Good Samaritan to Host Third Annual Diabetes Awareness Event:

Good Sam Strides for Diabetes 5K Walk/Run

(September 4, 2007) -- Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and Good Samaritan Foundation, Inc., will host the 3rd Annual Good Sam Strides for Diabetes 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October 20, in Schuylkill Haven.  The event is presented by Highmark Blue Shield and is sponsored by M & T Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Boyer’s Food Markets, Miller Bros. Construction and Evans Network of Companies.

“This event is perfect for competitive runners or those who wish to walk the distance to help raise awareness about diabetes prevention and living well with diabetes in Schuylkill County,” said Good Samaritan’s Chief Executive Officer Bernard G. Koval.

“Many, many people in our community are affected by diabetes.  We developed this fun event to draw attention to the importance of diabetes prevention and local diabetes resources.”

Schuylkill County has an estimated 8,000 children & adults with diabetes and it is believed that at least another 8,000 people are not diagnosed—those numbers represent the combined populations of Frackville, Mahanoy City, Shenandoah, Gilberton and Orwigsburg.

“Good Sam Strides for Diabetes attracted 450 participants last year,” said J. Craig Ray, Good Samaritan Foundation Board Chair.  “We hope to draw an even larger crowd this year.  The more people who get involved, the more successful we will be in spreading the messages that diabetes can be prevented and that you can live well with diabetes.”

Families, friends, churches, schools, community organizations and businesses are encouraged to organize a team of walkers and/or runners to participate in Good Sam Strides for Diabetes.  Individuals are also welcome.

The 5K or 3.1 mile event will take participants from Bubeck Park/Stoyer’s Day in Schuylkill Haven, through the borough of Schuylkill Haven, and back.  The run begins at 9:00 am and the walk begins at 9:15 am.  Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female runners in each age category.  Team awards for largest team of walkers and runners and most spirited team of walkers and runners will also be presented.  Each participant will receive a free brunch, refreshments along the course, access to all event activities and a long-sleeved event T-shirt. 

“Health care professionals will be on hand to offer educational materials for people who have diabetes or for those who are at risk of developing diabetes,” Koval noted.   Local resource information aimed at helping people with diabetes will be available as well.

Registration for Good Sam Strides for Diabetes costs $12 for individuals or team captains and $10 for each additional team member.  For full details about Good Sam Strides for Diabetes or to register online, click here.

Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood sugar resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin reaction, or both.  Diabetes can be associated with serious complications including blindness, amputations and diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and nervous system, and premature death.  But, people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risks of complications.   Those steps include blood sugar management through lifestyle changes like eating an appropriate diet, increasing exercise, and losing weight.  Management through medications is another popular step.

Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center provides the only Diabetes Education Center in the county.  The center provides annual assessments for diabetes patients, individualized diabetes education from a certified diabetes educator (CDE), individualized nutrition counseling from a registered dietician, Living Well with Diabetes instructional class, a diabetes support group, and specialized training for school district personnel and healthcare agencies. While Good Sam Strides for Diabetes is not a fundraising event, any funds raised will support the Diabetes Center at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.