Free Health Screenings to the public to mark Diabetes and Chronic Lung Disease Awareness Month

Wednesday 6 November 2019:

November is Diabetes and Chronic Lung Disease Awareness month. To help educate the public on risk factors, how to manage the conditions and how to avoid developing them, Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) Diabetes, Respiratory, Endocrine and Metabolism (DREAM) Centre will be providing free health screenings to the public.

On Wednesday 13 November from 10am-1pm, the Centre’s accredited diabetes and asthma education staff will provide the service in the main lobby of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s (KEMH) Acute Care Wing.

Blood sugar and blood pressure screenings provide important information on diabetes and hypertension. Lung function testing for smokers and former smokers over 40-years of age can help determine if Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has developed or is developing.

Attendees at the free event will also have their waist measured and can take advantage of free foot assessments.

In addition to conducting the screenings, staff will take time to explain the results of the screenings and advise participants on the follow up they should do.

BHB and DREAM Centre staff are committed to helping the public take control of their health. This includes educating on how to prevent disease and where chronic conditions have developed, advising how best to manage them.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is key to reducing your risk of developing a chronic condition. This includes regular exercise, sufficient sleep and eating healthily.

“We have programmes to help you manage your blood sugar through proper diet,” said DREAM Centre Manager Jane Hope. “Many people don’t realise what a healthy diet is. We can help and guide you step-by-step through the process. In this way you can put your entire family on the right path.”

“Don’t smoke. And if you do, quit,” said Asthma Nurse Educator Debbie Barboza. “The harmful effects of smoking can be devastating to your health and the health of those around you. Quitting improves your risk of developing many of these conditions.”

For more information on the free screenings and the DREAM Centre call 239-2027 or email jane.hope@bhb.bm. For asthma and COPD related information email asthma.centre@bhb.bm

DREAM Centre public screening flyer NOV2019

6 November 2019 Home Page, News

Diabetes Respiratory Endocrine and Metabolism (DREAM) team offer free health screenings

Friday 10 November 2017:

Residents can take advantage of free health screenings as Bermuda Hospitals Board celebrates Diabetes and Chronic Lung Disease Awareness Month. The Diabetes Respiratory Endocrine and Metabolism (DREAM) Centre provide diabetes, asthma and lung disease education and awareness. The accredited team comprises Asthma & Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Nurse Educator Debbie Barboza; Diabetes Nurse Educators Jane Hope, Verna Eugene and Tammoi Jarrett and Clinical Dietitians Letitia Rabain and Jessika Quigley. All 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 at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH), General Wing lobby on Wednesday 15 November from 11am-3pm.

“Anyone over 40 who smokes or has a history of smoking and who finds it difficult to breathe should come in and take the free lung function test.  If that is not possible contact asthma.centre@bhb.bm,” said BHB Asthma Educator Debbie Barboza. “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease which over time makes it harder to breathe.”

“Bermuda has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world. It is the leading cause of blindness and heart disease on the island,” said DREAM Centre Clinical Manager Jane Hope. “These side effects can be avoided with prevention, early detection and proper management of diabetes” she added. “At the DREAM Centre we want to help people to control their sugar levels.  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: “We are pleased to be able to offer these free screenings to the public. As healthcare professionals we recognise the importance of early detection and prevention in chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma and COPD. I encourage you to come in and meet our DREAM Centre professionals. They can help you on your wellness path.”

10 November 2017 Home Page, News