Hospital Offers Free Screenings during World Diabetes Month
Campaign Focuses on Avoiding Amputations
Bermuda Hospitals Board joins a global diabetes campaign this month highlighting the importance of preventing complications associated with this disease. The hospital will be offering free blood sugar, blood pressure and foot screenings, waist measurements and dietary advice in the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) lobby between 10:00am and 2:00pm on 25 November. A podiatrist will also be available to answer questions and provide education about the importance of foot care. Bermuda has one of the highest rates of foot amputations resulting from diabetes among developed countries.
“With increasing numbers of patients being diagnosed with diabetes each year, we want to get the message out that complications from foot problems are among the most serious,” said Debbie Jones, BHB Diabetes Nurse Educator. “Sadly, younger people in Bermuda are now being diagnosed with diabetes. As a result, we even see young people with amputations.”
Worldwide, it is estimated that an amputation reduction rate of over 50% could be realized with better education. “The importance of prevention, care and treatment options cannot be over-emphasized,” said Ms. Jones. “Over 80% of type 2 diabetes is preventable by changing diet, increasing physical activity and improving one’s living environment. But when left untreated, diabetes can lead to renal failure, lower limb amputations, blindness, heart disease, stroke and death.”
The Diabetes Education Centre, located at its new home in the Chronic Disease Management Centre at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, plays a major role in the community, particularly since 20% of the Bermuda population is affected by this condition. This past year alone, 122 patients were diagnosed at the hospital with Type 2 Diabetes. In 2011, 221 clients enrolled in Diabetes Education Centre classes designed to assist and educate newly diagnosed patients. The classes include morning walks, as well as instruction in diet and cooking, as part of an effort to help clients integrate a healthy lifestyle into their daily routine.
“One of the reasons we are focusing on the importance of proper treatment and appropriate foot care this year, is because more than 50% of people with lower extremity amputation require a second amputation within five years,” conclude Ms. Jones. “Sadly, the survival rate for someone with diabetes who has had a below-knee amputation may only be five years. As a result, it is vital for people with diabetes to learn what they can do to lower their risk of complications, to follow the advice of their physicians and to be an active participant in their medical care.”
In addition to free screenings, Diabetes Education Centre staff have scheduled in-service sessions for nurses and Continuing Medical Education presentations for physicians this month.
Diabetes Fact File
• Control of blood glucose through diet, exercise and medication is essential for people with diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose levels can cause nerve and blood vessel damage leading to vision problems, lack of sensation in the hands and feet (neuropathy), kidney damage and poor wound healing.
• Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, foot amputation and kidney dialysis and transplants. Two-thirds of people with diabetes die from heart disease and strokes.
• The treatment of diabetes involves blood glucose testing, proper use of medications, planning healthy meals and regular exercise. Medications must be coordinated with meals, exercise and other activities.
• Exercise is important for blood glucose control because exercise causes an increase in the uptake of glucose into cells and can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Exercise has the added benefits of promoting weight loss and improving strength and fitness.
• People with diabetes should be careful to wear comfortable, supportive shoes and avoid exercise that raises blood pressure significantly.
• Meal planning involves selecting healthy foods to help maintain consistent blood glucose levels while meeting energy needs for exercise and other activities. The dietary recommendations for preventing and treating diabetes are almost identical to the general recommendations for good health: Emphasize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and low-fat meat and dairy and reduce saturated fat, cholesterol, added sugars and salt. The diet should also promote weight loss and weight maintenance, especially for overweight patients.
• Proper diet, blood glucose testing, medication use and regular exercise can improve blood glucose control, reduce the risk of other health problems and improve quality of life in people with diabetes.
• In those with pre-diabetes, these efforts can delay the progression to diabetes and may even result in a return to normal blood glucose. Diet and exercise have also been shown to be more effective than medications in preventing diabetes.
