Local Organizations to Host Diabetes Awareness Event and Provide Free Health-Management Information: Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Bridgeport, W.Va. - About two out of every nine Americans over the age of twenty are affected by diabetes, and the numbers are on the rise! There has been a one hundred seventy six percent increase in the number of people with diabetes over the last thirty years.
Diabetes is now the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and can result in complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney damage, and lower-limb amputation, as well as short-term issues like dental problems and decreased resistance to infections. But there is good news: people can see large health benefits by taking small steps to cut their risk, or to control the disease, if they already have it.
Local teenager, Shaine Gaines, is helping many take that first step by hosting "Diabetes: Walk the Mall" on October thirteenth from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is designated to assist people with diabetes to learn how to manage their condition, and will be providing free information and testings on diabetes awareness and overall health at the Meadowbrook Mall. Gaines says that many resources will be available; such as United Hospital Center officials for education and other organizations to provide further services.
There are several different types of diabetes. However, no matter what type of diabetes a person has, good blood glucose management can drastically reduce his or her risk of complications.
Since the symptoms of diabetes can be mild, and some people have no symptoms at all, knowing the risk factors is important. "When symptoms of diabetes do occur, they can include increased hunger or thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, and rapid weight loss. Anyone who has experienced any of these symptoms, especially those who are in a high-risk group, should talk to a healthcare provider about being screened," said Gaines.
For people with risk factors for diabetes, now is the time to take action. Even people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range, can take control of their health, and decrease the likelihood that they will develop diabetes. One major study found that people at high risk for developing diabetes were able to cut their chances of getting it by 58 percent over three years simply through lifestyle changes!
Anyone who has symptoms, risk factors, or even a diagnosis of diabetes can start taking small steps today to protect his or her health now, and in the future. Now is a great opportunity to start taking small steps with what is being offered by this local event.
For more information on what Diabetes: Walk the Mall can do to help you, call Shaine Gaines, event organizer, at 304-709-1258.
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Organizer's Bio- Shaine Gaines is a Liberty High School student whose mother almost passed on from a diabetic coma. Gaines himself is diagnosed with low blood sugar. Last year he partnered himself with the Lions Club to hold his first awareness event. Gaines hopes to double the participation and fundraising amounts this year in comparison to last year's event.
Signed,
Shaine A. Gaines
Emergency Service Officer
Community Affiliate
