Diabetes Self-Management Education Series Scheduled

Classes Offered at CoramHealthCenter

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Dr. Linda Mermelstein, Acting Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, announced today that a series on diabetes self-management will be presented for residents in the Coram area by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.  The classes will be offered on:

Tuesday Afternoons, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

January 19^th, January 26^th, February 2^nd and February 9^th

At the ElsieOwensNorthBrookhavenHealthCenter

82 Middle Country Road

Coram, NY 11727

To register, please call:  Laurie Wells, at Cornell Cooperative Extension:  727-7850, ext. 340. 

County Executive Levy said, “Diabetes is a major public health concern in SuffolkCounty and nationwide.  The rate of the disease continues to rise, especially in the African American and Hispanic populations.  This program offers those with diabetes an excellent opportunity to learn more about managing this disease and living life to the fullest.”

While research continues to seek a cause and cure for diabetes, the New York State Department of Health reports that more than one million New Yorkers have been diagnosed with diabetes and another 450,000 people in the state have diabetes and don’t know it, because the symptoms may be overlooked or misunderstood.  Diabetes kills more Americans every year than breast cancer and AIDS combined, and is the #1 cause of blindness in adults, according to the American Diabetes Association. 

“The new year is for many the time to make resolutions -- to eat healthfully, exercise or quit smoking,” Dr. Mermelstein said. “Registering for this series of lectures could be, for a person living with diabetes, a most important step toward improving their health and well being.”  Participants will learn how to manage their diabetes by modifying their lifestyle to improve their overall health and minimize the complications that often accompany diabetes.  Topics for discussion will include tips for keeping your blood sugar in your target range, choosing a healthy meal plan and balancing food, exercise and medications.  The latest information on available medications and how to help them work effectively will be presented.  Sessions will focus on caring for yourself “from head to toe,” coping with stress and finding resources in your community.

Classes are open to all community residents and there is no charge to attend. Seating is limited, however, and registration is required. For additional information or to register, please call Laurie Wells at (631) 727-7850, ext. 340.