News (Noticias) Tagged ‘diabetes’

HHS today announced an exciting collaboration with the American Diabetes Association ( ADA ) and the Patient Education Research Center at the Stanford University School of Medicine to increase the number of diabetes self-management training programs ( DSMT ) in the United States.

This collaboration has a particular focus on Hispanic people with Medicare and supports HHS’ Interagency Hispanic Elder Initiative. That initiative, launched in 2007 by the department’s Administration on Aging ( AoA ), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ( CMS ), Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research ( AHRQ ), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and Health Resources and Services Administration ( HRSA ), seeks to improve the health of Hispanic senior populations. The initiative has identified diabetes as a primary issue of concern for Hispanic seniors.

Approximately 18 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries have diabetes. Hispanic beneficiaries are particularly susceptible to the disease and are more than four times likely than non-Hispanics aged 65 and over to experience a hospital admission due to uncontrolled diabetes. If not properly managed, diabetes can lead to serious and costly complications, such as amputation, blindness, stroke and even premature death.

“Teaching seniors with diabetes how to manage their disease will allow them to live longer and more productive lives,” said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. “Although Medicare covers diabetes self-management training ( DSMT ), there is a shortage of programs nationwide, especially for Spanish-speaking seniors. This new collaboration will increase the number of programs, including those focused on the needs of Hispanic seniors.” Currently, there are 3,200 American Diabetes Association- recognized diabetes self-management training program sites nationwide.

The Stanford DSMT program uses trained “peers” — including seniors who have diabetes — to educate participants about actions they can take to better manage their diabetes. The program can be delivered in community settings, where seniors naturally congregate, such as senior centers and senior housing programs, and it has been shown to be effective at improving people’s ability to control their diabetes and to reduce their use of emergency rooms.

The participating communities will enlist the help of AoA’s network of community-based aging services organizations to assist in delivering the Stanford DSMT.  After three months of operation, the local DSMT programs will be eligible to submit applications to ADA for recognition.  Successful applications will make these programs eligible for recognition by the ADA.  AoA will then use the results of this initiative to promote the program’s replication nationwide.

“AoA’s nation-wide network of community-based service organizations is well positioned to assist in delivering the Stanford Diabetes Self-Management Training Program to Medicare beneficiaries,” said Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. Carbonell.  “Our network is a known and trusted resource for seniors and their families in communities all across the nation. They have successfully helped beneficiaries enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, and they are eager to help Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries get access to diabetes self-management programs that will empower them to take control of their diabetes.”

Under the new collaboration, the four organizations will work with eight communities across the country with high concentrations of Hispanic seniors to implement a new ADA-certified recognized program specifically designed for Spanish-speaking individuals.  The communities are: Chicago, Ill.; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, Calif.; McAllen, Texas; Miami, Fla.; New York, N.Y.; San Antonio, Texas; and San Diego, Calif.

“We are delighted to be a part of this new collaboration,” stated Kate Lorig, R.N., Dr.P.H., of Stanford University. “We know through our research that the Diabetes Self-Management Training Program equips people with the knowledge and tools they will use to improve their quality of life.”  For nearly three decades, the Stanford Patient Education Research Center has developed and tested peer-led self management programs for people with chronic health problems. “This collaboration will allow the benefits of this education to reach a larger portion of our population,” Dr. Lorig concluded.

The ADA accredits diabetes self-management training programs that meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self Management Education.  “We commend AoA for its quest for quality in seeking ADA recognition and its commitment to increasing access to diabetes self-management training programs in these communities,” said Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D., president, ADA Health Care & Education.  “Diabetes self-management education is the cornerstone of care for all people with diabetes and this effort will help more people with diabetes make better informed decisions related to their self-care behaviors that will lead to improved clinical outcomes, health status, and quality of life,” Dr. Albright said.

Findings from recent National Healthcare Disparities Reports prepared by AHRQ show that persistent and growing health disparities exist among Hispanic elders compared to the non-Hispanic white elderly population.  For example, recent AHRQ data indicate that Hispanic elderly constitute more than four-times as many hospitalizations related to diabetes than elderly Caucasians ( 130.2 versus 31.6 hospitalizations per 100,000 beneficiaries ).

Hispanics are the largest minority group in the United States.  In 2007, the Hispanic elderly population was 2.5 million, more than six-and-a-half percent of the entire elderly population.  By 2050, the Hispanic elderly population is projected to grow to over 17 million, nearly 20 percent of the entire elderly population.

More information regarding HHS’ Interagency Hispanic Elder Initiative can be found at www.academyhealth.org/ahrq/elders. For more information concerning CMS programs, visit www.medicare.gov. The AoA Web site can be found at www.aoa.gov.“

The Advertising Council in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition and Consumer Services recently launched new Spanish-language public service advertisements (PSAs) designed to motivate Hispanic families to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition and adequate physical activity. The campaign prominently features characters from the beloved Disney’s, Jungle Book.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: www.prnewswire.com/mnr/adcouncil/35158/

A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Ad Council’s Coalition for Healthy Children shows that parents continue to be deficient when it comes to knowing how to foster healthy lifestyle habits in the home, with 39% of all mothers surveyed reporting that they are unclear about which foods are considered healthy for their families. Furthermore, Hispanic parents show greater disparities, with 49% of Hispanic parents reporting that they are unclear about which foods are healthy for their families. Research indicates that being overweight during childhood and adolescence is associated with obesity during adulthood, and can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and some types of cancer.

