DIABETES IS A PUBLIC health problem that many Americans struggle with. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 30 million Americans have diabetes, or 9.4 percent of the population. About 7.2 million of those individuals have not even been diagnosed. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., with nearly 80,000 death certificates listing it as the underlying cause of death and another quarter million listing diabetes as a contributing factor.
It is thought that diabetes is underreported as a cause of death in many cases. Despite these grim statistics, local healthcare professionals are tackling the problem early by providing individuals at risk of developing diabetes with the knowledge and support to protect their health.
BayCare and Winter Haven Hospital have established the Diabetes Prevention Program to educate those at risk for diabetes in the lifestyle changes they need to make to preserve their health. The first class recently graduated, and the 2020 class will be starting soon. We talked to Tara Fleeman, an RN and certified diabetes educator who leads the classes, and Pat Miller, a graduate of the program, to learn more about how this innovative class is helping people take control of their health.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Skin Cancer Screening a Necessity For Floridians
HEALTHY SKIN - It should come as no big surprise that simply living in Florida puts you at an increased risk for skin cancer. The reason for this is simple: The biggest cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV light) from the sun.
Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs
Many health experts have noted that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health as of late. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus on how to help those who are suffering.
The Age of Entitlement
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT - Every generation has voiced some form of critical opinions of youth. The old term “whippersnapper” labeled an overconfident or defiant adolescent. Today’s buzzword is “entitled,” and while blaming this on social media is convenient, it is not realistic.
Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement
ORTHOPAEDIC HEALTH - As we move further into the 21st century, more and more of the amazing things that science fiction promised us are becoming reality. One fascinating technological development is the use of robots in a variety of applications – including orthopaedic surgery. There are many reasons to utilize robots in various medical procedures, and the evidence is growing that the advantages of doing so are numerous.
Packing a Nutritious School Lunch May Call for Some Stealth
We want our families to have a healthy diet, especially the youngsters going back to school. We give them a good breakfast and plan a nutritious dinner, but what about lunch? We can pack a healthy lunch for our children, but will they eat it?
Protect Yourself, Your Family From The Flu
Polk County schools are back in session which means your child is likely encountering many viruses every day. To protect their health and that of your family, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County encourages people 6 months of age and older to seek a flu shot on a yearly basis. The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza.
NEW DOCTORS IN A NEW ERA
Pandemic Offers Unique Education for Medical Residents Starting Their Careers
DETERMINATION & DREAMS
Polk State Respiratory Care Student Works Hard To Reach Her Goals
Happiness Happens… In the Sun!
HEALTHY AGING
DEEP DIVE INTO THE DELTA VARIANT
Lakeland Regional Health’s Dr. Haight Talks About the Latest Threat