Pictured are Becky Brundin, MPH, RD, CDE and Joan Bush, RN, CDE.
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St. John's Diabetes Education Program merits ADA Recognition
August 5, 2007
The St. John’s diabetes self-management education program in Libby has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association. This program was originally developed 12 years ago through a rural transition grant, and has been ADA recognized since 2004. This program offers high-quality education services to our communities.
Self-management education is an essential component of diabetes treatment. One consequence of compliance with the National Standards is the greater consistency in the quality and quantity of education offered to people with diabetes. The participant in an ADA Recognized program will be taught, as needed, self-care skills that will promote better management of his or her diabetes treatment regimen. The Diabetes Education Program at St. Johns, taught by Certified Diabetes Educators Becky Brundin, MPH, RD, CDE and Joan Bush, RN, CDE, covers the following topics as needed: diabetes disease process; nutritional management; physical activity; medications; monitoring; preventing, detecting, and treating acute complication; preventing, detecting, and treating chronic complications through risk reduction; goal setting and problem solving; psychological adjustment; and preconception care, management during pregnancy, and gestational management.
According to Brundin, the program is also designed to collaborate with other health care entities to reach as many individuals with diabetes in the area as possible. “We have begun to work with the Community Health Center to hold classes in their facility to make it more comfortable for their patients to participate,” said Brundin. “We have another set of classes ready to begin this fall, so we encourage anyone with diabetes to talk to their doctors about a referral to this program. It is covered by most insurances and by Medicaid.
In addition to diabetes education and support, the local program providers try to involve their patients in national events and the most current medicines, equipment, and information available. “We are currently promoting a national event for diabetics called ‘Take Control’, which will be held in Kalispell, on October, 20, 2007,” said Brundin. “We are so excited about the wealth of information that will be provided at this event that our local support group is arranging low-cost transportation for anyone from our area interested in attending. The bus ride will be fun and educational, and everyone is invited to attend.”
For more information about the St. John’s Diabetes Education Program or the “Take Control” event please call Becky or Joan at 293- 0175.
Photo courtesy St. John's Lutheran Hospital
Related Links:
St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, www.sjlh.com
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