According to the Center of Disease Control, more than 38 million people in the United States live with diabetes and approximately 1 in 5 people do not know that they have it. People who have diabetes are at more risk of serious health complications including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, or loss of legs, feet, or toes. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented, and diabetes can be managed. November is recognized as American Diabetes Month to help raise awareness, promote prevention and support management of diabetes. Dosher Memorial Hospital will host an educational booth in the hospital’s front lobby for diabetes awareness on Wednesday November 12th, offering a variety of resources to visitors.y The booth will include information furnished by Dosher’s Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Vicki Allen, on diabetes management and prevention, blood sugar friendly recipes and refreshments, provided by Dosher Dietary Manager Chef Joe Hill, and information about recognition and care of diabetic foot ulcers provided by the Director of the Dosher Wound Care Center John Stone. The booth will be set up from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12th in the Dosher front lobby, located at 924 N. Howe Street in Southport. All are welcome to stop by, and there is no charge for any of the resources available. Refreshments and small giveaways will be provided for visitors.

Join us as we welcome the holiday season at Dosher, with a Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday December 3rd at 6:00pm in the Dosher Main Lobby. Enjoy entertainment, hot chocolate, and holiday treats. Community members will have an opportunity to purchase an ornament for our tree at $10.00 each to support the work of the Dosher Foundation. The purchase of an ornament is not required to attend the event. For information about ornaments, community members may contact the Dosher Foundation at 910-457-3936. All are welcome.

Join us for a jolly good time! Dosher Memorial Hospital invites you to join us on Saturday December 6th to view the Oak Island Christmas By the Sea Parade from the front yard of our Oak Island Medical Clinic. Stop by the tents in the Dosher Medical Oak Island parking lot for a hot chocolate and a snack. Bring a chair and find your spot along East Oak Island Drive to watch one of the area’s most anticipated parades of the year. Our event will run from 12-3 pm. The parade begins at 2. Please note that the inside of our Oak Island Clinic will be closed. This is an outdoor only event.

Dosher Memorial Hospital will host a drive through food donation event to benefit families served by the Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship food pantry (SOIICF). Donors may drive up to the hospital front entrance on Wednesday December 10th between the hours of 9:00 am and 1:00 pm to drop off non-perishable food items to members of hospital, who will coordinate delivery with SOIICF, which serves hundreds of local families during the hospital season and throughout the year. Dosher appreciates support of this event, which helps ensure the health and well being of our entire community.