Hospital highlights - Nov. 1, 2012

Diabetes awareness month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a serious disease and is a serious concern for residents of our hospital district. Our rate is 8.2 percent compared to the statewide average of 7.1 percent. Our rate of obesity is also higher than average (30.5 percent vs 25.6 percent ) and we do not get sufficient exercise. Lack of physical activity contributes to obesity, diabetes and their complications.

If it isn’t managed, diabetes can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage.

But there is good news: diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy, being physically active and not smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes complications. In addition, it is important for patients to work closely with their medical provider to monitor their health.

Whitman Hospital and Medical Center partners with Gritman Hospital to offer diabetes resources in our community. Individual and group classes are offered through Gritman Medical Center in Moscow.

Classes are also held at Whitman Hospital in Colfax on the first Wednesday of every month. A physician’s referral is required.

Contact Gritman Diabetes for more information at 208 883 6341.

Debbie Glass, CEO

Whitman Hosptial & Medical Center