(Long Island, NY) The Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Legislator DuWayne Gregory invite residents who have diabetes to attend a free program that will enable them to manage their diabetes. The program, conducted by the Department of Health Services in collaboration with Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, comprises four classes that cover suggestions for keeping blood sugar in target range, choosing a healthy meal plan and balancing food, exercise and medications.
“These classes will arm participants with the knowledge and skills they need to properly manage their diabetes and enable them to enjoy an improved quality of life,” said Bellone.
According to the New York State Department of Health, diabetes is the most rapidly growing chronic disease of our time, affecting one out of every 12 adults in New York. Minority populations are at high risk, especially those who are African American, Latino, Native American and Asian American.
“Diabetes causes more deaths a year than cancer and AIDS combined,” said Legislator Gregory. “I encourage my constituents who have diabetes to take the necessary steps to keep their blood sugar under control and thereby avoid the serious health conditions which can accompany this disease.”
Health Commissioner James Tomarken, MD, MPH, MBA, MSW, said, “Small changes in lifestyle can result in significant health benefits. This course can help those with diabetes to make those small changes and enable them to improve their overall health and well-being.”
The four-week series will meet as follows:
Wednesdays, August 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 17 South 20th St., Wyandanch, NY
Contact: Anastasia Loper, 631-727-7850 ext. 340 or abl98@cornell.edu
Register early, as class size is limited.
Additional diabetes self-management sessions will be offered in coming weeks.