The DSMES program starting up new schedule of summer classes – Don’t miss out!
Individuals with diabetes make up 10 percent of the U.S. population but have accounted for a stunning 40 percent of those who have died from COVID-19, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Of the more than 608,000 total deaths resulting from COVID-19 in the U.S., nearly 250,000 of those individuals who succumbed to the disease suffered from diabetes.
“The pandemic has had an incredible impact on those living with diabetes,” said Ocean County Health Coordinator/Health Officer, Daniel Regenye. “If you are a person living with diabetes and haven’t been vaccinated – now is the time. We’ve been urging everyone in the high risk groups to get the vaccine, but the latest data shows that the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 are 6 to 12 times higher for people with diabetes. I can’t reiterate the message enough, but the COVID-19 vaccines save lives.”
Vaccinated or not, individuals with diabetes should consider participating in the Ocean County Diabetes Self-Management, Education and Support program (DSMES) being offered by the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD). The program provides an evidence-based foundation to empower people with diabetes to navigate self-management decisions and activities. The DSMES is a cost-effective tool proven to help improve health outcomes for those people living with the daily realities of the disease.
“We’re extremely proud to provide this service for our residents and the valuable benefits it has demonstrated for those living with diabetes,” explained Gerry P. Little, Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health.
“The Diabetes Self-Management, Education and Support program offers diabetics so many new tools to use that will certainly offer a better understanding of the disease and the many ways to help them through effective self-management. The ultimate goal we hope is to provide them with the education and resources they can use to have a better quality of life,” advised Meg McCarthy-Klein, OCHD Clinical Nutritionist MS, RDN.
DIABETES TIPS:
- Set clear goals for controlling your diabetes and keeping tabs on your health
- Be sure all of your healthcare providers are all on the same page
- Check your blood sugar level regularly
- Regular exercise can help control diabetes
- Keep a close eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol
- GET VACCINATED FOR COVID-19!!
For upcoming class dates or additional information about the Diabetes Self-Management, Education and Support (DSMES) program, please call us today at 732-341-9700, ext. 7237.
All classes will be held at the Ocean County Health Department located at 175 Sunset Avenue in Toms River.
For more information about diabetes, please click on the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org. You can also follow the Ocean County Health Department on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like us on Facebook. Download the Ocean County Health Department mobile app free from the Google Play/Android and Apple APP stores.