At the beginning of a new year, we often resolve ourselves to make better choices. We may resolve to treat people better, eat healthier, exercise more or even just to try to be happier than we were the year before. As you look forward to this year with all its possibilities, please remember to make your health a priority.
More than 25 million Americans – including 86,000 of the Coastal Bend population – have diabetes. While an estimated 18.8 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, seven million people are unaware that they have the disease. Another 79 million people have pre-diabetes.
If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050. More people die from diabetes each year than from AIDS and breast cancer combined.
And yet, to some extent, it's within your power to change these statistics – at least for yourself and your family. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, delayed or at the very least controlled with a much-reduced risk for complications.
The American Diabetes Association provides local opportunities to inform yourself about diabetes risks, complications, treatments and products to help you manage or prevent the disease year-round. It is our mission to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
With our local partners, we offer programs and events throughout the year that include free health screenings, professional speakers on various related topics, access to physicians and an opportunity to increase your physical activity. The following is an overview of events in the Coastal Bend:
Diabetes Alert Day
American Diabetes Association Alert Day is a one-day "wake-up call" asking the American public to take the Diabetes Risk Test and learn their risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Held on the fourth Tuesday of every March, the next alert day will be held on March 27, 2012. The Diabetes Risk Test shows users whether they are at low, moderate or high risk for Type 2 diabetes. Although alert day is a one-day event, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round.
Camp Sandcastle
This will be Camp Sandcastle's 20th year in the Coastal Bend. Camp Sandcastle gives kids with Type 1 diabetes the opportunity to experience summer camp. Our day camp program is designed to offer the experience to children who are not eligible for residential camps, and for those whose parents are reluctant to send their children to overnight camps. Dr. Jennifer Amaral Ramos will once again serve as the camp medical director, and Patsy Reyes will serve as the camp director. Physicians and nurses from around the Coastal Bend join them in a caring partnership, which provides a great camp experience for the children. Their focus is to teach skills and habits for a lifetime of good health. Children attending camp will experience outdoor fun while learning valuable lessons on positive diabetes management.
Camp Sandcastle promotes self-confidence, independence, peer support and fun. Activities include kayaking, swimming, an awesome ropes course and much more. Camp Sandcastle will once again be held at Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas, from June 18 to 22, 2012. Transportation from Corpus Christi will be provided.
American Diabetes Month
November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications. The American Diabetes Association will pay tribute those who have raised their hand and work to Stop Diabetes® every day. At the same time, Americans will be rallied to join these champions in the Stop Diabetes movement by pledging to take actions against diabetes.
If you or someone you know has any questions about prevention or management of diabetes, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here locally – fighting with you to stop this disease once and for all from burdening our lives and those of our families and friends.
For more information, visit our website at www.diabetes.org/corpuschristi, or call our office at 361-850-8778. We also have a newly created Facebook page: "American Diabetes Association Corpus Christi, TX." Like us to learn useful facts about diabetes, and to stay in the loop about upcoming events.
