SPARTA, IL — Sparta Community Hospital will host Diabetes Alert Day on March 24 at Moody Pharmacy while also launching a Diabetes Prevention Program beginning April 7, giving community members two opportunities to learn their risk for diabetes and take steps toward prevention.
During Diabetes Alert Day, community members can stop in at Moody Pharmacy for free screenings, education, and information about diabetes prevention.
Attendees can receive:
• Free blood glucose (Accu) checks
• Blood pressure screenings
• Diabetes prevention education
• Medication consultations with Leslie Sauzek, PharmD, pharmacist at Moody Pharmacy
• Information about Sparta Community Hospital’s upcoming Diabetes Prevention Program
• Safe disposal of expired medications (liquid medications should be brought in a sealed zip-top bag)
The event is part of a national effort to raise awareness about prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3 U.S. adults has prediabetes, yet only about 11% know they have it. Without lifestyle changes, many people with prediabetes develop Type 2 diabetes within five years.
To help individuals take the next step beyond screening and awareness, Sparta Community Hospital is also offering classes based on the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle change program designed to help prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.
The year-long program will be led by Courtney Johnson, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at Sparta Community Hospital.
“Many people feel fine and have no idea their blood sugar is creeping up,” Johnson said. “The good news is that small changes in eating habits and physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”
Beginning April 7, the program will meet Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Broadway Plaza, Auxiliary A.
The program begins with 16 weekly sessions focused on building healthy habits around nutrition, physical activity, and weight management. Participants will receive guidance from a certified diabetes educator, practical strategies for healthy living, and support from others working toward similar health goals.
The program encourages participants to:
• Lose 5–7% of body weight
• Increase physical activity to 150 minutes per week
• Reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
Individuals interested in learning more about their risk for diabetes are encouraged to attend Diabetes Alert Day at Moody Pharmacy on March 24 or learn more about the Diabetes Prevention Program beginning April 7.
Sparta Community Hospital continues to expand efforts focused on prevention and early intervention, helping individuals better understand their health risks and take proactive steps toward healthier lifestyles. Community programs like these reflect the hospital’s commitment to improving the health of the region and helping patients and families Believe in Better.
For more information about either program or to register, contact Courtney Johnson, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, at 618-443-1435