Live Well
Volunteer Leader Knows Firsthand Diabetes Workshop Changes Lives
Richard Kirk of Haltom City remembers how he felt when he learned he had diabetes. “Three-fourths of me was in denial and the other fourth was upset as hell,” he said. “I sort of went into shock. It was unexpected and scared me.”
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Twenty percent of health care dollars are spent caring for someone with diabetes.
Richard (shown in photo at a diabetes workshop) decided to learn everything he could about his condition. He enrolled in the free diabetes self-management workshop that is part of United Way’s Live Well healthy aging and independent living initiative. The workshop is a partnership of United Way, its Area Agency on Aging and Senior Citizen Services of Greater Tarrant County, which conducts the training.
The six-week workshop gives older adults the information they need to gain greater control over their health. “They make action plans and make little behavioral changes that add up to a big lifestyle change,” said Jennifer Severance of Senior Citizen Services.
“The most important thing was the information they gave me so I could choose the proper things to eat,” said Richard. “I really know how to do that now. I really changed the way I eat. Instead of eating four candy bars a day, I’m down to one candy bar a week. I check my blood sugar every morning.”
Richard also benefited from getting to know the other workshop participants who had diabetes. “When I found out I had diabetes, I felt all alone,” he said. “Talking with people about their problems lessened mine. It was really a great help to me.”
During the workshop, “Richard found he had a natural leadership ability,” said Jennifer. He agreed to become a volunteer workshop leader. “I worked until I was 73,” said the retired microfilm equipment repairman and customer service representative, “so I’m not much for sitting around the house doing nothing. At first leading the workshops just seemed like something to do, but now it’s much more. The people are just so wonderful.”
So far this year he has led five workshops, and a sixth one is underway. Best of all, his blood sugar level has improved dramatically, and he is able to control his condition without medication.
The diabetes workshop, called “Texas Healthy Lifestyles,” is open to older adults with diabetes, those who are at risk for diabetes and for caregivers of older adults. To learn more or to register for a workshop, call 817-413-4949.
Our Vision
Tarrant County will be a place where children, individuals and families thrive, where neighbors care for each other and where people willingly share the responsibility of ensuring a safe and healthy community for all.
Our Mission
To improve lives across our diverse communities by:
- Prioritizing needs in education, income and health
- Forming innovative and effective partnerships with other organizations
- Strategically raising and investing resources to make lasting change
Our Diversity Statement
United Way of Tarrant County values and seeks diversity by respecting the knowledge, abilities and experience of all individuals. Our commitment is to support an inclusive environment reflecting our United Way communities and accomplishing our mission.
