Reading Hospital will host a free community education event on Saturday, November 7, aimed at helping Berks County residents better understand diabetes, manage their health, and connect with local medical experts.
The event, titled “Let’s Talk Diabetes,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences, located at 601 Museum Road in West Reading. Organized by the hospital’s Community Wellness Department and Diabetes Educators in recognition of National Diabetes Month, the event will feature a panel discussion, vendor fair, and healthy brunch buffet.
According to Reading Hospital, nearly one in 10 adults in Berks County has been diagnosed with diabetes, and more than 2,000 people were admitted to the hospital because of the disease between 2021 and 2023.
The event is designed for individuals living with diabetes, those concerned about their risk of developing the condition, and families supporting loved ones.
“Diabetes can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s health, but people don’t have to navigate it alone,” said Desha Dickson, vice president of Community Wellness at Tower Health. “Access to reliable health information is more important than ever. We want people to leave Let’s Talk Diabetes feeling more informed, more confident asking questions about their health, and with practical strategies and resources they can use to take an active role in their health.”
A panel discussion featuring Reading Hospital clinical experts will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, moderated by Community Health Worker Naiesha Glover. Topics will include prediabetes, hypoglycemia, diabetes and technology, and diabetes during pregnancy.
Panelists will include Karen Franey, a registered dietitian at Reading Hospital Endocrinology & Diabetes Center in Wyomissing; Dr. Shawn Mathew, a Tower Health internal medicine resident; Dr. Vinita Singh, of Reading Hospital Endocrinology & Diabetes Center; and Leah Weidner, a certified registered nurse practitioner at the same center.
Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about diabetes management, treatment advances, nutrition, and everyday wellness. A vendor fair will also provide information about community resources and services.
The first 50 attendees will receive a special gift package containing a lunch box, step counter, diabetic foot cream, nutrition book, and healthy snack. All attendees will also be entered into a raffle for a Ninja Foodi.
The event is supported by the Reading Hospital Foundation and is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended but not required.
Those interested in attending can register online at bit.ly/4yihlqX.