Diabetes Expo & Wellness Event Planned for Community

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Did You Know:
  • 35 percent of U.S. adults ages 20 and older have pre-diabetes
  • You can lower your risk for Type 2 diabetes by nearly 60 percent through a loss of 7 percent of body weight (15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds), exercising moderately 30 minutes a day, five days a week
  • Medical expenses for people with diabetes are more than twice as high as for those without diabetes
  • Managing and controlling diabetes will improve health outcomes and reduce complications and costs

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Type 2 Diabetes and pre-diabetes have become a health epidemic in the United States, and Berkshire Health Systems is holding a community event to promote the importance of prevention, improved lifestyle and lowered risk.

A free Diabetes Health and Wellness Expo is being held on Monday, Nov. 12, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, open to all in the community who want to learn more about this critical health issue.

The Diabetes Expo will feature four panel discussions, scheduled for 3, 4, 5 and 6 p.m., with health-care experts and diabetes and pre-diabetes patients talking about the impact of so-called adult diabetes has on their lives, how to prevent it and lower risk, and lifestyle changes that can greatly reduce risk and treatment options.

The panel discussions include:

Taking Control: Learn how you can have better blood sugar control from a diabetes patient advocate.
Personalizing Diabetes: A patient panel discussion on the experiences, challenges and triumphs shared by patients living with diabetes and patients with pre-diabetes who have lowered their risk.

What Everyone Should Know About Diabetes: Dr. Brian Phillips, a Berkshire Health Systems endocrinologist, discussing the overall impact of diabetes, along with prevention and treatment, while preventing
complications.
Ask the Professional: A panel of medical experts covering topics including wellness, exercise, good nutrition, appropriate medications and mental health.

The program will also include exhibits on diabetes education, cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure screenings, tobacco treatment, cardiac rehabilitation, nutrition, wound care, wellness and community outreach, sleep disorders and more, with tables staffed by BMC and BHS professionals. Healthy snacks will be available from Guido's, the Crowne Plaza, Baba Louie's and BMC Nutrition Services, and demonstrations will be held on yoga, Zumba, reiki and strength training.

Registration is preferred for this event by calling 413-447-2060 or signing up at www.berkshirehealthsystems.org.

Those attending can stop in anytime during the four-hour event or stay for the entire program. This community program is sponsored by Berkshire Health Systems and The Berkshire Eagle.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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