Hospital’s diabetes, cancer support groups open for all

    In an effort to reach out to the community, Chase County Community Hospital (CCCH) has support groups for both cancer and diabetes patients.
    These meetings are open for everyone including spouses, family members and friends wishing to gain a better understanding of diabetes and cancer.
     The diabetes support group meets the second Monday of the month. There are no fees or registration to participate.
     Julie Levy, a registered dietitian/diabetes educator, has been leading the group for the last two years. She loosely follows a curriculum from the American Diabetes Educator (ADE). There has been an eye doctor who visited with the group in the past.
    The group discusses personal struggles and shares helpful tips and information.
    During the summer, there are no meetings due to attendees’ schedules.
    Meetings are 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the CCCH basement conference room. Call Levy at 882-7386 or visit www.chasecountyhospital.com for more information.
    The cancer support group has a committee that both plans and runs the meetings.
    The committee consists of Deb Hrcka, overall organizer; Francisca Morales, administrative assisant/skilled care nurse; Jamie Heitt, licensed practical nurse (LPN); Jordan Hammerlun, chemotherapy nurse; Kathy Geier; Director of Nursing; and Stacy Leibhart, head of radiology.
    Because there is no pre-written curriculum, each meeting has a different topic based on the attendees’ interests or concerns. In the past they have gone over oral mucositis, the sores and discomfort one can experience while going through chemotherapy, and neuropathy, the official name for sick or injured nerves.
    Meeting the third Monday of the month, the main goal is to “Talk about whatever is on the group’s heart,” said Hrcka.
    The group is small and personable and open to off the cuff questions, said Hrcka.
    Stress management will be the main topic for the group’s next meeting Feb. 20.
    “We are not professionals. We are just here to help out as much as we can,” said Hrcka.
    Meetings start at 7 p.m. in the basement conference room at CCCH. Contact Hrcka at 882-7290 or email dhrcka@chasecountyhospital.com for further information.

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