Mission Statement

This is from our June 2010 Article

The 5 Ps of Travelling (A Travel Guide for Diabetes)

Having diabetes can pose some challenges when you are planning a trip or vacation. Diabetes travels right along with you which can make the trip more stressful. However spending some time planning ahead will help you to keep your diabetes regime on track and make the time away less worrisome. Here are some helpful ideas to consider when you are planning your next trip:

1. Plan to talk to your Diabetes Health Care team well ahead of your trip (6 weeks or more) to find out if you need any immunizations (if going abroad). It is a good idea to get a letter from your Doctor that states your diabetes plan, medications and supplies and to get an extra prescription for your diabetes medications. You may also need a medical exam to determine you are in good health to travel. If you are traveling through time zones ask your diabetes health care team for guidance in adjusting the timing of meals, snacks and medications. Traveling east means a shorter day and west is a longer day.
2. Prepare to stick to your meal plan away from home. Discuss food options pre-trip with a Registered Dietitian.

If you :
• Travel by car plan your food stops ahead or select places that offer many food choices. Watch your portions. You should also pack a cooler with foods that fit into your meal plan.
• Travel by plane or train check to see if a meal will be served when you purchase your ticket. See if you can request a healthy meal ahead of time. Remember shorter flights may not serve meals, so pack healthy snacks that do not spoil in your carry-on luggage. This can also help you avoid poor food choices and long waits if flights are delayed.
3. Pursue physical activity. Changes in your activity can cause problems with your blood sugar control. Plan ways to stay active during your time away from home. If you are sitting for long periods (in a car, on a train or plane) plan to get up every one to two hours and walk around to prevent pooling of blood, blood clots and swelling in your feet and legs. Wear good supportive shoes (to protect your feet) and check your feet daily.
4. Pack enough medications and diabetes supplies. Bring at least double the amount of medications and supplies (needles, syringes, insulin vials or pens, diabetes pills, glucose tablets, etc.) you need for your time away (to help avoid running out). Keep all your diabetes medicines and supplies with you in your carry- on luggage. Have all your syringes, insulin delivery devices (vials, pens etc) clearly marked with the pharmaceutical label and with original pharmacy label. If your diabetes medications need to be kept cool ask for assistance or recommendations from the airline or train company ahead of time. Call the Transportation Security Administration for the latest update on traveling with diabetes medications and supplies. If you are traveling by car you can keep your insulin cool by packing it in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs. Do not leave insulin in the car or in the trunk.
5. Place blood glucose monitoring equipment in your carry-on bag. Check with the airline about current guidelines for carry-on luggage with your blood glucose testing supplies. Plan to test often while you are away to avoid surprises. This can help you adjust your meals, meds, snacks etc. Pack at least double the monitoring supplies you would usually use. Use your logbook or meter memory (if it is too hard to record) to track trends in blood sugars.

Finally, remember to carry diabetes identification (consider also getting this in the language of the country you are visiting when travelling abroad) and medical insurance cards.

For more information on travelling contact the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org or International Diabetes Federation groups http://www.idf.org .

The American Diabetes Association estimates that almost 24 million adults and children in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes. If you are one of those, you know how confusing and frustrating it can be to maintain your blood glucose and adjust to your new lifestyle. Locally, there are many programs to help you with your diabetes management including medications, diabetes supplies, meal planning, physical activity and more. Here is a brief overview of the programs for the three lower Eastern Shore counties.

SOMERSET:
• Free Diabetes Clinic at the Somerset County Health Department for county residents age 18 and over. Provides HbA1c, blood glucose, and blood pressure testing and diabetes education management assistance by a registered dietician and diabetes educator consultant. For those that qualify, diabetes supplies and medication vouchers are available. Call 410-523-1760.
• Diabetes Education Program at McCready Health Foundation. Comprehensive program recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Includes monthly sessions and 4-week group sessions for diabetics and their families. Taught by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. While there is a fee for the program, it is covered by many insurance providers. Call 410-968-1200, x3349.
• Free Diabetes Support Group at McCready Health Foundation meets monthly. Call 410-968-1200 for details.

