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Tara Roa, physician assistant at Hays Medical Center,
leads a recent Diabetes Solutions class at the hospital.

Those with diabetes can get a jump on a New Year’s resolution by signing up for educational classes to help them manage their disease.

Hays Medical Center and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) in Larned offer Diabetes Solutions from January through November. The time commitment involved is only two Tuesdays during one of those months, said Tara Roa, HaysMed physician assistant.

Roa noted that classes are scheduled for each month at Hays and every other month in Larned. The hospitals are partners and share resources.

“The goal of Diabetes Solutions is for participants to become active in their own care and diabetes management,” Roa said. “We want to provide avenues to success in achieving their health-care goals.

“Education is the key to empowering people to better manage their disease and avoid complications,” she continued. “We are trying to make this as convenient as possible because we know how quality of life can improve with diabetes management.”

The classes are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the first and second Tuesdays of the month; a healthy lunch is included. Diabetes Solutions is an American Diabetes Association-accredited program.

“Since different material is presented each day, we strongly encourage people to attend both sessions,” said Roa, a certified diabetes educator and Diabetes Solutions program coordinator. “Participants are encouraged to share information and interact with the group.”

Class topics include: defining diabetes; eating a healthy diet; being active; monitoring test results; reducing risks; problem solving; taking medications; and healthy coping.

“Most patients that have attended Diabetes Solutions have said they wish they would have done it sooner,” Roa commented. “They tell us it has helped them gain better control of their diabetes.”

Anyone with pre-diabetes, or Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, is encouraged to attend.

“We also suggest the patient bring a loved one to the classes. This could be a spouse, child or good friend who lends support,” Roa said, noting there is no charge for the caregiver. “Insurance usually covers the patient’s cost and limited funds are available to those without insurance who qualify.”

A doctor’s referral is necessary.

“Those who are considering the classes are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the value of Diabetes Solutions,” Roa said. “Since November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, this is a good time for patients to raise their own awareness and that of their family and friends.”

For more information, call 785-623-5500.