Titled “How Sweet is Your Child? – a Program for Diabetic Children, Those at Risk, and their Families”, the event was held for what Scotland Memorial Foundation Board Member Jerry Wooten described as "an opportunity to learn more about one of the most serious health conditions" affecting the community.
"In 2008, diabetes was the fourth leading cause of death in Scotland County (with) obesity the number one health problem in children," Wooten said. "Almost one in four children and youth in North Carolina are overweight compared to one in five in 2002. At its current rate, it will soon become the costliest disease, surpassing cardiovascular diseases."
Wooten's son Jay was diagnosed with type 1, insulin dependent diabetes as a ninth grade student. Today he has the disease under control, and is a member of the University of South Carolina football team.
"Jay has not allowed diabetes to prevent him from living a full life, and we wish the same for you and your family," Wooten said, addressing the assembly.
A panel discussion comprised of local health experts and a parent of a diabetic child followed Wooten's opening remarks. One of the panel members was Sofia Filzer, a physician's assistant at the Purcell Clinic, who described the three types of diabetes.
"Type 1 is insulin dependent, type 2 is non-insulin dependent, and type 3 is very rare," Filzer said. "Insulin affects everything in your body."
On managing the condition, Filzer said that by having control, a patient does not have to worry as much about their health problems.
"What we look for is management," she said. "Exercise regularly, which helps also with stress control. If you are a smoker or use tobacco products, please stop. Smoking is even more harmful to you if you have diabetes."
Sherry McIlwain, whose son Will has type I insulin dependent diabetes, said it was "a good idea" for the doctor of a diabetic child to have "a good rapport" with the young patient.
"The doctor who diagnosed my son said, 'Yes, you have diabetes, but you do not need to let it control your life. Instead, you need to incorporate it into your life without letting it control you."
Diagnosed in the second grade, Will McIlwain became a Scotland High School football player in his later years.
Steve McLean, pharmacist and owner of The Medicine Shoppe in Laurinburg, urged patients not to hesitate to ask one's pharmacist about their medicines.
"Get to know your local pharmacist," he said.
McLean listed some common questions people can ask their pharmacist about healthcare and diabetes, such as when should blood sugar be tested, and how cold medicines, foods, and exercise can effect one's condition.
Kathie Cox is both the health educator for Scotland County and the coordinator for Healthy Carolinians.
"Scotland County Healthy Carolinians would like to thank the Scotland Memorial Foundation for this opportunity to provide a diabetes program on a larger scale, focusing on youth with diabetes or at risk for diabetes who are overweight and obese," she said.
"Healthy Carolinians hopes to continue collaborating with the Scotland Memorial Foundation and the hospital, as well as with other agencies, in providing programs and events such as this one that will help our community become healthier and live healthier lifestyles."
A collaborative effort between Healthy Carolinians, Scotland Memorial Hospital, the Scotland County Health Department, the Purcell Clinic, and Scotland County Health Department, the program grew from monthly meetings of the Scotland Community Diabetes Support Group, whose representatives said that the group's monthly meetings have helped participants gain a better understanding of how to manage their diabetes and reduce the risks associated with the disease.
Exhibitors at the event included representatives from the Scotland Wound Healing Center, the Scotland County Health Department / Healthy Carolinians, Scotland County Parks and Recreation, The Medicine Shoppe, Cooperative Extension, the North Carolina Oral Health Section and others with interactive activities for the participants.
For more information contact Cox at 277-2470, Ext. 4478.
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