WVU Medicine University Healthcare presents Living with Diabetes Program

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - WVU Medicine University Healthcare and The Wellness Center at Berkeley Medical Center will sponsor a free community seminar for diabetics, pre-diabetics, and people with mobility issues titled “How to Thrive with Diabetes."

The seminar will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 in the aerobics room of The Wellness Center. The program is designed to encourage those with diabetes or mobility issues who think they can’t exercise learn to adapt and find a beneficial and enjoyable way to move.

Joan Starliper, M.S., R.D., L.D., will review nutrition for diabetes, including food portions and health eating.

“Students will learn how to nourish their bodies, manage diabetes, and still have good treats,” she said.

Yoga Instructor Elizabeth Mauck will lead participants though a yoga class specifically designed for individuals with mobility issues including amputation or other physical limitations.

“My focus will be to help participants keep moving their bodies while learning to move safely in order to support healthy joint function and strengthen needed areas," she said.

One in eight adults in West Virginia has diabetes and more than 107,000 have pre-diabetes. A major complication of diabetes is loss of limb.

“Diabetes and loss of limb does not have to stop you from being active. Movement is actually beneficial and can help manage the condition for maximum health,” Dana DeJarnett, health promotion specialist at University Healthcare, said.

“How to Thrive with Diabetes” is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required.  To register or for more information, call 304-264-1287 ext. 31814 or email ddejarnett@wvumedicine.org.

This program is being offered as a community service of WVU Medicine University Healthcare, a member of the WVU Medicine-West Virginia University Health System statewide network.