April Meeting Announcement
The KINGSPORT DIABETES ASSOCIATION welcomes new visitors to our free conference call about the cardiovascular benefits of diagnosed pre diabetics, or those needing better control to prevent heart and health complications. Brooke Gibson, MSN,FNP,BC-adm,CDCES will be on our call to discuss diabetes management using the most current recommendations of patient education
using the ADA guidelines of 2024.
Join our program on Tuesday April 8th at 7PM by just calling 1-978-990-5184 then enter access code 2692346# to phone in. Everyone is invited to our call, ask questions, share experiences, and visit our website at Kingsportdiabetes.org or call 423-416-3910 with any questions.
Upcoming Meetings
May 13, 2025
June 10, 2025
The KINGSPORT DIABETES ASSOCIATION welcomes new visitors to our free conference call about the cardiovascular benefits of diagnosed pre diabetics, or those needing better control to prevent heart and health complications. Brooke Gibson, MSN,FNP,BC-adm,CDCES will be on our call to discuss diabetes management using the most current recommendations of patient education
using the ADA guidelines of 2024.
Join our program on Tuesday April 8th at 7PM by just calling 1-978-990-5184 then enter access code 2692346# to phone in. Everyone is invited to our call, ask questions, share experiences, and visit our website at Kingsportdiabetes.org or call 423-416-3910 with any questions.
Upcoming Meetings
May 13, 2025
June 10, 2025
Understanding Long COVID: A Persistent Challenge
Long COVID is when individuals experience ongoing or new symptoms weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection. It affects people of all ages, including those with mild or asymptomatic initial infections.
Symptoms of Long COVID
Symptoms vary widely, but common complaints include:
Persistent fatigue
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Brain fog (difficulty concentrating or memory issues)
Chest pain or palpitations
Joint or muscle pain
Sleep disturbances
Depression or anxiety
Some individuals also report organ damage, such as heart inflammation or kidney dysfunction, even months after recovery. These long-term effects can significantly impact a person's quality of life and may require ongoing medical care.
Who is at Risk?
While anyone can develop long COVID, studies suggest higher risks for those: With severe initial COVID-19 illness Who are older With pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or heart disease Who were unvaccinated at the time of infection
However, even young, healthy individuals have reported lingering symptoms, underscoring the unpredictable nature of this condition. This highlights the need for caution and vigilance, as anyone can be affected by Long COVID.
Potential Causes
Researchers are exploring several mechanisms behind long COVID, including:
Immune system dysregulation
Persistent viral particles or fragments in the body
Chronic inflammation
Impact on the autonomic nervous system
Management and Recovery
Currently, there is no specific cure for long COVID, and treatment focuses on symptom management and rehabilitation.
Strategies include:
Multidisciplinary care involving cardiologists, pulmonologists, and mental health professionals
Physical therapy for mobility issues or fatigue
Cognitive treatment for brain fog
Medications for specific symptoms like pain or insomnia
Prevention
The best defense against long COVID remains prevention of initial infection. Vaccination not only reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 but also empowers individuals to lower the likelihood of long COVID, making them proactive in their health.
For individuals navigating long COVID, patience and proactive healthcare engagement are crucial. This support and hope can make a significant difference in the recovery journey.
Aimee Light, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
CVA Heart Institute - Meadowview
Come join us to learn more!
KDA is a non-profit organization chartered in 1981 that serves Tri-Cities Region of East TN as well as Southwest Virginia.
Regular monthly meetings are held at 7:00 pm on the second Tuesday of each month.
KDA has a monthly NEWSLETTER!
If you are interested in receiving one, or just have news to put in it, contact Kay Oney at 423-288-2052.
Please note: If you have any old appliances that you want to get rid of ...
get the best prices at Wise Recycling!
Use that check to donate to KDA!
Thank You Very Much!
Please support our efforts to Cure-Treat-Prevent Diabetes!
