PCH urges diabetes awareness for all

Mayor Nancy Michael has proclaimed Nov. 14 as World Diabetes Day in Greencastle, encouraging all local residents to be aware of diabetes risk factors, make healthy lifestyle choices and to provide care and treatment to those with diabetes. With her are (clockwise from top left) city clerk-treasurer Teresa Glenn, Putnam County Hospital's specialty clinic coordinator Elizabeth Newman, WDD event assistant Annie Glausser, diabetes education program nurse Annette Handy, and registered dietitian Sharon Black.

During American Diabetes Month, which is recognized every November, Putnam County Hospital is joining the American Diabetes Association calling for greater awareness to this growing epidemic.

Diabetes affects nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States and another 54 million people are at-risk including many in Putnam County. Alarmingly, someone is diagnosed with diabetes every 21 seconds in the U.S. Diabetes is not only a national epidemic, but is a global concern as more than 240 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Within 20 years, this number is expected to grow to 380 million.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, Putnam County Hospital will recognize World Diabetes Day with a community event from 2-6 p.m.

World Diabetes Day is a day now supported by the United Nations following the passage of the United Nations Resolution on Diabetes in December of 2006. Organized by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, it is celebrated every year on Nov. 14, which is the birthday of Frederick Banting, who along with Charles Best, first conceived the concept that led to the discovery of insulin in 1921.

Putnam County Hospital and the Diabetes Education program of PCH invite the community to join us for an afternoon of diabetes-related wellness information to aid with understanding of the disease and how to prevent or delay developing diabetes, or for anyone who has already been diagnosed with diabetes, how to best manage wellness.

The event is free to those attending and will be on the third floor in the new Community Conference Center at Putnam County Hospital.

The event begins with Welcome from registered nurse Annette Handy, Putnam County Hospital Diabetes Education program nurse educator who will discuss the global impact of diabetes.

Also on the schedule:

* Diabetes interest displays and wellness screenings begin.

* Free diabetes risk assessment, glucose and blood pressure screens. Glucose screens sponsored by Bayer Healthcare.