Southern Nevada Health District to Offer Free Diabetes Screenings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 19, 2006

LAS VEGAS – October 19, 2006 – The Southern Nevada Health District in association with its community partners is sponsoring a free diabetes screening clinic between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Vons pharmacy located at 1601 W. Craig Rd. at the corner of Craig and Martin Luther King/Camino al Norte. For more information, contact the health district’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at 759-1270.

Free glucose screenings for diabetes will be available in addition to other low-cost screenings. For best results, it is recommended that individuals fast for eight hours prior to the test; however, individuals can take their medications and they can drink water. Information about the disease and community resources will be available.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and is generally seen in adults, although it is diagnosed in children as well. While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, it is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. In addition, older Americans have an elevated risk of developing the disease. Early detection of the disease allows patients to manage the disease and prevent complications.

Community partners include Vons, AARP Nevada, Salud en Acción, American Diabetes Association, the Nevada State Health Insurance Assistance Program, Nevada Health Centers, Inc., Nevada Alliance Against Diabetes, Telemundo/TV 39, KCEP-FM, La Preciosa 101.9 FM, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, LUCES, the Reach 2010 Health Hearts Project, Abbott Diabetes Care, Consolidated Laboratory Services, and the Medical Reserve Corps.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.