Tarentum nurse hosting free diabetes program for 3rd straight year

For a third straight year, a registered nurse is hosting a series of talks on diabetes in Tarentum.

Denise Kissell, a certified diabetes care and education specialist, will hold the hourlong programs beginning at 5 p.m. every Tuesday in July under the pavilion at Riverview Memorial Park.

The sessions, focusing on Type 2 diabetes, are free and no advance registration is required. They will go on rain or shine.

Kissell, of Buffalo Township, first held the program in 2018 and again in 2019. A total of 52 people graduated from the program over the first two years, meaning they attended all four sessions.

“To me, that’s wonderful,” she said.

Because of the covid-19 pandemic, Kissell is hoping for fewer people this year. Those with diabetes are considered at high risk for the virus.

She’s asking those who are ill not to come, and for those who do to wear face masks and observe social distancing. Tables will be marked to keep people apart, and those attending can also bring their own chairs.

Participants should also bring their own water, she said.

“Although we’re in the green phase we want to keep people safe,” she said. “We’re still trying to be socially distanced and socially safe while we learn.”

While past sessions have had up to 33 attending, Kissell wants to keep it at 20 or less this year.

“It’s up to them,” she said. “If they come we’ll do what we can. We have to keep socially distanced. We have to be respectful of the rules.”

The talks will start with an overview of diabetes followed by how and why to check blood sugar, healthy eating and living with the condition. Kissell said she’ll work in the latest information, such as updates on new medications.

Despite the complications introduced by the pandemic, Kissell, who works at Alle-Kiski Medical Associates in Tarentum, wanted to hold the talks again.

“I’ve had people come in here and want to sign up. People are asking, ‘When are you doing this again?’” she said. “When you see it makes an impact and there’s a need and a desire from the people, that’s why you do it. It’s a commitment to the community. I want to give back a little. It’s what I think I should be doing.”