Diagnosed with diabetes 23 years ago, Joan Jewett says she is managing this chronic disease much better today thanks to the support offered from Riverwood Healthcare Center’s diabetes education program led by Melissa Magnuson, RN and Certified Diabetes Educator.
“With my previous healthcare provider, there was no diabetes education offered,” Jewett says. “I got involved with Riverwood’s diabetes program since it started in 2004 and what a difference it has made. Melissa has provided terrific one-to-one counseling to help me manage my diabetes. She is very knowledgeable and is a great motivator.”
Jewett got motivated to pursue bariatric surgery for help in achieving weight loss earlier this year. The 60 pounds she’s lost helped her decrease the amount of insulin she needs through insulin pump therapy.
“I’m only using a quarter of the insulin I used to and that saves me money with my copays,” she adds. “I like to walk and use a treadmill in the winter months when I can’t walk outdoors.”
Jewett also credits the monthly diabetes support group meetings and annual diabetes seminars that Riverwood offers in helping her successfully manage her diabetes.
“It’s great to know that you’re not alone with this disease and to be able to learn from others,” she adds.
Originally recognized by the American Diabetes Association in 2005, Riverwood Healthcare Center has again received the prestigious American Diabetes Association (ADA) Education Recognition for maintaining a high quality diabetes self-management education program.
“This recognition means that the American Diabetes Association believes that we are offering high-quality education that is an essential component of effective diabetes treatment,” says Melissa Magnuson, RN and Certified Diabetes Educator. “It recognizes the excellence of care we provide to our patients with diabetes in the community. Living well with diabetes is our goal.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 25.8 million children and adults or 8.3 percent of the U.S. population who have diabetes. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately 7.0 million people are not aware that they have this disease.
For information on the American Diabetes Association, the nation’s leading nonprofit health organization supporting diabetes research, go to www.diabetes.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Arlene Wheaton, Riverwood Healthcare, (218) 927-5589, awheaton@riverwoodhealthcare.org