Centegra Diabetes Fair Showcases Struggles, Lifestyle Choices

David Tomlinson is a 35-year-old husband and father of five from Crystal Lake. He is a vice president at the largest employer in McHenry County. He also is diabetic.

Over the past few years since being diagnosed with diabetes, Tomlinson has learned how to minimize the risks involved with the disease and how to monitor what he calls the minor nuisances of being a diabetic.

He hopes to help others make proactive health choices and will share his daily lifestyle struggles with diabetes during a panel discussion at the fourth annual Centegra Health System Diabetes Fair from 8:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 4 at its Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center-Huntley, 10450 Algonquin Road.

 The free event is composed of information to highlight the unknown symptoms of diabetes while assisting those attending who already know they have the disease.

Guest speaker Dr. Achal Ahmed, an endocrinologist at Centegra Physician Care, will discuss current treatments and a panel of doctors will lead a question and answer session at 11:30 a.m.

Pharmaceutical representatives will be present as well. Other features include free screenings for diabetes, eye, foot, blood pressure, body mass index, stroke as well as Heart Aware and Diabetes Aware online risk assessments. Flu shots will be available for $25 and pneumonia shots will be available for $40.

Guests will have a chance to speak with the experts on various topics including diabetes, behavioral health, cardiology, Centegra Physician Care, Centegra Health Bridge Fitness Center, home health, financial services, medical imaging, neuro-rehabilitation, nutrition services, weight-loss surgery and podiatry. Complimentary light refreshments also will be provided.

For more information about the event, visit Centegra’s website or call 877-CENTEGRA (877-236-8347).