Over the course of a lifetime, you’re bound to run into someone who’s been diagnosed and/or lives with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that almost 30 million men, women, and children in the U.S. have some form of the disease; more than 86 million Americans have prediabetes; and the total cost of diagnosis tops out at a whopping $245 billion.
The ADA recognizes American Diabetes Month each November to raise awareness about the benefits of healthy living and lifestyle. This year’s theme: America Gets Cooking to Stop Diabetes. Among the offerings, the ADA aims to encourage people to follow a weekly regimen of diet and exercise, which includes a range of different methods, including Get Moving Monday and Tasty Tip Tuesday. You can check out the ADA website for more info, but in the meantime, here’s where and how you can take advantage of awareness month in an around Chicago.
Diabetes: Management and Self-Care | Nov. 3, 2014
The American Association of Diabetes Educators and the National Museum of Health + Medicine Chicago opens a diabetes-centric educational exhibition with facts, tips and advice for preventing diabetes. Learn several self-care practices including active monitoring, taking medication, reducing risks, and healthy coping as it relates to diabetes.
The University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center Fundraiser | Nov. 5, 2014
UChicago’s Kovler Diabetes Center hosts its second annual fundraiser on Nov. 5, in partnership with Chipotle restaurants around the city. Order any menu item on Wednesday between 11am – 10pm, tell the cashier you’d like to support the Kovler Diabetes Center, and 50% of the proceeds will go towards diabetes research. You can also post a photo of your meal on social media, using hashtag #BurritoCause and you’ll be automatically entered to win a Chipotle party for 20.
World Diabetes Awareness Day Free Glucose Screenings | Nov. 14, 2014 | Various Locations
As part of World Diabetes Awareness Day on November 14, the Swedish Convent Hospital partners with the office of Senator Heath Stearns to provide free glucose screenings at the Edgewater Library in Chicago. The hospital encourages this free screening for people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes. To take part, the hospital also recommends waiting to eat on Friday morning for the most accurate results.
3rd Annual Diabetes Cook-off | Nov. 15, 2014
The Improving Diabetes Care and Outcomes on the South Side of Chicago, a self-described “project,” has been raising awareness on the effects of diabetes and the benefits of healthy living in and around the South Side of Chicago for seven years. The organization’s now annual cook-off brings together ordinary cooks to whip up homemade, diabetes-friendly recipes as regular alternatives.
Diabetes Mellitus and Schools | Nov. 19, 2014 | 1 – 2:30pm
This 90-minute webinar from the American Association of Diabetes Educators covers the basic rights and protections for children struggling with diabetes. The online course, primarily intended for educators in a school setting, aims to inform people of the best practices and proper ways to treat students with diabetes while in school. Register online and take the course for a fee.
Jewel-Osco Diabetes Fair | Select dates and times
The supermarket chain hosts four diabetes fairs throughout November, a chance for people to get healthy eating tips and great recipes from registered dieticians. Grab some vendor samples, partake in a free blood glucose screening, and take advantage of information related to living a diabetes-friendly lifestyle provided by pharmacy staff. Multiple events throughout November.
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