You can live with diabetes if you know how to deal with it and have the support you need. This support comes from your doctor, from their staff and from others who "know what you're going through." At Kingsport Diabetes Association (KDA) we know what you are going through and we are here to help. This help comes in the various forms of informative meetings, events, and personal support.
Check us out on FACEBOOK!
Search for KDA Kingsport Diabetes Association ... Please "Like" us!
Sunshine Lady
Barbara Hudson is our SUNSHINE LADY
Barbara can be reached at 423-247-1574 if you need KDA information
Barbara can be reached at 423-247-1574 if you need KDA information
Even if you don't have diabetes you can learn to help someone who does! Participate in many fun activities while learning more about living with diabetes. Come Join Us!
Ongoing Activities:
No Sugar Added Apple Butter Sale Pint $5 and Half Pint $3 sizes
Donations accepted of Pint / Half-Pint Canning Jars to help keep our Apple Butter at these prices!
Recycling ink cartridges: If you have used ink cartridges from your printer, don't throw them away; recycle them!
Just take to Office Depot, 2003 N. Eastman Road in Kingsport and indicate you want to donate to Bloomingdale Library. They will ask you for their phone number (423-288-1310) and a credit will be given for the Library to purchase needed items at Office Depot.
Recycling aluminum: Renew Recycling, 3232 E. East Stone Drive in Kingsport, offers donations to the KDA. Just mention you want your donation to go to KDA when you check out, and they will send the check to KDA. Take your aluminum cans, can tabs, and metals to them, and they will donate proceeds to the Kingsport Diabetes Association.
Hours are 8 am-4 pm Monday through Friday
8 am-12 pm Saturday
Recycling Cell Phones (with batteries) Contact Kay Oney if you have these donations.
DONATIONS and MEMORIALS:
KDA accepts unconditional donations and memorials made out to Kingsport Diabetes Association.
Mail all contributions to P.O. Box 3952, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664.
No Sugar Added Apple Butter Sale Pint $5 and Half Pint $3 sizes
Donations accepted of Pint / Half-Pint Canning Jars to help keep our Apple Butter at these prices!
Recycling ink cartridges: If you have used ink cartridges from your printer, don't throw them away; recycle them!
Just take to Office Depot, 2003 N. Eastman Road in Kingsport and indicate you want to donate to Bloomingdale Library. They will ask you for their phone number (423-288-1310) and a credit will be given for the Library to purchase needed items at Office Depot.
Recycling aluminum: Renew Recycling, 3232 E. East Stone Drive in Kingsport, offers donations to the KDA. Just mention you want your donation to go to KDA when you check out, and they will send the check to KDA. Take your aluminum cans, can tabs, and metals to them, and they will donate proceeds to the Kingsport Diabetes Association.
Hours are 8 am-4 pm Monday through Friday
8 am-12 pm Saturday
Recycling Cell Phones (with batteries) Contact Kay Oney if you have these donations.
DONATIONS and MEMORIALS:
KDA accepts unconditional donations and memorials made out to Kingsport Diabetes Association.
Mail all contributions to P.O. Box 3952, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664.
DIABETES WARNING SIGNS ... Don't Ignore Them!
Type 1 Type 2
Constant urination Drowsiness
Abnormal thirst Itching
Unusual hunger A family history of diabetes
The rapid loss of weight Blurred vision
Irritability Excessive weight
Obvious weakness and fatigue Tingling, numbness, pain in extremities
Nausea and vomiting Easy fatigue
Skin infections,slow healing of cuts
Constant urination Drowsiness
Abnormal thirst Itching
Unusual hunger A family history of diabetes
The rapid loss of weight Blurred vision
Irritability Excessive weight
Obvious weakness and fatigue Tingling, numbness, pain in extremities
Nausea and vomiting Easy fatigue
Skin infections,slow healing of cuts
LINKS to Groups We Support: Click on the underlined letters!
Tennessee Camp For Diabetic Children TCDC
American Diabetes Association ADA