Archives
- 10 December - BHB urges online bill payment
- 7 November - Sterile processing department at KEMH to be upgraded
- 1 November - Oncology Service Notice
- 22 October - Reduce your stroke risk with physical activity
- 15 October - Caring for patients at KEMH
- 6 October - BHB to host Mental Health Awareness Fair
- 18 August - Baby Sarai born in the eye of Ernesto
- 29 July - BHB awards $190,000 in scholarships
- 18 July - No through traffic at KEMH on 20 July
- 20 June - No through traffic at KEMH on 21 June
- 10 June - No through traffic at KEMH on 12 June
- 30 May - BHB MRI service up and running
- 22 May - BHB’s MRI temporarily down
- 12 March - BHB celebrates World Kidney Day
- 29 February - Generous donation after life-saving cardiac care
- 3 January - Bermuda’s first baby of 2024 is born
- 25 December - Two babies born on Christmas Day
- 18 December - Scott Pearman appointed as BHB CEO from January 2024
- 15 December - Only visit your loved ones in hospital if you feel well
- 29 November - Green is good for your mental wellness
- 22 November - Donation brings new treatment for enlarged prostate
- 17 November - BHB resumes pre-COVID visiting hours
- 10 November - BHB histopathology tests and post-mortem reports
- 29 September - BHB turns on pink lights
- 18 September - BHB to host free Falls Prevention Mini Expo
- 13 July - Blood donor raffle winners announced
- 24 May - Free CPR training could save a life
- 27 February - Faster and more efficient laundry now in operation
- 6 January - KEMH welcomes first babies of 2023
- 3 January - BHB looks forward to PEARL benefits
- 28 December - BHB COVID update
- 25 December - Three babies born on Christmas Day
- 22 December - BHB jobs fair attracts over 300
- 21 December - Community initiative for old St. James’ Church rectory
- 5 December - BHB updates COVID guidelines
- 1 December - O positive blood donors urgently needed
- 30 November - BHB shines green light for mental health awareness
- 17 November - BHB Traffic Advisory for Monday 21 November 2022
- 13 November - PEARL Implementation Update
- 9 November - O positive blood donors needed
- 3 November - Local newborn makes BHB history
- 29 October - PEARL Go-Live Milestone Celebrated
- 27 October - BHB prepares for PEARL’s implementation
- 19 October - Urgent call for blood donations
- 12 October - HAB donates biomedical van
- 10 October - Residents rate their mental health
- 30 September - Pink lights at KEMH for breast cancer awareness
- 27 September - BHB welcomes new chief hospital information officer
- 23 September - KEMH welcomes baby during hurricane force winds
- 20 September - BHB’s electronic medical record to go live in October
- 20 September - BHB Public Advisory: the hyperbaric chamber has reopened
- 6 September - BHB awards $100,000 in scholarships to eight students
- 9 August - Donate blood and win a ride on a Whip
- 24 July - BHB laundry gets $6.6 million upgrade
- 3 February - BHB CT scan service has resumed
- 27 January - BHB and Brown Darrell collaborate on CT service
- 9 December - BHB COVID-19 Remembrance Tree
- 30 November - BHB turns on green light for mental health awareness
- 2 November - BHB to ease visiting restrictions starting Wednesday
- 22 October - BHB moves to Disaster Alert Level 3
- 18 October - Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre resumes normal hours
- 28 September - BHB morgue service impacted by the pandemic
- 17 September - BHB Moves to Highest Alert Level
- 7 September - BHB visitor restrictions reintroduced due to delta surge
- 27 July - HSBC brings Cup Match magic to BHB
- 22 July - BHB cautiously opens up to more visitors
- 21 July - BHB announces breast ultrasound service
- 9 July - Blood donor winners announced
- 13 May - BHB releases BE KIND logo
- 30 March - BHB update in response to COVID-19 surge
- 24 February - BHB Food Services team completes nutrition course
