The American Diabetes Association wants Northwest Arkansas residents to get healthy.
The association is hosting a free health expo, giving community residents an opportunity to learn about better nutrition, talk to medical professionals and find out if they are at risk for diabetes.
The Aug. 3 event is expected to attract 1,500 people to the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale. Free health services include A1C and blood glucose tests, checks of blood pressure and BMI, and vision and dental screenings.
Physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and diabetes educators will unite in this community outreach opportunity. Medical and pharmacy students from UAMS will be on hand, along with representatives of many national companies.
“This is a unique opportunity for people to focus on their health. We know diabetes is a serious problem in our community, and we want to educate people about the disease and promote a healthy lifestyle,’’ said Dr. Peter Kohler, president of the ADA in Northwest Arkansas and vice chancellor of UAMS Northwest.
More than 25 million children and adults in this country have diabetes, including about 235,000 in Arkansas and more than 35,000 in Northwest Arkansas.
Walmart, which is the presenting sponsor for the event, will have a special display promoting healthy diet choices. Other major sponsors include Colgate Total, True Test/True Results, MediPeds, and Bayer.
The sixth annual event will feature three speakers. They are Dr. Stuart Benson, 9:30 a.m., on facts about high blood sugar and the diabetes diagnosis; fitness professional Fred Ridgeway, 10:30 a.m., on the decision to pursue fitness and your overall health; and A1C Champion Scott Simmons, 11:30 a.m. on taking control.
WHAT: American Diabetes Association holds a free health expo.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: NWA Convention Center, 1500 S. 48th St., Springdale, Ark.
WHO: Anyone interested in health screenings, nutrition demonstrations, consultations with medical professionals, and free wellness resources and samples. People who pre-register at www.diabetes.org/arkansasexpo will be entered to win a $100 Visa gift card.
