KINGWOOD — Jennifer Nestor said she always had an interest in community wellness.
Nestor, a registered nurse at Preston Memorial Hospital (PMH), recently replaced Meredith Sneddon as diabetic educator for the Preston County Health Department.
Sneddon retired from the position in November.
When the diabetic educator spot came open, Preston County Health Department Director V.J. Davis contacted her, Nestor said.
“I have a personal interest in diabetes. My father passed away from diabetic complications. This instilled in me the desire to help diabetics live a quality life,” Nestor said.
“We’re happy to have her on board,” Davis said. “And we’re looking forward to helping her grow this much needed program.”
Nestor said her vision is to grow the program and get information out to attract new clients. She plans to contact local physicians and ask them to make referrals to the program.
Nestor said other goals are to help people find the information they need and help them set goals. “Each person is different. Some might want to set a daily goal of how many carbs they can consume. Others might want to lose weight.”
She is looking for speakers to come to the free monthly classes and discuss different aspects of living with diabetes.
“I would like to do a diabetic health fair next spring,” Nestor said, “so diabetics can come in and get information. We could also offer some free screenings.”
She said she is going to make some changes in the program.
“I’m going to keep the same date, time and location for October. The class will be at the Extension Office at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 23,” Nestor said.
Beginning in November, the classes will move to the Dogwood Conference Room at PMH. They will be at 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month.
“I am looking forward to working with diabetics in the community. I hope they accept me as a trusted advisor in this journey,” Nestor said.
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