- 2 February - UCC returns to longer weekday hours
- 1 February - Preston Swan takes on acting COO role
- 26 January - More visitors allowed from 27 January
- 18 January - Mental Health Act Code of Practice now available
- 18 January - Bermuda Hospitals Board COVID-19 vaccination update
- 15 January - BHB pilots thermal detectors at its entrances
- 8 January - Why I will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine
- 6 January - New year’s baby makes a late appearance
- 29 December - Update on BHB Long Term Care COVID-19 Cases
- 24 December - BHB Confirms Two Patient Cases in Long Term Care Area
- 23 December - Call for new blood donors to help over the holidays
- 17 December - Dr Wesley Miller appointed as BHB chief of staff
- 14 December - Lamb Foggo UCC Winter Weekday Hours
- 13 December - BHB gives mental health the green light
- 27 November - BHB response to 27 November Royal Gazette article
- 27 October - BHB celebrates Stroke Awareness Week
- 5 August - Agape House maintenance In August
- 24 July - Road closure at KEMH on 27 July
- 21 July - Dr Michael Richmond appointed as BHB CEO
- 2 June - BHB moves to limited visitation
- 19 May - A COVID-19 birthday story
- 29 April - Please wear a mask to the hospital
- 15 April - Police, Fire and Regiment salute KEMH staff
- 13 April - KEMH creates more isolation rooms
- 8 April - Ace Barber Unit converted for pandemic
- 20 March - Only essential visiting now allowed at BHB
- 18 February - BHB releases internal management accounts data
- 18 February - BHB road traffic accident statistics for January 2020
- 31 January - Winter hours at Lamb Foggo UCC extended to February
- 6 January - BHB seeks students for 2020 summer programme
- 1 January - BHB welcomes first babies of 2020
- 2 December - BHB awarded top level of accreditation
- 26 September - World Heart Day: BHB offers free CPR training
- 19 September - BHB welcomes Storm
- 16 September - Hurricane Emergency Kit Guide for Diabetes Patients
- 10 September - 2019 Scholarship Winners Announced
- 4 September - BHB CEO Notifies of Early Retirement in 2020
- 14 August - Improved diabetes management for inpatients
- 16 April - BHB celebrates occupational health nurses
- 25 March - BHB implements hand hygiene audit
- 11 March - Public Advisory: KEMH through road closure
- 22 February - KEMH asphalt resurfacing works
- 6 February - Public Advisory: KEMH roof sealing works
- 5 February - Red Cross Donates Scooter to Gordon Ward Residents
- 22 January - BHB Public Advisory on the Flu
- 5 December - Bermuda Blood Donor Centre thanks polo shirt donors
- 23 October - Walk-in Mammography Day on Thursday
- 12 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board offers free hands-only CPR training
- 26 February - Bermuda Hospitals Board now offers Cardiac CT Scanning
- 14 February - A Valentine’s gift for regular blood donors
- 25 December - Bermuda Hospitals Board welcomes Christmas baby 2017
- 24 November - Public Advisory: Lamb Foggo UCC closed this weekend
- 18 October - KEMH Mammography Department puts breast health first
- 16 October - Bermuda Hospitals Board Traffic Advisory
- 19 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board launches island-wide asthma campaign
- 14 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board has two certified dementia trainers
- 14 September - Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre closed this weekend
- 23 March - CEO Venetta Symonds on bed capacity at KEMH
- 17 March - Corporate Blood Drive competition heats up
- 22 February - Lamb Foggo UCC to reopen 1 March
- 1 February - Ms Patrice Dill leaves BHB
- 24 January - BHB introduces Patient-Centred Medical Home
- 20 January - Community invited to open up about BHB services
- 2 January - BHB welcomes New Year’s baby
- 26 December - BHB welcomes Christmas baby
- 22 December - Notice: Holiday hours at UCC and Emergency Department
