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(Toms River) – The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) has something special to celebrate for National Diabetes Month. The agency is working hard to gain national accreditation by applying for the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support provider (DSMES). The program is another crucial public health service the Ocean County Health Department is looking forward to provide its residents.
“Now the Ocean County Health Department can provide diabetics an array of new services that will certainly offer a better understanding of the disease and the many ways to help them through self-management, leading to a better quality of life,” explains Daniel E. Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator. “In addition, we currently have two newly certified Lifestyle Change Coaches that will participate in the new Diabetes Prevention Program as well.”
The OCHD recommends diabetics should work with their health care provider for routine follow-up, focus on eating healthy, and being more active.
The theme for National Diabetes Month is in regards to the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Adults are two times more likely to die from heart disease or stroke than as someone without diabetes. This is because over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can affect the health of your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. More than 30% of Americans suffer from diabetes and close to 84 million people have pre-diabetes. And then there are the one out of four people that are unaware they are even living with diabetes.
But, there is good news! Individuals can take important steps to manage diabetes. This in turn can help lower your chances of having heart disease or stroke.
- Quit smoking or cease the use of other tobacco products.
- Stay on top of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Develop or maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as more physical activity and stress management.
- Take medicines as described by your doctor.
” The OCHD also recommends diabetics should work with their health care provider for routine follow-up, focus on eating healthy, and being more active, advises Meg McCarthy-Klein, OCHD Clinical Nutritionist MS, RDN. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to quit smoking if you’re diabetic. And, if you don’t smoke – don’t start! Tobacco can increase blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance. People who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day have almost double the risk of developing diabetes compared to those who don’t smoke.”
To help diabetics manage their diabetes, the Ocean County Health Department encourages individuals to join the Diabetes Self-Management, Education and Support (DSMES) program. Call the OCHD today to join the next class – (732) 341-9700, ext. 7237.
For more information about diabetes, please click on the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org. Also, please check out our new website at www.phu2.org, to access and learn more about our Public Health is You Too! campaign to help equip you to take simple steps to improve your health.
