The changing of the seasons brings chilly air and falling of leaves- welcome November!

My name is Megan Raber BSN, RN and I am the new Diabetic Education Coordinator at Pomerene Hospital and what better time for me to introduce myself as November is also National Diabetes month. Diabetes is the 7^th leading cause of death in the United States and the number one cause of kidney failure, lower- limb amputations and adult onset blindness. These statistics are scary alone, but what it does not show is the magnitude of the loss of quality of life and hardships those living with these special challenges face every day. Odds are, you are reading this and thinking of someone you know who has diabetes or perhaps you are personally challenged by it yourself.

With the changing of seasons in mind, I know many people have felt the effects of change this year. Maybe it has been a change in daily routine, a change in seeing family and friends, a change in your work life. Or perhaps it has been a change in your health or a loved one’s or the ability to access resources for your healthcare needs. For me personally, it has been a great year of change and growth as a wife, mother and nurse trying to navigate life during a pandemic. Not to mention thetask of packing up and moving a home, a one year old and an oversized Siberian Husky 1,000 miles across the country. Despite the challenge; and although I already miss the beach, I am overjoyed and thankful to reside in and serve my hometown area after living the last seven years in Florida.

With all of the changes you may have experienced this year, I am sure it has also been a year of much self-reflection. If your own health and wellbeing related to your diabetes has been on your mind, please call the Diabetes Education office at Pomerene Hospital 330-674-1584 ext. 1023. Whether it be a new diagnosis, a speed bump in your current treatment plan, help in getting your diabetic supplies or an A1C that will not budge for you- I would be happy to assist you in navigating the life changes related to self-managing your diabetes.