WICOMICO:
• Diabetes Self Management and Medication Nutrition Therapy Education at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Comprehensive group and individual educational sessions led by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. Meal planning, individualized instruction on medications and blood glucose monitoring are available. The program is recognized by the ADA. Day and evening sessions are available. A doctor’s referral is required. There is a fee for the program and it is covered by many insurance providers. Call 410-543-7061.
• Free Diabetes Support Group at Peninsula Regional Medical Center meets monthly. Speakers on a variety of topics. Light refreshments are offered. Call 410-543-7061.
• Free Pump Club at Peninsula Regional Medical Center meets monthly prior to the Support Group. Call 410-543-7061.
• Diabetes Kids Support Program at Peninsula Regional Medical Center provides mentoring support. Call 410-749-0085.
• Apple Discount Drugs, Fruitland, Maryland offers free meter instruction education and basic diabetes management information. Call 410-749-8401.
• Peninsula Diabetes Center affiliated with Peninsula Cardiology Associates provides individualized, quality education and disease management programs and services to all adults with diabetes. Director Caroline Mansy is a nurse practitioner and certified diabetic educator. Educational sessions, insulin pump management, cardiac risk assessment and prevention, and general disease medical management are available. Call 410-543-8240.
WORCESTER:
• Free Diabetes Clinic for county residents age 18 and over at Atlantic General Hospital. Provides HbA1c, blood glucose, and blood pressure testing, management of diabetes. Educational assistance by a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator. For those that qualify, diabetes supplies and medication vouchers are available. Call 410-641-9703.
• Diabetes Education Program at Atlantic General Hospital. ADA recognized comprehensive group and individual educational sessions led by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician for persons with diabetes and their families. There is a fee for the program. Call 410-641-9073.
• Free Diabetes Self-Management Education program. Locations in Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Team taught by staff from Atlantic General Hospital and the Worcester County Health Department including a certified diabetes educator, registered dietician, and certified exercise specialist. Six sessions. Call 410-632-1100, x1102
• Free Diabetes Support Group at Atlantic General Hospital meets monthly in Ocean Pines and Berlin. Call 410-641-9703
• Free Diabetes Support Group sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department meets monthly in Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Call 410-632-1100, x1102.
• Free Diabetes Prevention Program - Lifestyle Balance. A nutrition and physical activity behavior change program sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department. Program meets 3 days/week for 16-weeks. Led by an exercise specialist and registered dietician. Incentives, education and lifestyle coaching. Call 410-632-0056.


Article written by Sharon Cooper
Tri-County Diabetes Alliance Chairperson and
Health Educator at the Wicomico County Health Department
Chronic Disease Prevention Program

The 5 Ps of Travelling (A Travel Guide for Diabetes)

Having diabetes can pose some challenges when you are planning a trip or vacation. Diabetes travels right along with you which can make the trip more stressful. However spending some time planning ahead will help you to keep your diabetes regime on track and make the time away less worrisome. Here are some helpful ideas to consider when you are planning your next trip:

1. Plan to talk to your Diabetes Health Care team well ahead of your trip (6 weeks or more) to find out if you need any immunizations (if going abroad). It is a good idea to get a letter from your Doctor that states your diabetes plan, medications and supplies and to get an extra prescription for your diabetes medications. You may also need a medical exam to determine you are in good health to travel. If you are traveling through time zones ask your diabetes health care team for guidance in adjusting the timing of meals, snacks and medications. Traveling east means a shorter day and west is a longer day.
2. Prepare to stick to your meal plan away from home. Discuss food options pre-trip with a Registered Dietitian.

