,” says hospital spokesperson Allison Bankston. “That’s why we’re determined to keep offering new seminars, activities, and ongoing education to help as many people with diabetes as possible learn to live healthy, active lives.”
Most major insurance companies cover the cost of the educational program at PVH, because it is the only initiative in the region recognized by the American Diabetes Association. “The insurance companies realize it reduces costs in the long term,” says PVH Dietitian Mark Robinson.
The biggest component of the program at PVH is Diabetes Self Management Education. The programs are offered at least four times a year—more if the demand is there. Each program includes 4 sessions, with varying times and days of the week, depending on the time of year it is held, to accommodate a wide range of people. The sessions help people learn about glucose, insulin, treatment options, complications, medications, and psycho-social behaviors, and the participants learn to establish their own healthy lifestyle goals. The Diabetes Self Management Education program also includes a 3, 6, and 12 month assessment to make sure the participants have all the tools they need to successfully manage their diabetes over time.
Another program offered in conjunction with the education classes is Diabetes Physical Activity. These fun, active sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00-9:30 a.m. at the PVH Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in downtown Lincoln. PVH RN Diabetic Educator Sherry McCafferty leads these classes. “It’s so important that people with diabetes engage in regular physical activity as part of their lifestyle. It’s as important as meal planning and glucose monitoring.”
Throughout the last couple of years, PVH has helped sponsor a variety of special seminars to help people with diabetes, including cooking classes, and the hospital continues to look for new ways to reach people throughout the region.
Dietician Mark Robinson and RN Diabetic Educator Sherry McCafferty are available to speak to any community groups which might want to learn more about the PVH program or diabetes management in general. If you would like more information about the PVH diabetes education programs or the speakers, call 794-7311. |
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