Adena hosts free diabetes expo

CHILLICOTHE - Nearly every table was full Saturday at the PACCAR Medical Education Center as people gathered at the first Diabetes Expo.

As part of Diabetes Month, officials at Adena Health Systems hosted more than 100 people to learn more about managing the condition.

Bambi Huffman, vice president of clinical integration at Adena, said events like this are geared toward educating patients about what they termed a "chronic disease" in the area.

"We want to create awareness and prevent diabetes for the at-risk population, and ensure people with diabetes get the best care, treatment and information about how to manage their diabetes," Huffman said. "Over 33 percent of our population has it."

Saturday's event brought in experts from Adena, Kroger's, the YMCA of Ross County, and the Ohio State Extension Office to speak about nutrition, diets, and that are unique to diabetes patients. There was even a cooking demonstration.

"It's great information, it answers questions you may have," Patty Lowery, who attended the expo, said. "They're breaking things down here and it's nice to have these little booklets... we need more information on diabetes and awareness."

Lowery was diagnosed with diabetes 10 years ago, cried when she was first heard the news. Lowery's mother died from complications of the disease when she was just 57 years-old, and as Lowery is approaching the same age, she said she has made changes in her life.

"I made a promise to her that I would get healthy," Lowery said. "If I can do it, anyone can. No excuses. And I used every excuse in the book."

Dr. John . Boyle, a podiatrist at Adena, gave free evaluations Saturday for those that attended the event. While diet and exercise are important in the management of diabetes, he said the health of a patient's feet are as well.

"Patients with diabetes are at risk for for loss of sensation in their feet. When that happens, that puts them at risk for injury and infections that could go unnoticed," Boyle said.

He recommends that patients with diabetes look at their feet or have someone do it for them, everyday.

"It's easier to keep out of trouble, prevention is easier and cheaper than a cure," Boyle said.

Lowery said she has learned one thing since being diagnosed.

"It's not a death sentence," Lowery said.

Lowery is also on the Diabetes Prevention Advisory Board at the YMCA of Ross County. The board will begin a year-long program in January for those living with diabetes.

Jeanne Meyer of Wellness Manager at the YMCA of Ross County said that there are a lot of misconceptions about diabetes.

"It's not just about sugar," Meyer said. "Type II can be reduced and cured."

According to Huffman, they are looking at taking this program to other counties Adena serves in the future, though no official dates have been determined yet. Information from Saturday's expo will be available on Adena's diabetes website.