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MARCH 14, 2008 — According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), there are nearly 21 million people in this country with diabetes – including 6.2 million people who have it, but don’t yet know it. In addition, some 54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes – yet. Left unchecked, these conditions can lead to long-term organ damage, especially to the heart and circulatory system, amputation and death.
In fact, diabetes is currently the sixth leading cause of death by disease in this country. While there is no cure, one of the key components in managing diabetes is good nutrition. Recognizing the important link between diabetes and nutrition, Kimball Medical Center’s Center for Healthy Living will host a Health Fair on Monday, March 24 from 1 to 3 pm, to promote Diabetes Awareness Day and commemorate March as National Nutrition Month.
“Diabetes Awareness Day is a one-day, “wake-up” call to educate the public about the serious threat of diabetes, particularly to those who are undiagnosed or untreated,” says Irene Spinelli, Diabetes Educator and Manager of Kimball Medical Center’s Center for Healthy Living.
Diabetes educators, registered dieticians, exercise specialists and other healthcare professionals will be on hand offering information, free giveaways, free glucose and blood pressure screenings, healthy snacks, recipes and tips to help participants improve their overall health and wellness. The fair will be held at The Center for Healthy Living located adjacent to Kimball Medical Center at 198 Prospect Street in Lakewood.
“One of the primary risk factors for Type 2 diabetes is being overweight, sedentary and over the age of 45,“ explains Spinelli, “although, with the increase in childhood obesity, we’re seeing it in younger and younger people.” In addition to lifestyle and age, she says, family history and gender also play a role in determining who is at risk for this chronic and debilitating disease. “African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at an increased risk, as are women who have had babies weighing more than nine pounds at birth,” she adds.
While diabetes can produce symptoms, such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, more often than not, people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have virtually no symptoms. In fact, Type 2 diabetes if often diagnosed only after people develop one or more of its long-term complications – including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye or nerve damage.
“Learning about diabetes, and who is at risk, is key to prevention,” says Spinelli. “That’s why events like these are so important to the community’s health,” she adds. “We’re hoping to increase awareness about diabetes, its risk factors and how healthy lifestyle choices can make a big difference in your health, not only today but in years to come.”
For more information or to register for the Diabetes Awareness and Nutrition Fair, please call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123 (1-888-724-7123).
CONTACT: Kristine A. Brown
Director of Public Relations
(732) 557-3902
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