If you :
• Travel by car plan your food stops ahead or select places that offer many food choices. Watch your portions. You should also pack a cooler with foods that fit into your meal plan.
• Travel by plane or train check to see if a meal will be served when you purchase your ticket. See if you can request a healthy meal ahead of time. Remember shorter flights may not serve meals, so pack healthy snacks that do not spoil in your carry-on luggage. This can also help you avoid poor food choices and long waits if flights are delayed.
3. Pursue physical activity. Changes in your activity can cause problems with your blood sugar control. Plan ways to stay active during your time away from home. If you are sitting for long periods (in a car, on a train or plane) plan to get up every one to two hours and walk around to prevent pooling of blood, blood clots and swelling in your feet and legs. Wear good supportive shoes (to protect your feet) and check your feet daily.
4. Pack enough medications and diabetes supplies. Bring at least double the amount of medications and supplies (needles, syringes, insulin vials or pens, diabetes pills, glucose tablets, etc.) you need for your time away (to help avoid running out). Keep all your diabetes medicines and supplies with you in your carry- on luggage. Have all your syringes, insulin delivery devices (vials, pens etc) clearly marked with the pharmaceutical label and with original pharmacy label. If your diabetes medications need to be kept cool ask for assistance or recommendations from the airline or train company ahead of time. Call the Transportation Security Administration for the latest update on traveling with diabetes medications and supplies. If you are traveling by car you can keep your insulin cool by packing it in an insulated bag with refrigerated gel packs. Do not leave insulin in the car or in the trunk.
5. Place blood glucose monitoring equipment in your carry-on bag. Check with the airline about current guidelines for carry-on luggage with your blood glucose testing supplies. Plan to test often while you are away to avoid surprises. This can help you adjust your meals, meds, snacks etc. Pack at least double the monitoring supplies you would usually use. Use your logbook or meter memory (if it is too hard to record) to track trends in blood sugars.

Finally, remember to carry diabetes identification (consider also getting this in the language of the country you are visiting when travelling abroad) and medical insurance cards.

For more information on travelling contact the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org or International Diabetes Federation groups http://www.idf.org .

The American Diabetes Association estimates that almost 24 million adults and children in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes. If you are one of those, you know how confusing and frustrating it can be to maintain your blood glucose and adjust to your new lifestyle. Locally, there are many programs to help you with your diabetes management including medications, diabetes supplies, meal planning, physical activity and more. Here is a brief overview of the programs for the three lower Eastern Shore counties.

SOMERSET:
• Free Diabetes Clinic at the Somerset County Health Department for county residents age 18 and over. Provides HbA1c, blood glucose, and blood pressure testing and diabetes education management assistance by a registered dietician and diabetes educator consultant. For those that qualify, diabetes supplies and medication vouchers are available. Call 410-523-1760.
• Diabetes Education Program at McCready Health Foundation. Comprehensive program recognized by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Includes monthly sessions and 4-week group sessions for diabetics and their families. Taught by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. While there is a fee for the program, it is covered by many insurance providers. Call 410-968-1200, x3349.
• Free Diabetes Support Group at McCready Health Foundation meets monthly. Call 410-968-1200 for details.

WICOMICO:
• Diabetes Self Management and Medication Nutrition Therapy Education at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Comprehensive group and individual educational sessions led by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician. Meal planning, individualized instruction on medications and blood glucose monitoring are available. The program is recognized by the ADA. Day and evening sessions are available. A doctor’s referral is required. There is a fee for the program and it is covered by many insurance providers. Call 410-543-7061.
• Free Diabetes Support Group at Peninsula Regional Medical Center meets monthly. Speakers on a variety of topics. Light refreshments are offered. Call 410-543-7061.
• Free Pump Club at Peninsula Regional Medical Center meets monthly prior to the Support Group. Call 410-543-7061.
• Diabetes Kids Support Program at Peninsula Regional Medical Center provides mentoring support. Call 410-749-0085.
• Apple Discount Drugs, Fruitland, Maryland offers free meter instruction education and basic diabetes management information. Call 410-749-8401.
• Peninsula Diabetes Center affiliated with Peninsula Cardiology Associates provides individualized, quality education and disease management programs and services to all adults with diabetes. Director Caroline Mansy is a nurse practitioner and certified diabetic educator. Educational sessions, insulin pump management, cardiac risk assessment and prevention, and general disease medical management are available. Call 410-543-8240.
WORCESTER:
• Free Diabetes Clinic for county residents age 18 and over at Atlantic General Hospital. Provides HbA1c, blood glucose, and blood pressure testing, management of diabetes. Educational assistance by a registered dietician and certified diabetes educator. For those that qualify, diabetes supplies and medication vouchers are available. Call 410-641-9703.
• Diabetes Education Program at Atlantic General Hospital. ADA recognized comprehensive group and individual educational sessions led by a certified diabetes educator and a registered dietician for persons with diabetes and their families. There is a fee for the program. Call 410-641-9073.
• Free Diabetes Self-Management Education program. Locations in Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Team taught by staff from Atlantic General Hospital and the Worcester County Health Department including a certified diabetes educator, registered dietician, and certified exercise specialist. Six sessions. Call 410-632-1100, x1102
• Free Diabetes Support Group at Atlantic General Hospital meets monthly in Ocean Pines and Berlin. Call 410-641-9703
• Free Diabetes Support Group sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department meets monthly in Snow Hill and Pocomoke. Call 410-632-1100, x1102.
• Free Diabetes Prevention Program - Lifestyle Balance. A nutrition and physical activity behavior change program sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department. Program meets 3 days/week for 16-weeks. Led by an exercise specialist and registered dietician. Incentives, education and lifestyle coaching. Call 410-632-0056.


