Page 56 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2016

HEALTHY LIVING committed to a cure
Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute at Tradition makes major announcements story by Lynn Lofton
With Mississippi at the center of the diabetes and obesity epidemic, locating the National Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute (NDORI) in the state is a step in the right direction for a healthier populace. Ground has been broken on the institute at William Carey University’s Tradition Campus. However, before a physical facility exists, work is underway to establish this research center as a leader in healthcare. Major announcements were made recently about the Institute’s accreditation and partnership with the prestigious Cleveland Clinic.
The national accreditation comes from the American Association
of Diabetes Educators, a national accredited organization certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This accreditation will allow people with diabetes, or at risk for the disease, in the Mississippi Gulf Coast region increased access to high quality diabetes education services, according to the accrediting organization.
“This accreditation assures that this program meets the national standards for diabetes self- management education and support. Programs meeting these criteria are considered high quality and have been shown to improve the health
status of the individuals who embrace the education and help to modify sometimes unhealthy behaviors, or simply provide the education that
the person with diabetes has not previously received,” said Leslie E. Kolb, accreditation director for the Diabetes Education Accreditation Program. “The National Diabetes & Obesity Research Institute is exactly the type of program we envisioned when we set up our accreditation in 2009.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes, equaling one out of every 11 people nationwide. Nearly a third of
Mississippi’s residents are diagnosed with diabetes or pre diabetes.
“Knowledge is power. Ninety-eight percent of how well a person manages his or her health comes from knowing how to properly take care of himself or herself,” said Deborah Colby, director of education of the Research Institute at Tradition. “Our classes bring important information to those who are at risk for diabetes through a network of healthcare providers and outreach programs. We look forward to seeing the positive impact we will have on the lives of Mississippians, and ultimately all persons dealing with diabetes.”
The affiliation with the Cleveland
56 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2016
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