Suffolk County, NY - January 5, 2016 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Health Commissioner James Tomarken, MD, invite residents who have type 2 diabetes and their caregivers to attend a free program that will enable them to manage their diabetes.  The program, entitled “The Stanford Diabetes Self-Management Classes,” is conducted in collaboration with Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and comprises six highly participative classes. 

“Diabetes is a growing public health concern that we must address,” said Executive Bellone. “These interactive classes will provide participants with the tools to manage and control their health and to properly manage their diabetes so they may enjoy an improved quality of life.”

Topics include: techniques for dealing with the symptoms of diabetes, such as fatigue, pain, hypoglycemia, stress and emotional issues such as depression, anger, fear and frustration; appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance; healthy eating; label reading; appropriate use of medication, and effective communication with healthcare providers.

Participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in carrying out their self-management plans. Each will receive a free book entitled Living Healthy as well as a relaxation compact disc.

“Diabetes puts the body at risk for many serious health conditions. The good news is that moderate changes in lifestyle can help you to restore your blood sugar to normal levels and result in significant health benefits,” said Dr. Tomarken. “This course can help those with diabetes to make those small changes and enable them to improve their overall health and well-being.”

The six-week series is will meet as follows:

Thursdays, January 14, 21, 28, and February 4, 11, 18, 2016, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Dolan Family Health Center 284 Pulaski Rd. Greenlawn, NY 11740

Contact: Jane Juran at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 631-727-7850 ext. 340

Individuals must be 18 years or over to participate.

Please leave a message and someone will get back to you to confirm registration.

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