- 3 December - King’s College urologist joins BHB
- 6 November - BHB focuses on ethics and youth
- 10 October - Being Alive
- 28 September - General Wing Lobby Doors Closed on Thursday 29 September
- 27 September - END OF FISCAL YEAR (2015/16) UPDATE
- 16 September - Urgent Care Centre Closure this Weekend
- 7 September - BHB Update on the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre
- 1 September - Outpatient clinics at KEMH have moved
- 5 August - New hours at Craig Appin House reception
- 25 July - Call for O Negative Blood Donations
- 24 July - Agape House has reopened
- 21 July - BHB Releases CEO Salary Data
- 15 July - BHB Releases 2012 Annual Report
- 16 May - BHB releases salary data
- 4 May - Teen suicide public debate
- 27 April - Dr Keith Chiappa Appointed as Chief of Staff
- 22 February - Agape House 25th anniversary
- 10 February - Update on Genito-Urinary Cancer Care
- 8 February - Blood Donor Centre request to recent donors
- 3 February - BHB Rehabilitation Day Hospital temporarily moved
- 3 February - MRI service at BHB has resumed
- 2 February - Agape House now in Curtis Ward
- 12 January - Kiwanis Clubs Donate $21,000 To Maternity
- 6 January - MRI service interruption
- 5 January - BHB to demolish two buildings on KEMH campus
- 30 December - BHB Posts Hospital-Wide Accreditation Report to Website
- 5 October - Hurricane Joaquin babies at KEMH
- 28 September - MWI sewage treatment plant completed
- 14 September - Acute Care Wing first anniversary – shorter hospital stays
- 18 June - Second Oncologist Joins BHB
- 21 May - BHB Spring Talent Showcase
- 15 April - CCU patients have a new home in KEMH
- 16 February - BHB to dispose of condemned items
- 12 February - Bermuda Hospitals 2014 Update
- 5 February - Operating Rooms now in the Maternity Ward
- 14 September - Emergency Department opens in new Acute Care Wing
- 4 September - Acute Care Wing opens next week
- 29 August - Letter to the Editor of The Royal Gazette
- 12 August - Acute Care Wing opens next month
- 22 July - Tour D´oeuvres and Public Tours
- 15 July - Chance to win a tour of the new wing
- 4 July - Consultant Geriatrician Appointed
- 19 June - BHB mount exhibition
- 9 June - Retiring Blood Donors Honoured
- 15 May - The Back-up generators
- 28 April - We´re connected!
- 21 April - Acute Care Wing: – new features on the face
- 16 April - Atrium- Bringing light to the interior
- 10 April - The New Emergency Department
- 13 February - BHB introduces Eddie the Elephant
- 30 January - Road Works on Point Finger Road this weekend
- 27 January - BHB announce revised opening date
- 16 January - Craneiom comes down
- 7 January - New Chief of Pathology Appointed
- 29 November - Urgent Care Centre Hours Confirmed
- 28 November - Dr Sam Mir Appointed Director of Cardiology
- 14 November - Chairman, CEO speak at Sandys Rotary
- 1 November - BHB Goes Back to Ethics Basics
- 31 October - Quarterly BHB Update – October 2013
- 15 October - New Acute Care Wing Construction Update
- 10 September - CEO and Chairman Speak at Hamilton Rotary
- 6 September - Planned Power Outage at MWI this Weekend
- 26 August - New temporary pedestrian entrance to KEMH
- 24 July - BHB Board Update – 24 July 2013
- 30 April - New Chief of Staff Appointed
- 5 February - Auditor General Informs BHB of Review
- 1 November - BHB Tackles Healthcare Ethics in the Digital Age
- 8 October - Mental Health Awareness Week Tackles Depression
- 2 October - Clinical & Corporate Governance Review Update
- 27 September - Voices Against Stigma: MindFrame PhotoVoice 2012 Launches
- 19 September - BHB´s 2011 Annual Report Released
- 7 August - Chief of Human Resources Appointed
- 16 February - BHB Sees Patient Satisfaction with Services Rise
- 16 February - New CT Scanner Provides Faster and More Accurate Results
- 10 February - Road Works Planned for South Shore
- 31 January - Hospital Marks Healthy Heart Month