“The combination of proper nutrition and daily physical activity are critical for a healthier lifestyle,” said USDA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services’ Kate Houston. “Overweight and obesity affects all of us — particularly our children. It is time for all of us to work together to ensure a healthier future for our most precious resource, our children.”

“I am thrilled about this wonderful and informative campaign to educate Hispanic parents and children about nutrition. The PSAs are both motivating and entertaining and I’m confident that they will inspire families throughout the nation to make the necessary changes to lead a healthier lifestyle,” said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The Advertising Council.

The new Spanish-language PSAs encourage Americans to visit the campaign’s website, www.MyPyramid.gov, where mothers and caregivers can obtain information and realistic tips for making and sustaining healthy choices for their children.

The new PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this month to appear in advertising time and space donated by the media.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.

The department increases food security and reduces hunger in partnership with cooperating organizations by providing children and low-income people access to food, a healthful diet, and nutrition education in a manner that supports American agriculture and inspires public confidence.

The Advertising Council

The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.”

To celebrate the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month and to recognize those in the Hispanic/Latino American population who have, or are at risk for, diabetes, the American Diabetes Association, through a grant from the Abbott Fund, is introducing its new Adult Prevention Toolkit designed specifically for community-based and faith-based organizations in Hispanic/Latino communities. The toolkit provides organizations with comprehensive and culturally relevant information on diabetes and healthy living. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Diabetes Association will also be hosting Feria de Salud Por Tu Familia, an outdoor Latino health festival in cities across the United States.

“Personal health matters such as diabetes can be a sensitive subject among Latino communities,” said Lurelean B. Gaines, M.S.N., chair of the American Diabetes Association’s National Latino Subcommittee. “We want to change that in a culturally sensitive way. The American Diabetes Association provides a wealth of relevant information specifically for Hispanic/Latino populations, so health issues can move from personal or individual challenges, to broader community-based solutions.”

“Abbott is committed to empowering people to manage their health through education and information. That’s why this collaboration between the American Diabetes Association and the Abbott Fund is so critical, as the toolkit offers simple, practical ideas to address the needs of Latinos in attaining healthier lives,” said Catherine V. Babington, president, Abbott Fund. “Chronic disease, including diabetes, is one of the global health challenges of our time and we are very excited to be able to work with the American Diabetes Association on such an important effort.”

The Association is targeting community and faith-based organizations with this special resource because they play a critical role in providing important health information and services in Hispanic/Latino communities. Each toolkit contains educational materials, including bilingual brochures, recipe samplers, posters, and healthy lifestyle tip sheets. community-based and faith-based organizations conducting outreach to Hispanic/Latino communities can order a free copy of the Adult Prevention Toolkit by calling 1-800-DIABETES.

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States, affecting nearly 24 million children and adults across the country. This serious illness disproportionately affects Hispanic/Latino populations, who are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes over the course of their lifetime as non-Hispanic whites. If present trends continue, one in three Americans, and nearly 1 in 2 minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.

Feria de Salud Por Tu Familia is an outdoor community event sponsored by the American Diabetes Association that captures the elements of a festive street fair while communicating the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices for the entire Hispanic/Latino family. Elements of this event include music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, nutritional information, and speakers on topics related to diabetes. This autumn, Feria events will officially launch on September 13, 2008, in New York City’s South Bronx. Other Feria events will also be held in Laredo, TX on September 20, San Jose, CA on September 21, and Dallas, TX and Miami, FL both on September 27. There will also be one Feria in November in Los Angeles, CA. “

Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) announced today results from a new open-label study that showed Hispanics with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) experienced significant improvement in cognition compared to baseline after 12 weeks of treatment with ARICEPT. This is the first clinical trial looking at an AD prescription medication exclusively in Hispanics, and is important given the high risk of AD among this large population. These results are consistent with pivotal ARICEPT studies in the general population and also in studies specific to African Americans, as seen in the 2006 Treatment of Alzheimer’s in African American Patients (TAAAP) study. The Evaluating ARICEPT Treatment in Hispanics (EARTH) study was presented at the 2008 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ICAD).

“We know the Hispanic community is in need of increased education on the benefits of diagnosing and treating AD early,” said Dr. Oscar Lopez, professor, department of neurology, University of Pittsburgh, and the first author of the EARTH poster presented at ICAD. “This news should serve as a call to action for Hispanic families to watch for early signs of AD among their loved ones and speak with a doctor as soon as possible if symptoms are suspected.”

This multi-center open-label clinical trial enrolled 106 Hispanic men and women from across the U.S. Patients were at least 50 years of age and had a diagnosis of mild to moderate AD. In order to most accurately measure the efficacy of ARICEPT in Hispanics, unique measurement tools with little language bias were specifically selected for use in the EARTH study. For instance, the Fuld Object Memory Evaluation (FOME) assessment reduces dependence on spoken English, and it has been proven effective in detecting cognitive impairment and in the diagnosis of AD in Spanish-speaking individuals. The Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) is also extremely sensitive for detecting dementia and has minimal cultural bias. A third, commonly used measurement included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

The MMSE score, which measures cognitive function, significantly improved from baseline (p<0.0001) with a treatment effect that was similar to that seen in the pivotal studies for ARICEPT. The FOME, which assesses learning and memory through common object recognition, also showed significant improvement with ARICEPT (p=0.0042) in terms of retrieval scores. The FOME storage scores did not show statistically significant improvement from baseline. The SDMT measures speed of mental processing, attention and concentration functions, and also showed significant improvement from baseline (p<0.0001). Behavioral symptoms and associated caregiver distress were assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). A numeric improvement in NPI total score was observed but did not reach statistical significance; however, the NPI Caregiver Distress scale (NPI-D) total score significantly improved (p=0.0500).

