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The Canadian Champion, Tuesday June 17, 2003-17 0 1 I - I I -J ~M..-5 ~~ u-J -sJ Helping diabetes patients to better manage their blood glucose If you are a diabetes patient, being able to test and monitor your blood glu- cose levels is an important part of your diabetes care. To ensure your blood glucose readings are accurate, the 1998 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Diabetes in Canada recommends that you have your monitor checked every year and that you are educated on the use of the monitor. The results from a blood glucose monitor provide you with immediate information on how well your diabetes is controlled at a particular point in your day. In addi- tion, this information can help you to adjust your diet, exercise routine, and some- times your medication so that you can lead a healthy and active life. On April 3rd, Shoppers Drug will be holding a national Diabetes Day and HEALTH- WATCH® Pharmacists across the country will be available for a one-on-one consulta- tion with diabetes patients. During the session, the pharmacist will: / Check the strips and ensure they are not outdat- ed; / Demonstrate how the blood glucose monitor must be calibrated. Prior to using a new box of test strips, the monitor must be prepared to read the new test strips. This process is called monitor cal- ibration; / Ensure that the battery in the monitor is not low; / Clean the monitor, if nec- essary; and / Observe your self-moni- toring technique (blood test- ing on your own monitor) to make certain that it is being done correctly. You will not need to actually draw blood, but rather to go through the motions of doing a blood test on your own monitor. "In my experience, there are a number of patients who are confused about the use of their monitor, which creates a sense of helpless- ness," says Paul Murphy, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) Pharmacist in Guelph, Ontario. 'Diabetes Day offers patients the opportuni- ty to ask questions and reas- sures them that their moni- tors are functioning properly. They regain a feeling of security and are apprecia- tive of the information and guidance they receive on ROOTS eCHRISTINA this day." Diabetes patients need to bring their own blood glucose monitor and four test strips to the education session. Be sure to contact your local HEALTHWATCH® Pharmacists before April 3rd for an appoint- ment. To find the nearest Shoppers Drug Mart location in your area, simply call 1-800-SHOPPERS, or visit the web site at www.shoppersdrug- mart.ca. -News Canada weight Ioss -nutrltion- eblrm d. www.h baJmagcsystemscm Celi69-99 MII Oakville Conference & Banquet Centre - 2515 Wyecroft Road, Oakville Long Service recognition awards will be presented to HHS staff and physicians. By-Law changes will be recommended. Audited Financial Statements will be available at the meeting. Please call the Public Relations Office at 905-815-5100 for additional information. Oakvile-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital & Milton District Hospital e- e