Diabetes is a serious disease that affects more than 30 million Americans. And being overweight can cause diabetes. There are things individuals can do to control or treat the illness. In Nassau County, there are resources, including workshops on nutrition and wellness as well as low-cost places to exercise, that can help you in the process.

“In Nassau County, where we have a huge number of patients with obesity and chronic conditions that contribute to complication of diabetes, it’s very important to focus on the social determinants that increase the risk, such as diet, sedentary lifestyle, and income distribution,” said Bernice Baronville, RN, a nurse with Harmony Healthcare Long Island. “Statistics show that Type 2 diabetes is still on the rise and that it’s mainly affecting the most socially and economically underserved populations. For this reason, it’s critical to focus on the control and treatment of diabetes to lower the risk of complications in our patients in Nassau County.”

The good news is that, if individuals understand and manage their condition, people with diabetes can live a long, healthy, and high-quality life. “And we have some wonderful local community resources to help patients,” said RosaAnabela R. Tavares MD, MPH, associate medical director of Harmony Healthcare Long Island in Westbury. “We’re hopeful about the support, education, access to healthy food, and other programs we can offer to the people of Nassau County so that they have the necessary tools to live a healthy life even after being diagnosed with diabetes,” Baronville said.

For a look at recreational programs, parks and places of interest that Nassau County has to offer, CLICK HERE. For more information, call Harmony Healthcare Long Island at 516.296.3742 or visit www.harmonyhealthcareli.org/