The most common adverse events greater than or equal to five percent were insomnia (9.5 percent), dizziness (7.6 percent), diarrhea (5.7 percent) and nausea (5.7 percent).

“All too often, Hispanics dismiss the symptoms of AD as signs of normal aging and wait years before consulting a doctor,” said Yanira Cruz, who has a doctorate in public health and is president and CEO of the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA), a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Hispanic communities. “This study reminds us of the value of treating AD to slow symptoms of the disease, and I encourage primary care physicians with Hispanic patients to start screening for signs of dementia at a younger age, potentially at 55 or 60 years.”

Dr. Cruz urges more attention to diagnosis and treatment of AD among Hispanics and advises family members suspecting AD symptoms in a loved one to visit www.losamigosdesumemoria.com to learn more about the disease and complete an online memory screener.

The EARTH study represents Eisai and Pfizer’s leadership in understanding the benefits of ARICEPT in multiple populations. The TAAAP study, published in the Journal of the National Medical Association in 2006, found that African Americans with mild to moderate AD and treated with ARICEPT experienced significant improvement in cognition and function. ARICEPT has now been studied in two underserved populations, both with higher prevalence and incidence of AD than the general population.

Alzheimer’s Disease in the Hispanic Community

– There are an estimated 200,000 Hispanics living in the U.S. with AD today, and by 2050, it is estimated that approximately 1.3 million Hispanic Americans will have the disease.

– Due to language differences and cultural barriers, Hispanics typically wait to see a doctor until they are in a later stage of the disease — usually three years after symptoms emerge.

– Many Hispanics living with AD remain undiagnosed and untreated (approximately 40 percent).

– Hispanics start showing AD symptoms nearly seven years earlier than non-Hispanics.

– Reasons for increased AD risk in the Hispanic community include the growing senior population (age is the number one risk for disease), higher rates of diabetes and hypertension (known risk factors), and familial risk (genetics and heredity).

    -- Hispanic participation in AD clinical trials remains historically low.

Information About ARICEPT Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease

ARICEPT is the only AD treatment to be approved in the U.S. for mild, moderate and severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. While there is no cure for AD, ARICEPT can help slow the progression of symptoms. Extensive data derived from clinical studies with thousands of patients have demonstrated that ARICEPT helps cognition and function.

ARICEPT is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and is believed to work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby increasing available levels of this chemical in the brain. There is an established association between the loss of acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and thinking, and AD.

In a progressively degenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s, improvement, stabilization or a less-than-expected decline over time is considered a positive response to treatment. These types of responses have been observed in patients treated with ARICEPT in clinical trials for AD. Individual responses to treatment vary, and some patients may not respond.

ARICEPT is well tolerated, but may not be for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take ARICEPT may experience fainting. Some people may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, or not sleep well. Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired. In studies these were usually mild and temporary.

For more information about managing AD, about ARICEPT and for full prescribing information, call 888-999-9616 or visit www.aricept.com.

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New Website Features a Health Blog to answer Diabetes related questions by Registered Nurses, Physician Assistants or Doctors.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Total health care and related costs for the treatment of diabetes run about $132 billion annually. It is estimated that about 2.5 million or 9.5 percent of Latinos aged 20 years or older have been diagnosed with diabetes . The disease has become a growing epidemic for Latinos, but recent studies show that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented. To spread the good news, the Latino Diabetes Association (LDA) launched its new website LDA.org. This new site is designed to help Latinos, at-risk of developing type 2 diabetes, take the small steps necessary to ward off this devastating disease.

The new website features a Health Blog, where people could ask diabetes related questions and have them answered by an LDA registered nurse, physician assistant or doctor. “The intent is to provide people with access to diabetes related information to help them prevent or delay the disease” said Heberto M. Sanchez, Founder and CEO.

The LDA web site provides a friendly and easy-to-use online environment to learn about diabetes. In the coming months, additional pages will be added to provide more educational health information and enhance visitors’ online experience.

About the Latino Diabetes Association
The Latino Diabetes Association is a non-profit organization focusing on improving the health and well-being of people who have developed, or are at risk of developing diabetes. Our mission is to advocate, develop and disseminate accurate, culturally relevant information about diabetes, nutrition, exercise, and obesity prevention with emphasis in the Latino and other high-risk communities.

