August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Immunizations are an important part of yearly checkups and not just for kids. Each year thousands of adults in the United States get sick from diseases that could be prevented by vaccines — some people are hospitalized, and some even die. People with diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) are at higher risk for serious problems from certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Getting vaccinated is an important step in staying healthy. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about getting your vaccinations up to date.

Why Vaccines are Important for You

• Diabetes, even if well managed, can make it harder for your immune system to fight infections, so you may be at risk for more serious complications from an illness compared to people without diabetes.
• Some illnesses, like influenza, can raise your blood glucose to dangerously high levels.
  People with diabetes have higher rates of hepatitis B than the rest of the population. Outbreaks of hepatitis B associated with blood glucose monitoring procedures have happened among people with diabetes.
• People with diabetes are at increased risk for death from pneumonia (lung infection), bacteremia (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).
  Immunization provides the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Vaccines are one of the safest ways for you to protect your health, even if you are taking prescription medications. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.
• Frequently recommended adult vaccines may include: Influenza, Pneumococcal, Hep B, Zoster and Tdap.

We provide several vaccines at our facility, including COVID-19 vaccine. Call us for more information or to schedule your vaccine today!

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/health-conditions/diabetes.html

 

The Diet-Betus – our version of recipe of the month just as tasty but with a healthy tweak here and there. August is here, school and fall are just around the corner. Squash, zucchini, eggplant, just a few of the fresh veggies readily available this time of year. Put the to good use in this simple but jammed pack with goodness recipe.

Ratatouille

A bright and chunky summer vegetable stew, rich with olive oil and fragrant with garlic and herbs.

Servings: 8 (Makes about 7 cups)
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

 

INGREDIENTS
• 1 large (1¼ lbs) eggplant, cut into ⅓-inch cubes
• Salt
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb), cut into ⅓-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch dice
• 5 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 5 large vine-ripened tomatoes (1¾ lbs), cut into ⅓-inch cubes, with their juices
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme, plus more for serving
• ¾ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and season with ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and starting to brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan (no need to clean it). Add the zucchini and cook, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and transfer to a plate; set aside.
3. Add two more tablespoons of oil to the pan and add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking for about 3 minutes more. Do not brown. Add the tomatoes and their juices, tomato paste, thyme, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and ¾ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are broken down into a sauce, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the cooked eggplant to the pan; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the eggplant is soft. Add the zucchini and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, or until just warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh basil and thyme, drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and serve warm or chilled. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Source: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/ratatouille.html#tabrecipe

 

Community offerings: *

Due to coronavirus/COVID 19, many community offerings have been changed, postponed, or canceled.
Please call the number listed for the event to verify availability, dates, and times.

 

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP)
COST: Free
CONTACT: Tina Ellinger 419-624-1856

The Diabetes Empowerment Education Program [DEEP] is offered every Wednesday for six weeks. Good attendance is important. This free program is for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and spouses or caregivers of a diabetic. Residents of Erie County, aged 60 or older, please call 419-624-1856 to register.

 

Diabetes Support Group – Firelands Regional Medical Center

The Diabetes Support Group presented by Jean Feick CNP, CDE, meets the third Wednesday of each month Sept–November and January-May from 12:00pm –1:00pm. This meeting is free to the public and no registration is required. Attendees are welcome to purchase lunch in the hospital cafeteria and come to the adjacent Cafeteria Meeting #1. A different topic will be reviewed each month. If you have questions, please contact the Diabetes Education Department at 419-557-6992.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SCREENING – offered by Firelands Regional Medical Center
You must Pre-register for all Lab Work at 419-557-7840.
Sandusky Health & Wellness

• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Aug 13
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Sep 10
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Nov 5
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm
• Firelands Sandusky HealthCare Center
  2520 Columbus Ave.
  Sandusky, OH 44870
  Saturday, Dec 3
  7:00 am to 9:30 pm

 

Health & Wellness Screenings include:

• Complete Blood Count with Metabolic & Lipid Panel (No Eating or Drinking for 12 Hours – Water Allowed – includes liver and kidney function studies, fasting blood sugar, thyroid, cholesterol, HDL/LDL, and triglyceride levels along with a complete blood count.) – $45
• Hemoglobin A1C (Three-month report on blood sugars; results used to diagnose diabetes and/or to evaluate how well your treatment plan is working.) – $25
• PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)- $30
• Vitamin D – $35
• TSH – $25

Please comply with the following COVID-19 precautions:

1. Wear a mask
2. Have your temperature taken upon arrival
3. Follow social distancing practices

Please note
Patients will not be allowed to enter until their scheduled time. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Only the registered patient will be allowed to enter the screening unless the patient needs assistance from an accompanying person. We are unable to perform any additional physician-ordered tests not included in the list above.
Contact: Centralized Scheduling at 419-557-7840 to pre-register

The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, and is also the main test to help you and your health care team manage your diabetes. Higher A1C levels are linked to diabetes complications, so reaching and maintaining your individual A1C goal is really important if you have diabetes.

Last quarter, 70% of our diabetic patients had an A1C of less than 9%. Talk with your provider at your next visit about the right options for you! Schedule an appointment: 419-502-2800