Ask anyone with a diagnosis of diabetes, and they’ll tell you that blood sugar management is a full-time job. Doctor visits, medications, blood sugar monitoring, and diet are just some of the pieces that make up living with diabetes. Diabetes is also a condition that can feel isolating and lonely and can lead to burnout. However, a strong, positive support network can help those with diabetes live a longer, healthier life.
Studies show that diabetes support groups improve understanding of both diabetes and participants’ mental health. Social support for diabetes has also been found to improve participants’ capability, confidence, and control in managing their blood sugar. Having a strong social network can help individuals make and maintain the lifestyle changes necessary for long-term diabetes management. Diabetes support groups also provide local resources that can help lead to better diabetes self-management, such as food assistance programs and exercise opportunities. Many support groups welcome the friends and family members of participants so they can better support you with accurate information on managing diabetes.
Clemson Extension offers a free diabetes self-management and support program called Health Extension for Diabetes. Health Extension for Diabetes is specifically designed for those living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and is offered online or in person. Through this program, participants learn about self-care behaviors and lifestyle changes they can make to better self-manage their blood sugar. For more information about all programs offered by the Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition team, visit Clemson.edu/extension/health.
Camilla Herndon is the new Rural Health and Nutrition Agent in Greenville County. Camilla brings her skills and experience in health education, grants management, and community partnerships to her new role.
Camilla recently trained to deliver Know Diabetes by Heart, a joint initiative between the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association, to improve individuals’ understanding of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. During the program, participants learn six practical strategies to reduce their risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Camilla will begin delivering the Know Diabetes by Heart program to community partners in Greenville and Laurens counties. Any organization interested in hosting a Know Diabetes by Heart program can email Camilla (herndo3@clemson.edu) to schedule. To sign up for a virtual Know Diabetes by Heart session, visit the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service’s EventBrite. There is no cost to attend.
The first Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) cohort in Union County was a community success! The cohort started in September 2023 and graduated in December 2023, with approximately a 90% graduation rate (adjusted)! We are recruiting for a second Health Extension for Diabetes cohort at the Union County Library for HED in-person programing. Registration is open from 02/13/24-03/12/24, please contact me if you are interested in participating!
HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions. Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals. A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.
February is American Heart month; If there is an upcoming event or group meeting that you are looking for a guest speaker and a timely topic, I would love to attend and hold the Know Diabetes by Heart (KDBH) program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any opportunities or questions.
KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.
My name is Dylan Mott and I am happy to be continuing with Clemson Extension as the Rural Health and Nutrition Agent in Greenville County. I am a Greenville native and love Upstate SC!
I received my BS in Health Science from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) and just graduated with my Master of Public Health from MUSC. My experience with the Rural Health and Nutrition team began as an undergraduate intern turned part time program assistant working with social media, outreach, and programming. Some of my hobbies include: cycling, hiking, reading, and trying new recipes!
I am looking forward to continuing with the team in this capacity by serving the residents of my home county and teaching them more about Extension and the health of the county and state.
Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Agent, Clemson
Cooperative Extension
Clemson Extension’s Rural Health and Nutrition Team educates
South Carolinians on diabetes self-management practices through the Health
Extension for Diabetes program (HED). HED is a 4-month diabetes self-management
and support program for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. Participants
receive diabetes education and support for improved self-management from a
trained Health Extension Agent. Biweekly education sessions are facilitated
traditionally and online that include risk-reducing practices (e.g., healthy
eating and physical activity), medication and blood glucose management, and
health resource navigation.
HED curriculum follows the Physical Activity Guidelines for
Americans recommendations for adults to reach at least 150 minutes of moderate
physical activity each week, while prioritizing a balance of aerobic, strength,
and flexibility training. However, organized local and national physical
activity programs are often expensive and offered infrequently. Inability to
access physical activity support programs made it difficult for HED
participants to maintain diabetes self-management behaviors. In response, our
team developed three online physical activity support programs for HED
participants and other stakeholders in South Carolina: (1) WalkSC, (2) Yoga for
Every Body, and (3) Practical Strength.
