For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 7, 2019
County residents who want to learn how to manage their diabetes are invited to enroll in free online classes that cover the American Association of Diabetes Educators seven self-care behaviors for managing diabetes effectively. DMeetings, sponsored by the African American Health Program (AAHP), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, will help individuals learn:
· Healthy eating to manage blood sugar and prevent heart disease,
· How to safely engage in physical activity,
· When and how to do blood glucose monitoring so numbers guide an individual’s diabetes management,
· About different medications and how they work,
· Recommended health monitoring to reduce risks of complications,
· Strategies for healthy coping; and problem-solving tools.
In Montgomery County, diabetes rates are an average of five times higher for Blacks/African Americans than for Whites, and the rate of emergency room visits due to uncontrolled diabetes are also five times higher.
The 10 video sessions are designed to prevent or delay the complications of diabetes. Online sessions are helpful to those newly diagnosed or who have had diabetes longer. An additional benefit is weekly group conference calls with the AAHP registered dietitian to receive supplemental information and have questions answered. Video sessions are approximately 30 minutes, and each includes a post-test and evaluation. To log in, visit www.aahpmontgomerycounty.org/dmeetings.
For information on in-person diabetes education classes and other AAHP activities, visit www.aahpmontgomerycounty.org/calendar or call 240-777-1833.
Release ID: 19-076