Did you know November 14th is World Diabetes Day? It marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who along with Charles Best made the discovery of insulin (a life-saving treatment for diabetics) back in 1922.
According to the American Diabetes Association, almost 26 million people in the United States live with diabetes. Another 79 million are living with pre-diabetes. It’s a disease that can lead to heart attack, stroke, blindness, loss of limbs, and in many casesdeath. My mother lives with and manages diabetes, so the issue hits close to home.
So what do we as a society do to tackle diabetes? That was the question asked and answered during an educational forum I had the pleasure of moderating on World Diabetes Day (and learned a great deal from) “COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS: MIAMI’S SECRET WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES.”
As a journalist, I make a point to find, capture and share stories and events that have a positive impact on our community. So as I listened to the doctors, American Diabetes Association members, patients and health center staff discuss the public health challenges presented by diabetes, and how business, medical and community partnerships are helping people, I was more than impressed.
We gathered at the Jefferson Reaves Sr. Health Center in Overtown which serves more than 6,000 people a year in the community and is disproportionately affected by diabetes. Why this center? The United Health Foundation has given $1 million to the center for medical care, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health provides education and health services, and community members and patients receive excellent care and life saving health information. That’s what it’s all about- teamwork for a common good.
So on those days when I question my sanity in having stepped away from the airwaves, I think about causes and events such as this, and am reminded to “trust the process,” because I am now able to share this type of positive information with the world! Nice!
A multiple Emmy-Award winning Anchor and Reporter, Julia Yarbough is a national blogger, motivational speaker, emcee/hostess, entrepreneur, travel writer and health & fitness enthusiast. Follow Julia’s realityblog at www.highwaytoahusband.com. To have Julia appear at your next event, contact info@juliayarboughmediagroup.com.
