Mission Statement

This is from our August 2010 Article

Just Breathe

The Importance Of

 Taking Your Diabetes Medications Correctly!

Diabetes affects 17 million people or 6.2 percent of the American population. The rate of diabetes here in the Tri County area is about 14%, about twice the national average. Lots of the residents of this area need help with diabetes and medicines. Here are some tips to help you get the most from the medication you take.
Diabetes is a chronic illness, like hypertension, which involves a complex, long-term medical plan. Researchers estimate that 95% of diabetes care is performed by the patient. You, the patient play a very important role in controlling diabetes. You have a lot to take care of. The medication and treatment plan for diabetes involves more than simply taking prescribed medication.
Patients must stick to meal and exercise plans as well as properly taking doses of insulin or oral medications. Additionally, they must monitor their results daily by checking their blood sugar level. Many patients must test their blood sugar multiple times a day
The high rate of noncompliance to diabetes medications is usually because diabetes is a very complicated disease to manage and because it is a chronic disease ( it does not go away), many patients get tired of all the medication taking , diet restrictions and blood sugar monitoring then simply stop doing these things that are necessary to control diabetes.
Because patient involvement in the treatment plan is so high, it’s very important for them to understand how and why to pay special attention to their diabetes medications. The patient needs to play an active role in their diabetes management plan; without keeping to a plan, their doctor may be unable to make good decisions on medication adjustment. Some of the issues related to non- compliance include:

-Failure to take medication: This includes missing doses, and premature stopping of therapy.
-Taking too much medication: Some patients, hoping for additional benefit, increase the number of doses or the amount taken each time, incorrectly assuming that if some is good, more must be better
-Taking a drug for the wrong reason: This may arise from confusion about the purpose of using a drug, particularly if several drugs are being used. If you are unsure of the purpose of a particular medication, ask your health care provider or your pharmacist.
-Improper timing of taking a drug is more likely to occur if it needs to be taken several times a day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the medication is available in a once a day form.

Your doctor may not be able to tell if you are taking your medications correctly and real problem could exists when the doctor does not recognize the patient is not taking the medications, especially if the doctor increases prescription dosage. The increased dose could increase the risk of side effects and also increase the cost of the medication to the patient
Therefore it’s very important the patient follow the directions for their medication. If they do not take the medication as directed, they may be switched to another medication in appropriately. Please be honest with your physician if you have not taken you medications as directed.



Your pharmacist may be able to help you with taking your medications properly. Especially if he/she is someone you see on a regular basis.
• A community-based pharmacist can improve compliance because the pharmacist is often the only member of the health care team who has access to information about all of the patient's drugs. The pharmacist shares this information with the physician to improve patient care and compliance. Try to use only one pharmacy for your prescription services.
• Consider services such as “MyDose Alert”, a free reminder service offered by some community pharmacies.
• Establish a rapport with you pharmacist as you do with your physician


Patients make their own choices to follow medication instructions. It’s totally up to you to get it done, but be aware of all the support around you and ask for help if needed. Follow the medication instruction carefully; if the instructions or directions are not clear to you, please ask your pharmacist or physician for clarification.

John Motsko, Pharmacist
Diabetes Resource Specialist
Apple Discount Drugs

Reclaim Those Summer Strategies

By Kathy Wool, RD,LDN

August is here! How quickly those summer days go by. As we all know “time flies when we are having fun!” So now is the time to be sure you are still on track with those healthy eating habits to manage your blood glucose levels and your weight. If those summer get-togethers, picnics and parties have put a little extra weight on you, here are a few suggestions that can help you to eat less, balance meals, and see those numbers on the scale you have worked to achieve.

Slow down and ENJOY each bite. With a little practice you can learn to chew slowly and savor each bite you take. Not to mention the slower you eat the more likely you will recognize when you are full and not overeat.

Portion it up. That means avoiding eating out of a bag or box with several portions, as it is nearly impossible to know how much you are eating if it becomes mindless. So use smaller bowls, containers, plates and measure out how much you want to eat. Then enjoy the smaller portion you have chosen.

