Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 88 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care.  Having a presence in New Jersey fosters even a greater relationship with the diabetes community in this area. 

The Diabetes Foundation encourages others to follow Novo Nordisk by becoming a sponsor for this great event. It is a perfect way for your company or association to become part of the fight against diabetes. To learn more about this event or to become a sponsor click here.

Mayor Calabrese’s close connection with the disease, as it has severely affected members of his family and friends, has made him a worthy advocate for diabetes education within the community.

In light of the drastic increase of Type 2 diabetes diagnoses in the younger population over the past few years, he knew it was time to encourage members of the community to make simple lifestyle improvements. The mayor and the administration at the Diabetes Foundation put their heads together, and the Run the Palisades 5k Run/Walk and Health Fair was born. Since then, it has become an annual event in the communities of Fort Lee and Cliffside Park, offering a great USATF Run and providing prevention information; blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and eye screenings by local hospitals; the opportunity to talk directly with diabetes specialists; and much more.

This year’s 5k Run/Walk, Health Fair, and Kids Fun Run:

• Fort Lee Community Center
• 1355 Inwood Terrace
• Sunday, May 20th
• Runners and walkers may check in at 7:30 am
• Health fair begins at 9:30
• There will be something there for everyone with vendors and exhibitors on all aspects of health, wellness, fitness, and lifestyle improvements!

The Diabetes Foundation would like to join in congratulating Mayor Calabrese, who made history this January as the longest-serving mayor in New Jersey by swearing in for his forty-ninth year of service. Described by Rep. Steve Rothman as “the pinnacle of integrity and effectiveness”, Mayor Calabrese has set a high standard for advocacy within the community during his forty-nine year term.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Run the Palisades could follow in the footsteps of Mayor Calabrese’s mayorship and continue serving the community for many years to come? The support of Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich and the municipalities of both towns have also contributed to the great success of this event over the past few years, and their continuous involvement is very greatly appreciated!

If you would like to register or sponsor the 5k, please follow the links below:

Annual Goals:

• See your physician 2 to 4 times a year.
• Follow your schedule for checking blood glucose levels.
• Follow exact instructions for every diabetes medications you take.
• Know and keep these numbers in check: A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Get a renal function test and microalbumin test each year.
• Get moving. Any form of physical activity is a step in the right direction.
• Create a well-balanced meal plan with your diabetes educator.
• Have a yearly eye exam.
• See your dentist twice a year.
• Get a flu shot in the fall.
• Always be prepared for a low or high blood glucose reaction – know the warning signs.

Daily Goals:

• Check blood glucose X times a day (depending on what your physician suggests).
• Take all diabetes-related medications.
• Examine your feet for cuts and sores.
• Bathe with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Brush and floss your teeth.

The event took place at the Paramus Life Safety Building in Paramus, NJ.

Unfortunately, all too many of us who have diabetes worry about nutrition and medication, but fail to properly care for the feet and toes. Ignoring dangerous signs and symptoms could result in loss of feeling of these limbs, or even worse, amputation.

The foot of a person with diabetes is prone to the same problems as that of the average person, but requires more than average care. In diabetes, the nerves, circulation, and the body’s ability to fight infection are affected. This increases the chances of serious complications and makes treatment more difficult. It is important that you evaluate your feet for potential problems and care for them appropriately.

Good foot care requires the following:

• Daily inspection of the feet. Look for shoe irritation, dry skin, cracks, nail problems, etc.
• Moisturize with cream once or twice a day as needed- but never between the toes.
• Good fitting and comfortable shoes; running shoes for the weekends, commuting, and work if possible. Natural materials are best- avoid synthetic materials.
• Use foot powder to reduce perspiration.Cotton or wool socks will keep feet warmer and dry.

Things you must never do include:

• NEVER soak feet for any reason other than normal bathing.
• NEVER use tape or band aids on skin.
• NEVER apply hot water bottles or heating pads to feet/legs.
• NEVER walk barefoot inside or outdoors.

Proper care for minor cuts that are not infected:

• Clean with sterile water.
• Apply antibiotic ointment/cream or Betadine solution.\
• Use dressing made of gauze, kling, or kerlix only- no tape.

Signs and symptoms of infection include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Sweating
• Elevated blood sugar
• Flu-like feeling
• Altered mental status
• Redness
• Swelling
• Odor or drainage of the foot.

Be sure to call your doctor if a problem arises following treatment, or your condition does not improve. Remember, with the diabetic foot, one day can make a difference!!!

Our goal at the Diabetes Foundation has always been to help improve the care and quality of life of those who live with Diabetes. If you have never attended our health fair, you might not know some of costs incurred by diabetics for the essential medical supplies needed to monitor their glucose levels.

Glucose Meter: Which can cost from $12.00 – $50.00 and up

Test strips: Cost as Low as $30.00 to as much as $140.00

Lancets: Cost between $6.00 – $15.00

Sharpbox: As much as $30.00

These are just some of the regular necessities that continually need to be replenished for all diabetics, not to mention this does not include the cost for medical visits and prescription medications.

We would like to thank all of our vendors, volunteers, foundation director, and supporters who contributed to make this event a success. Without your dedication and hard work, we would not be able to continue help those in need.

Helping to improve the care and quality of life
for people living with diabetes.

donate online below:

or
download a printable mail-in form

The NYC Marathon is a 26.2 mile race that runs through all 5 boroughs of the city. If you would like to show your support please visit Kevin’s sponsor page below:

http://www.crowdrise.com/kevinrunsfordiabetes/fundraiser/kevinheaney

We welcome you to leave your comments & words of encouragement for Kevin here at our DFI blog or our Facebook page

We thank you for any contribution.