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"Personal health matters such as diabetes can be a sensitive subject amongLatino communities," said Lurelean B. Gaines, M.S.N., chair of the AmericanDiabetes Association's National Latino Subcommittee. "We want to change thatin a culturally sensitive way. The American Diabetes Association provides awealth of relevant information specifically for Hispanic/Latino populations,so health issues can move from personal or individual challenges, to broadercommunity-based solutions."
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"Abbott is committed to empowering people to manage their health througheducation and information. That's why this collaboration between the AmericanDiabetes Association and the Abbott Fund is so critical, as the toolkit offerssimple, practical ideas to address the needs of Latinos in attaining healthierlives," said Catherine V. Babington, president, Abbott Fund. "Chronicdisease, including diabetes, is one of the global health challenges of ourtime and we are very excited to be able to work with the American DiabetesAssociation on such an important effort."
The Association is targeting community and faith-based organizations withthis special resource because they play a critical role in providing importanthealth information and services in Hispanic/Latino communities. Each toolkitcontains educational materials, including bilingual brochures, recipesamplers, posters, and healthy lifestyle tip sheets. Community-based andfaith-based organizations conducting outreach to Hispanic/Latino communitiescan order a free copy of the Adult Prevention Toolkit by calling1-800-DIABETES.
Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, affectingnearly 24 million children and adults across the country. This seriousillness disproportionately affects Hispanic/Latino populations, who are nearlytwice as likely to develop diabetes over the course of their lifetime asnon-Hispanic whites. If present trends continue, one in three Americans, andnearly 1 in 2 minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in theirlifetime.
Feria de Salud Por Tu Familia, is an outdoor community event sponsored bythe American Diabetes Association that captures the elements of a festivestreet fair while communicating the importance of making healthy lifestylechoices for the entire Hispanic/Latino family. Elements of this event includemusic, dancing, cooking demonstrations, nutritional information, and speakerson topics related to diabetes. This autumn, Feria events will officiallylaunch on September 13, 2008, in New York City's South Bronx. Other Feriaevents will also be held in Laredo, TX on September 20, San Jose, CA onSeptember 21, and Dallas, TX and Miami, FL both on September 27. There willalso be one Feria in November in Los Angeles, CA.
About American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association provides educational materials aboutdiabetes in both English and Spanish. Organizations interested in receivingthe Adult Prevention Toolkit should call 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383).
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary healthorgan
