Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Family and Community Health (FCH) unit helps Texans better their lives through science-based educational programs designed to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families, and communities. Visit the FCH Harris County page www.harris.agrilife.org/family-and-community-health/ to learn about more educational programs.
The Circle of Learning Child Care Provider's Conference
www.harris.agrilife.org
Diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death in Texas and diabetes related illnesses cost the state more than 29 billion dollars annually. In Harris County, an estimated 10.2% of adults 18 years and older reported having diabetes. Today, 1 in 10 Houstonians are diagnosed with diabetes and 3 out of 10 Houstonians have prediabetes.
Agent Davis partnered with Hockley Community Center located at 28515 Old Washington Road, Hockley, Texas and El Franco Lee Senior Center located at 9500 Hall Road, Houston, Texas to conduct the Wisdom, Power, Control diabetes educational series. Wisdom, Power, Control is an evidence-informed, educational program targeting Type 2 diabetics, pre-diabetics and their family members. The series is offered for 4 weeks and last approximately 2 hours each week.
Approximately 20 seniors attended the weekly sessions at both sites. During the weekly sessions, participants were taught what diabetes is, how to check their blood glucose, how to understand blood glucose ranges, eating healthy with diabetes using the plate method, the importance of taking medications how prescribed, stress management, avoiding diabetes complications and much more.
Each week, participants were assigned homework related to the topic and set personal goals to better manage their diabetes or improve their lifestyle. Classmates provided support, motivation and encouragement to one another. Participants were equipped with knowledge and lifestyle skills to better manage their diabetes.
Additional 2018 Wisdom, Power Control Diabetes Series are scheduled at: Glazier Senior Center; Lone Star College North Harris and Victory Center; Duessen Park, and Cavalcade Community Center. A Healthy Holidays Diabetic Event is also scheduled in November 2nd at the DAWN Center to help individuals living with diabetes to keep their blood glucose in healthy ranges during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, when high carbohydrate foods are a large part of the celebrations and family traditions.
The Circle of Learning Child Care Provider's Conference
Wisdom, Power, Control Diabetes
Self-Management Educational Series