Serving Our Seniors Magazine April - June 2025

In the May 15, 2024, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) National Diabetes Statistics Report, “The percentage of older adults living with diabetes increased with age. Today, 29.2% of those age 65+ are diabetic.” In 2019, it was 25%. Diabetes is a chronic condition that is worth learning about. Only when you know better, can you do better. It can take away the ability to function independently, by impairing circulation, interfere with healing of wounds, be more susceptible to infections and cause nerve damage – most noticeably in the feet. Diabetic nerve damage (neuropathy) causes the feet to lose feeling. If one has a blister/cut/ wound, some diabetics will not feel it. The small wound can go unnoticed, become infected and slow to heal. In extreme cases, gangrene develops which can require amputation of the affected limb. What should a diabetic do to take care of their feet? After washing and drying both feet, examine them, every day. Take off your shoes and socks in the doctor’s office, while waiting for him/her to arrive. Ask the health care provider to examine your feet at each visit. Wear white socks. It makes it easy to notice if there is any bleeding. Protect your feet from extreme hot or cold. Never walk barefoot. If you are age 60+, pre-diabetic, diabetic or love / care for one who is, register for the next Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP). Tina Sluga, Health Care Advocate Trainer is leading a series of DEEP courses. This is a hands- on, interactive, 6-week, learning experience you are sure to remember. It uses everyday language that is easy-to- understand. If there is enough interest by you, the readers, a new course will begin on Tuesday, May 6 through and including June 10, 2025, 1pm – 3pm at Serving Our Seniors office. To register call 419-624-1856, ask for Tina or her voicemail or e-mail Mail@ServingOurSeniors.org . Leave your name, the name of this event and your phone number. Aging, Diabetes and Your Feet Mark Boggs, “Life doesn’t stop at 65 or whenever you retire. There are things out there that you can do and enjoy. It’s different than working to earn a living. It is a totally different atmosphere. We are here because we want to be. It is a different experience from having to be here.” Jack Churchill, “I hope that reading this article will result in getting more volunteers – young volunteers.” (Editorial Note: Pay attention readers! If you have adult children or grandchildren, aged 16 or older, let them know they can learn practical skills which are useful for the rest of their lives.) Kevin Ackerman, “It’s only two days per week. Try it out. Come one day or a half day and see if you like it.” Bob Rody, “If you feel you are not physically able to do the work of building, consider volunteering at the ReStore. The proceeds from the ReStore are used to help pay for building the house. If you don’t want to do that, you can always make a donation to Firelands Habitat for Humanity. For more information, contact Ryan Hodges, Executive Director, Firelands Habitat for Humanity, 419-621-7818 ext. 202. continued from previous page 22