Hospital Clinical Staff to Address Prevention and Management of Disease
Click HERE to RSVP
In honor of National Diabetes Month, Carthage Area Hospital invites the public to attend an educational dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 20th, that will provide valuable information on prevention and managing diabetes.
The free dinner is set for 6:00PM to 7:30PM at the Carthage Elks Lodge, 511 Fulton St.
Email Dave Gunderson, at dgunderson@cahny.org or call 315-519-5214 to reserve your seat today or register online at carthageareahospital.com/diabetes.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK), adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke as people without diabetes.
“Over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. The good news is that the steps you take to manage your diabetes can also help lower your changes of having heart disease or a stroke,” the organization’s website stated.
The diabetes dinner is part of the hospital’s Community Engagement Series – free educational events provided to the general public to help prevent and manage various health issues. Most events have several speakers to cover all aspects of prevention and treatment that may include nutrition, physical therapy, pharmaceutical, and a clinical perspective from a provider. This year’s speakers include Leilani Garcia, M.D., Internal Medicine and Hospitalist Program Director; Carly Draper, RD, CDN, CDE, Director of Community Nutrition and Diabetes Education; Clinical Pharmacist Christopher Bradley, PharmD, RPh, MBA; and Therapy Specialist William Blunden, PT.
“We welcome all members of our community to join us at this event. It’s our obligation as a healthcare institution to provide these educational opportunities so that people can make more informed decisions about their health. The latest facts from the CDC indicate that more than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes. If we can impact someone’s life at one of these events, then we’ve done our part, “said Home Health Manager and event organizer, Dave Gunderson.
Carthage Area Hospital’s 2019 Community Engagement Series is a population health initiative aimed at educating residents in the hospital’s 83,000-person service area of Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties. The series is presented as a public service to encourage residents to take an active role in their health.
Speaker Information
Leilani Garcia, M.D. – Internal Medicine and Hospitalist Program Director
Bio: Dr. Leilani Garcia is a doctor of internal medicine who joined Carthage Area Hospital in 2015. She earned a Doctor of Medicine from The American University of Antigua’s College of Medicine. She completed a residency in internal medicine with Pinnacle Health Systems, Harrisburg, Pa. Her specialty has required extensive training in the management of both acute and chronic health disorders. She provides short- and long-term, comprehensive medical care in managing both common and complex illnesses of adolescents, adults and the elderly. Dr. Garcia is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She also serves as Carthage Area Hospital’s Hospitalist Program Director.
Carly R. Draper, RD, CDN, CDE — Director of Nutrition Services and Certified Diabetes Educator
Bio: Carly R. Draper is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Dietitian / Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator who joined Carthage Area Hospital’s Clinical Nutrition team in 2009. She graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and Food Science. She completed an internship at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Ga. Through her studies, and having lived in both urban and rural communities, she has developed a passion for nutrition education and improving the health and wellness of all patients. She lives in Watertown with her husband, Andrew, and two daughters.
Christopher Bradley, PharmD, RPh, MBA —
Clinical Pharmacist
Bio: Dr. Christopher Bradley is the Clinical Pharmacist at Carthage Area Hospital. A Watertown native, he graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2010 and earned a MBA from Endicott College, Beverly, Mass., in 2012. While a pharmacy student, he trained extensively at Albany Medical Center in various units. He joined Carthage Area Hospital in 2015 and specializes in antibiotic therapy, medication reconciliation, provider/patient education and new treatment guidelines. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and their two corgis.
Bill Blunden, PT – Therapy Specialist
Bio: Bill Blunden is a Physical Therapist with the Carthage Therapy Services team. He is a Carthage native who graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. Upon graduation, he joined the staff at Carthage Area Hospital as a Physical Therapist. In 1987, he joined the therapy staff at Lewis County General Hospital where he served as Director of Rehab until 2007. From 2007 to 2015, he worked for Kraft Foods in Lowville. He returned to the Therapy Services staff at Carthage Area Hospital in 2015 and specializes in industrial medicine and the rehabilitation of sports injuries. In his free time, he collects and restores antique fire trucks and raises a variety of small animals, including chickens and turkeys. He lives in Carthage with his wife, Barbara, and is the father of two grown sons.