New Campaign Educates People About Diabetes Singer Rosanne Cashis educating people through a public service campaign about diabetes—a disease that contributed to the death of herfather, country legend Johnny Cash. (NAPSA)—When legendary country musician Johnny Cash passed away in 2003, “many people may have assumed that a lifetime of hard living had finally caught up with him,” said his Grammy-winning daughter, Rosanne Cash. “While it’s true that Dad had his demons, he also had diabetes, a disease he ignored for many years, even as his health and vision slipped away.” In a new public service campaign presented by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), the younger Cash uses her father’s experience not only as a warning, but also as a message of hope. Emphasizing that people with diabetes can—and should— take control of the disease before it’s too late, she urges them to manage their condition to stay healthy and “be there for the ones you love.” “Rosanne Cash speaks powerfully from her ownfirsthand experience of dealing with a loved one suffering from diabetes complications, and she uses this opportunity to provide hope and encouragement to others with this disease,” said AADEPresident Mary M. Austin, RD, MA, CDE. The AADE’s mem- bers—diabetes educators—help patients learn how to managetheir disease and keep their blood glucose levels in a safe range. The new campaign is particu- larly relevant as diabetes affects an estimated 18.2 million Americans, a numberthat is expected to double by 2025. In addition, as many as 24,000 people with diabetes in the U.S. become blind each year; more than 100,000 require kidney dialysis or transplants; and 82,000 need to undergo limb amputation. The good newsis that diabetes can be managed if people regularly test and control their blood sugar, which is why Austin and the AADEare optimistic about the campaign’s effectiveness. “We hope to help motivate people with diabetes to work with their doctor and diabetes educator to effectively manage their diabetes and do everything they can to help themselves live a healthier, happierlife,” said Austin. A free new downloadable workbook on how to manage blood sugar levels, as well as a patientfriendly overview of diabetes, are available at a new AADE-sponsored Web site, www.Healthy WithDiabetes.org. The 60-second TV public service announcement itself is also available for viewing on thesite.