For more information, call 323-837-9869 or visit the LDA website at LDA.org“

Amid skyrocketing gas and food prices, communities across the nation are also concerned with the rising costs fueled by health disparities, said the National Hispanic Medical Association in a policy briefing on July 15.
That is the issue top leaders discussed when the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) presented a policy briefing on “Health Care Reform and Health Disparities.” The event was held on July 15, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 5th Ave. at 103rd St., Room 21, in Manhattan, New York.
“Despite all the worsening economic news we are hearing — from the housing slump, to gas surpassing $4 a gallon, to food prices tripling, to unemployment surging to 5.5 percent last month — there is some light. We do not have to face a darker economic outlook in health care if we properly address health disparities. That’s a cost we can and should control,” said Elena Rios, MD, MSPH, President and CEO of NHMA, a nonprofit group based in Washington, DC, that represents Hispanic physicians in the U.S.
The policy briefing showcased national health care reform efforts, focusing on the health care platforms of the presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain and how to eliminate disparities and improve the health of Hispanic populations.
“Communities of color continue to face numerous barriers when trying to make healthy choices about their lifestyles and when seeking medical care. Serious attention to the action steps needed to remove these barriers are crucial to our country’s health, and including attention to the health of these populations in the presidential candidates’ platforms is a major step in the right direction,” said Jo Ivey Boufford, M.D., President of The New York Academy of Medicine. “As we move forward toward national health reform, we must not leave behind our most vulnerable and underserved communities.”
The speakers included Joseph R. Betancourt, M.D., M.P.H., Health Care Policy Advisor, Obama for America Campaign; U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, MD, R.-Texas, John McCain 2008 Campaign; and Elizabeth Lee-Rey, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Family and Social Medicine, Co-Director, Hispanic Center of Excellence, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.
Obesity, diabetes, stroke and cancer are among the conditions that plague Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans and Asian Americans. As those groups grow — minorities will make up nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population in the coming years — so will the associated costs of health disparities.
According to the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, if the health disparities trend continues unchecked, the U.S. will face a resource-strained health care system where the majority of the population and the workforce are in poor health.
Health disparities are costly. Hispanics are twice more likely to die from heart disease than whites, and black women die of diabetes twice as often as white women.
“People have a responsibility for making healthy choices, but we as a nation have a responsibility to address the causes of disparities and make healthy choices available to all people, regardless of race, income or education,” Rios said.
The New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) has been advancing the health of people in cities since 1847. An independent organization, NYAM addresses the health challenges facing the world’s urban populations through interdisciplinary approaches to policy leadership, education, community engagement and innovative research. Drawing on the expertise of diverse partners worldwide and more than 2,000 elected Fellows from across the professions, our current priorities are to create environments in cities that support healthy aging; to strengthen systems that prevent disease and promote the public’s health; and to implement interventions that eliminate health disparities.
Established in 1994 in Washington, DC, NHMA is a nonprofit association that represents licensed Hispanic physicians in the U.S. in its mission to improve health care for Hispanics and the underserved. For more information, visit www.nhmamd.org.
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A systematic literature review conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Connecticut, the Hispanic Health Council (Hartford), and the Connecticut Center for Eliminating Health Disparities among Latinos assessed the impact of peer education/counseling on nutrition and health outcomes among Latinos living in the United States. The results, published in the July/August issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, provide evidence that peer nutrition education has a positive influence on diabetes self-management and breastfeeding outcomes, as well as on general nutrition knowledge and dietary intake behaviors, among Latinos in the US.”*

Hispanic patients with diabetes appear to have less frequent eye examinations than the national average for Hispanic individuals, and many are not aware of the potential ocular complications of diabetes, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

One in five Hispanic individuals older than 40 years currently has diabetes, and almost half have diabetic retinopathy, a related eye disease, according to background information in the article. “The limited use of health care services in minority groups may make them more susceptible to the complications of uncontrolled diabetes,” the authors write. “In addition, a substantial proportion of those with diabetes are unaware of their condition, although already presenting signs of moderate to severe diabetic retinopathy. The importance of appropriate and timely care for diabetic retinopathy or macular edema [swelling in the retina] is paramount, as it is the leading cause of visual loss among working-age Hispanic individuals.”

Beatriz Muñoz, M.Sc., of the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and colleagues interviewed 349 randomly selected Hispanic individuals without diabetes and a group of 204 Hispanic individuals with diabetes. Participants answered questions about demographic information, health care habits and knowledge of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

The researchers found that:

* Less than 10 percent of participants preferred reading in English

* 50 percent reported language barriers to health care

* Knowledge of eye disease as a consequence of diabetes was reported by 18 percent of non-diabetics with no family history of diabetes, 29 percent of non-diabetics with a family history of diabetes, 36 percent of those newly diagnosed with diabetes and 52 percent diagnosed with diabetes more than a year prior

* 16 percent of non-diabetics with no family history, 28 percent of non-diabetes with a family history, 13 percent of those newly diagnosed with diabetes and 34 percent diagnosed more than a year prior know that strict control of diabetes could prevent eye problems; 33 percent, 51 percent, 31 percent and 48 percent, respectively, knew dilated eye examinations were important

* Less than one-third (30 percent) of diabetic participants had had an eye examination in the previous year, compared with 70 to 75 percent in national samples of Hispanics

* Almost half of those with diabetes for more than one year and 79 percent of those diagnosed in the previous year had never had a dilated eye exam

“The lack of correct information about diabetes and diabetic eye disease in this population of Hispanic individuals should be of great concern,” the authors conclude. “The frequency of dilated eye examinations among people with diabetes was unacceptable, and places this population at risk of visual loss. These deficiencies need to be rectified with a culturally appropriate health education campaign, and with innovative ways to reduce barriers to health care.”

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(Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126[7]:968-974. Available pre-embargo to the media at www.jamamedia.org.)

Editor’s Note: This project was supported by a grant from the National Eye Institute. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.”*

Michael González-Campoy is the founder, medical director and CEO of Minnesota Center for Obesity, Metabolism and Endocrinology (MNCOME) in Eagan. The practice is the result of González-Campoy’s longtime commitment to addressing some of this country’s most widespread and serious health threats— obesity, diabetes and related diseases.”*

Eli Lilly and Company has partnered with the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) to unveil a small tool aimed at battling a big problem — chronic disease. Lilly is rolling out the free 148-page pocket-sized health book, Buena Salud, Buena Vida — Su Guia de Recursos de Salud, with the support of NCLR during the organization’s 2008 Annual Conference today through Tuesday at the San Diego Convention Center.

