Diabetes Screening To Be Held in Punxsutawney

Penn Highlands Healthcare is offering free blood sugar screenings and a diabetes risk assessment from 1-3 p.m., Monday, Nov. 14, at the Punxsutawney Community Medical Building, 551 W. Mahoning St., Punxy Plaza, Punxsutawney.

To help identify people who may be at risk, the staff of the Penn Highlands DuBois Diabetes and Nutrition Wellness Center will be providing the screening and assessment as part of the “Downsize Diabetes” program. Staff will also provide information on managing diabetes and reducing the risk of associated problems.

November is National Diabetes Month, and anyone can be at risk for diabetes. According to the Center for Disease control, Diabetes is becoming more common in the United States. From 1980 through 2014, the number of Americans with diagnosed diabetes has increased fourfold from 5.5 million to 22.0 million.

“Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. We are asking everyone to find out if they, or members of their family, are at risk for diabetes, and we’re showing them how to take action to prevent it,” said Lori Rancik, RN, case manager of The Women’s Health Center of Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Too many people may not realize that diabetes prevention is even possible.”

Healthy lifestyle choices aren’t always easy, but that they never fail to provide excellent returns on your investment. “Eating right, exercising daily, controlling stress levels and maintaining support from family and friends means a life free from preventable illness and pain,” Rancik said. “Health is a choice, and choosing to put your health first always pays off.”

Steering clear of diabetes can be much easier with the right team. “Partner with your doctor and hospital, commit to yourself to spend time on your health and share your commitment those who will hold you accountable. Even small steps, like eating wholesome foods and taking an afternoon walk can make a big difference,” she said.

For more information about this screening or diabetes, contact The Diabetes and Nutrition Wellness Center at 814-375-3890. For more information on diabetes management, go to https://phh.shghealth.com/service-line/diabetes-management.