The Diabetes Education Center at the West Coast General Hospital has recently undergone a change. Sue Scott, who has been the nurse educator at the Diabetes Education Center for nine years, has retired. Jody Vos, who has worked in the past as an Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council nurse has taken Sue’s place as the Nurse Educator, and is pleased to be joining Aveleigh Hess, Registered Dietician, and Dr. R. O’Dwyer, Internist , as a member of the Diabetes Education Team.
If you have diabetes the Diabetes Education Team can teach you how to better manage your blood sugars and your lifestyle choices. If you or someone you care about is at risk for developing diabetes the Diabetes Education Team can help you to reduce the risk and possibly delay the onset of diabetes.
If you are curious about what the Diabetes Education Center is all about and want to come and meet the team, you too are welcome. Learning about healthy lifestyle choices can help your whole family reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes.
The Diabetes Education Team would like to invite and encourage all members of the community to take the opportunity to join them at an open house for a meet and greet afternoon at the Diabetes Education Center on June 29, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
While Diabetes Type II is a progressive disease the good news is that if diabetes is managed the complications can be minimized or avoided.
DIABETES RISK QUESTIONAIRE
- Older than 45 years of age
- Had a baby over nine pounds
- Have a family member with Diabetes
- Are of Aboriginal descent
- Waist measurement of over 40 inches for men, and over 34 inches for women
- Overweight
- Have High Blood Pressure
If you answered yes to three or more of these risk factors you are at risk of developing Diabetes!
Education Programs presently offered:
- New Diagnosis Program
- 3 month Review Group
- 6 month Review Group
- Annual Review Group
- Monthly Insulin Group First Tuesday of the month 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (for clients who are currently on insulin therapy)
- Heart Matters Group
- Individual appointments available on request.
The Diabetes Education Center at West Coast General Hospital is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 3949 Port Alberni Hwy Port Alberni B.C. V9Y 4S1. Ph: (250) 724-8824
Appointments are available in Tofino and Ucluelet once a month. Appointments can be made at the Physicians offices.
Aveleigh and Jody provide Individual appointments throughout the three days the Diabetes Education Center is open, and on Wednesday afternoon the center is open for drop ins. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A referral from your doctor is not necessary to make an appointment.
The Diabetes Education Team is working on a new collaboration with Nuu-chah-nulth, and therefore Matilda Watts, Diabetes Educator shall be attending the open house. The team is working on a plan to provide regular collaborative sessions to Aboriginal community members. Watch for the announcements.
We look forward to seeing you at the open house June 29, 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
