Prevent, Treat, Beat Diabetes symposium takes place in McAllen on March 26
MCALLEN, Texas - According to surveys and medical records, one in ten people in the United States have diabetes, while one in every five people do not know they have the disease.
The numbers in the Rio Grande Valley are believed to be even higher.
This has prompted South Texas Health System to host a Diabetes Symposium at South Texas College in McAllen on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event, titled Prevent, Treat, Beat Diabetes, takes place in the Student Union (Building U) on STC\u2019s Pecan Campus.
STHS\u2019s partners for the symposium are STC and Prominence Health Plan.
Tom Casta\xf1eda, system director of marketing and public relations for STHS, points out that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle choices and managing the disease with help from one\u2019s doctor.
\u201cThere is no denying that diabetes is a serious health issue in the Rio Grande Valley. Unfortunately, many people don\u2019t even know they have the disease. While genetics may play a role for some, you can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle choices and working closely with your doctor to manage the disease,\u201d Casta\xf1eda told the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
\u201cProminence Health Plan and South Texas Health System are committed to helping all members of the community prioritize their health. This first-of-its-kind conference, with dedicated tracks for seniors, adults & families, caregivers and children \u2013 all offering audience-appropriate education and resources \u2013 will arm the community with everything they need to prevent, treat and beat diabetes in their lives and those of their loved ones. Together we can curb the diabetes epidemic in the Valley!\u201d\xa0 \xa0
Casta\xf1eda said those attending the symposium can learn about ways to keep one\u2019s health in check, including:
- Diabetes education seminars, led by local healthcare professionals
- Exercise and cooking demonstrations geared to specific groups - such as kids, adults, seniors, and caregivers.
- Health checks and screenings
- Information and resource connections at the expo.
To register for the symposium and to find a complete schedule of presentations and activities, go to www.STHSEducation.com.
For more information about the symposium contact Veronica Galligan at (956) 821-9569 or Veronica.Galliogan@uhsuinc.com.
The attached podcast features Tom Casta\xf1eda.
To read the new stories and watch the news videos of the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service go to www.riograndeguardian.com.