Article written by Sharon Cooper
Tri-County Diabetes Alliance Chairperson and
Health Educator at the Wicomico County Health Department
Chronic Disease Prevention Program

NEED HELP WITH DIABETES???

The Somerset County Health Department and the Atlantic Health Center are currently providing an extensive program offering a variety of diabetes services. We understand the importance of diabetes management which is why we have devised a team of healthcare professionals to help you on this journey. These professionals can provide education and encouragement to help you take better control of your health.

The following health care professionals are available to provide the services described.

Diabetes Educator: will teach you about the day to day care of your diabetes; can help you with monitoring your blood sugar, healthy ways to cope with diabetes, reduce your risks for diabetes related complications, teach you about your specific medications, refer you to self -management classes, and much more.

Registered Dietitian: an expert in food and nutrition, the dietitian will help you find a meal plan that works for you, can teach you about healthy food preparation, reading food labels choosing healthier foods, increasing your level of physical activity, and much more.

Clinician: will look after your overall health as well as diabetes management; help with your glucose testing, medications, answer any overall health questions and concerns, and much more.

Both the Somerset County Health Department and the Atlantic Health Center are holding FREE* diabetes clinics with the purpose of providing additional help to people who might be having some difficulty managing their diabetes. The following is the information on each clinic and a contact number.

Clinic Locations and Time

Somerset County Health Department

Where: 7920 Crisfield Highway, Westover, MD. 21871
When: Every other Monday
Time: 8:30-12 noon
Call: 443-523-1760 (for schedule and appointment)

Atlantic Health Center

Where: Atlantic Health Center
When: Every other Thursday
Time: 8:30-12 noon
Call: 410-641-9703 (for schedule and appointment)

 Each appointment consists of:

• FREE Glucometer and Strips for those who qualify

• Voucher for medications* (restrictions apply)

• A1C Finger-stick and Blood Glucose Test

• Blood Pressure Screening

• ADA Risk Assessment

• Dietitian- Nutrition Consultation

• Diabetes Educator Consultation

*Requirements: Somerset or Worcester Co. residents or employee; 18 years or older
You are not alone when it comes to taking care of your diabetes. We are here to be a part of your health care team to manage your diabetes and take care of your health.
Remember YOU are the most important person on your team!
CALL US!

Free Smoking Group Smoking Cessation Programs
Sponsored by the Worcester County Health Department

For more information or to enroll please call the Prevention Services Unit of the Worcester County Health Department at 410-632-1100.

Picnics-Picnics- Picnics

Summer is almost here, and so are the food and fun-filled events. One of the most popular of summer activities is a picnic. Picnics for families, picnics with friends, work picnics, picnics at the beach, and picnics in your own back yard. Who doesn't love a picnic? And those with diabetes enjoy picnics, too, but they often worry that their diabetes needs won't be met or will be thrown off too much to enjoy the good times and eating.
There's nothing like arriving at a picnic to find a meal full of starches and sweets. Do you have recipes that help you through picnic food temptations? If you are planning a picnic, check out these recipes below. They are easy ideas that will cater to the person with diabetes and those who are trying to just eat healthier, and the rest of the crowd won't even know it. The recipes are heart healthy and with your usual portion control can fit quite nicely into your meal plan
So load up the picnic basket and head out for some worry-free fun with these healthier options for your next picnic.

