AgriLife: Diabetes Education in Hopkins County
Diabetes Education in Hopkins County
Each year, our staff provides a summary of our major in-depth Extension programs. Diabetes education is of particular interest to me because I know the struggles that individuals face on a day-to-day basis. Our youngest child was diagnosed with type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes at the age of 2 ½ and he is my inspiration for helping others to manage their diabetes.
Relevance: According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), approximately 29.1 million (9.3%) people in the U.S. have diabetes. Similarly in Texas, approximately 1.8 million (9.7%) have diabetes. In Hopkins County, approximately 3,575 residents have been diagnosed with diabetes (10.5%). Unlike other chronic diseases, a person with type 2 diabetes can manage their disease by following a healthful eating pattern, regular physical activity, and developing skills needed to assist in controlling their blood glucose, rather than medication dependency alone. Diabetes is not curable (yet), but it is manageable.
The Hopkins County Family & Consumer Sciences Committee identified diabetes education as a continuing need in Hopkins County. A Diabetes Coalition (consisting of local pharmacist, dietitian, nurse, certified geriatric health trainer, and Department of State Health Services staff member) took a leading role by assisting with teaching, marketing/promotion of the classes, and providing supplementary materials. Master Wellness Volunteers assisted with marketing, registration, survey implementation, tray preparations/cooking demonstrations, and wrap-up.
Response: The 2017 spring series of “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” featured 5 lessons: 1) How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose; 2) Are You Eating the Right Number of Carbohydrates? 3) Improving Your Blood Glucose with Physical Activity; 4) Improving Your Blood Glucose with Medication; 5) Celebrating Diabetes Control.
The newly revised “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series was held in the summer, and featured 4 topics: 1) Carbohydrate Foods; 2) Making Recipes with Fat Better for You; 3) Double-Pleasure Side Dishes – Reducing Sodium and Increasing Fiber; 4) Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes. In addition, diabetes information was provided at the 55+ Health Fair and through the mass media.
Results:
1) “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series: 12 participants completed the pre-and post- surveys
– Demographics: 5 females, 7 males; average age – 67; 83% (10) had never attended a diabetes class
– Adoption of practices: 30 minutes of physical activity most days – 92% (11); limiting carbohydrates – 100% (12); will have dilated eye exam – 100% (12); will have doctor check feet – 100%
– Understanding: knowing the recommended blood sugar ranges before and after meals – 100% (12); knowing the number of recommended carb choices – 100% (12); recognizing foods that are high and low in carbohydrates – 100% (12).
– Ability to control diabetes: prior to class, 50% (6) rated their ability as fair, and 50% (6) as good or very good. After completing the class, 100% (12) rated their ability to control diabetes as very good or excellent.
– Economic impact: based on potential health care cost savings, the financial impact is $420,604
2) “Cooking Well with Diabetes” series: 12 participants, 10 completed pre- and post-surveys
– Demographics: 9 females, 3 males; average age – 60; 75% (9) had never attended a diabetes cooking class
– Adoption of practices: 83% (10) bake, broil or grill instead of fry; 100% (12) more closely check the nutrition facts label; 100% (12) mostly or always add extra vegetables to casseroles, soups, sandwiches and salads; 75% (9) mostly or always use herbs/spices in place of salt in recipes
– Understanding: 100% increased knowledge on meal planning; 100% increased understanding on making healthy choices when eating out
– Ability to control diabetes: prior to class 30% (4) rated their health as fair or very poor. After completing the class, 83% (10) rated their health as good or very good
3) Overall diabetes educational contacts – 210 which includes one-to-one consultations and planning/preparation meetings with Diabetes Coalition and Master Wellness Volunteers. Additionally, approximately 200 were reached at the 55+ health fair, and many more through mass media (newspaper, social media).
Future Implications:
I will be working with an employee/doctoral candidate at the Christus Trinity Hospital in Sulphur Springs to implement “Sí, Yo Puedo Controlar Mi Diabetes” in 2018, targeting Hispanic audiences. Classes will take place at our Extension Office. The two diabetes series, “Cooking Well with Diabetes” and “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes,” are on the calendar for 2018.
