Opinion

'Secrets' to avoiding or delaying onset of Type 2 Diabetes

Friday, March 4, 2011

Chances are that you are related to or at least know one or more people with Type 2 Diabetes. Currently, one in four people is affected by diabetes and predictions are that the incidence of diabetes will double in the next 10 years! That information should be enough to make all of us want learn anything we can about how to AVOID or at least delay the onset of this debilitating disease.

The good news is that research also tells us that it is actually possible to prevent or at least delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. By making better food and cooking choices and becoming more active, you have a fighting chance against getting this serious illness which is claiming more people each year.

Because we want citizens of Putnam County to know what can be done to be proactive before being diagnosed with Diabetes, the Putnam County Health Coalition has planned a one-day "Diabetes Prevention Health Conference" on March 16. The conference which will be held on the 3rd Floor of the Putnam County Hospital is being sponsored by the Putnam County Hospital, Purdue Extension Service, the Putnam County Board of Health, Johnson-Nichols Clinic and People Pathways as part of our local Nutrition Month observation.

The conference is open to anyone in the community who would like to learn more about Type 2 Diabetes and how to avoid, delay or manage the effects of this and other chronic diseases. The cost of the one day conference is $5, which also includes a healthy diabetic friendly lunch. Reservations are necessary and can be made in person or by phone to the Putnam County Office of the Purdue Extension Service at 209 W. Liberty St. Rm. 5, Greencastle, 653-8411. Reservations are due by March 11.

During the Diabetes Prevention Conference, participants will hear from Dennis Weatherford, CEO of Putnam County Hospital regarding the current status of health care and health costs; Dr. Elizabeth Brater, with North Putnam Family Healthcare in Bainbridge will speak about the prevalence and consequences of the diabetes; Purdue Extension Educator, Jackie Baumann and P.C.H. Registered Dietician, Sharon Black, will share information about the Dining with Diabetes Classes they teach each spring and fall. (The next series of Dining with Diabetes classes is scheduled for April.)

Other speakers and topics that will be included in the Health Conference are Rhonda Louderback of the Greencastle CURVES for Women and Joy Marley of People Pathways who will share information about both the importance of physical activity and about local opportunities for exercise of different types. Annette Handy, RN and Certified Diabetes Educator with Putnam County Hospital and Polly Shuee, RN BSN with the Greencastle School Corporation will discuss the increase in Type 2 Diabetes in children.

Diabetes screening will be available from 9-10 a.m. for those who attend the conference. To register or for more information about the Diabetes Prevention Health Conference call the Putnam County Office of the Purdue Extension Service at 653-8411. Although the $5 fee may be paid at the door the day of the conference, pre-registration is necessary by March 11.