Diabetes programs, sponsored by Mercy, set at Way Library

4/27/2014

Two diabetes programs have been scheduled at the Way Public Library in Perrysburg as part of its partnership with Mercy.

It will start with a Diabetes Education program at 7 p.m. May 1 at the library. Diabetes educators Jennie Wagner and Rita Sowinski will provide an overview of the disease, medication information, nutrition and meal planning, exercise information, blood glucose monitoring, and goal settings. 

Ms. Wagner is a licensed dietitian, a certified diabetes educator at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center, and board certified in advanced diabetes management. Ms. Sowinksi is a certified diabetes educator at St. Vincent. 

There will be blood pressure and total cholesterol screenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. May 1.

There also will be a six-week diabetes workshop starting May 29 from 9:30 to noon at the library.

Mercy is working with the Office on Aging for the Healthy U-Diabetes Workshop. The free workshop is designed for people with Type 2 diabetes and will be led by two trained Mercy Community Health leaders who will work with participants on how to manage their chronic disease and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Class sizes are small where participants will make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems. Subjects covered will be techniques to deal with diabetes symptoms such as fatigue, pain, hypoglycemia, stress, and emotional problems. The sessions will talk about exercises to maintain and improve strength and endurance and cover healthy eating, medication, and how to work with health care providers. 

Registration is required, call 419-251-6372 to sign up. The deadline to register is May 22.

These programs are part of the $20,000 Mercy donated last fall to Way Library for speakers and other activities dealing with health.