The WalkSC program was developed to satisfy recommendations
for adults with diabetes to reach at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic
activity each week. Launched in spring 2020, the program encourages
participants to increase their step count and time spent walking each week
through weekly walking challenges. WalkSC comprises weekly step challenges
across a span of 12 weeks—the end goal: to “virtually” walk South Carolina’s
500-mile Palmetto Trail. This program has been widely successful and has gained
popularity locally and nationally.
Health Extension for
Diabetes recommends people with diabetes reduce stress to better manage blood
glucose levels, and the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggests
adults with diabetes reach 1-2 days of balance and flexibility training each week.
Yoga for Every Body (YEB) was launched in spring 2021 to address these
recommendations; the program’s goals are to offer a consistent and accessible
yoga practice facilitating stress management and increased physical activity
across all age and health categories.
Lastly, it is
recommended for adults with diabetes to reach 2-3 days of strength training per
week to better manage blood glucose levels. Practical Strength was launched in
summer 2023 to provide HED participants and SC stakeholders with a safe and
effective strength training program appropriate for all ages and mobility
levels.
Rural Health and
Nutrition Team physical activity programs have reached wide audiences within
South Carolina, and beyond, emphasizing their stand-alone value for health
promotion and management. Importantly, these programs also facilitated
cross-pollination of participants across Health Extension programming including HED. For example, at least 208
HED participants participated in one or more of the physical activity programs
from 2020-2022, empowering them to continue to strive for sustainable diabetes
self-management goals. Finally, the physical activity programs have increased
HED recruitment, likely through targeted marketing of shared health goals. We
conclude that increasing accessibility of physical activity programs within
Extension has promoted chronic disease awareness, prevention, and
management statewide and nationally.
Roxanne from Clover, SC on her experience with WalkSC: “My mantra is “more”. I may not reach all the daily step goals, but I get more steps each day than before, enjoy more of the outdoors, and feel more energized. I have been faithfully keeping track of each day’s steps on a designated calendar so I can stay accountable. Great program!” Roxanne started as a YEB participant and has since joined WalkSC and Practical Strength. Roxanne has remained consistent with all three programs and even began facilitating chair yoga classes at her local library based on the education and tools she received from Rural Health and Nutrition Team programming.
Julia Newsome Rural Health & Nutrition Agent Cherokee & Union Counties
“The first Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) cohort in Cherokee county was a community success! The cohort started in August 2023 and graduated in December 2023, with approximately a 90% graduation rate (adjusted)! We are recruiting for a second Health Extension for Diabetes cohort in partnership with the Cherokee County Family YMCA for HED in-person programing. Registration is open from 01/24/24-02/21/24, please contact me if you are interested in participating!
HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions. Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals. A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.
February is American Heart Month; If there is an upcoming event or group meeting that you are looking for a guest speaker and a timely topic, I would love to attend and hold the Know Diabetes by Heart (KDBH) program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any opportunities or questions.
KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.
Julia Newsome, Rural Health & Nutrition Extension Agent
Union & Cherokee Counties
I have promoted extension programs and recruited participants at various events/health fairs across Union County this summer. If you see me at a local event, feel free to stop by and ask any questions regarding Clemson Cooperative Extension programing!
I started two “Health Extension for Diabetes (HED)” cohorts for Union residents: one online and one in-person. Registration is open for the in-person cohort until Tuesday 09/19/23, please contact me if you are interested in HED programing.
HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions; Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals; A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.
In July, I spoke at the Union County School District’s (UCSD) Opening Day Professional Development event for UCSD staff. I provided “Know Diabetes By Heart (KDBH)”. If there is an upcoming event or group meeting that you would be interested in me speaking at, I would love to attend. Please feel free to contact me if you have any opportunities or questions.
KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.
It is important for me to be a part of the Union community, so I became a member of the Union County Rotary Club this April. I’m looking forward to upholding the Clemson Extension standard of service!
