Univision’s Dr. Aliza And Que Rica Vida Executive Chef Adriana Kick off Diabetes Awareness Month

Nearly 26 million Americans suffer from diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by the body’s inability to process glucose correctly, thus generating high blood sugar in the patient. Hispanics account for 10.4 percent of adults 20 years and older with this disease and African Americans account for 11.8 percent, while only 6.6 percent of Caucasian Americans are diagnosed as diabetic.

The most prevalent form of diabetes is referred to as adult-onset or Type 2, which is caused by many factors including: being overweight, lack of exercise, and a genetic predisposition. The good news, according to Chef Adriana, is that Type 2 Diabetes may be prevented and controlled by regulating one’s weight and doing moderate amounts of exercise, such as walking.

“Food is intrinsically tied to one’s culture, and there’s no reason why Hispanics should have to give up the dishes that we love and in many ways define us,” Chef Adriana said. “However, we can find healthier ways to prepare them, by using less fat and leaner meats, and substituting certain ingredients for healthier ones. More importantly, we must learn to practice portion control. You can eat the healthiest meal possible, but if the portions aren’t right you’re defeating the entire purpose of cooking healthy,” she said.

Dr. Aliza pointed out that healthy eating habits are much easier to maintain if learned early in life, and offered parents several tips for getting children to eat healthier: Eat together regularly as a family; serve a variety of healthy foods and snacks; set an example by eating healthy yourself; and involve children and teens in the meal-preparation process.

“It is possible for diabetics to live a long and happy life,” she said. “The important thing is to maintain your blood glucose levels under control and follow your doctor’s advice.”

Dr. Aliza emphasized that diabetes is a serious health risk, and that it is important families learn how to prevent and manage the condition. She suggested combining a wholesome, balanced diet with physical exercise to help manage the spread of diabetes within our communities. In support of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Qué Rica Vida will offer a downloadable diabetes meal plan. Families can visit www.QueRicaVida.com to download the meal plan full of recipes their families will love and to find helpful articles about diabetes.

About Qué Rica Vida

Now in its fifth year, the Qué Rica Vida initiative is an important resource designed to provide Latina moms with culturally relevant lifestyle information and expert advice on Education, Holiday Occasions, Health & Wellness and Family – issues of great importance to Hispanic families in America. The program was developed by General Mills to help the Hispanic mother succeed in creating a healthier, easier, richer life for her and her family. The cornerstone of the Qué Rica Vida initiative is its free quarterly lifestyle magazine and website of the same name, www.quericavida.com

About General Mills

One of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Progresso, Yoplait, Cascadian Farm, Muir Glen, and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, General Mills had fiscal 2010 global net sales of US$16 billion, including the company’s $1.2 billion proportionate share of joint venture net sales.
Contacts

Hispania Public Relations, Inc.
Marta R. Peláez, 305-271-5680 ext. 24
Cell: 305-710-3935
Marta@hispaniapublicrelations.com

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