Eating well, staying active help prevent diabetes

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency wishes to remind the public that November is National Diabetes Month.
Theresa Christner, health education and promotion director for the Coldwater-based agency, said one in 11 adults living in Branch, Hillsdale and St. Joseph counties has diabetes. That translates into nearly 8,000 people.
Another 20,000 adults in the tri-counties are at-risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, she added. Sixty-four people in the three-county region died in 2014 as a result of diabetes, considered a disease that can be easily prevented.
Agency officials said simple steps such as remaining active and following a smart diet can prevent diabetes.
More information about diabetes prevention can be found through the agency’s website: bhsj.org, then clicking on the “Quick Info About Health Topics” button.