Diabetes is a Hot Topic at the Wellness Expo

[February 16, 2016]   LINCOLN - “One in ten individuals in Logan County have been diagnosed with diabetes and the rates for emergency room admission due to uncontrolled diabetes is very high compared to other Illinois counties,” said Jennifer DiPasquale.

DiPasquale is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and will give a brief talk during the Wellness Expo being held from 9am-1pm on Saturday, February 20.

New this year is a variety of talks about important issues facing Logan County residents. At 9:30am in the ballroom at the Lincoln Park District, DiPasquale will be taking her monthly Diabetes Support Group on the road. “Ask the CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator)” will give attendees an opportunity to ask questions about diabetes and how to successfully manage it through lifestyle changes. All attendees will receive a free giveaway.

“A healthy lifestyle can help prevent, control and sometimes reverse the need for diabetes medications. My goal is to help people with diabetes make educated choices, to learn how to make room for everything they enjoy. Shift the focus from "Exclusion" or "diet", to “Inclusion” which is lifestyle.

"One of my key phrases is 'there is nothing you can't have… unless you're allergic to it!'. Understanding your body's individual response to the food you choose to eat makes inclusion possible." said DiPasquale.

If you would like information about the Wellness Expo, contact Emily Hauter at the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317 ext. 235 for more information or LIKE “Wellness Expo Logan County“ on Facebook.

[Angela Stoltzenburg, Healthy Communities Partnership]