22 UCW NOVEMBER 16-22, 2016
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Principal WT
Brown Elementary School. Contributing
Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin-
gweekly.com. 910.484.6200.
Better Health Hosts Red Apple Run for Diabetes
by DR. SHANESSA FENNER
Diabetes affects nearly 30 million chil-
dren and adults in the United States. Another
86 million have prediabetes and are at risk
for developing Type 2 diabetes. This is why
Better Health presents its 10K run at 8:30
a.m. and 5K run at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Nov.
19 at the Medical Arts Center in downtown
Fayetteville. There is also the Haymount Hill
Climb, known as the 1-mile fun run, which
will start at 8:45 a.m.
"This is our 4th annual event and the pro-
ceeds go towards Better Health programs"
said Amy Navejas, executive director for
Better Health. "The programs include emer-
gency direct aid, diabetes management clin-
ics and classes, childhood obesity prevention
and medical equipment loans."
Navejas added that the money supports
a number of different causes and thou-
sands of individuals in need who live in the
Cumberland County area.
The purpose of the event is to raise aware-
ness that diabetes is an epidemic. It is a
problem in our community and across the
nation. This race raises funds for Better Health . "We have a really robust
diabetes program for self-management," said Navejas. "Physicians and
clients can't do it on their own because diabetes is a very difficult and
complex disease, and they need assistance and support along the way." In
reference to the self-management clinics, Cumberland County clients can
walk in and attend classes facilitated by a registered nurse that have differ-
ent topics every week. Some of the topics include carb counting, a cooking
demonstration, goal setting, nutrition planning
and having a one-on-one conversation with
the nurse about issues with the glucometer,
medications or any number of things.
Low-income clients can be provided a glu-
cometer, test strips and other diabetic sup-
plies that are expensive but a necessity.
On Monday nights there is a free "Take
Charge of Diabetes" class for registered par-
ticipants.
"It is the A-Z of diabetes and we really go
in-depth," said Navejas. "We have a physician
come in to talk about foot care for diabetics,
eye care, dental hygiene and a therapist to talk
with them about dealing with the diagnosis."
Navejas indicated that Better Health tries to be
thorough and address all those needs because
it is such a complicated disease.
Better Health is a nonprofit organization that
has been around since 1958 with a vision to
impact the quality of life for all Cumberland County
residents through a commitment to improving
access and availability of healthcare services for
the underserved, low-income resident.
"We want everyone to come out and participate because we have races
for all ages," said Navejas.
Registration fees apply. For more information visit bet-
terhealthcc.org or call
483-7534.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness that diabe-
tes is an epidemic.
