City, hospital plan World Diabetes Day event

Friday, November 7, 2008

Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray signed a proclamation Thursday afternoon in support of World Diabetes Day. This event is an official United Nation's World Health Day celebrated each year on Nov. 14. It was created in response to concern over the escalating incidence of diabetes around the world.

Surrounded by staff members Windy Wah, Annette Handy, Jennifer Bedwell and Sharon Black from Putnam County Hospital, the Mayor, in her proclamation, encouraged all residents of Greencastle and Putnam County to help fight diabetes and its life-threatening complications by increasing awareness of the risk factors for the disease, making healthy lifestyle choices and providing care and treatment to those who suffer from it.

"This special day brings together millions of people in over 160 countries to raise awareness of diabetes, its treatment and prevention. Diabetes is the biggest public health crisis of the 21st century and continues to grow to epidemic proportions," said Registered Nurse and Diabetic Educator Annette Handy.

"Nationwide 23.6 million adults and children, or 7.8 percent of the population, are living with diabetes including many in Putnam County. 17.9 million of those have been diagnosed with another 5.7 million living with the disease undiagnosed. If current trends continue, one out of three Americans, and one in two minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime," she added.

November also marks American Diabetes Month (ADM). The ADM 2008 focus is on the deadly complications of diabetes and asks the American public "Why should you care about diabetes?" Chances are, you-or someone you love-have been affected by diabetes in some way.

To address local healthcare needs, Putnam County Hospital and Humana Healthcare have partnered for the second annual World Diabetes Day event. It will be held on Friday, Nov. 14 from 8 a. m. to noon at Putnam County Hospital in the third floor Community Conference Center.

Wellness screens will be available for blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol, BMI, vision and foot screening. Additionally, there will be booths from a wide variety of program partners with information as to how to best manage and prevent diabetes.

Speakers at the event include Annette Handy, RN, Putnam County Hospital Diabetes Nurse Educator discussing the global impacts of diabetes at 9 a.m.

At 10 a.m, Windy Watt, MSN APRN FNPC with Putnam Pediatrics and Internal Medicine will speak to the audience regarding "Why the Numbers Count." She will address the potential complications of under-managed diabetes and explain how to lower the risk for developing these often life-altering complications.

Sharon Black, RD PCH Director of Nutrition and Dietetics will begin her program at 11 a.m. to discuss proper nutrition in managing diabetes.

Participants who wish to make a reservation for the free lunch following the program may register by calling 765-655-2583, extension 1. Deadline for lunch registration is Monday, November 10. The day's events are free and the community is welcome.

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