NCLR is the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. One of the group’s major areas of concern is the health and well being of Latinos’ families. Given Lilly’s commitment to helping people, a partnership between the two organizations was an obvious choice.

“This is a classic a win-win project,” said Janet Murguia, NCLR president and CEO. “Pharmaceutical companies have an interest in improving patient care, which depends in part on having an informed consumer. We have an interest in making sure our community has access to the best information on how to prevent disease, as well as the highest quality treatment available. This timely and readable booklet advances both of these goals,” said Murguia.

Buena Salud, Buena Vida - Su Guia de Recursos de Salud puts useful tips and resources in the hands of Hispanic Americans to help them lead a healthy life and prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

The Problem

According to the CDC, chronic diseases account for 70 percent of all deaths in the U.S. — 1.7 million each year(1). These diseases also cause major limitations in daily living for almost one out of 10 Americans or about 25 million people(2).

While chronic diseases impact all races, Hispanics are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes when compared to non-Hispanic whites. They are also less likely to receive regular, continuous care to combat their serious health conditions(3).

Factors that contribute to poor health outcomes among Hispanics include language and cultural barriers, lack of access to preventive care and lack of health insurance(4).

Guide Book to Better Health

Buena Salud, Buena Vida - Su Guia de Recursos de Salud is aimed at overcoming some of the health obstacles Hispanic Americans face by providing useful information and resources in Spanish. The 148-page book includes an extensive listing of specific resources in each state where people can access useful programs and agencies in their area. Several of the resources are specific to the Hispanic community. The content of the book is also available online at www.lillyforbetterhealth.com. In addition, the book will also be made available to NCLR local affiliates via their national headquarters and at health fairs and other events around the country.

“For the past 130 years, it has been Lilly’s mission to provide ‘Answers that Matter’,” said Jack Bailey, a vice president at Lilly. “Whether these answers are in the form of drugs that treat some of the world’s most urgent medical needs, disease management programs that improve patient care, or the general health care information found in our book, our goal is to help people live better lives,” Bailey said.

Prevention and Access

The CDC emphasizes prevention, indicating that although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable. According to the CDC, “much of the illness, disability, and death associated with chronic disease is avoidable through known prevention measures. Key measures include practicing a healthy lifestyle (e.g., regular physical activity, healthy eating and avoiding tobacco use) and the use of early detection practices (e.g., screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, diabetes and its complications, and depression)(5).”

Inside Lilly’s free 148-page health resource book, readers will find information on each one of these key measures and more. Chapters include: Exercise and Nutrition; Children’s Health; Women’s Health; Men’s Health; Older Adults; Mental Health; Diabetes; Living Heart Healthy; Cancer Screening; Substance Abuse/Tobacco Cessation; Veterans Health; and Patient Assistance Programs.

Addressing key prevention measures can go a long way toward helping people improve their health. A better state of health not only impacts the life of the individual, it also has the potential to reverse the current trend of rising health care costs. “We believe that prevention and management of chronic diseases are viable options to manage rising health care costs while maintaining the access Americans have to vital medications and treatments,” said Bailey.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers — through medicines and information — for some of the world’s most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

About NCLR

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) — the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States — works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations (CBOs), NCLR reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, NCLR conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas — assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families.

1 - Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/nccdphp, accessed January 2008

2 - Ibid

    3 - National Council for La Raza,
www.nclr.org/section/hispanic_health_data_indicators/, accessed June 2008
4 - Centers for Disease Control,
www.cdc.gov/omhd/Populations/HL/HL.htm#Disparities, accessed June 2008

5 - Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/aging/, accessed January 2008

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Latino Expo USA Features Free Services on Health, Housing, and Citizenship, Plus Celebrity Appearances and Giveaways to the San Diego Community

San Diego, CA – Families in the San Diego area can enjoy diverse activities that are free and open to the public from Saturday, July 12 to Monday, July 14 at Latino Expo USA, presented at the 2008 National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Annual Conference. NCLR is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. These events kick off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at the San Diego Convention Center.

Latino Expo USA is a free, family-friendly expo with fun activities and informative exhibit booths and fairs. At Latino Expo USA, the whole family can enjoy games, raffles, prizes, live music, dancing, food, and product giveaways, as well as receive information from more than 200 exhibitors. Children—and grownups—can pose for photos with favorite TV characters, including Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, PBS’ Maya and Miguel, Sea World’s Shamu the Whale, and the San Diego Padres’ mascot, the Swinging Friar. There will be a Kids’ Trail sponsored by McDonald’s that will lead children and their families to child-friendly booths and a showcase of San Diego’s emerging talent to find the next generation of Latino superstars.

Saturday will kick off with the NCLR Diabetes Dash, a 5k run/walk (3.1 miles) that aims to strengthen public awareness of diabetes. NCLR Affiliate San Ysidro Health Center, Inc. will bring out their mobile health unit and a representative from the American Diabetes Association will join to share information on diabetes prevention techniques and programs, and offer diabetes screenings. The race is open to all and free registration is available at www.nclr.org/diabetesdash. On-site registration opens at 5:30 a.m. at the San Diego Embarcadero, behind the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. Arrive earlier for the warm-up led by the U.S. Marine Corps. A free commemorative T-shirt will be available to all Dash participants.

