New Session of Diabetes Education Classes at PMH

As American Diabetes Month continues, Pocahontas Memorial Hospital wants to stress the importance of education in managing diabetes. Too often, folks who have just been diagnosed with diabetes think they can never eat sweets or bread again. And because of this misconception – or lack of education – many people with diabetes shun diabetes management and treatment altogether.
 With the proper self-management and moderation, diabetes does not have to be an “all or nothing” kind of lifestyle. Learning how to properly control diabetes can prevent many long term health complications like heart disease and attack, nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, foot damage, Osteoporosis, hearing loss and Alzheimer’s.
Terry Wagner is a Certified Diabetes Educator at Pocahontas Memorial Hospital who is available to help anyone in the community – not just hospital patients. A Certified Diabetes Educator has a national certification backed up by education, training and work-related experience to help people with diabetes live healthy and productive lives. If you have diabetes, do not feel that you are alone in treating and managing your disease.  Terry can help you develop a personal meal and exercise plan; as well as explain how your medication works and when to take it. Managing diabetes will be different for each person depending on age, school or work schedule, activity and exercise level, eating habits and any special medical conditions. Blood sugar monitoring is an extremely important part of successfully managing diabetes and Terry can help you learn what type of meter to buy and how to use it. If you just need some help and support in understanding diabetes, Terry always has a willing and open ear.
November 20 is the start of a new session of “B-N-Charge” diabetes self-management classes at PMH. The program includes four group classes and additional individual meetings if needed.
 “B-N-Charge” gives you the education and resources needed to control diabetes and is suitable for those just diagnosed or who have had diabetes for years. Topics include medication, nutrition, exercise, foot care, family involvement, social support, self-monitoring, prevention of complications, community services, behavioral change strategies  and stress tips. The classes are a Medicare-covered program and are also covered by most health insurance plans. A physician referral is required. Pease call Terry at 304-799-7400 ext. 1032 with any questions or for a referral form.
An additional opportunity to learn more about diabetes self-management and treatment is the Diabetes Support Group that meets monthly in the hospital conference room. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 27, at 6:30pm. Connie Rose, RN, will present a talk on “Early Cardiac Care.” People with diabetes have the same risk of heart attack as someone that has already had a cardiac event. Please make plans to join us to learn more about what you can do to protect your health.
 
New Acute Care
Coordinator joins staff
Robin Meadows, a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing, has joined the staff of Pocahontas Memorial Hospital as the new Acute Care Coordinator. Meadows is a West Virginia native and began in her new position on October 29. Her first week on the job was made especially memorable by Hurricane Sandy and the subsequent snow and power outages. Meadows has been a nurse for more than 20 years and brings to her position a wealth of knowledge, including medical/surgical, cardiac/telemetry and surgical services. She is very excited to be in Pocahontas County and looks forward to becoming a part of the community.