The Northern Kentucky Independent Health Department is offering a trio of free programs in December to help people with diabetes and their caregivers deal with the disease.
On Dec. 9-10, the health department is teaming up with the Northern Kentucky Diabetes Coalition and public library systems in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties to present a program with special guest Reggie Bishop, a diabetes activist from Maryland.
Bishop, now 50, has been living with a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis for most of his life.
“It was a Sunday afternoon that I had collapsed in my father’s arms,” Bishop said. “I had woken up in the hospital and the doctor said I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. My mom still had gifts in her hands. I had missed my eighth birthday celebration.”
He struggled to understand and manage diabetes as a child, but later decided to inspire others living with the disease.
“What motivates me to manage my diabetes is thinking positive, doing things with my family” and setting goals,” added Bishop, who advises others to do the same.
“Find things that you love to do. Set goals. Not only diabetes goals but life goals and make a positive change about yourself and know that you’re not alone. The challenges are there but be inspired to continue to press on,” said Bishop.
Bishop will speak at two events in early December. On Wednesday, Dec. 9, he will speak at the Kenton County Public Library (401 Kenton Lands Road in Erlanger) at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, Dec. 10, he will deliver the same message in a free offering at the Campbell County Public Library (901 East 6th Street) across the street from Newport High School. That program will also start at 6:30 p.m.
Bishop will share his personal story of dealing with diabetes, as well as background information on insulin, diabetes myths and the importance of communicating with your healthcare team. Registration is required to attend either session. Call (859) 962-4000 to attend the Erlanger program or (859) 572-5035 for the Newport session.
The health department will follow up those two programs with a day-long class on managing diabetes. The class, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, will be at the Hebron Fire Protection District building (3120 North Bend Road). Topics will include healthy eating, preventing complications and more.
Registration is also required for this program, as lunch and a diabetes tool kit will be provided. To register, call Joan Geohegan at the health department’s office at (859) 363-2115.
