PUBLIC INVITED TO DIABETES WELLNESS EXPO

Health screenings at free event Nov. 1

To help those living with diabetes improve their health, Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH), the Delaware Diabetes Coalition and other community partners will come together at the Tenth Annual Diabetes Wellness Expo on Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino Conference Center. Vendors attending include health care facilities, preventive health organizations and diabetes-related businesses. Admission to the expo is free.

The 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey in Delaware indicates an increase in diabetes prevalence from 4.9 percent in 1991 to 8.3 percent in 2008. Many people with diabetes often do not receive the necessary care for this disease which is the leading cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, lower-limb amputations, heart disease and stroke in the nation and requires extensive medical monitoring and costly, life-long treatment.

The Expo is an opportunity for patients and their families to be informed of helpful resources and services within the community. Participants will benefit from information and presentations on diabetes management, services, resources and tips on controlling the disease. Health screenings include blood sugar, blood pressure, foot care, eye exams and other diabetes-related tests.

"Diabetes is a serious disease,"said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. "Education can go a long way toward managing and preventing it. The Expo provides a great way to learn how to do this."

For more information, please call the Delaware Diabetes Coalition at 302-744-9267 or the DPH Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at 302-744-1020.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.