National Kidney Foundation of Michigan Recognizes Little Traverse Primary Care
Individuals Honored at Diabetes and Kidney Advocacy Day
ANN ARBOR, MICH.—(May 9, 2012)—On May 1, 2012, the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) held its 2012 Diabetes and Kidney Advocacy Day at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing. The event recognized several individuals and organizations for their admirable efforts in helping the NKFM to spread awareness about how to be healthy in order to prevent and reduce the prevalence of kidney disease and its leading cause, diabetes, in Michigan. Each individual or organization honored at Advocacy Day was presented with a tribute from their respective senators.
From the Harbor Springs area, a tribute was presented to Little Traverse Primary Care by Senator Howard Walker. Little Traverse Primary Care was recognized for their commitment to diabetes quality care, which is provided by diabetes self management education and chronic disease care management services from their Diabetes Educator. The goal for adding the Diabetes Educator was to improve the quality of diabetes care provided by the entire clinical team, improve chronic disease patient outcomes, and improve patient and family involvement in their own care. Patients who worked with the Diabetes Educator made improvements in an important outcome measure. The average A1c prior to meeting with the educator was 8.05% compared to 7.15% at a 3-6 month follow up. It is recommended that recommends people with diabetes have an A1c below 7%. The reduction of one percentage point in outcomes reflects a 25% decrease in risk for the overall complications of diabetes. In 2011, 60% of all Little Traverse diabetes patients had A1cs below 7% and 74% were below 8%!
Other legislators attended in support of those who were presenting at the event’s legislative luncheon. In addition to the legislative presence, there were about 130 attendees from across the state of Michigan, who had the opportunity to speak to their representatives and senators to help maintain health wellness and prevention programs for kidney disease and diabetes.
For more information about the NKFM’s prevention programs and patient services, please call 800-482-1455 or visit www.nkfm.org.
About the NKFM:
The mission of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. The NKFM is widely known for providing more programs and services to more people than any other region or state. The organization was recognized for its success in sound fiscal management by receiving a 4-star rating, four years in a row, from Charity Navigator—the nation’s leading charity evaluator.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
"It's May ... it's May ... the lusty month of May!" The lyrics of one of my favorite 'Camelot 'songs notwithstanding, May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, which is why I'm writing this blurb. After enduring the not-so-lusty month of April, it's tempting to be bouyed by May's balmy days, and to let concerns for care and safety fly out of newly-opened windows. Please resist the temptation!! The longer and warmer spring days come with a host of safety issues for both pets and people; common things like bugs, allergies, fast-growing lawns, speeding drivers, gas and charcoal grills, ladders, too much sun and open containers can lead to any number of bad outcomes, which can really mess with people's mental health.
Here are two essential suggestions for staying mentally healthy in May:
- Keep hydrated and covered whenever you spend time outside. The lingering effects of overexposure to sun and heat can take all the pleasure out of beautiful days. A little prevention really does help to ensure optimal enjoyment of good weather.
- Moderation is the key! Enjoy your substances if you are of legal age, but don't let them overtake you. Exercise and outdoor projects are perfectly suited to good weather, but overdoing it on weekends brings both physical and mental pain. Remember that impulses, emotions, and good intentions have no brains, and do what you can to keep your wits about you.
Happy May!
Dr. Carol Ellstein
LTPC Consulting Psychologist
Introducing
THE DIABETES EDUCATOR CORNER
Each month, our diabetes educator, Ann Scott RN MSN CDE, will provide some information intended to help you successfully self-manage your diabetes. There are always advancements in treating diabetes. Our goal is to keep you well informed about these advances so you reach the best possible control of your diabetes. The focus is PREVENTION. Check out the Diabetes Educator Corner each month for news and discussions.
If you have questions for Ann, you can email her at
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or call 231-347-5400 to schedule an appointment to meet with her.
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