From the Lynn Public Health Department: The Lynn Public Health Department distributes a monthly newsletter with health-related information for the City of Lynn.

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November was American diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month – a time to raise awareness, education, and promote research and prevention about one of the fastest growing chronic diseases that affect many individuals. This year marks the 85th year the American Diabetes Association, a voluntary health organization focused on ending diabetes.

In the United States:

• 136 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes
• 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed each year with diabetes
• 1 in 3 older adults has diabetes
• Diabetes contributes to the deaths of ~400,000 Americans annually

In Massachusetts:

• 560,400 adults in Massachusetts have diagnosed diabetes
• ~31,000 adults in Massachusetts will be diagnosed with diabetes each year

The most common types of diabetes are:

• Type 1: Occurs when your body does not make insulin or does not make enough insulin. Typically diagnosed in young people, but can develop at any age. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but if not treated, it can lead to complications and insulin will need to be taken every day.
• Type 2: Occurs when your body does not use insulin properly. Develops most often in middle-aged and older adults, but has been increasing in younger people. Treatment for type 2 diabetes include: an eating plan, physical activity, and medication.
• Gestational Diabetes: Develops only during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth. Can occur due to the placenta hormones potentially blocking the mother’s insulin, leading to insulin resistance and can pose health risks when left untreated. Treatment varies from person to person, but can include special meal plans, physical activity, daily blood glucose testing, and insulin injections

Diagnosing and treating diabetes is important because there is potential to develop other diseases that are increased by having diabetes including: heart disease, neuropathy, and eye disease.

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the lynn calm team

The CALM Team is an unarmed, care-focused team that meets community members where they are. They can help with:

• Non-Crisis Mental Health
• Assistance for Unhoused Persons
• Non-violent Conflicts and Concerns
• Mediations between neighbors, families, or youth
• Connection to detox and other recovery services

In October, the Lynn CALM team had 111 community interactions! Throughout the month, the team connected unhoused residents with essential treatment services and vital resources, offering support when and where it was needed most. They also stepped into community “hot spot” areas, engaging directly with residents to address concerns, ease tensions, and help prevent potential escalation. Beyond outreach, the Lynn CALM team maintains presence in the community by actively participating in local events, including Trunk or Treat, the Stop the Violence: Lynn Against Violence Walk, and volunteering at My Brother’s Table.

Contact the CALM Team

• 781-905-2256 (CALM)
• calm@lynnma.gov, for non-urgent questions
• 95 Pleasant Street Door #6 Lynn, MA 01901
• www.lynncalmteam.org

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Fall & winter initiatives

4TH ANNUAL SOCKS AND SCARVES DRIVE

We will be accepting donations during the fall and winter months for New, Unopened winter items including, but not limited to: socks, scarves, hats, mittens, etc.

If you or someone you know are in need of winter items, come down and pick some up!

WINTER COAT DRIVE

Have any unused coats or jackets you no longer wear?

We will be collecting new or lightly used coats and jackets. The collections of coats and jacket we receive will be donated to a local organization.

Drop Off:

Lynn City Hall
Community Health Resource Room – Room: 108
3 City Hall Square
Lynn, MA 01901

WALK-IN FLU VACCINATIONS

Every Thursday 11am to 1pm at Lynn Public Health. If you would like to schedule a different day to receive the flu vaccine, or if you or someone you know are a Lynn resident and homebound, please call  781-598-4000 ext. 6719 or email lynnpublichealth@lynnma.gov.

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You can download the full newsletter, in English or Spanish, below.