Stephanie Oakes will take the diabetes 'alert' to several elementary schools this March...

"It is my pleasure and my duty to talk with children about staying fit and active, not only are physical activities fun and social but the added health benefits can last a lifetime." 'I'll spend quality time with grades K-6 at several elementary schools doing fun/fit activities to stay healthy. This will help my friends at ADA 'get the word out' about preventing and managing diabetes'. ~Stephanie Oakes

American Diabetes Association “Sounds the Alert” on March 24th for the 21st Annual American Diabetes Alert® Day

Diabetes has become the greatest public health crisis of the next quarter century. Only you can know the crisis diabetes has caused for your entire family. We know you would have done anything to prevent your child from developing this disease, if you could have. In some cases, however, people who are at risk for type 2 diabetes can actually prevent the onset of disease. If you could tell them that they have a chance to prevent diabetes, wouldn't you? On March 24th, 2009 the American Diabetes Association (ADA) is issuing an urgent call-toaction for Americans to find out their risk for type 2 diabetes during the 21st annual American Diabetes Alert® Day. Of the 23.6 million Americans with diabetes, nearly 6 million people don’t even know they have it. Another 57 million Americans have pre-diabetes, placing them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and its deadly complications. On American Diabetes Alert Day, held annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, the American Diabetes Association encourages all Americans to take the Diabetes Risk Test. The Diabetes Risk Test requires users to answer simple questions about weight, age, family history and other potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test will show users whether they are at low, moderate, or high risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes. The Diabetes Risk Test is available in English and Spanish by calling the Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342- 2383) or by visiting www.diabetes.org/alert.