Louisa Rotary article written by Lisa Robertson
The Rotary Club of Louisa welcomed guest speaker Ashley Wilks of the Lawrence County Health Department at the December 11th meeting for an engaging and educational presentation focused on diabetes awareness and prevention.
Wilks explained what diabetes is and how it affects the body, clearly outlining the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. To help make the information more relatable, she invited Rotary members to participate in a skit that demonstrated how diabetes works within the body, adding both clarity and a few smiles to a serious topic.
During her presentation, Wilks discussed common symptoms, potential complications, and the importance of managing diabetes through regular monitoring of blood work. She emphasized that while diabetes cannot always be prevented, taking proactive steps to control it can greatly improve quality of life. Wilks also encouraged attendees to stay up to date on recommended vaccines as part of overall health maintenance.
Wilks shared information about a one-year National Diabetes Prevention Program, offered in a group setting, with the next session scheduled to begin in September 2026. She also highlighted a monthly diabetes support group that meets at the Lawrence County Extension Office at 5:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. For more information about diabetes education, prevention programs, or support groups, individuals are encouraged to contact Ashley Wilks at the Lawrence County Health Department at 606-638-4389.
The Rotary Club of Louisa thanks Ashley Wilks for her valuable time and commitment to improving community health.