On Saturday and Sunday, Latino Expo USA will also feature the Housing Fair and Health Fair. The Housing Fair offers free credit reports and other expert resources to families seeking information and counseling on such topics as establishing credit, qualifying and applying for mortgage loans, and finding ways to refinance mortgage payments. The Health Fair features bilingual health professionals, free health screenings, information on access to health programs and services, and family health tips. The free health screenings will check blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels, and test for HIV/AIDS, among other health factors. Univision Communications, Inc. will also be helping attendees register for digital converter boxes for the upcoming digital transition out of their booth.

Also on Saturday, NCLR, in collaboration with the national campaign ya es hora ¡Ciudadanía! and ConAgra Foods, will host a free citizenship application session for the first 500 eligible legal permanent residents. Sunday will also feature a free HOME Clinic to help local families find ways to mitigate the effects of the mortgage crisis. Lawyers and financial experts will provide counseling and services to participants at no charge. Finally, Monday’s focus is on recruitment opportunities and will feature a special list of exhibitors who will have Human Resources staff on hand to answer career-related questions and share information about opportunities.

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT:	Fun events at the 2008 Latino Expo USA, presented by NCLR
ADMISSION:	FREE Parking at the San Diego Convention Center is $8.00.
WHERE:	San Diego Convention Center / Hall D 111 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
WHEN:	Saturday and Sunday (July 12-13)10:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m., and Monday, July 14 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12 Diabetes Dash, 7:00 a.m., San Diego Embarcadero 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. (registration and warm-up at 5:30 – 7:00 a.m.) FREE Citizenship Application Session 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. / Hall C Latino Expo USA Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, featuring Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, PBS’s Maya and Miguel, and Shamu the Whale. 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. / Hall D Latino Expo USA Health and Housing Fairs 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. / Hall D San Diego Padres’ Third Baseman, Kevin ‘Kooz’ Kouzmanoff, Autograph Signing Noon – 1:00 p.m. / Hall D at the Entertainment Stage Talent Showcase, featuring local San Diego talent, DJs, and personalities, and Magic 92.5 FM’s ‘Xavier the X-Man’. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. / Hall D at the Entertainment Stage, hosted by Sí TV, Magic 92.5 FM, and Z-90 FM Sunday, July 13 HOME Clinic, a foreclosure prevention clinic featuring a series of workshops by housing counselors and financial services experts including Julie Stav, presented with the support of State Farm Insurance Co. 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. / Hall C 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. / Hall C Mariachi Music and Dance Extravaganza, featuring local San Diego talent hosted by Recuerdo 102.9FM and La Nueva 106.5 FM 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. / Hall D at the Entertainment Stage Monday, July 14 Career Day, featuring Human Resources staff ready to answer questions and accept résumés for open positions (see list at entrance for participating exhibitors/recruiters) 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-5:00 p.m. / Hall D

JOIN THE FUN AT THE LATINO EXPO USA, PRESENTED BY NCLR!

It’s easy to make it to the 2008 NCLR Annual Conference and Latino Expo USA. Families can avoid parking fees by taking the MTS trolley or bus service to the San Diego Convention Center. On weekends, two children ages 12 and under can ride free with an adult who purchases a transportation ticket. Visit www.sdmts.com to learn more. For more information, visit www.nclr.org/latinoexpo.

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Pastillas para la diabetes tipo 2, a new consumer guide for Hispanic adults who have type 2 diabetes and need information to help them compare various oral medications for their illness, has been released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Diabetes is one of the most serious health issues facing Hispanics in the United States. AHRQ data show that nearly one in eight Hispanics take a prescription drug for diabetes.

“This guide offers critically important information to help Hispanics who have diabetes control their disease and avoid side effects,” said AHRQ Director Carolyn M. Clancy, M.D. She added that providing information in Spanish will help efforts to get Hispanic patients more involved in their own health care and to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health care.

The guide organizes comparative research results according to diabetes patients’ concerns and questions and assists them in using research results when talking with health care professionals about their diabetes medicines.

The guide compares 10 generic and 13 brand-name diabetes medications and explains how each works to lower blood sugar, which of them may increase body weight, which may cause side effects such as stomach problems or swelling and each pill’s potential effect on “bad” and “good” cholesterol.

The guide also warns patients to be alert for problems such as hypoglycemia — too-low blood sugar — which can be caused by certain diabetes pills, as well as other potential side effects. In addition, the guide provides an easy-to-understand comparison of the dose and average cost of each generic and brand-name diabetes medication and the appropriate dose when taken in combination.

Information in the guide is based on the recent AHRQ-funded report, Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Diabetes Medications for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. That report, based on scientific evidence found in 216 published studies, summarizes the effectiveness, risks and estimated costs for 10 diabetes medications. It was produced by AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, an ongoing federal initiative that compares alternative treatments for health conditions. The program is intended to help patients, doctors, nurses and others choose the most effective treatments.

Pastillas para la diabetes tipo 2, the English-language version, Pills for Type 2 Diabetes, and other publications from AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program for consumers and clinicians can be found online at effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov . The consumer guides can be ordered free of charge by sending an e-mail to ahrqpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov or by calling 1-800-358-9295.”*

Frost & Sullivan will host a live briefing on Wednesday, June 25, at 3:00pm EDT to provide industry participants an overview of a recently published study focusing on the Diabetes Market in Mexico.

Currently, there are more than 10 million diabetics, from which only 20% is following a correct treatment, in Mexico. Population growth and aging are two of the factors that keep increasing the potential for this market. New brands and products have already been introduced into this market so far, splitting the diabetes therapy business in three segments: insulin, anti diabetes drugs and self monitoring accessories. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies face a tough competitive environment to gain public and private healthcare sectors’ share. Highlights of the briefing include: main drivers and restraints, as well as the major challenges that both, public and private sectors, will confront.

