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CMH News |
WITH A FOCUS ON DIABETES PREVENTION, CORRY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL GENERATES PRE-DIABETES AWARENESS IN THE CORRY COMMUNITY
CORRY, Pa. (October20,2007) – November is National Diabetes Month. In the drive to increase awareness, many have heard and learned about diabetes and its increasing prevalence amongst people of all ages in the U.S.; but how many know about pre-diabetes and the fact that diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle changes at the pre-diabetic stage?
According to the Council of State Governments’ 2006 Healthy States Trends Alert, an estimated 41 million people in the U.S. have pre-diabetes (also called borderline diabetes), which is now at epidemic proportions; and nearly 21 million have the illness – indicating that approximately two times the number of people who have pre-diabetes are on their way to developing diabetes in its full form.
Doctors diagnose pre-diabetes when patients have higher than normal blood glucose levels that have not yet reached the diabetic level. By controlling weight and exercising regularly, individuals with pre-diabetes can avoid altogether or delay the onset of the disease – critical knowledge considering that diabetes is a lifelong, complicated illness once it manifests.
“Pre-diabetes is a condition that people can do something about,” said Ellen Rogers, RN, a Certified Diabetic Nurse Educator at Corry Memorial Hospital. “We are finding that adults are acquiring pre-diabetes at younger ages; and for those who have it, lifestyle alterations are the key to preventing and/or delaying worsening symptoms. Exercise, and watching food intake and weight are the three most important lines of defense.”
Rogers also indicates that more people in Corry are becoming interested in learning about pre-diabetes; and she makes rounds at community organizations, companies, senior facilities and elsewhere teaching on the subject. In November, for instance, she is conducting a presentation on pre-diabetes for the employees of Corry-based Foamex. Local organizations that are interested in scheduling a class can contact Corry Memorial Hospital directly at (814)664-4641
Corry Memorial Hospital utilizes diabetes education curriculum that is endorsed and approved by the American Diabetes Association, and offers classes on both a routine and monthly basis to individuals who have been referred by their physicians.
Each spring, Corry Memorial holds a five- to six-week diabetes support group in Union City, with a focus on diabetes management; and the same program is offered at Corry Memorial Hospital each fall.
About Corry Memorial
Corry Memorial Hospital, a non-profit organization with state-of-the-art health technologies, has been actively serving Corry and its surrounding communities since 1894. With 25 medical/surgical beds, 10 behavioral health beds and more than 25 health services for inpatient and outpatient needs, the hospital employs over 260 people and has 16 active staff physicians, 54 courtesy staff physicians and 75 nurses on staff. Corry Memorial Hospital’s overall mission is to provide community-based, quality healthcare services delivered in a courteous, compassionate and efficient manner. For more information on Corry Memorial Hospital, visit www.corryhospital.com, or contact the hospital at 612 W. Smith Street, Corry, Pa., 16407. Phone: (814) 664-4641.
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EDITOR’S NOTES:
More facts about diabetes and its impact on Pennsylvania are accessible via the following online reports:
The Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Plan: http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/diabetes_book_for_web.pdf
The Burden of Diabetes in Pennsylvania 2007:
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/Dibetes_burden_report.pdf
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Last updated on December 27, 2007 08:47AM |
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