Studies have found common features among high-performing health departments that
ID: 444156 • Letter: S
Question
Studies have found common features among high-performing health departments that manage diabetes. These departments may include receiving external funding for programming, having a self-management education program that is recognized by the American Diabetes Association, and having partnership opportunities. Using your local health department as the basis of study, discuss the diabetes programming and services it utilizes. In your opinion, should more be done to battle diabetes in your area, or do you feel that the services provided are sufficient? Explain why you feel this way.
Explanation / Answer
The Diabetes Services Program seeks to address the need for educating Bay County residents and helping them manage their health through the offering of diabetes prevention and self-management education. Current offerings include:
Programs and Services which include:
The American Diabetes Association recommends that testing to detect prediabetes and type 2 diabetes be considered in adults without symptoms who are overweight or obese and have one or more additional risk factors for diabetes. In those without these risk factors, testing should begin at age 45.
Risk factors for prediabetes and diabetes-in addition to being overweight or obese or being age 45 or older-include the following:
If results of testing are normal, testing should be repeated at least every 3 years. Doctors may recommend more frequent testing depending on initial results and risk status.
EXAMPLE for the prevention programs provided in areas:
Youth Prevention Camp:
The program hosts a weeklong summer Diabetes Prevention Youth Camp at East Central University in July with over 35 tribal youth attending each year. Each child is screened and offered education from educated professionals in dealing with diabetes prevention, exercise, and healthy nutrition on how to incorporate this into their everyday choices. The pre and posttest numbers have proven that we are reaching the youth and increasing their knowledge of diabetes prevention.
Fitness Classes:
Exercise Specialist “Jerome Harrison” holds multiple activities throughout the program year for our adults and our youth. One of the most demanded activities is the water aerobics class. He holds three weekly classes at the Seminole St. College pool. Along with the water aerobics, he’s incorporated a boot camp for individuals that are high risk, diabetic, or over weight. On the youth prevention side, we have held basketball and soccer camps for kids to experience a structured environment with experienced professional providing proper instruction. Each youth camper receives a full fitness assessment and is screened for diabetes.
Another youth activity has been establish a tribal youth running program to help increase daily activity and receive prevention education each month.