News Release

LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO SPONSOR DIABETES FORUM

March 10, 2005 — “Diabetes: An Evening Of Education” will be the theme for an upcoming health education and awareness program sponsored by UPMC Northwest, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the Focus on Our Future Collaborative Board.

The free program, which will get under way with a free buffet dinner, is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at The Franklin Club.

The event is intended to focus attention on the serious nature of diabetes and to assure participants that proper treatment can help individuals with diabetes lead normal, active lifestyles, according to Diana Erwin, RN, local Diabetes Task Force facilitator. Individuals who have diabetes, persons who may be at increased risk of developing the disease, and those who are experiencing symptoms of diabetes are encouraged to attend with a family member or friend.

Risk factors for diabetes include a family history of the disease, excess weight, a lack of physical fitness, advancing age (especially age 65 or older) and having a high birth weight baby (nine pounds or more), says Amy Uhler, RN, BC, education manager at UPMC Northwest. Symptoms, which often develop slowly, include frequent hunger or thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, wounds that don’t heal, and numbness or tingling in the feet.

The upcoming program will include presentations by Erie Retinal Surgery (diabetic retinopathy), obstetrician/gynecologist William McGrail, MD (gestational diabetes), wound care nurse Frankie York, RN (wound care), and Ms. Uhler (upcoming programs and services for persons with diabetes).

Advance registration is required for all participants. Individuals can register or learn more by calling the UPMC Northwest Learning Resource Center (814-676-7992).