Lighthouse International And The American Diabetes Association Offer Free Vision Screenings To Mark The Opening Of Lighthouse International's New Diabetes Center
Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20 to 74 years old
For Immediate Release
Further Information:
Leslie Gottlieb
(212) 821-9760
WHO AND WHAT:
To reach people who live and work in New York City who may be at risk for diabetes and possible vision loss, Lighthouse International and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) will celebrate the opening of Lighthouse International's new Diabetes Center on American Diabetes Alert® Day by offering FREE vision, diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings as well as advice from a range of health care experts, free literature and light refreshments. Also participating in the health fair are New York University Nursing College of Nursing, which is providing nurse practitioner students for the screenings, and Byram Healthcare, which is providing items for the screenings as well as gifts.
The event marks the official opening of the new Diabetes Center at Lighthouse International, which will provide patients with education about nutrition, managing medications, and adapting to life with diabetes-related vision loss.
American Diabetes Alert® Day is a one day wake-up call to find those who are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes or who may have the disease and not even know it.
WHERE & WHEN:
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lighthouse International, 111 East 59th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues) At 11 a.m. Dr Tara A. Cortes, RN, PhD., President and CEO of Lighthouse International, will make brief remarks about the opening of the new Center. Dr. Peter Sheehan, President of the ADA Greater New York City Leadership Council will make brief remarks on behalf of the ADA.
WHY:
Diabetes is a serious disease that strikes nearly 21 million children and adults in the U.S. One third of those with the disease - six million - do not know they have it. Early diagnosis is critical to successful treatment and delaying or preventing some of the complications such as heart disease, blindness and stroke. In response to this health problem, Lighthouse International, a leading vision health care organization, is opening its Diabetes Center.
For more information, call 1-800-829-0500 or 1-800-DIABETES
Visit www.lighthouse.org or www.diabetes.org
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