COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tuesday was World Diabetes Day and veterans were welcomed by the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia to recognize the importance of the right education when it comes to diabetes.
“We are so proud of the service they have provided for our country and we’re here to serve them,” said Dr. LaCresha Mitchum diabetes coordinator at the Columbia VA.
Registered dietitians spoke about healthy meal options and attendees were able to sample some of these meals throughout the presentation.
Army veteran Brenda Williams says as a diabetic she understands the importance of participating in events like these.
“The organization has helped, it’s giving you different choices in diet, different meal choices, it’s a lot of education that they give you,” she said.
After the presentation, attendees were able to grab cook books and recipe cards to take home with them.
The celebration continued with a one mile walk to promote positive exercise habits to lower blood sugar levels. Walkers were joined by the Benedict College marching band to help keep the energy high.
The VA staff encourages veterans with and without diabetes to come out and learn all about how healthy diet and exercise habits.
"My goal is to get the word out, educate others so that they can be an advocate for themselves, be an advocate for their family members so that we can lower the rates, not only here in South Carolina, not only here at Columbia VA, but nationally” Mitchum said.
Other veterans who attended the event say they believe it's beneficial to educate themselves about diabetes and hope others will too.
“In the long run, it will definitely benefit you, it’s for a better health, a better you and a better life,” Army veteran Vernice Jordan said.
To find out more about diabetes and prevention of the disease, go to the CDC's Diabetes Basics website.