November 04, 2009

Recession-Proof Ways to Test and Manage Blood Sugar
November is American Diabetes Month; to honor those who live with diabetes,

Healthy and affordable in the same sentence? For many, the combination seems impossible.

In honor of American Diabetes Month, Mercy Hospital Grayling is committed to teaching anyone living with diabetes simple, affordable and delicious ways to control blood sugar.

"Diabetes is a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation," said Rhonda Haske, RN, BSN, CDE and Program Coodinator/Educator for Mercy Hospital Grayling. "For many, the first step to living well means eating well."

The "Managing Diabetes on a Budget" workshop is one of three free events scheduled at the hospital. On November 9 and 17, free blood and glucose screenings will be available to the public. On November 18, the public is invited to learn more about local resources, medication assistance, diabetes supplies, and how to grocery shop wisely.

"The blood and glucose screenings paired with the 'Managing Diabetes on a Budget' workshop are meant to provide medical, lifestyle and motivational information to anyone whose life is affected by diabetes," Haske said. "These educational opportunities will help prevent diabetes from controlling your life and the lives of those around you."

In the "Managing Diabetes on a Budget" workshop, attendees will learn:

* How to utilize the AuSable Free Clinic for medication assistance
* About resources available locally through social services
* How to shop and cook on a budget
* How to compare prices for supplies

"Today, one out of every three children born faces a future with diabetes if current trends continue," said Haske. "Through these screening and the workshop, it is our hope to help turn those numbers around, one person at a time."
Free glucose and blood pressure screenings will be held at Mercy Hospital Graylings Diabetic Education Department on the following dates and times:
November 9 / 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
November 17 / 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

"Managing Diabetes on a Budget" is free to the public and will be held at the Mercy Grayling Crawford Room on November 18 from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Registration is required; call (989) 348-0453.

For more information about the workshop and the blood and glucose screenings, contact the Diabetic Education Department at (989) 348-0455.
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Contact:  Contact Carrie Gray
Director of Marketing and Communications
(989) 348-0594
cgray4@trinity-health.org