Join Team MDVIP at Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes
Nearly 26 million Americans are living with diabetes, with an additional 79 million considered pre-diabetic. That’s more people affected by this disease than the population of California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Massachusetts combined. Those are staggering numbers. Unless new measures are taken, it is estimated that one-third of American adults will be diagnosed by 2050 (American Diabetes Association). While the statistics are daunting, there is hope. In many cases, diabetes is preventable. That is why MDVIP has made the prevention and management of this disease a top priority to help people live healthier more vibrant lives.
This fall, MDVIP is taking to the streets for the ADA’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes series. As a national sponsor, our goal is to raise $100,000 to further research, advocacy, and awareness endeavors to stop the rapid spread of the disease. By increasing knowledge and drumming up public support, it is our hope that we inspire MDVIP members and the community to develop the health-savvy habits needed to prevent diabetes or properly manage an existing diagnosis.
Our commitment simply reflects the everyday efforts of MDVIP and our doctors to provide practical help to people who are managing diabetes or are at-risk. It starts with MDVIP-affiliated doctors spending the time to do annual diabetes screening for each patient and careful assessment of family history, health status and lifestyle habits to understand each person’s unique risk. Armed with these insights, our doctors take a hands-on approach with each person to create a healthy lifestyle plan to fight onset and progression. But showing is often better than simply telling; many MDVIP doctors will take their patients on walks, hikes, or bike rides to reinforce the importance of exercise to improve health. Some MDVIP doctors highlight the importance of eating well by visiting the local grocery store with their patients to show them how to shop for the healthiest choices or may host a cooking class to teach people how to prepare health-conscious meals that taste great. And, sometimes when a little additional encouragement is needed, some doctors will text or email their patients to make sure they are staying on track and provide support. It’s all part of an approach that brings to life the importance of small steps to change your diet, increase your level of physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight to stay healthier longer and reduce your risk of diabetes.
To learn more about the ADA or a Step Out event near you, please visit www.diabetes.org or www.stepout.diabetes.org. If you’d like to be a part of the cause, visit our sponsor site to register−we’re looking for Team MDVIP captains, walkers, and volunteers; and the more, the merrier! Events are already scheduled for September, October, and November with plenty of opportunity to get involved in cities big and small.
Let’s get together to advocate for better health and a better life for millions throughout our community. We can’t wait to see everyone unite to show the support, love, and encouragement needed to drive people to become the heroes of their own health!