A year-old West End Health Center Wellness Projectdesigned to help adult diabetic patients manage their disease has given new hope to those who participated in the program.

        They are demonstrating increased muscle strength and flexibility. They are participating in tai chi and aerobic demonstrations, preparing healthy meals and meeting specific walking goals in the project's Pedometer Program.

        “The enthusiasm our patients have shown in this project is absolutely infectious,” said Wendell Walker, executive director of the center.

        The center received a $45,000 grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation in March and was one of three Ohio community health centers to participate in the project developed by the Bureau of Primary Care division of the Department of Health and Human Services.

        The project involved 33 diabetic patients with an average age of 60, who met twice weekly at the West End YMCA. They received personal nutrition counseling, which was conducted by nutritionists from the Nutrition Council of Greater Cincinnati.

        At 2 p.m., today they will attend an award ceremony at the YMCA, 821 Ezzard Charles Dr.

        Participants who met specific walking goals in the Pedometer Program will receive T-shirts and shoes.

        “It is such a wonderful thing to see individuals who may be 75 or older become excited about being able to move enough to create a good deal of sweat,” Mr. Walker said.

        Said patient Gereene Johnson: “I was tired of being heavy and tired of having my diabetes out of control.”

        Another patient, Carole Mitchell, has lost weight, saw a decrease in her blood glucose and can walk long distances without getting tired. “I am just pleased that such an extensive quality program is available in my community,” she said.

        Ohio ranks third in the nation for deaths caused by diabetes. The morbidity is particularly high among African Americans.

        The students at Boyd E. Smith Elementary, 1052 Jer Les Dr., Milford, will show their puppy love to the Clermont County Animal Shelter at 2 p.m., Wednesday.

        After conducting a penny drive, they will present a $300 check to Janet Wolf of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

        This is the third year the students have conducted the penny drive for the animal shelter.

        Award-winning Cincinnati photographer Connie Springer, an adoptive mother of three, has created a photo datebook for 2002 that features a diversity of adoptive families.

        A portion of proceeds from sale of the datebook will be donated to the Adoption Awareness Alliance of Cincinnati. For more information, call 871-1677.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Monday-Friday and Sundays. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are committing random acts of kindness, let him know at (513) 768-8362; at ahoward@enquirer.com; or by fax at (513) 768-8340.

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