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November Is American Diabetes Month

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic illness and death in the United States. One in 11 Americans have diabetes — that is more than 29 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Another 86 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a condition that, when poorly managed, can lead to serious complications and poor health outcomes (e.g., blindness, kidney disease, amputation).

In Boston, and particularly in the city’s underserved neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes: According to the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) while 8.6% of all Boston residents have been diagnosed with diabetes, 14.1% of Boston’s black residents and 12.6% of its Latinos currently live with diabetes.  BPHC also reports that diabetes-related hospitalizations and deaths per year are significantly higher among African Americans and Latinos. These statistics, alarming as they are, do not account for people who are at risk of developing diabetes.

Committed to health equity and to raising awareness about diabetes and healthy living, Whittier Street Health Center is proud to participate in American Diabetes Month. We encourage everyone to take full advantage of our services, including our diabetes clinics, supported by a clinical pharmacist, wellness programs which include nutritional counseling by a licensed dietician, and fitness classes in our state-of-the-art Wellness and Fitness Club.

A few quick tips:

If you are overweight, have high blood pressure, or are age 45 or older, you are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that making healthy changes can greatly lower your risk. To help prevent type 2 diabetes:

  • Watch your weight
  • Eat healthily
  • Get more physical activity (at least 30 minutes each day)

For more information, visit us at www.wshc.org under Clinical Services and Wellness Services tabs; give us a call at 617-427-1000; or simply walk in. Our dedicated staff will be more than happy to assist you.

A note about Whittier and COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in our area, we ask all clients and patients to call ahead before coming to any of our sites. We are working to take care of most clients/patients via phone/video encounter so we can meet your ongoing healthcare needs. This is for your safety and so we can provide the highest quality of care to you while following CDC guidance for COVID-19. Please call 617-427-1000 for any questions or concerns.

Whittier will provide COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday to Friday. Following CDC guidance, we recommend testing if you have a fever AND one of the following three symptoms: cough OR shortness of breath OR sore throat. Please bring your picture identification and your insurance card (if you have insurance).