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Diabetes Education

Continual education is essential for maintaining a healthy life with diabetes. Kittitas Valley Community Hospital offers a comprehensive diabetes education program under the supervision of a certified diabetes educator, registered nurse and registered dietitians. The experienced diabetes teaching team provides the latest information on nutrition and diabetes self-management training.

  • Diabetes Basics
  • Blood Glucose Monitoring
  • Foot Care
  • Medication/Insulin Administration
  • Meal Planning/Carbohydrate Counting
  • Weight Loss

For more information please contact Mary Jo Morrissey, M.S., RD., CDE, mjmorrissey@kvch.com at 509-962-7433, or Pamela Dick, M.S. R.D., pdick@kvch.com at 509-962-7373.

Diabetes Self-Management Training Classes

Jump-start your understanding of Diabetes by joining a KVCH Diabetes Self-Management Training Class. The class has been designed for anyone living with diabetes or pre-diabetes and provides an introduction to the self-management of diabetes.

Experienced Teaching Team - The Diabetes Education Program at KVCH is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as meeting national standards for self-management education.

Dates & Times

May 7th - 9am - 12pm
May 20th - 9am - 12 pm (cancelled at KVCH location)
May 20th - 6 - 9 pm Cle Elum Medical Center
201 Alpha Way, Cle Elum
June 10th- 6pm - 9 pm
August 14 - 6 pm- 9 pm


Location – KVCH 603 S. Chestnut Street, Ellensburg.
Conference A & B

Registration – Pre-registration and physician referral required. Choose one class from the dates offered and call 509-962-7373.

Cost - The fee for the class is $150 and is covered by Medicare/Medicaid and most private insurance.  A referral is required from a physician for insurance billing.  Those who do not have insurance can apply for scholarships to attend the classes through the KVCH Diabetes Education office.

Food & Nutrition

Health Library

Classes

Links

 

Diabetes Education Support Group

The KVCH Diabetes Support Group provides support to individuals in Kittitas County living with diabetes. The group’s monthly meetings offer the latest information on diabetes self-care, nutrition and an opportunity to talk to others living with diabetes.

Support Group Schedule

Location - KVCH 603 S. Chestnut Street, Ellensburg.
Conference A & B

Social Time - 6:30 - 7:00 pm

Program - 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Tuesday, May 27: “Tips to Trip By”

If travels are on your calendar for this summer, come and learn how to continue your healthy eating patterns away from home. We will discuss planning ahead with your Health Providers, what to pack, and how to investigate the facilities and food that will be available at your destination

Location: Cafeteria

Presenter: : Mary Jo Morrissey MS RD CDE
Judy Heesacker MS RD CD

Tuesday, June 17:“Another Approach to Glucose Monitoring”

Accu-Chek monitors will be presented along with information on Nutrition and Diabetes
Have a hands-on opportunity to try out the latest monitor by Accu-Chek

Location: Conference Rooms A & B Upstairs

Presenters: Mary Jo Morrissey MS RD CDE
Bill Morphy, Accu-Chek

Diabetes Info Fair

Date - Thursday April 10, 2008 KVCH Diabetes Info Fair
Time – 2:00 – 7:00 pm

Location - Kittitas County Fair Grounds – Home Arts Building

NEW MEMBERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
Affiliated with Kittitas Valley Community Hospital
and the American Diabetes Association

Diabetes Facts

Diabetes is the country’s fastest growing public health problem. The number of people with Type 2 diabetes in the United States has doubled in the past two decades, to an estimated 20.8 million or 7% of the population (www.cdc.gov). Over 6 million of these people are currently undiagnosed with their disease. As of 2002, it was also estimated that 54 million people have pre-diabetes and may progress to diabetes without weight loss and increased exercise. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented!

Diabetes comes in several forms, all characterized by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. Some 90-95% of all cases are Type 2 diabetes, which is largely associated with an inactive lifestyle, weight gain, family history, and age.  Type 1 diabetes, which is thought to stem more from genetic, autoimmune illness and environmental factors, affects a smaller number and has not risen significantly in recent years. Diabetes can also occur during pregnancy, which is called Gestational diabetes. Having Gestational diabetes can also put you at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.

It is important to see your doctor for yearly physicals, particularly if you are at risk for developing diabetes. Some common symptoms of diabetes, or high blood sugar, include excessive thirst, increased urination, fatigue, excessive hunger, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms you should see your physician right away. Without adequate treatment, diabetes can lead to heart disease, blindness, strokes, kidney failure, disease of the nervous system and possible amputations.

The diabetes specialists at KVCH are working towards helping those diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes to effectively manage the disease through comprehensive education.

For more information please contact Mary Jo Morrissey, MS RD, mjmorrissey@kvch.com, or Pamela Dick, M.S. R.D., pdick@kvch.com at 509-962-7373.