PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, NEW YORK COMMEMORATES 
WORLD DIABETES DAY WITH DIABETES AWARENESS FORUM

23 November 2006 — Consul General Cecilia B. Rebong of the Philippine Consulate General in New York reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Consulate, in partnership with the Jamaica Estates Altus Lions Club, successfully commemorated World Diabetes Day, 14 November 2006, by holding a Diabetes Awareness Forum at the Philippine Center. 

Consul General Rebong said that the Diabetes Awareness Forum began with blood glucose and blood pressure testing at the lobby of the Philippine Center. Over 60 persons, led by the Consul General, were tested and given lifestyle and medical advice. 

A forum entitled "Getting to Know Diabetes: Its Causes and Natural Remedies" then followed, with speakers including physicians Dr. Lestrino C. Baquiran, M.D. and Dr. C.V.R. Reddy, MBBS, FACP, FACC, FAHA, nutrition consultant Ms. Corazon L. Lontok, MS, RD, CDN, and Ms. Maria Luarca-Reyes of Fullife Natural Options, Inc. 

Participants were surprised to learn that among Asians, Filipinos ranked second only to Indians in terms of having diabetes. Experts identified the prevalence of fatty foods in our cuisine and the high amount of sugar, mostly in the form of soft drinks, in the diet of Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad. 

Awareness being the first step to prevention and control, experts advised regular testing to all Filipinos, whether or not they have a medical or family history that puts them at risk. Information on health facilities and services offered by the New York public health system to those without medical insurance, regardless of immigration status, was also discussed. 

In attendance were volunteer nutritionists, physicians and nurses who shared the Consulate's desire to impart to the Filipino community the importance of preventing, or at least delaying, the onset of the disease and its debilitating effects which could lead to visual impairment, blindness, kidney diseases, nerve damage, cardiovascular disease (CVD), foot problems, skin problems and frequent infections that could escalate such that the only treatment left is amputation. 

Health awareness, particularly of diseases to which the Filipino community is vulnerable, is one of the thrusts of the Consulate.   

Ms. Susan Gacis of the Jamaica Estates Altus Lions Club, Consulate's partner in the event, gave the closing remarks.  END

/jay

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