Diabetes Respiratory Endocrine and Metabolism team offer free health screenings

(Hamilton, Bermuda Monday 2 November 2015) Residents can take advantage of free health screenings as Bermuda Hospitals Board celebrates Diabetes and Chronic Lung Disease Awareness Month. The Chronic Disease Management Department of the hospital has been renamed Diabetes Respiratory Endocrine and Metabolism (DREAM) Centre to more precisely explain the services offered there. The accredited team comprises Asthma Nurse Educator Debbie Barboza, Diabetes Nurse Educators Jane Hope and Tammoi Jarrett, Clinical Dietitians Jessica Wade and Jessika Quigley and Endocrinologist Dr Annabel Fountain. All of the programs at the DREAM Centre are accredited and covered by insurance.
The DREAM Centre team will give free health screenings for lung function, blood sugar and blood pressure in the lobby of the Acute Care Wing. The screenings will take place on the following dates and times:
Wednesday 4 November 4pm — 7pm
Monday 9 November 12pm — 3pm
Tuesday 10 November 12pm — 3pm
Thursday 12 November 12pm — 3pm
Friday 13 November 12pm — 3pm
During Diabetes & Chronic Lung Disease Awareness Month, DREAM Centre team members will release articles each week highlighting how you can recognize symptoms and manage your condition or help your loved ones.
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease which over time makes it harder to breathe,” said BHB Asthma Educator Debbie Barboza. “Anyone over 40 who smokes or has a history of smoking and who finds it difficult to breathe sometimes or all the time, should come in and take the free lung function test during the screenings. If that is not possible they should contact me on 239-1652 or email asthma.centre@bhb.bm.”
“Bermuda has some of the highest rates of diabetes and its devastating complications in the world” said Dr Fountain. “The side effects of diabetes are preventable. If sugar levels are high in the body for years, blindness, kidney failure and amputations are to be expected. People with diabetes are also more likely to have heart disease or strokes. This is why we want to help people to control their sugar levels – these side effects of diabetes are avoidable. Good education has been shown to be as effective at lowering blood sugar levels as many diabetes medications and regular monitoring and appropriate interventions help individuals to avoid the complications of diabetes.”

BHB CEO Venetta Symonds said: “As healthcare professionals we recognize the importance of early detection and prevention in chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma and COPD. We are pleased to provide the public with free health screenings and services of the DREAM Centre to help people on their wellness path.”

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