Last month was National Diabetes Awareness Month and in observance of this important occasion Flushing and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center participated in several events to raise awareness. On November 19th Jamaica Hospital created displays in the main lobby that educated guests and employees about the general facts of the disease, as well as the importance of wound care, skin care and nutrition for diabetics. The displays were fun and interactive. They included games such as “Diabetes Jeopardy” and other trivia- based activities. Participants were entered to win grand prizes and others won giveaways on the spot.
Flushing Hospital Medical Center sponsored a Diabetes Champion Program. It was a full, two day, program in which staff received in-depth education and training in diabetes pathophysiology, blood glucose monitoring, oral anti-diabetic medications, Insulin, medical nutrition, as well as the importance of exercise and patient education methods. A goal of the program was for the Diabetes Champions to continue to develop their skills and work towards becoming Certified Diabetes Educators. The role of a Diabetes Educator is to improve diabetes management among our patients by addressing their questions or concerns regarding the disease.
According to the American Diabetes Association, “nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 86 million Americans have prediabetes and are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.” Jamaica and Flushing Hospital are proud to be a part of the movement that raises awareness and educates the public about this growing and life threatening disease. Both hospitals take their roles very seriously and are planning future initiatives to continue to educate the communities they serve about diabetes.
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