Spreading the Word: Managing Diabetes

September 20, 2023

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!

Julia Newsome
janewso@clemson.edu
864.424.8275