Missoula Mayor Honors Andy Mandell -- Mr. Diabetes�

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 23, 2004 -- Contact: Dawn Swidorski



Public Outreach Director



Defeat Diabetes Foundation



415.826.1366



dswidorski@defeatdiabetes.org



Missoula Mayor Honors Andy Mandell -- Mr. Diabetes�



City Honors Efforts of Diabetic Man's Epic 10,000 Mile



Walk to Create Awareness of Diabetes

Missoula, MT -- Mayor Michael Kadas of Missoula met with Andy Mandell -- Mr. Diabetes� and presented him with a Certificate of Special Recognition for his tireless efforts, educating the public on the dangers, prevention and management of diabetes.



Andy Mandell -- Mr. Diabetes�, Executive Director of the Defeat Diabetes Foundation a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, met with Mayor Kadas and shared practical solutions for the Missoula community to avoid the diabetes epidemic. Andy is walking an epic 10,000+ mile journey of the United States to raise awareness about the disease. To date he has traveled two legs of his journey and over 4,600 miles.

"I began, and continue THE WALKTM because of my belief that we can win the battle against this insidious disease" says Mandell, a 59-year-old insulin dependent diabetic, who nearly died from the disease. "There are 22 million Americans with diabetes in this country, another 41 million at risk, and at least 33 million of them aren't even aware of they are at risk. I'm out here trying to get people to wake up to the problem" he concludes.



"We now have the ability to determine who is at risk for getting the disease with a simple question and answer test available through the foundation's website at www.defeatdiabetes.org. I recommend that everyone take it and find out if you're at risk," says Mandell." Even if you are at risk, you may be able to prevent diabetes by adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week and a nutritious diet that includes at least 5 servings per day of fresh fruits and vegetables" he continued.

The complications from diabetes can be severe. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness in the United States and can also lead to amputations, heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and Alzheimer's. Diabetes causes 200,000 deaths annually in the United States alone.

THE WALKTM is sponsored by the Defeat Diabetes Foundation, of which Mandell is Executive Director. The Defeat Diabetes Foundation was established in 1990 and is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. The Defeat Diabetes Foundation is dedicated to early identification, information and education regarding the benefits of health and fitness in the treatment of diabetes. They focus on the much-neglected area of fitness, nutrition and self-management of the disease in conjunction with appropriate medical monitoring. The Defeat Diabetes Foundation supports public information programs through direct mail, the website, free screening tests for schools program and the Mr. Diabetes� Wake Up and Walk� Tour.



For additional information about diabetes and its warning signs visit: www.defeatdiabetes.org



For up-to-the minute details of THE WALKTM including media interviews and related links, visit www.Vegasbuzzz.com



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