Battle Creek Health System Recognizes Diabetes Awareness Month

There are nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes and another 50 million Americans are at risk. American Diabetes Month is designed to recognize the seriousness of the disease and the importance of proper management and control. The Battle Creek Health System Diabetes Center is recognizing individuals impacted by diabetes throughout the month of November.

The BCHS Diabetes Center is hosting a number of information events to help heighten awareness about diabetes.

Nutrition is an important element in diabetes self-management. The BCHS diabetes center is hosting several grocery store tours at Meijer's on B Drive North. The tours are scheduled for Tuesday mornings, November 3, 10, and 17 from 10 until 11 a.m. A registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator will be providing instructions on how to read food labels and make healthier food choices. Registration is required. Please call 966-8318 to register. The tour will meet and begin at Meijer's Pharmacy.

The BCHS Diabetes Center will provide a pre-diabetes/prevention program on Wednesday, November 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost for this program is $25.00 and registration is required. To register, please call 966-8190.

Approximately 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes. Those with pre-diabetes have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. Research has shown that if you take action to control your blood glucose when you have pre-diabetes, you can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Clark Johnson, a local podiatrist and Dr. Tarek El Shaarawy, board certified vascular surgeon at Battle Creek Health System and member of Mercy Community Physicians will talk about the importance of foot care, particularly for those suffering from diabetes at Burnham Brook Center on Friday, November 20. The program, which is free to the public, is sponsored through Senior Health Partners in coordination with Battle Creek Health System.

A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by the presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the class/seminar registration line at (877) GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).

As always, the BCHS diabetes center holds regular diabetes support group meetings the third Thursday of each month from 9-10 a.m. in MOB room 309. Registration is not required for this meeting.

The Battle Creek Health System Diabetes Center offers a comprehensive diabetes education program that assists physicians and other health care providers manage and care for patients with diabetes. The outpatient education program, which is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, assists individuals with diabetes develop and practice self-management skills that will improve their health and quality of life, while reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission. Battle Creek Health System, a member of the Mercy Cancer Network, is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm) and 2010 Five Star rated for joint replacement surgery and total knee replacement. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.