Lado A Lado Walkathon
helps raise awareness of diabetes

Citing the concern that one out of every six Laredoans over the age of 18 has diabetes, 307 enthusiastic individuals and over 100 volunteers participated in the First Annual Diabetes 5K Walkathon. The event was held on Saturday, April 12 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Laredo Entertainment Center. Participating agencies included the City of Laredo, the Laredo Entertainment Center, the Laredo Bucks, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio - Laredo Campus, Texas A&M International University, Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, the Webb County District Attorney's Office, Mercy Hospital, the Texas Commission for the Blind, the Texas Diabetes Council, the Office of Border Health, the Texas Department of Human Services, the Health & Human Services Commission, and the Gateway Community Health Center, Inc.
Marta Stineff, Lado A Lado Program Coordinator at Gateway Community Health Center, said that the purpose of the Walk was to raise awareness about this "silent killer" in our community. "Laredo has a growing problem with diabetes and of big concern to us are the number of kids that are coming down with this chronic illness," she said.
What was considered adult onset diabetes at one time is now being found more and more in children under the age of 18. What all this means is that by the time these children are 24-25 years old, they will be facing the many complications related to this illness (i.e., amputations, vision problems, kidney problems, cardiovascular problems, neuropathy, etc.). Ms. Stineff cites the fact that "children need to exercise and avoid spending a voluminous amount of time watching TV and playing video games." A sedentary lifestyle is what leads many to develop diabetes.
In addition to the Walkathon, participants had the opportunity to take advantage of the many services provided at the health fair, which followed the Walkathon. Three physicians specializing in diabetes complications related to vision, feet, and physical well-being were present to evaluate participants along with answering any questions they might have had on this illness. Additional services included blood sugar tests and blood pressure screenings as provided by local nurses and nursing students.
Monies raised from the Walkathon will go to set up an account which will help provide individuals who have met program guidelines with services that are difficult for them to obtain. For more information, please call the Lado A Lado Program at (956) 523-3670.