Saint Elizabeth Hospital and Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center will offer free health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and feet at DiabetesFest 2002, Nov. 16, from 8:30 a.m. until noon at Saint Elizabeth Hospital, 1431 N. Claremont Ave. Six hours of fasting before a diabetes or cholesterol screening is required.
Diabetes affects approximately 16 million people in the U.S., while 6 million remain undiagnosed. Each year 800,000 new cases are reported. Visible signs of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision and numbness in the hands and feet.
“Many symptoms, however, are not easily identified and require proper medical attention to uncover the disease,” says internist and endocrinologist Nunilo Rubio, M.D., Medical Director of the Center for Diabetes at Saint Elizabeth Hospital and Medical Staff member at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital Center. “It’s very important to be tested for diabetes because if the illness is not diagnosed and managed, it can lead to serious medical complications, including heart disease, stroke, eye and kidney disorders as well as problems with the blood vessels, nerves and feet.”
The cause of diabetes is unknown, but heredity and lifestyle are major factors in its development. Risk factors for diabetes include being overweight, family history or sedentary lifestyle. In addition, diabetes is most prevalent among Hispanics, African-Americans, Native Americans and Asians. “Too many people live with the discomfort of symptoms and danger of serious health problems,” continues Rubio. “If tests result in a positive diagnosis, we provide important resources for people to learn how to manage diabetes for a lifetime”
To access the toll free Health Care Information Line for pre-recorded information on Diabetes, call 877-RES-INFO (737-4636), select option #3 and enter topic number 4398. For more information about DiabetesFest 2002 or for a referral to a physician, call 877-RES-INFO (737-4636). |
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