Friday, March 6, 2015

KentuckyOne Health teaches diabetics to manage the disease

KentuckyOne Health has launched a new program to help Kentuckians with diabetes learn how to self-manage their disease, according to a news release.

"Giving patients the tools and knowledge they need to manage their own health, including their diabetes, is an important way to empower them to take charge of their health," said Amanda Goldman, director of diabetes and nutrition care for KentuckyOne and quality and wellness director for food and nutrition services of Catholic Health Initiatives, a partner in KentuckyOne.

More than one in 10 Kentuckians have diabetes and the state ranks 17th in the nation in incidence of the disease, according to the 2014 "State of Obesity" report. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports an estimated 233,000 adult Kentuckians have pre-diabetes.

The new program will teach classes to help its participants learn how to manage diabetes testing and medication as well as the basics of using diet and exercise to improve their health. It will also offer individualized counseling sessions for those who need outpatient medical nutrition therapy.

The program is accredited through the American Association of Diabetes Educators and will be offered at the Healthy Lifestyle Centers at Jewish Hospital Medical Center Northeast, Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Saint Joseph East in Lexington, Saint Joseph BereaSaint Joseph London, and Saint Joseph Jessamine. It will also offer outpatient services in downtown Louisville.

"Maintaining a healthy weight and a diet that's filled with nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help not only to manage diabetes, but other health concerns like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and more," says the release. The release also recommends regular exercise, under the direction of a health care provider, to "curb the effects of diabetes and other health concerns,"

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