Marci Reynolds loves to get on the air to tell listeners about music, arts and more.
And now, she can provide diabetes education and support to listeners of WILW FM 96.3 in Waupaca. “It’s meant to be entertaining more than anything,” she said. “It’s just good to talk about diabetes in a way that’s kind of fun.”
Reynolds is a nurse, certified diabetes educator and supervisor of Health and Wellness at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca. The City of Waupaca operates a local radio station, which allows groups to run short segments. She has been on air promoting various arts events and such. But she was thrilled when asked to discuss diabetes once a month. The segment airs on 96.3 FM during various times during the day. “We’re calling it Diabetes Coffee Talk,” said Reynolds.
The format of the radio program includes a guest like a doctor, another certified diabetes educators, or patient who wants to share their story. “Every month I introduce somebody and have a conversation with them,” she said, noting the last show included a dietitian CDE Anne Menzies, who talked about what she does for diabetes education, how diabetics can handle the holidays as a diabetic and a recipe using cauliflower. “Every time we have the show, we are going to have a recipe,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds said diabetes and prediabetes is a growing concern. But patients have ways to get the help they need. She is hoping that this radio program adds one more level of support to a wide audience. “We talk about the light side of it,” she said. “We’re not talking about restrictions and blood sugar levels. People with diabetes know what they need to do. Our goal is to reduce the bad feelings associated with diabetes, and to have a little fun. I am hoping that Diabetes Coffee Talk is going to take off.”
For a complete schedule of programs and when Diabetes Coffee Talk airs, visit http://www.cityofwaupaca.org/wintv/radio/whats-on-waupaca-radio/.
