 DMH Alerts Women to Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Diabetes
Today, there are approximately 57 million people in the United States with pre-diabetes, a condition that raises a person’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and having a stroke. Research shows that lifestyle changes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes from developing.
Decatur Memorial Hospital is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) on the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert® Day scheduled for March 24, 2009. Diabetes Alert Day is an opportunity for Americans to find out their risk for type 2 diabetes through a few simple steps.
To spread the word that diabetes prevention is proven and possible, Decatur Memorial Hospital, the exclusive member of Spirit of Women in Decatur is alerting women, the primary healthcare decision maker for themselves and their families, to take action to prevent diabetes.
“Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. To address the burden of this disease, we are asking women to find out if they, or members of their family, are at risk for type 2 diabetes, and we’re showing them how to take action to prevent it,” said Tina Cloney, MSPH, RD, LDN, CDE, Program Manager, DMH Wellness Center. “Too many people may not realize that diabetes prevention is even possible. That’s why the Women on the Alert campaign is so important.”
A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services involving Americans from all over the country, showed losing a small amount of weight by following a low-fat, low-calorie meal plan and getting 30 minutes of physical activity five times per week can delay, or even prevent, the onset of type 2 diabetes.
“Adopting a healthy lifestyle can be much easier when you partner with your doctor and hospital, commit to yourself, and share your commitment with your family and friends,” says Cloney. “Even small steps, like eating healthier foods and taking an afternoon walk, can make a big difference.”
For more information about Spirit of Women at Decatur Memorial Hospital and to receive a Women on the Alert: Preventing Diabetes action kit, call 217-876-3448.
Women on the Alert: Preventing Diabetes is powered by Spirit of Women® and presented locally by Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Spirit of Women® is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women’s lives with innovative health and community programs. Spirit of Women hospitals touch the lives of millions of women each year through the presentation of educational events, consumer membership programs, annual conferences, marketing communications, and grassroots efforts to improve the health and well-being of women everywhere. Spirit of Women enables participating hospitals to focus on community needs while providing the strength of national support. Visit spiritofwomen.com
Back to News
|