This briefing is based upon ongoing Healthcare industry analysis and it will benefit everyone involved in the diabetes market: companies which provide any diabetes therapy products, as well as public and private healthcare institutions.

“The diabetes market growth in Mexico is starting to impact on the structure and functioning of the healthcare system. Not only the public healthcare sector, but also the diabetes therapy providers will confront major challenges. However, good opportunities for suppliers will arise as long as they can deal with the competitive environment,” reveals María Clark, Research Analyst for Frost & Sullivan.

Frost & Sullivan will hold this live briefing at 2pm CDT / 3:00pm EDT on Wednesday, June 25, 2008, which will provide industry participants an outlook on the Diabetes Market in Mexico. To participate, please e-mail José María Jantus at jjantus_pr@frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state, and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company’s TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan’s Growth Partnerships, visit www.frost.com. “*

As researchers ponder growing evidence that blacks have worse outcomes than whites in the treatment of chronic disease, they often theorize that members of minorities suffer disproportionately from poor access to quality care. Now a new study of diabetes patients has found stark racial disparities even among patients treated by the same doctors.

The lead author of the study said in an interview that he attributed the differences less to overt racism than to a systemic failure to tailor treatments to patients’ cultural norms. The problem, said the author, Dr. Thomas D. Sequist, an assistant professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, may be that physicians do not discriminate in the way they counsel patients.”*

Deseo, Tentación and Seducción sound like story lines for a Spanish-language novela, but these sensuous descriptors are new product names unveiled by Mía Mariú, a unique line of natural-based products created by a Latina woman for Latina women. Since the company’s May launch event in San Antonio, Texas, the history-making product line is experiencing word of mouth at its best. Mía Mariú is planning launch events in other markets including Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami for Latinas to sample the products and learn more about the innovative entrepreneurial opportunity offered by the first network marketing company exclusively dedicated to meet the beauty and health needs of Latinas of every background. Mía Mariú brings products in shades and colors such as Tierra India, Canela, Anís, Corazón de Melón, and Noche de Amor. Finally, ladies can experience products made with natural ingredients designed to specifically match and compliment Latina skin tones.

“Mía Mariú embodies the passion, the feelings, and that special warmth that exists within every Latina regardless of country of origin or generation — the response so far has been tremendous and we are confident that we’ve had a glimpse of the reaction we can expect across the country,” Maria Eugenia Bermudez Price, Founder and CEO of Mía Mariú said. “Mía Mariú is dedicated to bringing Latinas what they deserve to enhance their beauty, their health and their future. As we move into new communities, we will celebrate the Latina woman and announce our commitment to her not only by offering great products, but also by empowering the Latina with an entrepreneurial opportunity to start her own business and represent Mía Mariú.”

Founded by Bermudez Price, Mía Mariú is the first network marketing company exclusively created and dedicated to serve and fulfill the beauty and health needs of Latinas. Bermudez Price developed a unique system that nourishes and protects skin with a hip color line of products and techniques specifically designed for the beautiful and diverse skin tones of Latinas as well as a natural based skin care treatment line in response to the frustrations experienced by many Latinas who are unable to perfectly match their skin tones. Bermudez Price worked directly with prestige-line cosmetics product developer with 30 years of experience Carlene Gregg Victor to develop the inaugural line of foundations, lipsticks, bronzers, blushers, eyeliners, eye shadows, and specialty items. Also concerned about the high rate of diabetes and heart disease among Hispanic women, Bermudez Price included a line of nutritional supplements with natural ingredients known in Latin cultures for their health benefits, such as the Nopal cactus, that help promote health and beauty from the inside.

In developing the line of products specifically designed for Latinas, Bermudez Price put equal consideration into creating an entrepreneurial opportunity that is tailored to meet the needs of today’s Latina. A unique aspect of the Mía Mariú opportunity is the integration of today’s technology to truly create a fruitful business venture. Mía Mariú sales associates get six-months of free use of a personalized web site that their customers can use to order products at their convenience. Products are also directly shipped to the customer, eliminating the need for associates to spend time and money to personally deliver the products to their customers. Associates, thus, truly profit from the endeavor, especially considering the current sky-rocketing gas prices.

As a Latina coming to the U.S. from Mexico City at a young age, Bermudez Price experienced first-hand the challenges of integrating into American society and creating a self-identity that would shine from within and exude all that it means to be a proud Latina. From personal experiences, Bermudez Price quickly learned that although many opportunities for Hispanic women exist in the workplace, many Latinas are still limited by language and cultural barriers that keep them disconnected with what is available in terms of self-development, education and financial opportunities. The drive to help other Latinas improve their lives, coupled with her nearly 20 years as a tenured business executive at renowned direct sales companies like Mary Kay, Inc. and Home Interiors and Gifts, Inc. where she focused on international market expansion efforts, led Bermudez Price to create Mía Mariú. Based in Dallas, Texas, Mía Mariú offers a unique business opportunity for sales associates to earn extra income or build long-term wealth with a dynamic compensation plan.

“As Latinas, we have been overlooked as a market segment and now Mía Mariú has taken the lead in creating a dynamic opportunity for today’s woman. I have met many women with different life struggles with a fervent desire to improve themselves,” Bermudez Price said. “Mía Mariú is dedicated to help Latinas find opportunities that may otherwise not be attainable because of language and cultural barriers. Mía Mariú offers all Latinas a way to create a long-term business while celebrating their essence and identity. By doing this, we not only help each other but we help our communities as well. Whether you are a Latina in Miami, Atlanta, Boston or Los Angeles, this is your company.”

