Bush: Take care of diabetes

By CARLA Y. BUSH

The Taking Charge of Your Diabetes program will be conducted once a week for six weeks beginning October 7 at 12 noon at the Cannon County Senior Center in Woodbury. This program is intended for individuals with diabetes, family members, friends and caregivers of an individual with diabetes. Each session is two hours in length. Space is limited to twenty participants. Call the Senior Center at 615-563-5304 or Cannon County Health Department at 615-563-4243 to register today.

There is NO registration fee. As it is funded through UT Extension, Family and Consumer Sciences and the Cannon County Health Department secured grants. The class includes the cost of the program, materials and the book Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.

Developed by Stanford University, this evidence-based program teaches practical skills on managing diabetes. Participants learn about self-management of common problems, blood sugar monitoring, and healthy eating as well as, dealing with anger, fear and frustration that comes with a chronic condition. Blood sugar control during sick days, proper foot care, ways to talk to your doctor and plan for dealing with dealing with diabetes in the future will also be covered during the program.

Through this interactive program, participants gain confidence in their ability to cope with their health condition and become motivated to make lifestyle changes, adhere to prescribed medical treatments and become informed patients. Contact Carla Bush, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, at the UT Extension, Cannon County Office if you have questions about this program, cybush@utk.edu or 615-563-2554 or Linsey Arfsten, Community Health Educator, Health Department, 931-473-8468 x143.