Merck, ADA bring celeb chef, diabetes ed to Bronx
KENILWORTH, N.J. — Merck, the American Diabetes Association and celebrity chef and cookbook author Leticia Moreinos Schwartz are bringing Desafiando La Diabetes: Logra Tus Metas to New York City. The program is designed to encourage Hispanics living with type 2 diabetes to know their A1C and work with their doctor to set and reach their A1C goal.
During her visit to New York City with the Association, Moreinos Schwarts — who has a family history of type 2 diabetes and lost her grandfather to complications of the disease — will attend the American Diabetes Association's Feria de Salud on Aug. 15 in St. Mary's Park in the Bronx. She will share some of her favorite Hispanic/Latino diabetes-friendly recipes and encourage people to make a pledge to know their own A1C.
“After living for years with type 2 diabetes, my grandfather passed away from a stroke, one of the serious complications of this disease. His passing prompted my entire family to reevaluate our lifestyle,” Moreinos Schwartz said. “Now, I know how important it is for people with diabetes to know their A1C and make a commitment to work with their doctor to get to their A1C goal. I am proud to help empower Hispanics in New York – and around the country – to better manage their health.”
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to diabetes management and I find that many patients may not be having an open dialogue with their doctor around the risks of both high and low blood glucose and the importance of coming up with a proper treatment plan that fits their needs,” Samuel Arce, ADA volunteer, said. “Programs like Desafiando La Diabetes are valuable for the Hispanic community, because they can be a first step in fueling necessary conversations that motivate patients to visit their doctor and take action.”
Nearly 13% of U.S. Hispanic adults are already diagnosed with diabetes, one of the highest prevalence rates among ethnic groups in the country, and it is the fifth leading cause of death in the Hispanic community. In New York City, the Hispanic community comprises 28.6% of the overall population and makes up 54.6% of the Bronx's population.
“We are excited to collaborate with Merck and Chef Leticia to reach Hispanics living with diabetes, a community particularly at risk for this serious disease, by bringing Desafiando La Diabetes to Feria de Salud,” noted Kevin Shippy, executive director, Greater New York chapter, ADA. “The American Diabetes Association is committed to raising awareness of diabetes and providing relevant resources for people with the condition to help them get to their treatment goals. This program is providing important information for Hispanics living with type 2 diabetes, as well as their friends and family.”
Through the program, Hispanics living with type 2 diabetes can also learn if they are at risk of low blood glucose and how to help reduce that risk.