Photo By Jennifer Scales | LaCresha Mitchum (left) and LaToya Littlejohn (right), Columbia VA Health Care System...... read more read more
It’s the season for turkeys, whether they are fried, spicy or baked; desserts from pumpkin pies to double chocolate vanilla coconut cakes; and some veggies which may include roasted garlic brussel sprouts or a traditional green bean dish.
Recognizing the season and the month, LaCresha Mitchum, diabetes coordinator for the Columbia VA Health Care System, recently organized and completed a four-day expo for Diabetes Awareness Week at the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, while World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated November 14 to raise awareness about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
With the fanfare and preparation for upcoming holiday meals, this is the perfect time to remind people to be mindful of healthy eating.
Students and members from the community, along with Columbia VAHCS staff and Veterans participated in the expo.
Kickoff day included members of Eau Claire High School Band providing music and cheers during the pep rally type atmosphere.
“This is great for us,” Daniel Goodman, Eau Claire Band director said. “It’s always good for the students to come out and do some community service. This is also a learning experience, as they have been asking questions regarding their family members’ diabetes issues.”
Tenth grader Blonzine Louis, a member of the Eau Claire marching band for two years, said, “It’s very important for us to see what Veterans have done. This is our opportunity to give them a token of thanks for their service.”
Derek Hall, a senior at Eau Claire expressed his Veteran connection to being involved. “I’m glad to be here,” Hall said. “My grandfather, Joseph Samuel and my uncle, Larry Samuel, were in the military. My presence is an honor to them today.”
Vista-Dale Hanley, registered dietician for Columbia VAHCS, was pleased with the kick-off. “The Veterans taking part to share their personal success with overcoming diabetes, boosts the confidence of other Veterans who may be having challenges. Veterans are hearing about the positive results, which have included weight loss and nutrition changes from those who have come such a long way in this program.”
A local Columbia exercise therapy specialist, James Patrick, owner of James Patrick Fitness and Wellness, made the kick-off an audience involved event by showing them exercises which were done conveniently from their seats.
“We have one body and one life, so why not take care of it,” Patrick said. “Our quality of life should be right at the top of whatever stage of life we may be in, and it’s never too late to begin the road to healthy, fit, and nutritious habits.”
The rest of the Diabetic Awareness week included poster presentations, diabetic and nutrition messages from the Columbia VAHCS nutrition and diabetic team, concluding with a Diabetic and Awareness Walk.
| Date Taken: | 11.04.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 11.18.2019 12:46 |
| Story ID: | 352164 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SC, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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