Did you know November is Diabetes Awareness Month? Or that diabetes affects 1 in 4 South Carolinians over the age of 65?

We didn’t, until we attended a recent Wellness Wednesday: a free, virtual lunch-and-learn offering from MUSC Health. The Nov. 10 session was titled “Blossoming with Diabetes: Managing Your Lifestyle Your Way” + facilitated by Dr. Sienna Miller, PharmD, BCPS, a certified ambulatory pharmacist.

What we tried (with pricing):

We pre-registered a few days before (for free), and on Wednesday, we got two helpful email reminders for that day’s session. A few minutes before the 12 p.m. start time, we heated up some lunch, cracked open a notebook, and settled in, ready to learn.

The session was conducted via Microsoft Teams, which can be accessed through your web browser or the desktop app. Things kicked off right on time, with MUSC’s Regina Creech introducing Dr. Miller and letting participants know we could type any questions we had into the live chat throughout the presentation to be answered during a Q+A at the end. 💬

What not to miss:

Wellness Wednesday is offered on the second Wednesday of each month, so December’s will be happening Wed., Dec. 8. This month’s topic is "Your Family Portrait: How Family History Can Help Access Your Best Self,” facilitated by Amanda White, D.O., MBA.

Pro tip for a lunch-and-learn: don’t forget the lunch | Photo by the GVLtoday team

What we’re still talking about:

Stat: 1 in 4. That’s how many South Carolinians over the age of 65 deal with diabetes.

Dr. Miller shared plenty of tips during the virtual session for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, from diet to physical activity to mental health. We especially loved her advice about physical activity: When it comes to exercise, set realistic goals. It’s all about making positive changes.

Dr. Miller also explained the “plate method,” in which half a 9-inch plate should ideally be vegetables, one quarter lean protein, and the other quarter carbs | Photo by the GVLtoday team

How you can experience this:

To receive MUSC’s eNewsletter — which highlights that month’s health topic on the first Wednesday of each month — email businesshealth@musc.edu.

Want to learn more about diabetes management (or any topic previously covered during a Wellness Wednesday)? You can view previous months’ presentations, including Dr. Miller’s, here.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Wellness Wednesday — a free, virtual, monthly offering from MUSC Health
Price: Free
Website: https://muschealth.org/medical-services/business-health/employer-resources/wellness-education
Hours: 12-1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month
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