MIND & BODY -- YOUR HEALTH

LOS ANGELES – The Jewish Community Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles to fund diabetes support groups in four communities throughout greater Los Angeles – Pasadena, Rosemead, Hollywood and Chatsworth.

It is difficult to teach patients and their families the skills necessary to cope with the stressful experience of being diagnosed with diabetes. Overnight, they undergo drastic lifestyle changes, and are forced to adapt to strict, life-changing routines.

In response to these needs, the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles has created community-based education and support groups that provide a forum where medical and psychosocial professionals lead discussions and activities to give the families the skills necessary for effective diabetes management.

The Pasadena and Chatsworth support groups are structured to assist English-speaking patients and families, the Rosemead group focus is on Spanish-speaking patients, while the Hollywood group offers bilingual services.

The Jewish Community Foundation is the largest manager of charitable assets and provider of planned giving solutions for Southern California Jewish philanthropists.