Christmas Sewing Workshop Reminder
Spaces are still available for the Christmas Sewing Workshop, scheduled for December 11-13. You do not have to attend all three days, but we will be set up from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Several make-and-take projects will be available, as well as fabric. We have eight sewing machines, or you may bring your own. One of the optional projects will be quillows (a quilt that folds into itself to make a pillow). Bring a sack lunch – drinks will be provided. Cost is only $10, which includes several of the projects. Please call 903-885-3443 to reserve a seat.
Closing Thought
True winners are distinguished by the fact that they sometimes lose, but more importantly that they can rise up from defeat. You cannot succeed if you are not prepared to fail.
Johanna Hicks
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Family & Consumer Sciences
1200-B W. Houston
P.O.Box 518
Sulphur springs, TX 75483
903-885-3443 – phone
903-439-4909 – Fax
[email protected]
Wildcats Defeat J. J. Pearce in Second Game at Culwell Invitational
he Wildcats’ basketball team made enough key plays down the stretch to hold off Richardson J.J. Pearce in their second game at the Curtis Culwell Invitational in Garland Friday night. The Wildcats entered the fourth quarter with a 32-22 lead.
While the Wildcats experienced a scoring drought for several minutes, the Mustangs chipped into the lead. Victor Iwuakor scored two big baskets before fouling out with 38.9 seconds left in the game and the Wildcats clinging to a 36-34 lead. Pearce missed a foul shot that would have cut the lead to one. The Mustangs then fouled Keaston Willis who hit a pair of foul shots to increase the Wildcats lead to 38-34. Pearce’s 6-foot-11 center Drew Timme, said to be headed to Gonzaga then scored to again make it a 2 point game at 38-36. Michael Jefferson was then fouled with 19.8 seconds left and he made two crucial free throws to make it a 40-36 game. Pearce again went inside to Timme but Dedric Godbolt ripped the ball out of his hands and threw the ball down court to Keaston Willis who hit a layup giving the Wildcats a 42-36 lead. A shot by Timme at the buzzer failed to fall and the Wildcats got a hard earned 42-36 victory.
Jefferson and Godsgift Ezedinma led the Wildcats with 11 points each. Willis scored 10 points. Iwuakor had 5 points before fouling out. His defense was impressive on the taller Timme who ended up with 12 points. Bryson Lynn had 3 points and and Xavier Cork scored 2. The Wildcats led 11-9 after one quarter, 24-11 at the half and 32-22 after three quarters.
The Wildcats, ranked #13 in the state, improved their season record to 7-0. Five of their wins have been against Class 6A teams. The Wildcats will play either South Garland, ranked #6 in Class 6A, or Plano East Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Curtis Culwell Center. The winner of that game will advance to the Culwell Invitational Tournament Championship Game Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Culwell Center.
Lady Cats Lose to Texas High; Defeat Lindale
The Lady Cats basketball team won one and lost one at the Winnsboro Hoopfest Friday. The Lady Cats lost to district foe Texas High, 46-38 and then outscored Lindale, 56-34. The Lady Cats have now won 3 and lost 1 in the tournament.
In the Texas High game, the Lady Cats trailed by a point, 9-8 after the first quarter. The Lady Cats outscored the Lady Tigers, 18-9 in the second quarter to take at 26-18 halftime lead. Texas High trimmed the lead to five, 32-27 after three quarters. The Lady Tigers used a big fourth quarter to win the game 46-38. They outscored the Lady Cats in the quarter 19-6. Kaylee Jefferson led the Lady Cats with 15 points. Sadavia Porter scored 7 points and Autumn Tanton had 6. Imani Taylor and Danielle Godbolt had 5 points apiece. Poor shooting hampered the Lady Cats. They shot only 24% for the game and 20% from three point range. To their credit, they made all 9 of their free throw attempts. The Lady Cats also had 26 turnovers. Godbolt had a team high 14 rebounds and Jefferson had 9.
Later the Lady Cats ended Friday on a high note with a big win over Lindale. The Lady Cats outscored the Lady Eagles in every quarter and continued to build their lead. Kaylee Jefferson had a huge game with 26 points including 4 three-pointers. Sadavia Porter added 18 points and Autumn Tanton had 6. Imani Taylor had 4 points and Danielle Godbolt had 2. The Lady Cats shot a fine 48% from the field. They hit both of their free throw attempts. Tanton led the team with 6 rebounds. The Lady Cats had only 12 turnovers.
