Health briefs
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
'Alert day' for diabetes held
Hundreds of people learned more about diabetes yesterday at the State Capitol as part of a national effort known as "alert day" which works to make people more aware of the common disease, and how it can be prevented with diet and exercise.
Richard Ambo • The Honolulu Advertiser
Three years ago, Bobby Marks got the word from his doctor that he had diabetes, but he didn't pay much attention to the diagnosis until he had a heart attack.
Caroline Tavares munches on steamed broccoli at the State Capitol during the "alert day" program sponsored by the American Diabetes Association Hawaii. More than 20 health booths and health-provider groups at the event yesterday helped to raise awareness of diabetes.
Marks, a construction equipment dealer, found himself staring up from a hospital bed wondering if he would live to see his two children grow up. His daughter was 8 and his son 10, and he was a single father.
He said he was frustrated and uncertain what he could eat. "My life before was burgers and beers in the back of a tailgate," he said. Now you'll find him toting homemade lunches of apples, turkey sandwiches and salads.
Marks said he resisted the first attempts by educators to reach him through HMSA's Diabetes Care Connection but ended up relying on them to help him find a new way to eat and live.
In Hawai'i, state health officials say more than 75,000 people know they have diabetes and another 25,000 may have the disease but not know it.
Chevron Hawai'i's Walk for Diabetes will be held Saturday at Kapi'olani Park to raise money and awareness.
Bio-engineered food is topic
A lawyer who organized a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration that forced the agency to divulge its files on genetically engineered foods will speak at the April meeting of The Vegetarian Society of Hawai'i.
Attorney Steven Druker organized the lawsuit with a coalition of scientists and religious leaders. His talk is being co-sponsored by Down to Earth Natural Foods, Hawaii Genetic Engineering Action Network, and the Invisible Kingdom of Humanity.
He will discuss the risks of genetically engineered foods at a free public lecture at 7 p.m. April 9 at the Ala Wai Golf Course Clubhouse, 404 Kapahulu Ave., behind the Waikiki-Kapahulu Public Library. Free food samples will be distributed. For information call 944-VEGI (8344).
Druker will also speak at 7 p.m. April 12 at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 261 S. Pu'unene Ave., Kahului, Maui.
Sports medicine seminar slated
Healthcare practitioners interested in learning about recent advances in surgical, evaluation, and rehabilitation in sports medicine are invited to a seminar April 19 at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The event is being presented by Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i's Rehabilitation Services Department and Division of Orthopedics.
The course is geared toward primary care physicians, and those who work in the physical therapy and athletic training areas. The seminar will feature presentations by orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists from Kaiser Permanente Hawai'i, as well as Dr. Andrew Nichols, head team physician at the University of Hawai'i; and Tom McConnell, physical therapist and owner of Greater Pittsburgh Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.
The cost for the daylong seminar is $150 if you register before April 5; $175 for late registration. For more information and to request a brochure, call Marc Iyomasa at 432-2180.
