Talking About Diabetes and Healthy Living With Taft Older Adults
On October 19, 2026, Preferred Pharmacy's Supervising Pharmacist, Anna Kelmenson, PharmD, and Store Manager Maribel presented diabetes and healthy living information in English and Spanish at the Goddard Riverside Taft NORC Older Adult Programs location, 1365 Fifth Avenue in East Harlem.
The presentation focused on everyday questions about food choices, portion sizes, diabetes, and staying organized with medications. Sharing information in both languages helped make the discussion accessible to English- and Spanish-speaking community members.
Understanding Diabetes and Building a Balanced Plate
Anna's diabetes and healthy living presentation covered how the body uses insulin and why blood sugar management matters. The discussion also introduced a practical way to think about balanced meals: filling about half a plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter with protein, and one quarter with carbohydrate foods.
Rather than focusing on restrictive rules, the educational material emphasized realistic food choices and portion awareness. It also addressed fruit, sugary drinks, and how to read Nutrition Facts labels, including the difference between a serving size and the amount someone actually eats.
Keeping Track of Medications and Asking Questions
Medication organization was another important topic. The presentation explained why it helps to maintain an up-to-date list of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements, and to ask a pharmacist when instructions or refill schedules are unclear.
Medication packaging, including blister packs, was discussed as one possible organization tool for some patients. The right approach depends on the person's medications and individual needs; packaging is not a substitute for professional medication review.
Connecting Through English and Spanish Education
Anna and Maribel shared the presentation in English and Spanish. For a neighborhood pharmacy, community education is also about communicating clearly and making space for questions. The goal was to offer useful information that residents could bring into conversations with their own healthcare professionals.
Anna served in her professional role as Supervising Pharmacist, while Maribel participated as Store Manager. Their contributions reflect the different ways a pharmacy team can support community outreach.
Questions and Answers About Diabetes, Nutrition, and Medications
Residents took part in an extended question-and-answer discussion about the main topics of the presentation. The questions below are educational summaries based on Anna's presentation topics, not verbatim questions or quotations from attendees.
What is diabetes, and why does blood sugar management matter?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body has difficulty regulating blood glucose. Over time, blood sugar that remains above a person's recommended range can affect health. Individual targets and treatment plans should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
How can the balanced plate method help with meal planning?
One practical approach is to fill about half the plate with non-starchy vegetables, one quarter with protein, and one quarter with carbohydrate foods. The best portions depend on individual nutritional needs.
Do people with diabetes need to avoid all carbohydrates?
Not necessarily. Carbohydrate type, portion size, and how foods fit into the overall eating plan can all matter. A healthcare professional or registered dietitian can help tailor choices.
What should I look for on a Nutrition Facts label?
Start with serving size and servings per container. Then consider total carbohydrates, added sugars, and other nutrients relevant to your health needs.
How can older adults keep several medications organized?
Keeping an up-to-date medication list and checking instructions and refill dates with a pharmacist can help. Learn about Preferred Pharmacy's medication packaging and management options.
What are medication blister packs, and how do they work?
Blister packaging can organize eligible medications into labeled compartments based on prescribed schedules. It is not appropriate for every medication or patient. Read our guide to medication blister packs and how they work.
Can prescription refills be coordinated?
For some ongoing prescriptions, medication synchronization may help align refill dates. This is different from organizing doses in blister packs. See what medication synchronization means and how it works. This is an additional educational resource, not a claim that it was discussed at the event.
Sharing Lunch and Making Time for Questions
Lunch was served to participants during the October 19 gathering. Alongside the bilingual presentation, the extended live question-and-answer session gave residents time to discuss the core topics and seek clarification.
Photos From the October 19 Taft NORC Presentation
Recognizing the Taft NORC Community
We thank the older adults who joined the gathering and the Goddard Riverside Taft NORC Older Adult Program team for the opportunity to connect through health education.
Program team members identified in event materials include Joseph Davis, Maritza Martinez, Natali Flores, and Erin Donnelly. Their inclusion here recognizes their connection to the program and does not assert that each person attended on October 19.
Goddard Riverside's NORC program receives support from public aging-services funding sources. This program-level support should not be confused with sponsorship of Preferred Pharmacy's October 19 presentation. Learn more about Goddard Riverside's NORC programs.
At the Taft NORC Older Adult Programs Location
The October 19 presentation took place at 1365 Fifth Avenue, the Goddard Riverside Taft NORC Older Adult Programs location. This was a separate gathering from Preferred Pharmacy's September 22 diabetes education presentation with Taft residents.
We appreciate the opportunity to share practical health information in a familiar East Harlem community setting.
Continuing Our Connection With Taft Residents
Read about our September 22 diabetes and healthy eating presentation, the August 28 end-of-summer community gathering, and the August 1 Taft Resident Association Family Day.
Preferred Pharmacy has served Harlem and East Harlem since 2012. We value opportunities to listen, share useful health education, and spend time with neighbors. Explore more community stories
Staying Connected With Our East Harlem Neighbors
Preferred Pharmacy has served Harlem and East Harlem since 2012. We value opportunities to share clear, practical health information and to connect with neighbors beyond the pharmacy counter.
Planning a Community Event?
We welcome opportunities to connect with neighborhood organizations, older adult programs, and community groups in Harlem and East Harlem.
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