Nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes – the fifth deadliest disease in this country and one without a cure.  Yet there are many tools for successfully managing diabetes and strategies that can actually help to prevent it. To learn how to prevent diabetes or take maximum control of it once diagnosed, the Caritas Diabetes Center at Saint Anne's Hospital, Lifeline Medical and Diabetic Supplies of Swansea, and 1480 WSAR radio put together “Decoding Diabetes”, a health fair for people with diabetes and their families on November 15, 2006 at the Venus de Milo in Swansea. Held in observance of November as American Diabetes Month, the fair drew more than 250 area residents who visited exhibits and demonstrations by diabetes product manufacturers, informational booths, presentations by medical experts about diabetes-related health issues, and area resources for people diagnosed with diabetes. The fair also offered free assistance by Saint Anne’s Hospital Patient Financial Services representatives enrolling in Commonwealth Care, the new state health insurance program. For more information about the event, call Saint Anne’s Public Relations office, 508-235-5056.
 

(Top row, left and center) Podiatrist Antonio DeMelo, D.P.M. was one of several presenters who offered hourly presentations by medical experts about diabetes-related health issues, such as eye and foot care throughout the afternoon. (Top row, right) Saint Anne's Director of Marketing and Planning Wendy Bauer registers one of the several hundred participants at the event. (Middle row, left) Accu-Chek representative David Curran, right, listens to questions about some of the new insulin testing systems. (Middle row, right) Matthew Santana goes over some information offered at he nutrition booth prepared by Saint Anne's Registered Dietitians Vinita Chaudhry and Laurie Hammontree. (Bottom row, left) WSAR talk show host Keri Rodrigues with SAH Patient Financial Counselor Naomi Patricio. (Bottom row, center) Henriette Rousseau and Theresa Loiselle enjoy diabetes-friendly hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Venus de Milo and Saint Anne’s Hospital registered dietitians. (Bottom row, right) Cardiovascular Lab staff member Sharon Silva, R.N. (left), listens as Jeanne Watrous, program director for the SAH Cardiovascular Laboratory (center), speaks with Rose Resendes, R.N., Diabetes Nurse Educator for Saint Anne's Hospital.