Event to promote diabetes awareness, preventions

The Ironton Lions Club is sponsoring a diabetes awareness community health fair from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday at the Ironton City Building.

“We’re working with the Lions Club, because the No. 1 cause of blindness in the U.S., other than something traumatic, is diabetes,” Dr. Bill Basedow, of Basedow Family Medical Centers and Lions vice president, said. “In this part of Ohio, we’re the worst as far as healthcare, and diabetes is a big problem. It can be caused from being overweight, family history and activity level from lifestyle choices. These are things that should be addressed to prevent diabetes.”

Participants in the health fair include the Basedow Family Medical Centers, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, the Ironton City Health Department, the Area Aging Agency District 7 (AAA7), Genesis Oxygen and Home Medical Equipment, Care Source, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Community Home Health Care, Patriot Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Unger’s Shoes.

Free screenings, educational information and preventative diabetes tips will be available, as well as the opportunity to talk with doctors and network.

“If we can make sure people get checked, that’s a good thing, and hopefully we can pick up some people who don’t know they have diabetes and help them out,” Basedow said. “The screening opportunity will be helpful for that.”