A physical education instructor at Thomas County Middle School, was teaching her fifth grade health class about diabetes using Undercover Diabetes Health Agents, a hardback book provided by HealthMPowers. With engaging illustrations and
easy-to-understand language, the book teaches children about diabetes and the choices they can make to help prevent the disease. As the Physical Education teacher read through the symptoms of diabetes, a young man raised his hand.
“I drink a lot of water but I am thirsty all of the time,” stated the boy. The PE teacher suggested he tell the school nurse about his unusual thirst. The boy did as instructed, and although he was often seen by the nurse because he complained about not feeling
well, the nurse realized this could be a problem and contacted his parents and doctor. Within a week, the boy was diagnosed with Type II diabetes and hospitalized for one week to be treated and have a care plan developed.
This is just one more example of the power health information can have on both students and adults. Due to this boy’s courage to speak up about a symptom, HealthMPowers programming and a teacher’s commitment to providing health education in school, this young man’s life has been significantly impacted in a positive way.