Luna County Fighting Diabetes to host 2-mile walk and educate event

DEMING – Almost 868,500 New Mexican adults have pre-diabetes, and according to national estimates, only 1 in 5 is aware of it. This is according to the New Mexico Department of Health. The department also indicates pre-diabetes is a condition where a person's blood glucose is elevated, but not high enough to be diagnosed with diabetes. With diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Governor Susana Martínez has proclaimed November as Diabetes Awareness Month in New Mexico to increase awareness of diabetes and New Mexico residents, families and communities.

"A staggering 868,500 New Mexico adults are estimated to have pre-diabetes or diabetes and these conditions are more than $ 2.5 billion a year in direct and indirect costs," said Department of Health Secretary Lynn Gallagher. to educate New Mexicans about the risks of diabetes and help make healthy changes. "

For Luna County Fighting Diabetes 2-Mile Walk and Educate. The event will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Deming High Memorial Stadium on Nickel Street.

The LCFD was organized by Johanna Quintana and Crystal Gonzales. The two local women are in the process of qualifying a 501c3 nonprofit organization and are drumming up support to bring awareness to the disease.

Quintana and Gonzales are pillars of their families living with diabetes.

Gonzales has been diagnosed with diabetes as a child and knows all the ways of living with the disease. Her diagnosis was not available.

Jessica Armendariz Perez has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last year at the age of six. She was invited to join the LCFD and is actively involved in seeking out volunteers and sponsoring for the Nov. 17 walk.

Jessica became aware of her condition when she noticed that she was not at home during a family outing. "This was not how my would normally act," she said. "He would have been excited about this family trip, but he seemed lethargic and had a hard time keeping his eyes open."

The boy was rushed to the ER where he was diagnosed with high blood sugar and a specialist in El Paso. Doctors told Jessica if he would not have done so easily and could never have done so easily.

Now 7, the boy is insulin dependent "He's a normal active seven-year-old," Jessica says. "It was important for my extended family to take an active role in its treatment and well-being. He has a lot of time with them and they are willing to do the math and be part of his changing lifestyle. "

The LCFD encourages those who are living with diabetes to get in touch with Quintana or Gonzales to increase membership and to volunteer for the event. They are also seeking sponsors for the 2-mile walk and vendors who would like to be at the event. Informational booths will be available to communities and those in the health care industry.

"Please come out and help us spread awareness about diabetes (type 1 and 2) pre-diabetes and gestational diabetes," Gonzales said. The LCFD mission statement is a support system for diabetes in Luna County and also educates the community. The future path of the LCFD is to gain greater value and help with diabetes. They also stepped up efforts in support of juvenile diabetes in Deming and Luna County.

Gonzales can be reached at 575-494-0840 and Quintana can be reached at 575-494-1278. If interested in supporting, volunteering or sponsoring the event, please email to [email protected].

There are three ways you can support the event:

Vendors – The LCFD is seeking vendors who can offer healthy food options during the event that will promote wellness. Members and organizations in the health care industry are encouraged to sign up. The LCFD is asking for a donation at the conclusion of the event.

Raffles prizes – Donations of raffles will be accepted and greatly appreciated.

Sponsorship – The LCFD will accept monetary sponsorships for the event which will be used for expenses in putting on the event. Any sponsor is going to be used for diabetes and the diabetes summer camp. Checks can be made to: Luna County Fighting Diabetes, CO Crystal Gonzales of Johana Quintana.

"We are working diligently with the Luna County Health Council to get this organization off the ground," Gonzales said. "This is desperately needed in the community and we appreciate any, and all, support."

Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (ext 2606) or [email protected].

Who's at risk?

The American Diabetes Association offers a Diabetes Risk Test to measure your risk for type 2 diabetes, but you are at risk for diabetes if:

• You are overweight.

• You are physically inactive.

• A parent, brother or sister has diabetes.

• You are Hispanic / Latino, Native American, Asian American, African American or Pacific Islander.

• You had a baby weighing more than nine pounds or had gestational diabetes.

• You have high blood pressure.

• You have low HDL (good cholesterol).

• You have high triglycerides.

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