red apple Diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States. Another 86 million have prediabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. This is why Better Health presents its 10K run at 8:30 a.m. and 5K run at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Medical Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville. There is also the Haymount Hill Climb, known as the 1-mile fun run, which will start at 8:45 a.m. 

 “This is our 4th annual event and the proceeds go towards Better Health programs” said Amy Navejas, executive director for Better Health. “The programs include emergency direct aid, diabetes management clinics and classes, childhood obesity prevention and medical equipment loans.” 

Navejas added that the money supports a number of different causes and thousands of individuals in need who live in the Cumberland County area. 

 The purpose of the event is to raise awareness that diabetes is an epidemic. It is a problem in our community and across the nation. This race raises funds for Better Health . “We have a really robust diabetes program for self-management,” said Navejas. “Physicians and clients can’t do it on their own because diabetes is a very difficult and complex disease, and they need assistance and support along the way.” In reference to the self-management clinics, Cumberland County clients can walk in and attend classes facilitated by a registered nurse that have different topics every week. Some of the topics include carb counting, a cooking demonstration, goal setting, nutrition planning and having a one-on-one conversation with the nurse about issues with the glucometer, medications or any number of things. 

Low-income clients can be provided a glucometer, test strips and other diabetic supplies that are expensive but a necessity. 

 On Monday nights there is a free “Take Charge of Diabetes” class for registered participants. 

“It is the A-Z of diabetes and we really go in-depth,” said Navejas. “We have a physician come in to talk about foot care for diabetics, eye care, dental hygiene and a therapist to talk with them about dealing with the diagnosis.” Navejas indicated that Better Health tries to be thorough and address all those needs because it is such a complicated disease. 

 Better Health is a nonprofit organization that has been around since 1958 with a vision to impact the quality of life for all Cumberland County residents through a commitment to improving access and availability of healthcare services for the underserved, low-income resident. 

 “We want everyone to come out and participate because we have races for all ages,” said Navejas. 

 Registration fees apply. For more information visit betterhealthcc.org or call 483-7534.  

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