Joslin Diabetes Center

Joslin center recertified by diabetes association The Joslin Diabetes Center at North Arundel Hospital recently was recertified by the American Diabetes Association. The certification process includes reporting how many patients visit the center, the types of diabetes treated, the success of the treatment, and evaluation of space, staffing and resources. Information: 410-787-4367. AAMC neonatal unit awarded recertification Anne Arundel Medical Center's neonatal intensive care unit recently was recertified by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.

Senior insurance A senior health insurance program will be offered Tuesday at the Arnold Senior Activity Center, 44 Church Road, Arnold. Call 410-222-1922 for appointment. Diabetes prevention Baltimore Washington Medical Center offers classes in diabetes prevention at the Joslin Diabetes Center, 300 Hospital Drive, Suite 119. Classes will be held: •5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and May 5 and June 2. •9 a.m to 10 a.m. April 9 and June 11. •2 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 24. Classes are recommended for those interested in learning more about how eating healthfully and being more active can affect overall health and wellness.

•Harbor Hospital will hold a blood drive to benefit patients of the hospital and MedStar Health from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the hospital's Baum Auditorium, 3001 S. Hanover St. Call 410-350-3602 for more information or to make an appointment. •Baltimore Washington Medical Center offers a class on preventing diabetes from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Dec. 11 at its Joslin Diabetes Center, 300 Hospital Drive, Suite 119, Glen Burnie.

More than 10,000 Marylanders were newly diagnosed with diabetes over the government's most recent two-year reporting period for local government, reflecting a sharp jump in incidence of the disease nationally, according to federal health authorities. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes across the United States jumped by more than 3 million between 2005 and 2007, according to new estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As stark as the figures might appear to the public, the news surprised few in the health care field.

Outreach Center lists activities Baltimore Washington Medical Center will offer the following activities at its Arundel Mills Outreach Center between Dave and Buster's and entrance No. 4: Tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., foot screenings. Monday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., county Department of Aging will offer information on its services. Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., blood pressure and lung-capacity screenings. Sept. 22, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., computerized back and neck screenings. Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., blood pressure screenings.

Why is it important for people with diabetes to check their feet regularly? Diabetes can impair blood flow to and nerve sensitivity in the feet. Poor circulation means that tiny cuts, ulcerations, cracks in the skin or other minor injuries can get infected, and, because of poor nerve function, a person with diabetes may not know it. Untreated infections can progress so quickly that the foot or lower leg may have to be amputated. There were nearly 82,000 such amputations among diabetics in 2002, according to the National Diabetes Education Program, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Outreach Center lists activities Baltimore Washington Medical Center will offer the following activities at its Arundel Mills Outreach Center between Dave and Buster's and entrance No. 4: Tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., foot screenings. Monday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., county Department of Aging will offer information on its services. Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., blood pressure and lung-capacity screenings. Sept. 22, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., computerized back and neck screenings. Sept. 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., blood pressure screenings.