Decide To MakeA Difference In The Fight Against Diabetes (NAPSA)—Nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. Another 54 million are at risk. If current trends con- tinue, one in three Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Fortunately, a new fundraising campaign has been created to motivate those affected by diabetes to take action. It’s also intended to inspire people to live healthier lives and make better choices when it comes to preventing and managing diabetes. The campaign is called “I Decide To Fight Diabetes” (ID) the research, education and advo- A new campaign has been created to inspire people to live healthier lives and make better betes Association (ADA). venting and managing diabetes. and proceeds raised will support cacy efforts of the American Dia- There are several ways to support the campaign. Thefirst is by hosting an “ID Day.” People everywhere—in the workplace, at schools and in organizations—are invited to participate. How? By pledging $5 to wear sneakers for the day to show their support. They also get to take advantage of easy-to-use tips on nutrition, exer- cise and smart choices for a healthier, more active life. ADA has madeit easy to participate by posting “how to” materials on the Website at diabetes.org/IDecide. The second part of the campaign is symbolized by a signature “I Decide” sterling silver charm that can be engraved with the nameof the person for whom one is fighting. In addition to the charm, people can put a face on the fight against diabetes by transforming a picture of themselves or a loved one into a personalized ID logo and have it choices when it comesto pre- printed on a T-shirt, tote bag, mug, magnet or postage stamp. “It is too easy for Americans to put diabetes out of sight and out of mind,” explains Larry C. Deeb, MD, President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association. “Wearing the ‘I Decide’ charm and personalized logo products is a way to remind everyone that diabetes is not going away. Diabetes now kills more people than breast cancer and AIDS combined, and the ‘I Decide’ charm is the visual wake-upcall all Americans need. This is a rallying cry for everyone to get informed about diabetes and decide to fight beforeit’s too late.” Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Liberty Medical are national charter sponsors of the campaign. To show support and to get a charm or logo gear, call (800) DIABETESorvisit diabetes.org/IDecide.
