September 2008

Eating appropriately for pre-diabetes can be the key to avoiding type 2 diabetes. Area residents are invited to a seminar to learn how and what to eat to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s dietitian will hold an evening program to guide those who may have pre-diabetes. The Pre-Diabetes education session will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It will be in GRMC’s West Tomasek Conference Room.

The American Diabetes Association reports that before people develop type 2 diabetes, they almost always have ‘pre-diabetes.’ This is when the blood sugar (glucose) level is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetic.

“This group of individuals, who have risk factors such as being overweight and inactive; having high blood sugar levels, and/or family history of diabetes can benefit from this stand alone program,” explains Elaine Hammes, MS, RD, LD, GRMC’s dietitian. “Taking action now to manage blood glucose, when someone is pre-diabetic, can delay and may even stop the development of type 2 diabetes. For the patient it’s well worth the effort to avoid the insulin, the hassles of monitoring blood sugars on a daily basis, and the stricter limitations of diet once diabetes develops. Pre-diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be treated.”  

The class cost is $10. One additional support person may attend with the pre-diabetic person at no charge. Additional individual nutrition therapy sessions may be requested following the program. With the number of pre-diabetes patients increasing, GRMC plans to offer the pre-diabetes class every two months.

Reservations are required by noon on Oct. 8 by calling 641-236-2421.

Grinnell Regional Public Health advises everyone to protect themselves and their families against seasonal flu this year by getting vaccinated. Children ages six months and older are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated as well as all adults to get vaccinated against seasonal flu this year.  Most especially, caregivers and parents of infants, parents of children with asthma or diabetes, and adults who live with at-risk seniors are urged to get vaccinated to protect those at risk of complications from seasonal influenza.

Children between the ages of six months and eight years who have not previously been vaccinated should receive two doses of the vaccine this year.  All adults over 50 years of age, residents of nursing homes, and any person with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk of severe complications from seasonal influenza and should be vaccinated. Healthcare workers, day care providers, teachers, and school support staff are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the disease.

FluMist, a no-shot alternative to the traditional vaccine, is also available at the clinics. It is an effective vaccine for those between the ages of two and 49 and in good health. FluMist is not recommended for people outside this age range. It is not for pregnant women or people with chronic health conditions. Both the FluMist and the “flu shot” will be available through the GRPH vaccine clinics.

Seasonal flu vaccine clinics are scheduled for the following dates, times, and locations:

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 3 to 6 p.m., Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center

Monday, Oct. 13, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., GRMC Senior Education Program, at
            Grinnell Elks Lodge

Thursday, Oct. 16, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Brooklyn Library

Thursday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Grinnell United Methodist Church,
            916 Fifth Avenue, Grinnell

Thursday, Oct. 23, 1 to 3 p.m., Montezuma Presbyterian Church,
            303 East Washington Street, Montezuma

 “Seasonal influenza can cause many complications, particularly those who may have a chronic disease or other health considerations,” says Patty Hinrichs, RN, Grinnell Regional Public Health coordinator. “We strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated. Seasonal flu can take several days to recover from and the vaccine will prevent people from getting it or at least lessen its effects. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against getting seasonal flu,” Hinrichs says.

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites everyone to the annual fall luncheon scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The regular gathering will again be held in the dining center at Buckley Hall, Mayflower Homes, Grinnell.

The agenda for the meeting includes: an election of 2009 officers, voting on the proposed auxiliary board members, updates on projects at the hospital and auxiliary, and entertainment by The Glass Gift Box.

“This annual gathering of members is a wonderful time to catch up on the many auxiliary activities and fund-raising events supporting the hospital,” explains Carol Jordan, GRMC Auxiliary luncheon chair. “Our meetings are informative but also a great social time to visit with our members. We welcome all members to join us for an elegant lunch and update on the auxiliary.”

The fall luncheon will also include entertainment and door prizes. Tickets will be $7 and available after October 1 in The Glass Gift Box – the GRMC gift shop, from any GRMC Auxiliary Board member, or call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Auxiliary and the Grinnell Ministerial Association have teamed up to help women attend Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s first Women’s Health Focus. The event for women will be Thursday, Oct. 23, beginning at 4 p.m.

A limited number of scholarships are available for women who may not be able to attend the women’s program because of financial limitations.

“We want this event to be accessible to all women who want to learn about their health and well being,” says Jennifer Cogley, GRMC auxiliary president. “We’re offering childcare at a minimal fee to make it easier for women to do something for themselves and attend. These organizations decided to donate funds to help financially limited women pay for their registration and gain access to the educational material as well as the social benefits of networking with women.” 

To apply for the scholarships to attend the Women’s Health Focus, call the GRMC volunteer coordinator at 641-236-2588. A brief application process will be completed. Scholarships will only be accepted until seating is sold out. A maximum of 400 seats are available.

The Women’s Health Focus, sponsored by GRMC, Grinnell College, and Iowa Telecom will be held in the Harris Center on the Grinnell College campus. The educational exhibits will be open from 4 to 6:45 p.m. A buffet dinner will be available from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. Peggy Kline, keynote speaker, will present at 7 p.m.

Grief Support Program Scheduled