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Whole Foods seeks shoppers to help diabetes program
NORTHBROOK — NorthShore University HealthSystem is partnering Wednesday (Jan. 23) with Whole Foods in Northbrook and Deerfield to help diabetic patients.
And they are looking for shoppers to stop at 840 Willow Road in Northbrook and 760 Waukegan Road in Deerfield, because 5 percent of the total sales that day from these two stores will be donated to Be Well-Lake County, a program that helps under-served diabetics.
Northbrook and Deerfield residents will be able to learn about ways to prevent diabetes during their Whole Foods visits. Visual aids, including a model of five pounds of fat, will demonstrate the need for managing weight and its relation to diabetes. Patients from the program also will be available to talk about the program and the many facets that have helped them in their struggles.
“This disease knows no boundaries – regional, socio-economic or otherwise. Patients from all over are able to connect by sharing their own struggles and successes with each other,” said Lynda Baldwin, a spokeswoman for the program.
More than 54,000 Lake County residents have diabetes, she added.
The Be Well-Lake County program is a partnership between NorthShore University HealthSystem, the Lake County Health Department and the Community Health Center that provides comprehensive diabetes care for medically underserved patients suffering with Type 2 diabetes.
The program offers treatment, education and support to improve diabetes outcomes for patients who normally might not have access to such resources.
It is benefiting more than 670 patients at the LCHD Community Health Center in North Chicago now. Patients receive assistance with medical care, medication and testing supplies to help manage their diabetes.
They also receive subspecialty care access for cardiology, ophthalmology, endocrinology and nephrology, as well as a comprehensive approach to a healthy lifestyle.
“The unique aspects of the program are the services and support provided beyond just the basics,” said Christina Arnold, the program’s coordinator.
“In addition to medical and even specialty care, patients can take exercise classes at a local fitness center; work with a dietician to learn how to make healthier food choices; spend time with friends and grow fresh produce in the community garden; and participate in healthy cooking demonstrations.”
Many patients have found, after being involved in the program for several months, that they are able to live medication-free and maintain consistent blood glucose levels through lifestyle changes.
“The Be Well program is a vital asset to this underserved population and NorthShore is proud to be a partner in an initiative that’s making a difference in Lake County,” said Bufi Selimos, NorthShore’s senior director hospitals and clinics.
NorthShore University HealthSystem and charitable donations from individuals fund the program.
Headquartered in Evanston, NorthShore University HealthSystem is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region.
The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie.
