Isabella Participates in the new “Together on Diabetes” Program

Isabella is pleased to be working with the United Hospital Fund on a major new effort to combat Diabetes in Washington Heights and Inwood.    “Together on Diabetes” is a partnership of community based organizations, businesses, health care providers, the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and the New York City Department for the Aging.  This public-private initiative is funded for a period of three years with major support from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.

Twenty –six million people in the United States suffer with diabetes and more than 1 in 4 seniors in Northern Manhattan must cope with the disease every day.   Diabetes is responsible for more than 1 in 5 hospitalizations every year and is a major cause of amputations, blindness and kidney failure.  While diabetes is serious, with the right mix of self-care, medical care and community support, anyone afflicted with the disease can lead a healthy and normal life.

“Together on Diabetes” is a central resource for seniors with diabetes.   A Diabetes Support Team, staffed by knowledgeable professionals, meets with each individual to conduct assessments, determine the right kind of care and provide individual follow-up.  As part of “Together on Diabetes” individuals have access to Education and Support Groups, Nutrition and Cooking Classes, Self-management Programs, Coaching, Exercise and Care Coordination. 

On Friday, January 29^th, 2012, Isabella sponsored an initial education workshop as part of its programming for the Institute for Older Adults.  Representatives from the United Hospital Fund, the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Neighborhood Diabetic Supply, City Harvest and other community groups presented information on the care and treatment of diabetes.  Attended by many community residents, this workshop helped seniors understand symptoms, warning signs and remedies that may enable them to cope with diabetes.

For more information about how the “Together on Diabetes” can be of help to you, call 1-855-585-5888.

By: Betty Lehmann