The Health Education Libraries provide access to a variety of resources, including:

• medical information on the Internet
• comprehensive health information software programs
• video and audio tapes
• patient and consumer health books
• periodicals, pamphlets and newsletters

The Alegent Health Education Libraries are located at Bergan Mercy Medical Center and Immanuel Medical Center.

For more information, call: (402) 758-5040 or (888) 434-0884

Alegent Health Diabetes Education Program
With the correct diagnosis, treatment and education, people with diabetes can lead full, happy and productive lives. Effective medical treatment for diabetes is available through Alegent Health hospitals. Diabetes patient education includes reviewing the basics of diabetes care, nutrition and lifestyle changes.

The Alegent Health Diabetes Education Program offers comprehensive educational information covering all aspects of diabetes care. The program strives to empower those with diabetes to lead healthy lives with education.

The program includes: (Note: While not all areas of interest are available at each Alegent Health location, you can go to any one of the sites to receive the education you need.)

• Outpatient Education
• Individual Instruction

Diabetes educators teach individuals and families the basics of self management. Instruction in insulin therapy is provided on an outpatient basis, with physician referral. Educators also provide one-on-one assistance in selecting and using the most appropriate monitor. Although we cannot supply you with a monitor, we can assist you in the purchasing process. The program consists of one or two sessions, with an optional follow-up phone call the following week.

For more information or to register for individual instruction, call:
Bergan Mercy Medical Center - (402) 398-6312
Midlands Hospital - (402) 593-3532
Mercy Hospital - Council Bluffs - (712) 325-2543
Immanuel Medical Center - (402) 572-2872

Group Instruction
Alegent Health offers an informational series of classes taught by certified diabetes educators within a group setting. Geared toward educating recently-diagnosed diabetics, instruction is also helpful to those who want to be kept up-to-date with their disease.

Topics covered are:

• What Diabetes Is
• Factors Contributing to the Development of Diabetes
• Sick Day Rules
• Nutrition (individual sessions can also be scheduled)
• Preventing Long-Term Complications
• Research
• Monitoring Blood Sugar
• Medications, Insulin and Pills
• Exercise
• Behavior Change

For registration information, call (402) 391-8300.

Medical Nutrition Therapy
People with diabetes need to pay special attention to nutritional needs. A registered dietitian/medical nutrition therapist can provide nutrition information and educational materials based on an individual's lifestyle and treatment plan. Topics to be discussed when meeting with a dietitian or medical nutrition therapist are:

• meal planning and composition
• exchange list for meal planning
• carbohydrate counting
• reading food labels and dining out
• usage of alcohol
• weight management and exercise

For more information, call:
Bergan Mercy Medical Center - (402) 398-5522
Midlands Hospital- 02) 593-3772
Mercy Hospital - Council Bluffs - (712) 328-5959
Immanuel Medical Center - (402) 572-3488

Pregnancy and Diabetes
Prenatal Partners assists women with diabetes management during pregnancy. Working closely with physicians, registered nurses provide frequent assessment of the pregnancy and the developing baby. Prenatal Partners also offers the mother education about blood sugar monitoring and diet maintenance. A registered dietitian provides nutrition information. Blood glucose meters can be loaned to mothers. Based on their physician's directions, women will be taught how and when to test blood sugar levels. Through close monitoring, Prenatal Partners strives to produce positive outcomes for both mother and child.

For more information, call:
Bergan Mercy Medical Center - (402) 398-5777

Alegent Health Wound Care Clinic
The Alegent Health Wound Care Clinic specializes in healing patients with chronic, non-healing wounds including those resulting from diabetic ulcers. This hospital-based outpatient program offers a structured, interdisciplinary approach to managing wounds. Participating physician specialists include vascular, orthopaedic, plastic and general surgeons.

For more information, call:
Alegent Health Wound Care Clinic
Bergan Mercy Medical Center - (402) 398-5500

American Diabetes Association Support Group
Monthly meetings are offered from September through May in Sarpy and Cass Counties. Topics cover diabetes care, including meal planning and metering, foot care, medications and stress management. An open question and answer session is included at each meeting. There is no charge to attend.

For more information, call:
Midlands Hospital - (402) 593-3532

Diabetes Unit
With diabetes you may be concerned about the management of your condition if or when you are hospitalized. Or you may have been admitted because of a complication associated with diabetes, or for other medical or surgical needs. Whatever the reason, you can be assured the Alegent Health Diabetes Unit staff is well-prepared to offer the best possible care during your stay. Your care plan will include self-management skills to help control your diabetes or other related illness when you are at home.

For more information, call:
Bergan Mercy Medical Center - (402) 398-5678