PMH Lifeline

Many Opportunities for Diabetes Education at PMH

As we continue American Diabetes Month, Pocahontas Memorial Hospital wants to stress the importance of education in managing diabetes. Too often, folks who have just been diagnosed with diabetes think they can never eat sweets or bread again; because of this misconception – or lack of education – many people with diabetes shun diabetes management and treatment altogether. With the proper self-management and moderation, diabetes does not have to be an “all or nothing” kind of lifestyle. Learning how to properly control diabetes can prevent many longterm health complications like heart disease and attack, nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, foot damage, Osteoporosis, hearing loss and Alzheimer’s.

Terry Wagner is a Certified Diabetes Educator at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital and is available to help anyone in the community – not just hospital patients. A Certified Diabetes Educator has a national certification backed up by education, training and work-related experience to help people with diabetes live healthy and productive lives. If you have diabetes, do not feel that you are alone in treating and managing your disease. Terry can help you develop a personal meal and exercise plan; as well as explain how your medication works and when to take it. Managing diabetes will be different for each individual depending on age, school or work schedule, activity and exercise level, eating habits and any special medical conditions. Blood sugar monitoring is an extremely important part of successfully managing diabetes and Terry can help you learn what type of meter to buy and how to use it. If you just need some help and support in understanding diabetes, Terry is always more than willing to empathize and help.

Educational classes are also offered through PMH including “B-N-Charge” diabetes self-management classes. “B-N-Charge” gives you the knowledge and skills to control diabetes and is suitable for those just diagnosed or who have had diabetes for years. Topics include medication, nutrition, exercise, foot care, family involvement, social support, self-monitoring, prevention of complications, community services, behavioral change strategies and stress tips. The classes are a Medicare-covered program and are also covered by most health insurance plans. A physician referral is required.

Please call Terry at 304-799-7400 ext. 1032 with any questions or for a referral form.

Once a year, in collaboration with the West Virginia University Extension Service, PMH offers the “Dining with Diabetes” classes. These classes are free and family members are welcome to attend, as well. This year’s series of classes just wrapped up, but they will be offered again in 2014.

An additional opportunity to learn more about diabetes self-management and treatment is the Diabetes Support Group that meets monthly in the hospital conference room. Watch the “Meeting” notices section of this paper each month for the date and speaker information.