Chronic Disease and Diabetes Prevention and Control

​Southern Seven Health Department in partnership with Jackson County Health Department and SIU School of Medicine are Working Together to Prevent and Address Diabetes and chronic disease in Southern Illinois. The percentage of adults with diabetes in the seven counties is 10.4% (According to the CDC – 2016), which is well above the average for the state of Illinois at 9.5% (CDC 2016).  The number one risk factor for Type II Diabetes is obesity.  According to the most recent data through the CDC, our 7 counties have an average obesity rate of 29%.

man and woman exercising

This grant and programming will assist in promoting National Diabetes Awareness Month in November and Diabetes Alert Day in March each year.  Southern Seven has established a Diabetes Resource Team and updated the Diabetes Resource Guide developed through the Jackson County Diabetes group for Southern Illinois to include the seven-county region.  The grant will also provide free glucose screening in some locations as well as provide Diabetes Self-Management Program (DSMP) classes.  The DSMP through Stanford University is a six-week one time weekly program which meets for 2 ½ hours to learn more about the self-management of this chronic disease.

Regarding chronic disease, we also offer a class for those experiencing a chronic disease or taking care of someone with a chronic disease. The chronic disease class or CDSMP program, is an interactive course that will provide you with the necessary tools to help overcome daily challenges to help you maintain an active and fulfilling life. You’ll get the support you need, find practical ways to deal with pain, fatigue, and other symptoms, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices, and learn better ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health.
The CDSMP through Stanford University is a six week one time weekly program which meets for 2 ½ hours, just like the DSMP class. A workbook and a relaxation CD will be provided to participants for each class. Southern Seven has trained staff to provide these classes as well as other classes in the region.


If you or your organization are interested in free workshops, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via the contact information below.

Could You Have Pre-Diabetes?
diabetes chart

For More Info

Natalie Sawyer, 
Health Education Director
Email: nsawyer@s7hd.org
Phone: (618) 634-2297, ext. 971136

Locations

Alexander
County

Hardin
County

Johnson
County
Massac
County
Pope
County
Pulaski
County
Union
County