CH-F acknowledges National Diabetes Awareness month
November is National Diabetes Month and the American Diabetes Association is asking
Americans the question, “Why should you care about diabetes?”
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse gives a staggering statistic that
will get people caring: Nearly one-fourth of Americans over the age of 60 are diagnosed
with the disease.
In 2007, 17.9 million new cases of diabetes where diagnosed, reports the American
Diabetes Association on their website.
Karen Wedlock, RN, is a Certified Diabetes Educator at Community Hospital-Fairfax.
She explains the hospital’s Diabetes Self Management class is a great tool for individuals
living with diabetes.
“Our Diabetes Self Management classes involve all aspects of a healthy lifestyle
for our patients,” Wedlock said.
Classes include education on exercise,
stress, meal planning and monitoring blood sugar. Wedlock says these topics are
“all key aspects in dealing with chronic diabetes.”
Class topics also include taking medication, problem solving, healthy coping and
reducing risks. Community Hospital-Fairfax specialists work to provide programs
suited to the specific needs of patients.
Community Hospital-Fairfax plays an active role in the lives of its diabetes patients.
Through the Diabetes Self Management classes, Community Hospital-Fairfax equips
its patients with nurses and dieticians who are certified diabetes educators and
also with an exercise specialist and a pharmacist.
For more information, contact Holt County Outpatient Services in Mound City, Mo.
at 660-442-5134 or Community Hospital-Fairfax, 660-686-2211.