| Laborers’ to join fight against diabetes
PHILADELPHIA, August 9, 2009 – As the region steps up to battle one of the most insidious diseases of our time, the Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and Vicinity and its Benefit Funds will be front in center as a key participant in this fall’s Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes. Diabetes is a serious illness that often times can be prevented or controlled through diet and exercise – and education. Our organization is among the many impacted by this disease that ravages our community and is felt by families across the region. But there is hope, and this is a great event for us to exercise our support for finding a cure as well as help others live better lives in spite of diabetes. In recent years, Type 2 diabetes, triggered increasingly by obesity and other aspects of sedentary lifestyle, has surged to epidemic levels in the United States. Some 24 million Americans struggle with diabetes and its complications. In Philadelphia, some 1 in 10 residents lives with the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The results continue to be devastating to the national economy, especially during this downturn. According to a 2008 commissioned study, diabetes costs the U.S.economy about $218 billion annually through higher medical expenses and lost productivity Among African Americans, those statistics are even direr. The American Diabetes Association reports that 1 in 9 aged 20 or older grapple with the disease; worse, 1 in 3 of them is unaware of that the illness is present. Registration already is underway for the Oct. 3 event. Among African Americans, those statistics are even direr. The American Diabetes Association reports Last year, more than 100,000 people across the country took a stand – and a step – against diabetes in one of 150 organized activities in the campaign, raising some $20 million. The local goal is $415,000. About $3 of every $4 raised goes toward research, public awareness and advocacy efforts. The local 5K walk will begin at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, winding through Center City and along the Schuylkill River path, and is geared toward people of all ages and fitness levels. Step Out 2009 is an initiative of the American Diabetes Association, with Independence Blue Cross serving as the presenting sponsor for the local event. We’re proud to join this effort to make that difference, excited to model sound corporate responsibility and hopeful that others will lace up their sneakers and step along with us For details, call the Health and Safety Fund at 215-922-5487 or click register now. | 