One such Latina is Sylvia Acevedo Stern, one of the first Mía Mariú Associates, who resides in Austin but has a network of clients extending as far as McAllen, Texas and Puerto Rico. Stern was recently named Mía Mariú’s first District Manager. After a successful career in corporate America, Stern decided to use her skills to become a mentor and encourage women to seize the unique opportunity that Mía Mariú offers.

“For over 20 years I have focused on helping women succeed by helping them improve their communication skills, image, presence, and leadership skills,” Stern said. “Now with Mía Mariú, I have the opportunity to help women start their own businesses, learn more marketing skills, and especially make money. The most important part of helping Latinas do this, is that they will be selling products that have been especially designed for them.”

Women interested in becoming Mía Mariú Associates or find out more information about the products and upcoming launch schedule of events can visit miamariu.com.

About Mía Mariú, LLC
Founded in 2007 by Maria Eugenia Bermudez Price and her husband, James B. Price, Jr., Mía Mariú is the first network marketing company exclusively created and dedicated to serve and fulfill the beauty and health needs of Latinas. Mía Mariú is a unique system that nourishes and protects skin with a hip color line of products and techniques specifically designed for the beautiful and diverse skin tones of Latinas, as well as a natural-based Skin Care Treatment line and line of nutritional supplements with natural ingredients known in Latin cultures for their health benefits. Based in Dallas, Texas, Mía Mariú products are sold through a national network of Independent Associates, thus offering a wonderful business opportunity to all women who share in the dream of improving their lives, the lives of their families, and their communities. For more information, please visit miamariu.com. “*

Selecciones, the world’s best-selling Spanish-language magazine, joins the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Go Red For Women and Macy’s, one of the nation’s largest retailers, in a multi-platform awareness program, Go Red de Corazón, to alert Hispanic women to the threat of heart disease. Together, they will honor Silvia Gallegos, a heart-health advocate who is making a difference and working to improve heart health in her community, on June 19 in Miami, with Lili Estefan, host of Univision’s popular show, “El Gordo y la Flaca.”

Research shows that only 29 percent of Hispanic women know that heart disease is their No. 1 killer in the United States. “That’s why the program hopes to educate Hispanic women about heart disease and empower them to take action to reduce their personal risk, said Go Red For Women national spokesperson Ileana L. Piña, MD, Professor of Medicine,/Cardiology/Heart Failure-Transplantation and Veterans Administration Quality Scholar at Case Western Reserve. “In our world, we take care of everyone else because our families are the focal point. But we have to begin to care for ourselves, so we can be there for the ones we love.”

The heart-health advocate honoree, Gallegos, helps send that message to Latina women in her community. She is manager of the community health department at the Dallas Concilio of Hispanic Service Organizations. She has worked tirelessly in the Hispanic community in Dallas for more than 25 years on health issues, and now focuses on educating parents about heart health, the correlation between childhood obesity and the development of type-2 diabetes in children, and how to prevent and control both. Her grassroots health program includes exercise groups; screenings for glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference and Body Mass Index (BMI); and classes on healthy living. Thanks to her dedicated efforts to promote the benefits of regular activity, a key component of heart health, more than 500 participants walk together each week in more than 25 groups in the Dallas area.

Additional program elements of Go Red de Corazón include:

* Radio media tour with Selecciones editor Genevieve Marlin-Fernandez and Go Red For Women spokesperson Dr. Ileana Piña

* An awards celebration with Hispanic influencers, including Lili Estefan, María Antioneta Collins, Neida Sandoval, and Teresa Rodríguez on June 19 in Miami to honor a heart-health advocate

* Specially created t-shirts sharing the Go Red message in Spanish to support the Go Red For Women movement - available at www.shopgored.com

Go Red de Corazón kicked off in the February issue of Selecciones with a Heart Health Guide insert from AHA, sponsored by Macy’s, that featured information about risk factors for heart disease and prevention tips. Additionally, Selecciones and AHA participated jointly at Hispanic health fairs, where they distributed heart-health guides.

“It was a natural for Selecciones to partner with the American Heart Association and Macy’s on Go Red de Corazón,” said Genevieve Marlin-Fernández, editor, Selecciones, whose own father died of a massive heart attack when she was 19 years old. “Each and every month Selecciones provides need-to-know content related to health and well-being. Educating Latinas about heart disease should be a priority for the entire Hispanic community. I am proud that, through this partnership, we are doing just that.”

As part of Go Red de Corazón, Selecciones’ readers had the opportunity to submit “heart-warming” stories about their mothers or other women influencers who made a significant difference in their lives. Five winners of this essay contest will be invited to attend the Go Red de Corazón reception.

Celebrating Macy’s fifth year as the national sponsor of the Go Red For Women movement, Peter Sachse, president of Macy’s corporate marketing says, “We are as passionate about this cause today as we were when the movement launched. Together, we have made substantial strides in raising awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of American women. As we continue to elevate the awareness among all women and men, we have developed this unique program that targets education and supports populations where the message has not been heard. Raising the profile of women’s heart health is a profound commitment for our company, and we build our support each year in both dollars and visibility for the cause.”

Go Red de Corazón hopes to reach millions of Latinas with the message to take charge of their heart health. Information about risk factors for heart disease, prevention tips, a heart-health guide created just for Latinas and free recipes can be found at www.goredcorazon.org or by calling 1-888-AHA-1212.”*