Valley Baptist Health System Honors National Diabetes Month
Jan 7, 2019Valley Baptist Health System is encouraging people diagnosed with diabetes to “Step Out” during National Diabetes Month to raise awareness of this disease. Valley Baptist invites the community to the Valley Baptist Diabetes Center Walk on Saturday, November 17 at 8:00am at Pendleton Park.
Due to its prevalence, diabetes is the 6th most common cause of death in the United States in 2016. 1 More than 29 million adults have diabetes, and 25% of them don’t know it. Undetected and untreated diabetes have dangerous consequences. People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke as those without diabetes—and at an earlier age. It can also damage the kidneys, cause blindness, or result in amputation upon infection.
“Step Out” is more than just a reminder to take early actions in addressing and managing diabetes,” said Pat Palomo, MSN, RN, Director of Valley Baptist Diabetes Center. “It’s about people with diabetes keeping themselves in the picture by making their health a top priority, while incorporating a form of physical activity.”
Early detection, increased public awareness of diabetes, and improved treatments have helped reduce the rate of death from diabetes in the United States. Early detection through Fasting Plasma Glucose or A1C test can decrease the risk of developing the complications of diabetes. 2
To help encourage people to get the test result that could save their lives, Valley Baptist Health System is offering free screenings and information at this year’s Diabetes Walk. Screenings will include blood pressure checks, glucose screenings and Hgb A1c testing for at risk individuals. The first 300 walkers will receive a free t-shirt. There is no guaranteed way to prevent diabetes, but early detection through commonly available tests is very important.
“Whether you have diabetes or a family member or friend with diabetes, we invite the community to join us for this free walk to bring more awareness to this serious disease,” said Palomo.
To register for the walk, please call 866-608-2273
Valley Baptist Diabetes Center Walk
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Pendleton Park – 1427 Morgan Blvd, Harlingen, Texas
Registration – 7:00am
Walk Start Time 8:00am
Sources:
1 - https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
