(ARA) – The death rate from diabetes continues to climb. Since 1987, the death rate due to complications from diabetes increased by 45 percent, while death rates due to cancer, heart disease, and stroke have declined.
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.
In 2009, the Association launched a national movement to Stop Diabetes – with the goal of gathering the support millions of Americans to help confront, fight and most importantly, stop diabetes. In keeping with the movement’s goal, the association encourages individuals to get involved by sharing, acting, learning and giving.
As of mid-September, more than 630,000 people had joined the movement. The Association’s goal is to gather 1 million supporters by the end of December. Tuesday Ross is one of these more than 630,000; Ross joined after being diagnosed with diabetes this year.
“My whole life has changed,” says Ross. “Diabetes truly alters your body, mind and soul, and puts such an emotional stress on you. I want to stop diabetes because I realize now that I have not been issued a death sentence. I watch what I eat and try to get exercise every day. I choose to fight this disease until there is a cure.”
The Stop Diabetes movement encourages individuals to get involved by sharing, acting, learning and giving. Here are ways to join the movement this November:
Share – Share your vision to stop diabetes by posting your video on stopdiabetes.com starting Oct. 15, 2010. Incorporate the hand as a symbol of the movement in a 30-second video online to show your passion and commitment to changing the future of diabetes. Once the video submissions are complete, the public will be able to vote for the most compelling video. The top three finalists will receive an Apple iPad and the winner will be part of a Stop Diabetes public service announcement. The contest is sponsored by VSP Vision Care.
Act – The future of diabetes is in your hands. Contact the American Diabetes Association to see how you can get involved.
* Text JOIN to 69866 to join the movement. Standard data and message rates apply.
* Become an advocate for the cause and receive alerts and critical information to help stop diabetes through your advocacy efforts.
* Attend a local community activity to learn more about diabetes and how you can stop it.
* Take control of your health. Request your free copy of “Top Five Ways to Stop Diabetes and Get Healthy Right Now!” or “What Can I Eat?” booklet.
* Download your own Check Up Checklist at stopdiabetes.com and bring it to your next health care provider’s visit.
Learn – Become a part of the movement by learning more about diabetes. Learn how to survive the holidays with the “Celebration Survival Guide.”
Give – The drive to stop diabetes cannot succeed without individuals dedicating time, effort and funds to support mission-critical activities in your neighborhood. You can get involved by visiting stopdiabetes.com or calling your local American Diabetes Office at (800) DIABETES.
The following companies have joined the movement to Stop Diabetes by conducting numerous activities during American Diabetes Month: VSP Vision Care, Rite Aid Pharmacy, HearPO Corporation, Catherines Specialty Fashion Stores, Diet V8 Splash, Gold’s Gym, Nutrisystem D, T-Fal Cookware, Z Galleries, Walgreens and Verizon Wireless. Visit diabetes.org/donate/promotions-that-give-back to learn more.
