Employers Take on Tobacco Use Cessation: Oct 21

Tobacco use is a unhealthy behavior that contributes to complications associated with diabetes.  People who smoke cigarettes usually need help to quit.  Employers can help their employees through the cessation process… and be supportive of other healthy behaviors too.  On Oct 21 (7:30 AM), BJC HealthCare, Pfizer, St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition and WashU School of Medicine are co-sponsoring a 1/2-Day Employer Smoking Cessation Summit at the Newman Center at WashU Med Center. Program cost: $4o. Call 314-747-7234 to register or download this form for online registration instructions.

Looking Into Diabetes and Vision Loss

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the USA for people age 20 to 74.  Health care professionals who work with diabetics with vision impairment should consider attending a full-day program on Nov 14, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM at the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired.  This program is being sponsored by: St. Louis Association of Diabetes Educators, St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Missouri Dept of Social Services.  Download the flyer/registration form right here: flyer111408dbandvisionloss.  This is the second time this program has been offered in the past few years.  The Diabetes Coalition offers its sincerest appreciation to the organizers and sponsors of this unique educational program.

Ultimate One-Day Diabetes Course

Coalition supporter Laurie Klipfel, RN,MSN, ANP-BC, CDE will be leading the one-day seminar (Ultimate One-Day Diabetes Course) at Sheraton Westport on Oct 15, 8:00 AM.  This program, promoted by continuing education company Pesi HealthCare, covers the fundamentals of diabetes management for health care professionals.  To learn more or register, click here.  Program fee: $169.  Ms. Klipfel will be touring MO as if she on an election campaign….the program is being offered in Columbia, MO on Oct 16…. and Springfield, MO on Oct 17.

Diabetes Leadership Institute Encore Coming October 18

The St. Louis Diabetes Coalition will host the Diabetes Leadership Institute on Saturday, October 18, 10 AM – 1 PM at the Missouri History Museum.  Note: This is the third Diabetes Leadership Institute program this year.  Women and men with diabetes are invited to this hands-on learning program about taking control of diabetes… and helping others do the same too.  Led by local diabetes experts, the small group sessions will address diet, exercise, medications, how to talk with your health care provider, and ways to help others in the community living with diabetes.  Space is limited.  Lunch provided.  To learn more or make a reservation, contact Tish Singer: (314) 747-9533 tsinger@im.wustl.edu. 

Get a Flu Shot, Free

Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are offering free flu shots to those in the community ages six months and older. Latex-free vaccines are available for individuals with latex allergies. The vaccinations will be offered at the following locations at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and throughout the St. Louis community… Click here for dates and locations.

Just a Few Endos Account for Most Therapy Changes

According to pharma analytics firm SDI, 20% of endocrinologists who wrote prescriptions for oral diabetes therapies from September 2007 through August 2008 were responsible for 95% of new-to-brand prescriptions in that specialty; that is, new product starts, add-on therapy, or product switches.  This contrasts with primary care prescribers, among whom the top 30% were accountable for 90% of new-to-brand oral diabetes prescriptions.  Is it suprising that a relatively small percentage of physicians account for the bulk of new-to-brand prescriptions?