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Diabetics and caregivers in New Bern and Craven County are encouraged to participate in a free self-management health promotion program at the New Bern Senior Center, 811 George Street, starting Tuesday’s, January 24 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The program, called Living Healthy with Diabetes, can help participants to better manage their diabetes. Individuals will learn how to manage blood sugar through proper diet, exercise, regular foot inspections, medications, and regular hemoglobin A1c monitoring during the course of the six-week program.
In North Carolina, nearly one in five people have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in our state and mortality rates are higher for men and for African Americans. According to the North Carolina Diabetes Prevention and Control program, this particular chronic health disease costs our state $5.3 billion annually, including medical care, lost productivity, and premature death. Direct medical expenditures total $3.6 billion.
Risk factors for type two diabetes include age (people over the age of 45 are at higher risk for diabetes), family history, obesity, lack of regular exercise, race and ethnicity (African, Hispanic, and Native Americans are at a higher risk), a history of having diabetes during pregnancy, low level HDL or good cholesterol, or high triglyceride level.
Managing a chronic health condition like diabetes can be challenging, but there is hope! The Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging and Craven County Senior Services has teamed up to offer this workshop for free! Participants will receive a book called Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, and a relaxation CD.
For more information, contact the Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging at 252.638.3185 ext. 3015. You can also register for the workshop by contacting Craven County Senior Services at 252-638-1790.
Submitted by: Jillian Hardin, MPA, CIRS-A, Aging Specialist, Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging, 233 Middle Street, New Bern