Donna Mathis of Sulphur smiles through the pain while doing strengthening exercises in a chair aerobics class lead by instructor Lea Caufield.
Lena Orphan of Ravia leads the pack while walking the long trail during the diabetes camp.
Chickasaw Lena Orphan went down from 200 to 81 in one week. Not in pounds, but in blood sugar. She and 37 other participants learned how to control their blood sugar at the Chickasaw Nation Diabetes Camp at Microtel Inns & Suites in Davis, Oklahoma on June 20-23.
Mrs. Orphan, a diabetic since 1990, went from taking a pill to insulin shots as her condition began to worsen. She said she has learned so much at the camp and looks forward to better managing her diabetes. She even lost four pounds in four days, she said.
“I want to share with non-Indians what I have learned,” Mrs. Orphan said.
During the four-day camp, participants were screened for elevated blood pressure and cholesterol. Campers also checked their blood sugar at least three times a day.
“The camp helps patients realize they can control their blood sugar through proper dieting and physical activity,” said Shondra McCage, camp coordinator and health promotion specialist for the Carl Albert Diabetes Care Center.
Participants ate planned meals and snacks and exercised twice a day for 30 minutes. They were also provided free lodging at Microtel Inn & Suites for the duration of the camp. Campers attended sessions about nutrition education, diabetes management and complication concerns.
“The tribe’s mission has always been to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people,” Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said. “The diabetes camp is an example of how our diabetes care center is reaching out to Native Americans to progress our mission.”
Exercise was also a big part of the camp. Campers had the option of walking a long or short trail or doing chair aerobics.
“You’ll be ready for the Olympics after our chair aerobics,” participant Donna Mathis said.
Many participants said the camp was a success and even reported regulation of blood sugar and weight loss.
Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes among Native Americans. Some complications from diabetes include heart and kidney disease, stroke and eye, foot and skin problems. It is estimated that more than six million Americans are unaware they have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association.
To qualify for the camp, participants had to be patients of the Chickasaw Nation Health System at the Carl Albert Indian Health Facility, Family Practice Clinic in Ada, or the Indian Health Clinics in Ardmore, Tishomingo, Purcell or Durant. Patients were also allowed to bring adult guests. The camp was free to participants.
