Superstar Patti LaBelle Encourages Americans to Manage Diabetes 365 Days a Year
28 Ottobre 2004 - 8:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
Superstar Patti LaBelle Encourages Americans to Manage Diabetes 365
Days a Year - LaBelle Teams Up With Makers of Glucerna(R) to Host
First-Ever Diabetes Freedom Day and Honor National Contest Winners
- PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Legendary entertainer Patti
LaBelle today teamed up with the makers of Glucerna Bars and Shakes
at the first-ever Diabetes Freedom Day in Philadelphia. The event
encouraged Americans with diabetes and those who care for them to
pledge their commitment to managing the condition year-round, so
that they can experience "diabetes freedom" and live life to its
fullest. LaBelle, who has type 2 diabetes herself and is the
campaign spokesperson, also honored five national contest winners
who exemplify "diabetes freedom" in their lives. Philadelphia was
selected as the site of the event not only because of its
historical tie to independence, but also because of the strong
commitment to diabetes awareness and education as demonstrated by
the city's leadership and residents. Philadelphia Mayor John F.
Street officially proclaimed Oct. 28 as Diabetes Freedom Day. In
addition to LaBelle, other speakers included a representative of
the Philadelphia chapter of the American Diabetes Association; Dr.
Barry Goldstein, director of the Division of Endocrinology,
Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Thomas Jefferson University
Hospital; and Anna Buckingham, product manager of diabetes consumer
marketing at the Ross Products Division of Abbott, makers of
Glucerna Bars and Shakes. Attendees included city officials, health
care professionals, diabetes education advocates, and individuals
with diabetes. Participants signed a constitution-like scroll to
symbolize their Diabetes Freedom Pledge to commit to managing
diabetes or helping others successfully manage their condition 365
days a year by working with health care professionals to develop an
individualized diabetes management plan. Participants were given an
informational package that included a guide to eating well with
diabetes; a quarterly newsletter with the latest health, nutrition
and fitness information; a pedometer; and diabetes support
resources. What is Diabetes Freedom? "For me, diabetes freedom is
all about attitude," LaBelle said. "My positive, take-charge
approach has allowed me to successfully manage my diabetes. That's
why I've teamed up with Glucerna on this great initiative. I urge
everyone to make a commitment to manage diabetes daily and take the
Diabetes Freedom Pledge. It's the first step toward leading a
healthier life." The contest winners -- Denise Armstrong (Mt.
Carmel, Ill.), Timothy Anderson (Columbus, Ohio), John Hooks
(Plano, Texas), George Balen (Simi Valley, Calif.), and Madeline
Jacobs (Covington, Ga.) -- were honored at the event for their
commitment to successfully managing diabetes. The winners were
selected based on their inspirational essays in Glucerna's national
"What Does Diabetes Freedom Mean to You?" contest. The winners were
chosen from nearly a thousand entrants to help inspire millions
living with the condition to take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge and
commit to managing diabetes 365 days a year. "Diabetes freedom can
mean different things to different people, but we think it means
the freedom to live life to its fullest because of proper diabetes
management," said Gary E. McCullough, senior vice president, Ross
Products Division of Abbott, makers of Glucerna Bars and Shakes.
"By sharing our contest winners' powerful stories, we hope to
inspire the 18 million Americans with diabetes and the 41 million
people at risk for the condition to work with health care
professionals to develop a diabetes action plan and actively manage
their diabetes every day." Taking the Pledge and Staying Committed
Individuals affected by diabetes can take the Diabetes Freedom
Pledge online at http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ , or by calling
1-800-986-8935 to take the pledge by phone. Once individuals with
diabetes take the pledge, there are a few important tips to help
them stay committed 365 days a year: -- Work with health care
professionals to develop a diabetes management plan. -- Maintain a
healthy diet and exercise plan. It's the cornerstone to controlling
diabetes and also can help lower other risks associated with
diabetes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and
heart disease. -- Visit http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ or
http://www.glucerna.com/ for valuable diabetes management tools to
help you stay on course with your diabetes action plan. --
Encourage others to take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge. Glucerna Bars
and Shakes Glucerna Bars and Shakes are offered in a wide variety
of flavors and contain carbohydrates that are slowly digested to
help minimize peaks in blood sugar levels. Glucerna(R) Snack Bars,
available in crispy or chewy varieties, are great for a
mid-morning, afternoon or evening snack to fill the gap between
meals as part of an overall meal plan. Glucerna(R) Meal Bars are
designed as meal replacements to help manage blood sugar if you
skip or are unable to prepare a meal. Glucerna(R) Shakes can be
used as a snack, a supplement or an occasional meal replacement in
conjunction with a prescribed diet. Glucerna(R) Weight Loss Shakes
provide well-balanced nutrition as part of a reduced-calorie meal
plan to help manage weight and blood sugar. Glucerna products can
be purchased nationwide at pharmacies, grocery stores and major
discount stores, and at http://www.glucerna.com/ . Use Glucerna
products under medical supervision in the dietary management of
diabetes. For more information about the contest winners and
Diabetes Freedom Day, or to take the Diabetes Freedom Pledge, visit
http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ , or call 1-800-986-8935. For more
information on the successful management of diabetes, including
customized meal plans, blood sugar monitoring tips, suggestions for
healthy snack and meal choices, and lifestyle changes necessary to
lose weight, visit http://www.glucerna.com/ . Abbott's Ross
Products Division For years, Ross Products Division has been
committed to helping people of all ages meet their nutritional
needs. Abbott pioneered the market for adult nutritionals more than
three decades ago and today the healthy living family of nutrition
brands includes Ensure(R), Glucerna(R) and ZonePerfect(R). For more
information about Abbott's Ross Products Division, visit
http://www.ross.com/ . Abbott is a global, broad-based health care
company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and
marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including
nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more
than 55,000 people and markets its products in more than 130
countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are
available on the company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com/ .
DATASOURCE: Abbott Laboratories CONTACT: Media, Carolyn Valek of
Abbott, +1-614-624-7404; Hilleary Kehrli of Burson-Marsteller,
+1-212-614-4219 Web site: http://www.abbott.com/
http://www.ross.com/ http://www.glucerna.com/
http://www.diabetesfreedom.com/ Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110328.html
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