Aloha … from BethCDiabetes Support Group offers speakers, special topics
After 25 years caring for area residents,
Dr. William Minsinger retires from Gifford
RANDOLPH, Aug. 26, 2009 – Gifford Medical Center’s Diabetes Support Group will once again feature some presentations from experts and more formalized discussions on topics relating to diabetes.
The new support group format begins on Sept. 1 at a new time: 11 a.m. to noon in the hospital conference center. All support group meetings are on Tuesdays. The fall schedule includes: Diabetes and Your Kidneys on Sept. 1, Making Sense of Your Blood Tests on Oct. 13, Let the Games Begin on Nov. 3 and Continuing the Diabetes Journey on Dec. 1.
Registered nurse Bernadette Mauchly, who works in a dialysis unit, will lead the Sept. 1 discussion, which will address the prevention of kidney disease.
Gifford certified diabetes educator and registered nurse Nancy McCullough will lead both the October and November discussions. Let the Games Begin includes pulling items from a grab bag and then initiating a discussion on how those items can be used in diabetes self-management.
Continuing the Diabetes Journey in December is by Dick Smith of medical supply company Neighborhood Diabetes. A diabetic himself, Smith will use “conversation maps” to facilitate a discussion on diabetes.
The group features support from others as well as help from experts.
“The mission of the support group includes getting updated information from the experts in the field of diabetes self-management and encouraging patients and families to support one another,” noted McCullough.
The group is also an opportunity for diabetics to receive free advice.
Gifford certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian Jennifer Stratton has seen patient numbers drop off as diabetic patients, who typically have lots of health care appointments, struggle with co-pays and deductibles in the poor economy.
“We’re excited about offering free educational opportunities and helping diabetics get to know one another and share a little bit of their experiences,” Stratton said.
The Tuesday Diabetes Support Group meetings will continue into the winter. Visit the hospital’s Web site, www.giffordmed.org, for updates. All meetings are free and open to all. No sign-up is necessary, but you can call Gifford’s Diabetes Clinic at (802) 728-7100 to learn more.