'Diabetes Alert Day' set to raise awareness
Sunday, March 25, 2001
Steamboat Springs — Health official believe one-third of the 16 million Americans who have diabetes go undiagnosed.
In an attempt to raise awareness about this chronic disease, Yampa Valley Medical Center will be sponsoring its second annual Diabetes Alert Day on Tuesday.
The hospital plans to offer free blood glucose screenings in its conference center between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The main indicator of diabetes is high levels of glucose, or sugar, in the blood.
Along with the blood screenings, the hospital will also have Lila Henry, a certified pedorthist, give free foot exams.
The exams are scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m.
"It is crucial for people who have diabetes to take care of their feet," said Jane Dickinson, who is the program coordinator of the hospital's Diabetes Education Program. "Diabetes affects circulation and nerves. Feet are particularly at risk for infections, poor wound healing and eventually amputation."
Along with the screenings, medical center officials will also be available to give information to people who do have the disease or want to learn more about it.
Dickinson, a certified diabetes educator, will also give a presentation during a noon luncheon. Dickinson will give a presentation called "Eighty Years of Insulin."
The hospital will also have displays of the newest diabetes treatment technology, and take-home information will be available.
For more information about Yampa Valley's free event, call 871-2555. Preregistration or fasting is not necessary.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Requires free registration
Posting comments requires a free account and verification.
Or login with:
OpenID