Keep that food journal. Remember, keeping track of both your blood glucose and your foods can help you identify what caused that change and next time you can modify the choice. Recording our foods can help you to think about the food choices you make before you actually make them!

The New American Plate: This is a plate ½ full of vegetables, and ¼ with lean protein and ¼ whole grains. You can sneak in that fruit too for a well balanced meal with carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Your blood sugar will thank you.

My favorite food! This can be the one food you have trouble resisting larger amounts of when it is available. The food you can’t say NO! to. When you know these foods, decide how to resist their pull. It may mean not purchasing it, planning ahead how to resist it when offered, or plan your day’s food choices around having a reasonable amount of this food in your meal plan.

A good deal for your money! That means when you dine out, be aware that restaurants do not typically serve the recommended portions- typically we tend to over eat when eating out. Don’t let price control the amount- use a take home container when the meal is served to help you stick to your intentions of only eating half! Besides if it tasted good the first time it will surely taste good the next day. Your blood glucose will thank you!

Build those healthy habits each day even if weight gain is not your issue. These suggestions can be the foundation of positive self-management for better diabetes control. A healthy lifestyle for diabetes is a process- it is a journey not always a destination. Keep learning and keep practicing to help you be just a little bit better each and every day.

Try these light and healthy desserts while enjoying the rest of those warm summer days!


Blueberry- Lemon Tart
Makes 12 servings

Blueberry Topping Tart
2 TBSP. sugar 35 reduced fat vanilla wafers-crushed
1 tsp. cornstarch 1 egg white, beaten
3 TBSP. water 1 TBSP. light margarine, melted
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1 ¼ cups fat-free milk
1 TBSP. lemon juice 1 package (4 serving size) lemon
Instant pudding/pie mix
1 ½ tsp. grated lemon peel
1 cup frozen (thawed) fat-free
whipped topping

For the topping:
Mix sugar, cornstarch and water in 1-quart saucepan.
Stir in ½ cup blueberries.
Heat to boiling; reduce heat to medium-low and cook about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
Stir in remaining 1 cup blueberries.
Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour until chilled

For the tart:
Heat oven to 4000. Lightly spray tart pan with removable bottom, 9X1”, with cooking spray.
Mix crushed cookies, egg white and butter until crumbly.
Press in bottom and slightly up side of pan. Bake 8-10 minutes or until light golden brown; Cool.
Beat milk, pudding mix and lemon peel in medium bowl with electric mixer on low about 2 minutes or until smooth. Refrigerate 5 minutes.
Fold whipped topping into pudding mixture. Spread over crust.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled.
Serve with Blueberry Topping.


NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories: 115
Total Fat: 2 grams
Saturated Fat: 1 gram
Calories from fat: 18
Cholesterol: 0 grams
Carbohydrate: 23 grams
Sodium: 190 mg.


Strawberry Mousse
Makes 6, ½ cup servings

1 package (4- serving size) strawberry sugar-free gelatin
½ cup boiling water
2 cups fresh sliced strawberries, divided
½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese
½ cup cold water
¼ teaspoon almond extract
1 cup reduced-fat whipped topping, plus additional for garnish

1. Place gelatin in bowl. Pour boiling water over gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.
2. Pour gelatin mixture into blender and add 1 cup sliced strawberries, cream cheese, cold water and almond extract. Blend 1 minute or until completely smooth.
3. Pour mixture into medium bowl. Thoroughly whisk whipped topping into mixture (make sure gelatin mix does not settle to bottom).
4. Pour mousse into 6 serving cups. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until mousse sets.
5. Top with remaining sliced strawberries and dollop of whipped topping.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories: 89
Total Fat: 5 grams
Saturated fat: 3 grams
Calories from fat: 45
Carbohydrate: 8 grams
Cholesterol: 10 mg.
Sodium: 138 mg.

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.

November 14th

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