The number of people living with diabetes in Branch County is growing at a rapid pace, some calling it an epidemic and that’s why the Community Health Center of Branch County and Borgess will sponsor a free event next month. It’s happening on  Tuesday, November 13^th at the CHC Community Care and Conference Center behind Pizza Hut beginning at 6:00 p.m. There will be blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, foot checks, diabetes related exhibitors, and healthy snacks. And there will also be a drawing for a $150, $100, & $50 gift card, but pre-registration is required to be eligible to win.  Dr. Michael Valitutto will be the featured presenter speaking on “Living with Diabetes.” He is the Medical Director at the Borgess Diabetes Center and a National Committee on Quality Assurance recognized physician in diabetes.

The CHC Diabetic Education Department also holds monthly free support group meetings on the second Monday of every month, and they’re open to the public to inform those who have diabetes about the latest information about the disease, as well as instruct family members about their part in helping their loved one.  Also on the health front….

Another reason for kids to get their flu shots. A new study shows coming down with the flu can prove fatal even for children who are healthy.  Dr. Karen Wong with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says researchers looked at flu-related deaths from 2004 to 2012 in children up to 18 years old.  The study shows more than 40-percent of the children who died had no risk factors such as asthma or genetic disorders that would have made them more vulnerable to the flu virus.  Dr. Wong says the finding shows how important it is for people of all ages to get an annual flu shot.