Diabetes Month events planned
<p class="p1">Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. </p><p class="p1">One in 12 Americans has diabetes – that’s more than 25 million people. And another 79 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. </p><p class="p1">To raise awareness about diabetes and healthy living Southern Seven Health Department, along with partners Union County Hospital in Anna and Community Health & Emergency Services in Cairo, is participating in American Diabetes Month. </p><p class="p1">Southern Seven Health Department and its partners are scheduling two activities during November. </p><p class="p1">Each partner will distribute an educational flyer about Diabetes Awareness Month.</p><p class="p1">Southern Seven Health Department plans to offer free lipid panels in Anna, Cairo and Metropolis Nov. 9-13.</p><p class="p1">Those who want to participate in the free lipid panel activity are asked to contact a health department clinic in the community to schedule an appointment.</p><p class="p1">The lipid panel will show levels of cholesterol in addition to glucose levels in the blood. </p><p class="p2">(continued on page 2)</p><p class="p1">Lipid panels are considered an early screening to check glucose and cholesterol, and if results are higher than normal, persons will be referred to their physician for follow up. </p><p class="p1">The health department notes that there is a high incidence of diabetes in the seven southernmost counties in Illinois which it serves.</p><p class="p1">The latest Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, BRFS, conducted in 2010, showed the following diabetes rates for the seven area counties: </p><p class="p1">Alexander 12.8, Hardin 12.1, Johnson 10.9, Massac 11.9, Pope 11.3, Pulaski 13.4 and Union 11.8. </p><p class="p1">The rates are higher than the state rate of 8.5 in 2010 and also are higher than the national average of one in 12 Americans. </p><p class="p1">A risk factor for diabetes is being overweight and/or obese. </p><p class="p1">In health department noted that in the seven area counties which it serves, 70 percent of the communities are either overweight or are considered obese according to the latest BRFS data. </p><p class="p1">The health department said that if you are overweight, have high blood pressure or are age 45 or older, you are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. </p><p class="p1">The health department advised that the good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. </p><p class="p1">The health department offered three tips on helping to prevent Type 2 diabetes: Watch your weight. Eat healthy. Get more active. </p><p class="p1">For more information and or to find out about upcoming spring 2016 diabetes self-management classes, visit the health department's website at www.southern7.org. </p><p class="p3"> </p><p class="p3"> </p>