The Lady Cats are now 7-2 for the season. They earned the right to play Mount Pleasant in the Gold Bracket Consolation Final at the Winnsboro Hoopfest Saturday at noon. Neither of the teams seem interested in playing this game. These two teams battled for the district championship last year and apparently both teams feel like two district games against each other is enough. This consolation final is not expected to be played.
107.1 FM Young Country Now On Air
The owners of KSST radio have agreed to purchase 107.1 FM from The Promise Radio Group. The signal is now broadcasting on 107.1 FM as Young Country playing the latest hits in Country Music.
Artists include Lady Antebellum, Rascall Flats, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and more.
With KSST as the leader in storm coverage with live broadcasts and radar reports, that coverage will be expanded to the area through 107.1.
After purchasing KSST from the Bradford Family three and one half years ago, KSST experienced a transformation of the station, adding the website, which has received over 5-million hits to date, and will be continuing the tradition as the news source for Sulphur Springs, Hopkins County and surrounding area.
Owner Chad Young states, “The FM station gives us an opportunity to offer a different music format that may appeal to a different listener as we continue to increase service to all living in the area.”
On the heels of this acquisition, KSST has partnered with the county, school district, and city to provide a smartphone app for residents as well as tourists. The app provides a way for residents to gain easy access to local services in county and city, local news and weather, and it will inform visitors regarding the services, sites and events in and around our area. The app will include local retail stores, restaurants, and information about other businesses. You can download this app by clicking here for Android and here for iPhone.
How To Save Money On Christmas Shopping This Year
Finding the perfect gift for one person is hard enough, but your family and all of your friends? Christmas shopping is difficult for many reasons, but the one that rises highest in most people’s mind this time of year is the financial cost. Save money this year with these helpful tips!
1. Download coupon apps and browser add-ons like honey. It scours the internet for cheat codes, discounts, and coupons, then applies them at checkout, saving you tons of money.
2. Register in online stores. You’ll get great insider deals, some of which you can print out and use in a physical store.
3. Ask your cashier if any discounts are available to you. Most stores have military, police, and senior discounts.
4. Use cash, not credit. You’re far less likely to overspend if you can see your money disappearing.
5. In the store, do not touch the item until you have definitively decided to buy it. Studies have shown that holding an item increases a person’s desire to buy it, and therefore heightens their willingness to pay more for it. Look, don’t touch.
6. Decide how much you’re spending before you actually shop. Having a budget automatically helps you make better spending choices.
7. Make a list of what you want to buy. If you know what gifts to get, you’re less likely to impulse buy something expensive or unwanted.
8. Start shopping early. Thinking about Christmas and birthday gifts all year round ensures that you can choose the best time to buy and keep December as stress-free as possible.
9. If you have a group of friends, coworkers, or extended family that you don’t know how to buy for, arrange a Secret Santa or gift exchange with them. Everyone has a good time and goes home with a gift, but you only have to buy one.
10. If the gift is perfect but still expensive, check to see if the store has a layaway plan. This applies to online stores, too!
11. If your kids have their own money, don’t pay for gifts that are supposed to be from them. It’ll teach them to handle their own expenses and help you handle yours.
12. Ask your sibling or spouse or friend to pitch in on a present for someone you both know. Co-gifting is great, for the givers and the receiver.
13. Give a gift that includes more than one person. A couple’s spa appointment for your parents, concert tickets for your nephews. You won’t have to buy two (or more) presents, and many places offer discounts for package deals.
14. Make a Christmas savings account. Sell old clothes you don’t wear, or old gifts you’ve never liked or used, and put the money in your Christmas fund.
15. Don’t buy stuff for yourself. NRF stats have said that 20% of the typical person’s holiday budget goes to small treats for the buyer.
Saltillo Lady Lions Continue in Hoopfest
The Saltillo Lady Lions dropped their first two games in the Winnsboro Hoopfest Thursday. The Lady Lions lost pool games to powerful Winnsboro, 58-11 and to Georgetown East View, 49-43.
In the Winnsboro game, the host Lady Red Raiders jumped out to a 17-3 first quarter lead and never let up. The Lady Lions were led by Tori Mobley who had 6 points. Madison Simmons had 4 points and Maddie Smith had 1 point.
Against East View, a bad fourth quarter resulted in defeat for Saltillo. The Lady Lions led 15-7 after one quarter, 26-17 at halftime and 39-23 after three quarters. East View then outscored the Lady Lions 26-4 in the fourth quarter to take an improbable 49-43 win. The Lady Lions got 11 points from Madison Simmons, 10 from Maddie Smith, 7 from Tori Mobley, 6 from Anna Reeder, 5 points from Jocelyn Ochoa and 4 from Jordan Sustaire.
