Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Claudio Reyna Foundation Host Event to Fight Diabetes Through Education of Preventive Care, Proper Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle
<0> Empire BlueCross BlueShieldMedia Contact:Sally Kweskin212-476-1421 </0>
On Saturday, October 26, 2013, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, together with the Claudio Reyna Foundation, will host , an event designed to fight diabetes among at-risk communities by educating children and their families about preventive care, proper nutrition, and living an active lifestyle.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, while another 79 million Americans have prediabetes, putting them at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. While these statistics illustrate a stark reality of the growing diabetes epidemic, research consistently shows that moderate weight loss and physical activity can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes among those at high-risk. Among ethnic communities, Hispanics and African Americans are , with Hispanic/Latino Americans 1.7 times and African Americans 1.8 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites.
“At Empire, we are committed to reducing the risk of diabetes while improving access to health care in underserved communities through events and programs that encourage preventive screenings and active and healthy lifestyles,” said Brian Griffin, President and CEO of Empire BlueCross BlueShield. “We hope this event will encourage the community to come together and take preventative measures against diabetes by taking part in the activities and educational sessions that will lead them toward a healthier future.”
Happening on the eve of National Diabetes Awareness Month, which occurs in November, the event will consist of physical fitness sessions and soccer drills led by former US National Soccer Team stars Jimmy Conrad and Tab Ramos along with, healthy eating cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, education stations, clinical screenings and more.
“Events like this one give kids and their families the opportunity to work with positive role models who care about their health and well-being,” said founder and president, Claudio Reyna. “By teaching the family unit about ways to live an active lifestyle we may be able to reduce the incidents of diabetes affecting so many in our community.”
For more information on this event or to register, visit or call (800) 823-7348.