FORT FAIRFIELD — Diabetes management will be the topic of discussion at an upcoming TAMC Community Lunch and Learn and Healthy Aging Luncheon Monday, Oct. 21 at the Fort Fairfield Community Center located at 18 Community Center Drive in Fort Fairfield.
The luncheon, which begins at 11 a.m., will feature a presentation from Certified Diabetes Educator and Family Nurse Practitioner Mary Coffin.
“The prevalence of diabetes is quickly growing,” said Coffin. “We will be discussing what diabetes is and how to live with diabetes.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, just over 8 percent of the population of the United States has diabetes. The disease affects more than 25 million people in this country, and in 2012, it cost the U.S. $245 billion.
Coffin’s presentation on diabetes management will cover topics such as medications, lifestyle changes, healthy eating and activity levels, risk factors, potential complications and prevention methods.
“Early diagnosis and prevention can help prevent the complications of diabetes and improve the quality of life for people with diabetes,” she said.
In keeping with the luncheon theme, Guest Chef Jeff Smith of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics will provide a diabetic-friendly meal for the attendees. The cost is just $5 for TAMC Senior Connection members and $10 for non-members.
The monthly luncheons offer an opportunity for community members and seniors to socialize and hear informative presentations on various health topics that may concern them. Until recently, the luncheons took place in Presque Isle, but, according to Jason Parent, director of advancement for TAMC, this is the first time that TAMC will take the luncheon program “on wheels” into another Aroostook County community.
Coffin said the event is open to the entire community and will offer valuable information for all who attend.
“Anyone with diabetes or a family member with diabetes should come to the program,” she said. “Anyone at risk for diabetes or anyone interested in diabetes should also attend.”
Coffin obtained her bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Iowa in 1979. Her RN license is currently held in Maine, but she has also been licensed in Iowa and Massachusetts. She began working at TAMC as an orthopedic nurse specialist in 1981.
Other than some time spent at Northern Maine Community College as a faculty member and substitute clinical instructor, Coffin worked at TAMC in various capacities including as a diabetes nurse educator until she began her master’s program in 2002. She also worked for Aroostook Wellness as a diabetes nurse educator and at Cary Medical Center as an operating room nurse before receiving her master’s of science in nursing from Husson College in Bangor in 2005. She worked as a family nurse practitioner at Full Circle Health Care until 2010 and at TAMC’s Fort Fairfield Health Center since then.
Coffin is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Maine Nurse Practitioner Association, and the American Association of Diabetes. She holds accreditation as a certified diabetes educator and is a certified insulin pump trainer for Medtronic MiniMed, Animas and Disetronic brands. She also served as chair for America’s Walk for Diabetes Presque Isle area walk from 1994-2001, and has been a CPR instructor for community and health care provider courses.
Coffin offers a piece of advice to anyone who is interested in improving their health and reducing their chances of developing complications from diabetes.
“Stay active and exercise every day,” she said.
There will be information provided at the luncheon on how interested individuals can follow-up with either Coffin or Christine O’Meara, who is the new diabetes educator at TAMC.
