Diabetes Self-Management Education Series Scheduled
Classes Offered in Amityville, Wyandanch and (for Spanish Speaking) in Patchogue

9/26/2008

Dr. Humayun J. Chaudhry, D.O., M.S., Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, announced today that three series on diabetes self-management will be presented for residents in the Amityville, Wyandanch and Patchogue areas by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County. 

The classes will be offered on:

Tuesday Afternoons, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

October 14, October 21, October 28, November 18, November 25 and December 2

(Please note class will NOT be held on Election Day, November 4 and Veterans Day, November 11.)

at the Maxine S. Postal Tri-CommunityHealthCenter

1080 Sunrise Highway, Amityville, NY11701

and

Wednesday Afternoons, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

October 15, October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12 and November 19

at the Wyandanch Public Library

14 South 20^th Street , Wyandanch, NY11798

and

Tuesday Evenings, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

October 21, October 28, November 4 and November 11

at the Patchogue-SouthBrookhavenFamilyHealthCenter, West

365 East Main Street , Patchogue, NY11772

THESE FOUR SESSIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SPANISH

(Please bring a light dinner or snack to these evening sessions.)

To register for any of these programs, please call:  852-5193 on Monday or Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  On Tuesday and Wednesday, please call 853-3023 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Classes are open to all community residents and there is no charge to attend.  Seating is limited, however, and registration is required.  

The New York State Department of Health estimates that there are approximately 1.1 million New YorkState residents who have been diagnosed with diabetes (7.7% of the population).  An estimated 430,000 additional residents have diabetes and aren’t aware of it.  Diabetes is a chronic illness affecting people of all ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds.  Diabetes can lead to serious health conditions including blindness, non-traumatic amputations, kidney disease and increased risk of heart disease and stroke. 

“While research continues to seek a cause and cure for diabetes, these classes are designed to teach people how to manage their diabetes by modifying their lifestyle to improve their overall health and minimize the complications that often accompany diabetes,” said Dr. Chaudhry. Topics for discussion will include tips for keeping your blood sugar in your target range, choosing a healthy meal plan and balancing food, exercise and medications.  Learn the latest information on medications available and how to help them work effectively.  Sessions will focus on caring for yourself “from head to toe,” coping with stress and finding resources in your community.