OGDENSBURG -- November is National Diabetes Month and Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center says it is joining the movement to stop diabetes.

Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions. Nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes. If current trends continue, one in three children born today will face a future with diabetes. These statistics, coupled with the personal struggles of people with diabetes and their loved ones, underscore the need for action. So, during the month of November, the American Diabetes Association is launching a movement to confront, fight and eventually Stop Diabetes.

Here are a few ways nearby you can help stop diabetes.

• On Nov. 18 CHMC will sponsor a free glucose and cholesterol screening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the AB conference room (basement level, next to the cafeteria). For more information call Michele Catlin at 713-5251.

• The third Thursday of each month, "Checkers" meets in the CHMC Auditorium from 4 to 5 p.m. This group meets to discuss concerns regarding diabetes. It is an open and free forum for persons with diabetes and their families. On Nov. 18, Dr. Manasvi Jaitly will present on diabetes and kidney disease. Jaitly is a nephrologist, specializing in care of patients with kidney disease.

For more information about this program or other diabetes education opportunities, call Karen Cole at 713-5181.