April 2, 2011 th Mason Park, 541 S. 75 Street
8:00 a.m. – noon
Feria de Salud is the Latino/Hispanic outreach program for the American Diabetes Association in Houston. Feria de Salud is an outdoor community event intended to reach thousands with the important message that they may be at risk for diabetes. Organizers expect a crowd of 5,000.
Diabetes affects nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States – more than 1.7 million here in Texas. It is the sixth leading cause of death in Texas; though it is the fourth leading cause among Hispanics and African Americans . If current trends continue, one in three children born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. For Hispanic females, the risk is predicted to be one in two.
Since its inception in 2004, the Por tu Familia program and its major component Feria de Salud, have touched thousands of lives in the Hispanic community, where residents are often at lower economic incomes. Diabetes strikes nearly 1 in 4 Hispanic adults between the ages of 45 and 74 living in the U.S. Type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed in an epidemic number of Hispanic children. The increases are blamed in part on poor nutrition choices and lack of exercise.
Feria showcases a spectrum of education classes, health services, diabetes care products, screenings and health education information. Screeners will be on site to conduct free glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, foot exams (diabetes neuropathy) and vision tests. Childhood immunizations will also be offered free of charge if parents bring immunization records.
The health fair promotes the importance of making healthy choices. It is also designed to raise awareness of personal health issues and how they impact the quality of life. Several sponsored activities demonstrate the variety of choices available to improve personal diet and increase exercises.
The community climate created is a family-oriented fiesta environment. The event is free to the public.
For More Information: Carole Lieber Director, Communications and Community Initiatives American Diabetes Association (713) 977-7706 ext 6091 clieber@diabetes.org
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