August 5, 2020
And we are back!!!
Keeping diabetes under control is one of the best defenses against Covid-19. But for the hundreds of low-income adults we work with at northern New Jersey food pantries, that can be an overwhelming challenge. Many didn’t have insurance before the pandemic, and now with more and more layoffs, even fewer do. Staying home is often not an option because they are essential workers, working in healthcare, keeping our grocery stores open and our deliveries on time. Many live in multi-generational homes, so even if older people can stay home, they can be infected by a younger relative who needs to work.
After weeks of connecting by phone and helping our partners in any way we could, we are thrilled that our mobile medical unit, staff and volunteers are now back out at our partner food pantries continuing to screen for pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. To limit the length of face-to-face contact we follow up with each client by phone, discussing their results, their challenges and goals – providing medical referrals if needed and helping them make lifestyle changes to better self-manage their diabetes and limit the risks from Covid-19.
We are working hard to create a healthier tomorrow for all of our neighbors, and here’s what some of our clients have been telling us:
“… you have an excellent program. I appreciate that under Covid-19 you kept in contact … you guys showed professionalism when explaining results … I personally appreciate that you have someone to explain it in our own language because even at some doctor’s office they don’t take their time and talk to us like you do…”
“… I don’t have insurance and have never been to the doctor in this country and if I had not joined this program I would have never found out that I was pre-diabetic and probably by now I would have diabetes. Thankfully I found out on time and was able to change my habits.”
“… [SMG Foundation’s screening program] taught me a lot of what is good for me, how to better monitor blood sugar and blood pressure. Taught me to supplement with fruits and veggies and how to have better portion control. What I really appreciate the most is how well they took care of me during the pandemic, with food delivery and the check-up calls. The program was fantastic.”
