Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center Supports World Diabetes Day

posted on December 22, 2011 at 2:40 pm

When Mayor Bob Porter proclaimed November 12 as World Diabetes Day in Paintsville, Ky., Paul B. Hall Regional Medical Center decided to get involved by hosting an educational, community-wide event.

“Diabetes in our area has grown at an alarming rate,” said Sherri Blair, RN, Dietary Services at Paul B. Hall Regional. “One third of our population has been diagnosed with diabetes and 1 in 7 is pre-diabetic.”

Marking the third year for this event, Paul B. Hall Regional partnered with the Johnson County Health Department and the Tri-County Diabetes Project to provide information and a range of services to promote health and wellness. Door prizes were distributed every half hour, and:

• Associates at Paul B. Hall Regional provided information on how to cook healthy meals, handed out strengthening bands and exercise information, and offered free health screenings.
• Johnson County Health Department provided flu shots.
• ACCU-CHEK® gave out free glucose monitors and supplies, such as test strips, lancets, monitor covers and more.
• The Sheriff’s Department provided child fingerprinting.

Promoting awareness

Over the years, Paul B. Hall Regional and other area businesses have sponsored this event, raising awareness for control and prevention of this dreadful disease. “Our mission is all about self-management teaching,” said Sherri.

The success of Johnson County’s event inspired neighboring Magoffin County to hold its own event this year. And, on November 14, Paul B. Hall Regional teamed up with the Magoffin County Health Department to hold the 1st Annual World Diabetes Day Health Fair in Salyersville.

Thanks to Paul B. Hall Regional and other community organizations, events like these can help prevent the disease, and help those who live with diabetes learn how to manage it more effectively.