Maryland Chapter Of ADA Has New Women's Health Initiative
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's Diabetes Alert Day across the nation, and the Maryland chapter of the American Diabetes Association is using the day to kick off its inaugural "Fabulous You" women's health initiative.
Mary Bubala explains with more than 12 million women in the U.S. affected by diabetes, it seemed like the perfect moment to do it.
"Fabulous You" is a new approach to helping women living with diabetes learn to manage the disease.
"I'm super excited about the women's health initiative, 'Fabulous You,' that is starting today with the American Diabetes Association," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Baltimore City Health Department.
The program focuses on nutrition, fitness and lifestyle.
"So that they can not only reach their own personal fitness goals and their health goals, but be able to take care of their families, work and continue to help Baltimore City thrive," said Dr. Khaldun.
The event connected women with health professionals from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing for free health screenings.
"Diabetes usually runs in my family," said Naomi Scott.
Scott has decided it's time to take care of herself.
"I had several family members that died from sugar diabetes--some went into a coma and they never woke up. So it runs very heavily in my family," she said. "I'd like to keep a close eye on it."
"Fabulous You" is a nine-month interactive learning experience for women and 50 who attended the free health screening will be chosen to participate.
"We're supposed to look after other people; we're supposed to take care of other people. Well, 'Fabulous You' is about saying self-care is not selfish. You have to take care of yourself because if you don't, then you're not going to be around to take care of anybody else," said Dr. Michelle Gourdine, American Diabetes Association.
That message is already getting through.
"I want to live as long as I can, and healthy," said Scott.
The nine-month-long program will include cooking lessons, supermarket tours, fitness classes and motivational talks. The women will also be paired with mentors to support their journey.