Diabetes Foundation holds early kickoff event for National Diabetes Month
State lawmakers, the Diabetes Foundation and health officials are teaming up to share valuable lifestyle lessons.
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November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
Hundreds of students at Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood listened in on an assembly about diabetes this morning.
Officials shared healthy options and changes they can incorporate into their lives.
"So many more processed foods, we're not eating whole foods anymore, there's less activities so diabetes rates have gone up, they are skyrocketing," said Diabetes Foundation executive director Ginine Cilenti.
"I believe in education to ensure that we get the word out to everyone in any way possible, and one way is going to the young people," said Sen. Gordon Johnson
"We need to do something for our residents, whether it's education or testing - but for it to be a disease they can be treated and cured, it's a shame people are still being left behind," said Assembly Member Shama Haider.
State lawmakers, the Diabetes Foundation and health officials are teaming up to share valuable lifestyle lessons.
"Over 10%, 11% of people in New Jersey have diabetes. Over a third - 34% - of New Jersey have pre-diabetes. It's a continued issue," said Dr. Hasan Shanawani the associate chief medical officer at Horizon BCBSNJ.
Officials are hoping students can lower those staggering numbers.
Dwight Morrow High School senior Avin Holmes said, "To know more about it and people can go to school for it to learn about it and prevent it."
"Learn how to change the outcome over how everybody is getting this," said Jamil Perry, Dwight Morrow High School sophomore. "It's sad to see that everyone is getting diabetes, so it's just over good to see they are trying to change that."
"Knowledge is power, and the more that we can educate our students, families and community on diabetes and it being a chronic illness will only help all of us with access and equity of health care," said Dr. Laura Scamardella, assistant superintendent of Englewood Public School District.
