Long Beach Medical Center Receives Grant to Help the Uninsured
March 20, 2009
(Long Beach, N.Y.) - Long Beach Medical Center is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation which will be used to provide diabetes education programs for the uninsured. The Slomo and Cindy Silvian Foundation is a private charitable foundation which supports a variety of philanthropic efforts including health care and research, education, programs that benefit children, and Jewish charitable endeavors.
“Diabetes has been identified as one of the most prominent health problems of the future,” said Rachel Ferdinand, RD, CDE, Director of the Diabetes Education Center at Long Beach Medical Center. “Nearly 24 million people are diagnosed with diabetes nationwide and it is estimated that another 57 million have pre-diabetes. With these alarming statistics and their potential impact on the health care delivery system, we are grateful to the Board of Directors of the Silvian Foundation for supporting programs that address this epidemic.”
Diabetes, if left untreated or uncontrolled, can cause devastating complications such as blindness, neuropathy, kidney and heart disease, chronic wounds, and amputation. But research has shown that diabetes education programs can significantly reduce or prevent complications.
“Diabetes education programs are effective for anyone with diabetes, whether an individual is newly diagnosed or has been living with diabetes for years,” said Ferdinand. “Through education and training, patients learn how nutrition, activity levels, and stress or illness can impact their glucose levels and what can be done to minimize risk factors. Diabetes education empowers individuals to take control of their own health.”
Established six years ago, The Diabetes Education Center at Long Beach Medical Center is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American Diabetes Association. In addition to individual and group education classes, the Center offers medical nutritional therapy, a monthly support group, a community speakers program, and educational programs designed for elementary school children and school personnel. Nutritional counseling is also available for individuals who wish to improve their eating habits or lose weight.
“Now, with the generosity of the Silvian Foundation, there is no reason anyone should forego diabetes education because of financial concerns,” said Ferdinand.
For more information, please contact The Diabetes Education Center at Long Beach Medical Center at (516) 897-4354.
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Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Health
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