118 Second Street NW
Cass Lake, MN 56633

(218) 335-4500 Phone
(800) 282-3389 Toll-free
(218) 335-8219 Fax

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of the Leech Lake Healthy Heart Project is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in Ojibwe people with diabetes through case management, education and positive lifestyle changes.

Diabetes is a disease in which there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This disease can cause damage to the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves. Diabetes is a serious problem for the American Indian population with incidence rates two to three times greater than the United States population in general. American Indian people also experience higher rates of diabetes complications with cardiovascular disease being the number one cause of death. Through the Healthy Heart Project we hope to have a significant impact on these statistics.

The Leech Lake Healthy Heart Project is a five-year cardiovascular risk reduction demonstration project with three stages including planning, implementation and evaluation. The program targets individuals diagnosed with type II diabetes and utilizes a case management approach to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are having diabetes with elevated glucose, blood pressure, or cholesterol levels. Other risk factors include smoking, excess body weight, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity. Cardiovascular disease includes heart attacks, strokes and diseases of the blood vessels.

Case management, education, and positive lifestyle changes can reduce risk factors for heart disease. To be enrolled in the Leech Lake Healthy Heart Project, participants must be diagnosed with type II diabetes and 18 years or older.

Case management appointments can be arranged after hours to accommodate those who are working during office hours. The telephone number is 218-335-4500 or toll free 1-800-282-3389.

We are looking for participants with Type II Diabetes to participate in our project which includes:

• Monthly case management visits (to help you make lifestyle changes for better health and to lessen risk of heart disease)
• Visit with our pharmacist
• One-day HGHH Class (Honoring the Gift of Heart Health)
• Diabetes Support Group Opportunity
• Dietician available for Nutrition Education
• Exercise support staff

Could I have heart disease?

Most people do not know if they have cardiovascular disease until they have an emergency such as a heart attack or stroke. You could have heart disease if:

• You have diabetes
• You have high blood pressure
• You have high cholesterol levels
• Your blood glucose is too high
• You weigh more than  you should

FAQ

What is the Leech Lake Healthy Heart Project?
The purpose is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with Type II diabetes.

• Diabetes is a serious problem for American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
• Cardiovascular Disease, which affects the heart and major blood vessels, is a major complication of diabetes and the number one cause of death among American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

Research has shown that it is possible to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by:

• Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels.
• Stopping Smoking
• Taking an aspirin a day.
• Losing weight through a healthier diet and physical activity.

Who can join the project?

• We are looking for people 18 years or older who have the diagnosis of Type II Diabetes and are interested in reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease.
• You should be willing to participate in project activities.

How can I join the project?

• Contact Leech Lake Healthy Heart staff
• Let the person know you are interested in participating in the project.
• You will be scheduled for a medical visit with lab work to confirm that you are eligible.
• You will then complete a questionnaire sharing your knowledge and opinion of diabetes.
• If you are interested in the project, we will explain the project to you and answer any questions.

Why should I join the Leech Lake Healthy Heart Project?

The Healthy Heart Project can help you in several ways:

• You will be encouraged to take classes on managing your Type II Diabetes and reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
• You may be able to delay or avoid getting cardiovascular disease by participating in this project.
• You will learn what medication you are taking, why you take them and how the medication affects your body.
• You will earn incentives for your participation in the project. For example: gas certificates, fruit and vegetables certificates, crock-pot, etc.
• You will meet peers that also live with Type II Diabetes.
• Program staff is available to meet with you at your tribal health facility in your area.

Taking part in this project is voluntary!
If you are interested in taking part in this project please contact us.