As part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology has announced three special events planned for residents and their loved ones interested in learning more about diabetes and prediabetes risk factors, treatment and disease management.
“Steps to Take to Control Diabetes” is the subject of a free Ask the Expert presentation, November 9 at 2 p.m. in the Kent County Public Library in Chestertown. Participants are encouraged to bring family members or other loved ones for this small-group presentation that will include time for questions and answers with Anna Antwi, CRNP with the UM Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology.
An open house set for Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 1-4 p.m. in the Education Center of UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, will feature presentations on Medicare and Medicare Supplement Questions Answered, Understanding the New Food Label, Pre-diabetes and Benefits of Physical Activity in Managing Diabetes. Guests will also be able to meet and talk with vendors offering a variety of diabetes care products as well as with providers and educators from the UM Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology. Healthy snacks will be served.
On Monday, November 28, at 1 p.m., Mary King, nutrition services coordinator at UM SMC at Chestertown, will lead a special diabetic-friendly grocery store tour at Redner’s Market, Washington Square in Chestertown. “This tour helps people learn how to ‘shop smart’ and select foods that will help them manage their health and avoid complications,” says King. “A diabetes diagnosis can seem overwhelming, but there are shopping strategies that can help you fill up your cart with the right foods to maintain your best health.”
To register for the Redner’s tour, call 410-778-3300, ext. 2295
Recent studies indicate that 9.9 percent of Kent County residents have diabetes. “This is above the national and Maryland state-wide averages,” says Chrissy Nelson, certified diabetes educator at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. “Also, more than 25 percent of people who have diabetes are undiagnosed and unaware that they may be experiencing damage to their heart, eyes, kidneys, and limbs. Diabetes Awareness Month is a great time for us to share information that will help reduce the prevalence of this serious disease and also enable those who are diagnosed to avoid serious complications and maintain their best possible health,” she adds.
Interested community members also are welcome to attend the Diabetes Support Group, Tuesday, November 29, 6:30 p.m., in the Conference Center at UM SMC at Chestertown. The support group offers information and peer support for anyone interested in learning more about managing diabetes.
For information Diabetes Awareness Month activities or to sign up for the Redner’s tour, call the UM Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, 410-822-1000, ext. 5195.
About UM Shore Regional Health:As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,600 employees, medical staff, board members and volunteers work with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.
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