- 22 November - Bermuda Hospitals Board Achieves Full Accreditation
- 7 November - Hospital Celebrates Advances in Diagnostic Imaging
- 27 October - Ethics Week 2011 Offers Food For Thought
- 12 August - Venetta Symonds To Be BHB CEO from 7 April 2012
- 6 April - Construction Begins
- 23 November - MindFrame PhotoVoice Exhibition Winners Announced
- 28 October - MWI Host Mental Health Forum for Community
- 28 October - Ethics Week Keeps it Confidential
- 13 October - Premier Visits Site of New Hospital Facility
- 10 September - BHB evaluates three bids
- 4 June - Parking Lot Takes Shape
- 4 May - KEMH Hosts Asthma Day Open House
- 26 March - Site preparation work begins
- 18 March - New Online Applications Process for BHB Jobs
- 23 December - Specifications for New Facilities Complete
- 23 December - BHB Releases Request for Proposal to Shortlisted Bidders
- 28 October - BHB Approves Shortlist of Qualified Bid Teams
- 27 October - New Chief of Nursing, Quality & Risk Appointed
- 14 October - Specifications Take Shape
- 10 September - New Director of Facilities Appointed
- 3 September - New Ambulance Fleet Unveiled
- 1 September - Pembroke Rotary Helps MWI Clients Snap into Action
- 25 August - Hospital Appoints Psychiatrists at MWI
- 29 July - Advisory Teams Evaluate KEMH Site
- 24 June - Robot Enhances Patient Care
- 11 June - World Blood Donor Day- June 14
- 8 May - Market Briefing Presentation
- 30 April - KEMH Hosts World Asthma Day Fair
- 16 March - Redevelopment Update
- 3 February - Presentation To Contractors
- 3 February - Presentation To Architects & Engineers
- 2 February - Hospital Opens New Pilot Patient Rooms
- 12 November - Johns Hopkins Phase II Report Released
- 20 October - Hospital Launches Infection Prevention Week
- 16 October - Mind Frame Art Exhibit Opens at City Hall
- 14 October - BHB Invests to Strengthen Nursing
- 29 July - Mother Support: Going for the Gold
- 27 March - Hospital Improves Laundry Service
- 23 January - Hospital Switchboard Undergoes 2-Hour Upgrade
- 20 December - New Director of Human Resources Appointed
- 27 November - Opening the Doors to Wound Care
- 11 October - Mind Frame Art Exhibit Opens at City Hall
- 6 September - Emergency Department Staff Receive Specialized Training
- 21 August - Dr Donald Thomas Appointed as Chief of Staff
- 15 February - Single Largest Donor Funds Improvements at Hospitals
- 1 February - Have You the Heart to Find Out Your Risk?
- 22 November - Day Hospital Provides Rehabilitative Services
- 17 October - Bermuda Hospitals Board Update on Estate Master Plan
- 16 October - Infection Control Week – It’s In Your Hands
- 9 October - Mental Health Awareness Week 2006
- 26 September - Deputy CEO Comments on Bermuda Hospitals Board Next Steps
- 21 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Changes First Public Meeting Venue
- 20 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Public Meetings
- 18 September - Safer and Faster X-ray Service Now Available to Patients
- 7 September - Community Open Houses to be Held at KEMH
- 10 July - BHB and BPSU Reach Three Year Agreement
- 21 February - Bermuda Hospitals Board Appoints Acting CEO
- 30 December - BHB Chairman Steps Down
- 12 September - Community Newsletter Available to Island Residents
- 6 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Awarded Three-Year Accreditation
- 30 August - BHB Chairman Addresses Hamilton Rotary Club
- 7 April - Hospitals Launch New Web Site
- 1 November - November is Hospice Awareness Month in Bermuda
- 8 October - DEPRESSION
- 8 October - Schizophrenia
- 8 October - Substance Use
- 8 October - ANXIETY
- 7 October - Learning Disability
- 6 October - CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH
- 6 October - CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION
- 5 October - Bermuda’s Mental Health Awareness Week
- 4 October - STIGMA AND MENTAL HEALTH