Grand Lake Health System Discusses Diabetes Awareness, Hospice Services and Upcoming Gala

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ST. MARYS — Representatives from Grand Lake Health System recently joined WCSM Radio’s Spectrum program to discuss Diabetes Awareness Month, local hospice services and an upcoming fundraising gala.

Krissy Mullenour, a certified diabetes education coordinator with Clinical Nutrition Services, said approximately 40.1 million Americans have diabetes, including many people who have not been diagnosed. Another 115.2 million adults are estimated to have prediabetes.

Mullenour encouraged adults to have their blood glucose and A1C levels checked regularly. Risk factors can include age, weight, inactivity and family history.

Symptoms of elevated blood sugar may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurry vision and sores that do not heal. However, Mullenour said symptoms may not appear until blood sugar reaches a dangerously high level.

Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, circulation problems, foot ulcers, amputations and blindness.

Mullenour said healthy eating, portion control, regular activity and drinking more water can help manage diabetes. Medications, insulin pumps, smart insulin pens and continuous glucose monitors can also help patients maintain healthier blood sugar levels.

Grand Lake Health System offers individual diabetes education, prediabetes classes and support programs. Patients are encouraged to bring a family member or another support person to educational appointments.

During the second portion of the program, Sarah Seitz and Victoria Bruns discussed hospice and palliative care services available through Grand Lake Health System.

Hospice care is available within approximately 30 miles of Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. Services can be provided in a patient’s home, a nursing facility or the hospital’s inpatient hospice suite on the sixth floor.

The hospice team provides nursing care, personal assistance, social work services, pastoral counseling, music therapy and massage therapy. Staff members are also available around the clock to help patients and families when needs arise.

Seitz said hospice allows patients with chronic or long-term illnesses to reconsider their goals after treatments, appointments and hospital visits begin affecting their quality of life. The goal is to manage symptoms while helping patients spend their remaining time where and how they choose.

Hospice services are not limited to cancer patients. People living with heart failure, cardiac disease, complications from strokes and other serious illnesses may also qualify.

Seitz and Bruns also announced that the annual hospice gala will move to the St. Marys Theater in 2027. “Glitz at the Grand” will be held April 17.

The event will include food, entertainment and other features familiar to longtime attendees while introducing the historic theater as its new venue.

Money raised through the gala supports services that may not be fully covered by insurance reimbursement, including pastoral counseling, music therapy, massage therapy and around-the-clock support.

Volunteer opportunities are also available. Volunteers may visit patients, read to them, provide companionship or help them enjoy time outdoors.

The complete interview with Krissy Mullenour, Sarah Seitz and Victoria Bruns is available through WCSM Radio.