Melissa Bales Rural Health & Nutrition Extension Associate Statewide; Programs in Greenville & Laurens Counties
Melissa Bales, Extension Associate, and Mary Vargo, Urban Horticulture Agent, prepare for Growing Health in June.
Growing Health just wrapped its SIXTH class! Growing Health is a program that was developed by the Greenville County Rural Health and Nutrition and Urban Horticulture Agents to help beginner gardeners in Greenville learn to grow their own vegetables and incorporate these vegetables into a healthy diet. In order to help beginner gardeners learn about vegetables that can be grown throughout the year, Growing Health is presented in accordance to growing seasons – spring, summer, and fall. Those who participate in the program receive information and growing materials to take home.
Participants in Growing Health in August got a taste test of Broccoli, Apple, Pecan Salad. Find the recipe at hgic.clemson.edu.
We are so excited to have had so many of you participate in the program so far. We would like to thank Clemson Extension’s Innovation Awards program for providing the initial funding for the development and pilot of the program. While the pilot of the program has concluded, we look forward to continuing to offer this program throughout the growing seasons and look forward to expanding the program outside of Greenville County.
We hope to see you in a future Growing Health class! Contact Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Associate Melissa Bales at 864-986-1047 or mbales@clemson.edu for more information or questions regarding the program.
Julia Newsome Rural Health & Nutrition Agent Cherokee & Union Counties
I have promoted extension programs and recruited participants at various events/health fairs across Cherokee County this summer. If you see me at a local event, feel free to stop by and ask any questions regarding Clemson Cooperative Extension programing!
4-H Agent, Haven Blackwell and Rural Health Agent Julia Newsome at the Cherokee Farmer’s Market Fun Day
I started two “Health Extension for Diabetes (HED)” cohorts for Cherokee residents: one online and one in-person. I’m excited to share that the Cherokee County Family YMCA has partnered with Clemson Extension for HED in-person programing. Registration is currently closed for both cohorts, but please contact me if you are interested in HED and I will save your information for future programing.
HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions. Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals. A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.
In June, I was invited to the Cherokee Senior Center to hold a “Know Diabetes By Heart (KDBH)” session. If there is an upcoming event or group meeting that you would be interested in having me speak at, I would love to attend. Please feel free to contact me if you have any opportunities or questions.
KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.
It is important for me to be a part of the Cherokee community, so I became a member of the Gaffney Lions Club this August. I’m looking forward to upholding the Clemson Extension standard of service!
My name is Julia Newsome, and I am the new Rural Health & Nutrition Agent for Union and Cherokee Counties. I moved from Upstate New York to Upstate South Carolina in June 2022, and in November 2022 I became part of the Clemson Extension team. Two programs I’ll work on are the “Know Diabetes by Heart (KDBH)” and “Health Extension for Diabetes (HED)” programs.
KDBH is sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA). It is a free education session offered in-person or online. The program aims to help participants better understand the link between diabetes and heart disease. By participating in this one-hour session, you will learn more about risks related to diabetes and heart disease, how to take control of your risks, and learn about community and clinical resources.
HED is a free diabetes support program recognized by the ADA as a practice-tested diabetes support program. The main goal of this program is to help participants better manage diabetes to prevent or delay complications. HED is 4 months long and includes a series of 8 education sessions and intermittent support sessions; Each session is designed to help participants learn more about diabetes and provide them with necessary skills and support to successfully self-manage diabetes. Participants will receive bi-weekly materials and weekly follow-up to help navigate resources and reach healthy lifestyle goals; A Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes diagnosis is required for enrollment.
The goal of the Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Team is to help all South Carolinians prevent and self-manage chronic disease. Our programs are valuable because they are free, mobile, and can be held virtually, in-person, or hybrid (delivery is program specific). Please feel free to email me if there is something you think I can help you with. Overall, I’m looking forward to serving Union and Cherokee counties, while maintaining the Clemson Extension standard of service.
