PCH offers new support group

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A support group for families with children living with diabetes will be offered by the Putnam County Hospital.

When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, the family may be frightened, sad and even angry. Those feelings are normal. The entire family is impacted by such a diagnosis in their choices and action taken.

"The mission of the Youth and Family Diabetes Support Group is to provide the support needed and the ability to network with others to develop strategies to better deal with lifestyle choices," stated diabetes educator and registered nurse Annette Handy.

Putnam County Hospital will hold the first support group meeting at 6 p.m. March 19 on the third floor in the community classroom of the hospital.

The first meeting will allow families to meet and discuss the needs of the group to guide further sessions. Light snacks will be provided, and children are encouraged to attend.

The children will be given the task of officially naming the support group during the first meeting.

Future meetings will be held the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. in the same location. Dates are as follows: April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.

For more information about the group or diabetes self-management education, contact Handy at 765-655-2583 ext. 1 or at lahandy@pchosp.org

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