Nearly 30 million people in the US have diabetes. Another 86 million have prediabetes and are at-risk for getting diabetes. Diabetes can be prevented by healthy eating, physical activity, and weight control. All Native American adults over age 45 should be screened once every 3 years. People who are overweight or obese should start being screened around age 10. Diabetes is controllable when you know you have it. Diabetes education can help prevent the complications of diabetes, like kidney disease, eye disease, heart disease, and amputations.
On Wednesday, November 9th, the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation’s Healthy Living Diabetes Education & Clinical Nutrition and Health Promotion & Diabetes Prevention departments will hold the 19th Annual Western Navajo Diabetes Expo from 10 am-3 pm at St. Jude’s Church in Tuba City. On Wednesday, November 2nd, from 11am-1pm, Sacred Peaks Health Center in Flagstaff will hold its First Annual Diabetes Expo. The Diabetes Expo is a great way for families to learn about preventing and treating diabetes.
TCRHCC is proud to sponsor the Healthy Living Diabetes Education & Clinical Nutrition program, Western Navajo’s only diabetes education program accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. We offer diabetes education, nutrition care for any problem, weight loss counseling, and support for women with diabetes in pregnancy.
On Tuesday mornings at 8am, group diabetes class is located on the 1st floor of the Outpatient Primary Care Building near the new same-day appointment location. We welcome people with diabetes and their families to attend group diabetes class. Class is in Navajo on the last Tuesday of the month. Appointments with the Pharmacy Diabetes Clinic are also on the 1st floor. Appointments with Ruby Whitethorne, BSN, RN, CDE; Marilyn Smith, RDN; and Theodora Rudd, MSHS, RDN, are located on the 2nd floor. Appointments with Annie Edleman, RDN, CDE; and Mary Degnan, MS, RDN, CDE are located on the 3rd floor. Eye screenings, foot exams, and meter teachings by our health techs, Lenora Hatathlie and Vanessa Begay, are now done as part of any provider appointment on any floor.
Healthy Living Diabetes Education & Clinical Nutrition can be reached at (928) 283-2895. Susan Hoelscher, MS, RDN, CDE, CSP, CLE, CPT, at Sacred Peaks Health Center can be reached at (928) 863-7333.
For families interested in preventing diabetes, weight loss, physical activity, and healthy eating can help. TCRHCC’s Health Promotion and Diabetes Prevention programs can assist your family in preventing diabetes. HPDP can be reached at (928) 283-1420.