The Lady Lions are now 4-9 for the season. They will continue play at Hoopfest in the Silver Bracket Friday evening in the Winnsboro High School Gym.
Blue Santa Will Assist 300 Local Families through CANHelp Application Process
With the application deadline of Friday, December 1, it appears that the number of families applying for assistance with Blue Santa Christmas toys will exceed 300. Adela Martinez, Client Services and Community Outreach Specialist at CANHelp has been taking applications since November 1. She says that this year, the number of children in the households is greater while the number of families has remained largely the same. To qualify, families must meet guidelines including income limits and parental of guardianship of the children whose names appear on the application.
Adela Martinez, Client Services and Community Outreach at CANHelp is also a Blue Santa volunteer
With the application deadline of Friday December 1, it appears that the number of families applying for assistance with Blue Santa Christmas toys will exceed 300. Adela Martinez, Client Services and Community Outreach Specialist at CANHelp has been taking applications since November first and says that this year, the number of children in the households is greater that last year while the number of families has remained about the same. To qualify, the families must meet guidelines, including proof of income and parental or guardianship of the children whose names appear on the application.According to Executive Director Shanna Martin, CANHelp takes pride in being part of this community-wide effort to provide Christmas toys, with Hopkins County Law Enforcement taking the lead. If you haven’t donated in the 37 blue barrels located at the retail areas of town, then you can still “pitch in” new unwrapped toys. And you can donate toys during the Lions Club Christmas Parade on the night of December 1. Also you can take part in the two-day drive for toys on Monday December 4 and Tuesday December 5 on the parking lot of the Lowe’s store in Sulphur Springs. The donation site will be open all day and into the evening, In addition to accepting donations of toys that day, there will also be a fundraiser burger lunch both days prepared by Lowe’s, with proceeds going to the Blue Santa Fund.
Organizers set a goal of $30,000.00 for this year’s drive to cover expenses for the bicycles and toy wishes of the children accepted into the program. There are storage facilities around town for the toys already gathered and those which have been purchased through the year. On distribution day, a league of volunteers will orchestrate the distribution to each family at a central location in town. Once the toys are placed, the family can wrap the gifts and get ready for a Merry Christmas at home, made possible by the generosity of the Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County community.
Video Presentation: 22nd Anniversary of the Lights of Life Tree Lighting
Charles and Sharon Helm, Campaign Chairs for Lights of Life, threw the switch for the 22nd Anniversary Lights of Life Tree Lighting ceremony Thursday night at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Sulphur Springs. the Lights of Life campaign benefits the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
The program included the Sulphur Springs High School Jazz Band, Water Oak Elementary School Kids, and the CHRISTUS Physicians Choir. Hospital CEO Paul Harvey welcomed those in attendance. Santa arrived and heard Christmas requests from children present.
TxDOT Recommends “Plan While You Can”
AUSTIN – During last year’s holiday season, December 1-January 1, approximately one in four deaths on Texas roadways were alcohol-related. In an effort to reduce these fatalities, the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Plan While You Can” campaign reminds drivers to make planning a sober ride part of their holiday celebrations.
“Tragically, there are many families who experience the holidays without a loved one due to a drunk driver,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We need to remember that each time someone dies or is seriously injured on our roadways, it affects a family and an entire community. Don’t make a bad decision that could cause heartache for your family and others. Make a plan to get home safely. It could save lives.”
In 2016, there were 2,321 alcohol-related crashes in Texas during the holiday season.* Those crashes killed 82 people and seriously injured another 199.
The “Plan While You Can” campaign includes a statewide tour featuring an interactive dodgeball game where participants avoid incoming “snow balls” as virtual drinks are added to the screen. As more drinks are added, participants experience how drinking can slow their reaction times as on-screen avatars begin responding more slowly to their players’ movements. The experience will visit eight Texas cities during December.
While drivers under the influence of alcohol risk killing or seriously injuring themselves or others, they also face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. As always, TxDOT strongly encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before going out. Visit SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:
- Designating a sober driver.
- Contacting a cab or ride-share service.
- Using mass transit.
- Asking a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
- Spending the night.
