Diabetes from head to Toe
Free conference for consumers on diabetes prevention, treatment and screenings
Public Encouraged to Attend
BRIDGEWATER, NJ. – Diabetes is on track to become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. To combat the threat, the American Diabetes Association’
Diabetes: From Head to Toe is part of ADA’s Por Tu Familia program, a year-round initiative designed to aid tens of thousand of people throughout the region through a series of programs and community events delivered directly to those who need care and diabetes education. The summit, now in its fourth year, will feature free health screenings for blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, dental disease, osteoporosis, skin damage, body mass index, lung age capacity, stress, carbon monoxide exposure, feet and ankle problems, and vision; children’s activities; exhibitor displays by health care providers and organizations, and a number of seminars that are free to the public.
Visitors can also experience four classroom areas at this year’s event - an Adults Zone, a Kids Zone, a Fitness Zone, and a Cooking Zone - where seminars about those topics and groups will be held during the day. A free shuttle service will be available to the community every hour on the hour from 8a.m to 1p.m. departing from four locations in New Brunswick: McKinley Community Elementary School (15 Van Dyke Ave.), New Brunswick Free Public Library (60 Livingston Ave.), Paul Robeson Community School (199 Commercial Ave.) and Walgreens (20 Jersey Ave.).
“It is estimated that nearly 800,000 New Jersey residents are affected by diabetes and one-third of those people have no idea that they have this very serious disease,” said Gina Murdoch, Executive Director for the ADA’s northern New Jersey office. “It is imperative that those at risk take charge of their health and make changes that will result in a healthier future. This event helps us reach a critical audience with these life changing messages.”
“Sanofi US is pleased to support this important event and the ADA in their efforts to continuously raise awareness about diabetes prevention and management,”
Primary risk factors for type 2 diabetes are being overweight, sedentary, over the age of 45 and having a family history of diabetes. 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 9 pounds. Unfortunately, people with type 2 diabetes can live for years without realizing that they have the disease.
While people with diabetes can exhibit noticeable symptoms such as frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst, most people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes do not show these overt warning signs. Often, type 2 diabetes only becomes evident when people develop one or more of its serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage, or nerve damage that can lead to amputations.
The event is made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsors Saint Peter’s University Hospital and Sanofi US, along with Colgate, AARP (Adult Zone sponsor), Health First (Cooking Zone sponsor), UnitedHealthcare (Fitness Zone Sponsor), New Brunswick Tomorrow (Transportation sponsor) and New Jersey Dental Association. The conference is also supported by the
following professionals and community organizations:
More information, including the full list of seminars can be found at www.diabetes.org/
About the American Diabetes Association, Northern New Jersey office:
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities;
Photo:
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