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

2 ½ lb frying chicken, cut-up

1 cup all-purpose flour

 ½ tsp fresh-ground black pepper

 1 tsp salt ½ tsp paprika

Wash chicken and pat off excess water. Mix remaining ingredients together and place in a zip-top type plastic bag. In a large skillet, put canola oil to about ½ -inch depth and heat. Place chicken pieces 1 or 2 at a time into bag with flour mixture. Shake to coat well. Shake off excess flour and add chicken to skillet. Cook chicken over medium heat, turning to brown all sides, for 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce heat, cover tightly, simmer 30 to 40 minutes or until tender and cooked through. Remove the lid from skillet the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow chicken to brown. Remove from skillet and drain on paper toweling.

Barbecue Beans
Serves 6

1 slice turkey bacon
½ cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1- 15 ounce can Great Northern Beans, drained
1/3 cup Equal sweetener

Cut turkey bacon into small pieces. Cook in large saucepan over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes. In small bowl, combine vinegar, water, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Add mixture to saucepan. Stir in beans. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in Equal.

Vegetable Tray

Make a pretty presentation of fresh, colorful vegetables. I suggest baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, fresh broccoli crowns and olives.

Sweet Potato Pie
Serves 6

1 9 -inch prepared piecrust
2 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
2 eggs or egg substitute equivalent
1 cup Equal sweetener
1 tablespoon heart healthy margarine softened
1 tablespoon flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground mace
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 12 ounce can evaporated skim milk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a large bowl, beat eggs. Add sweet potatoes, Equal, butter, flour, spices, salt, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk. Mix until smooth. Pour into piecrust. Place in oven and cook for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake until filling is set (about 35 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Grilled Turkey Burgers with Corn and Tomato Relish Serves 4

1 pound lean ground turkey
salt to taste(optional)
freshly ground black pepper
1 ear corn
1/2 cup fresh, diced tomatoes
1 jalapeño chili pepper, seeded, to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fat free mayonnaise
4 sourdough rolls

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high.
2. Shape the turkey into 4 patties, about ½ -inch thick. Season with (salt and) pepper and refrigerate until ready to cook.
3. Grill the corn until it is golden brown. When the corn is cool enough to handle, cut the kernels from the cob.
4. To make the corn relish, combine the corn, tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, scallions, cilantro and lime juice in a small bowl. Season to taste (with salt and) pepper.
(This can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)
5. Grill the burgers on both sides until they are cooked through, about 6 minutes per side.
6. Toast the rolls on the grill.
7. Top the burgers with mayonnaise and corn relish and serve them on the toasted rolls.
Serving Size: 1 burger

Old-Fashioned Potato Salad Serves 4

1 pound small red Bliss potatoes
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt to taste, optional
freshly ground black pepper
½ cup finely diced celery
¼ cup finely diced red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles, dill or sweet
½ cup non-fat sour cream

1. Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are just tender. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the mustard and vinegar along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil.
3. As soon as the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and toss them with the mustard mixture. Refrigerate.
(This can be done in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.)
4. When ready to serve, stir the celery, red onion, pickles and sour cream into the potato mixture. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Serving Size: about 1/2 cup

Low Fat Macaroni Salad

Serves 6

2 cups dry macaroni

 1 cup sliced celery

1 cup chopped red pepper

 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced and quartered

 1/2 cup chopped red onion

 1/3 cup fat-free or low fat mayonnaise

 1/3 cup low fat plain yogurt (Fat-free Greek yogurt works well too)

 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Preparation:
Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. In a large bowl, combine cooled macaroni, chopped celery, pepper, cucumber, and onion. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt and mustard. Add to pasta salad and toss well to coat. Chill for at least 2 hours.

November 14th

Step Out For Diabetes November 7th Ocean City Boardwalk 10am