W E L L N E S S   - - -

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Helping Diabetics

 

One of our big programs is helping diabetics. We provide finger sticks for monitoring blood sugar. Diabetic bags are given out once a month which contain foods that help balance sugar in the clients diet (tuna, chicken, a vegetable, canned fruit, sweetener , decaf coffee or tea, a drink mix, snacks, cereal, salad dressing, and other healthy foods).   Counseling of nutritional needs is also given.

Helping High Blood Pressure

 

Another one of our Wellness programs is diagnosing and help keeping under control high blood pressure. Blood pressure is taken at our facility.  Nutritional counseling is given to help keep blood pressure under control.

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Diabetic Support

Our diabetic food pantry currently serves 169 diabetic clients.  We provide them with high protein, low carb and sugar free foods.  Additional funding would allow us to purchase blood glucose meters and test strips for our diabetic clients. We could also provide them with additional quantities of a wider variety of foods. Our diabetic clients are all on limited incomes with limited food budgets.  The least expensive foods tend to be higher in carbohydrates and fats, which don’t provide diabetics with the best nutritional support for good health.  Many of them are dependent on the supplementary nutrition we provide.

Other Wellness Services

Our Wellness program provides low income families with basic, over the counter medications and supplies.  Our clients depend on us for first aid supplies, and general over the counter medications.  Many clients depend on us for basic health care items like Tylenol, low-dose aspirin for cardio vascular health and stroke prevention, antihistamines for allergies, and feminine care supplies.   However due to the limited availability of donated products and funding to purchase products, we are frequently not able to provide requested medications and supplies.   Our clients are on limited incomes, and don’t have the financial means to purchase these items themselves.  If we are not able to provide them, they do without.