On Saturday, October 3, 2009, more than 3,000 walkers showed their compassion and support during the second annual Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes, beginning and ending at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Last year, the inaugural Step Out walk was a great success for the American Diabetes Association. This year, the ADA was able to surpass their goal to recruit 3,000 walkers – including over 350 walkers and volunteers from presenting sponsor, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) – and are closing in on their target fundraising goal of $415,000, as donations continue to come in.
Whether it was a corporate sponsor like Team IBC walking to support its members and community or a family-and-friend team walking for a loved one, these groups joined together with others at nearly 200 other Step Out events nationwide to make a difference in the lives of the millions of Americans affected by diabetes.
Did you know every 20 seconds someone develops diabetes? Here are some other startling facts:
- In Philadelphia alone, the risk of developing diabetes is greater than other major cities.
- About one in nine people in Philadelphia have diabetes — nearly three percent higher than the national average.
- One in three children born after the year 2000 will develop diabetes at some point in their lifetime.
- Direct costs and indirect costs, such as productivity losses associated with diabetes, amounted to $174 billion in 2007 alone.
- Over the past decade, the number of diabetes cases has increased by 90 percent nationally.
- Almost 24 million Americans have diabetes, and an additional 57 million have pre-diabetes.
Live healthier today!
The facts tell the story. The truth is, many people suffering from this disease and those who are at risk of developing it can overcome it and avoid serious complications by starting to live healthier lifestyles right now! Many IBC members can even receive education and reimbursements for healthy behavior through our Healthy LifestylesSM programs. IBC also supports members suffering from diabetes and other chronic conditions through the ConnectionsSM Health Management Programs.
When it comes to disease management and prevention, exercise and nutrition are invaluable:
- Exercise: Sixty percent of adults are not regularly active and 25 percent are not active at all! Not only can regular exercise help decrease the amount of insulin or other medications needed to control the condition, it can also reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Exercise also helps manage weight, increase strength, and can even improve your mood or self-confidence.
- Nutrition: Living a healthier lifestyle includes watching the kinds and quantities of food you’re eating, having a more balanced diet, paying closer attention to fat and calorie counts, and controlling portions. Start living healthier today!
