Register now for no-cost diabetic health screenings, fun awareness event

QUINCY — Register now for one or both no-cost diabetic health screenings and a virtual 5K run/walk offered in November in recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month.

Kvitle Eye Care Associates, along with the Blessing Diabetes Center, is offering a no-cost diabetic eye screening on Friday, Nov. 1. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the retina due to high blood sugar from diabetes. It can lead to complications such as vision loss or blindness, so early detection is important. An appointment is required by calling Kvitle Eye Care Associates at 217-223-7834.

Screenings will be performed between 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Kvitle Eye Care Associates is at 1107 College Avenue. A Blessing Diabetes Center certified educator will be on-site to educate people being screened.

On Thursday, Nov. 7, no-cost A1C screenings will be offered by appointment only from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Blessing Resource Center at 420 N. 34th. This is a blood test that measures a person’s average blood sugar level over the past three months. Certified diabetes educators will be on-site to educate people being screened. To make an appointment go online to blessinghealth.org/a1c, call 217-277-5000 or register in person at the Blessing Resource Center.

Blessing will host a virtual run/walk on Saturday, Nov. 9, to mark Diabetes Awareness Month. People can complete a 5K run/walk anywhere, at any time on that day and post a photo of their participation to the virtual 5K post that will be found on the Blessing Health System Facebook page. Winners will be selected at random to receive a prize bag. Registration is required by completing the form at blessinghealth.org/diabetes.