Randy Jackson and the American Heart Association Encourage Philadelphia Residents to ‘Get In The K.N.O.W.’ About Improving Type 2 Diabetes Management

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ —

What and When

Music industry veteran and TV personality Randy Jackson has teamed up with the American Heart Association for a second year to help people living with type 2 diabetes understand the importance of properly managing their disease, and to encourage them to enroll in The Heart of Diabetes(TM) campaign. Jackson, who lives with type 2 diabetes, is coming to Philadelphia to urge the tens of thousands of adults in the city with diabetes to get regular physical activity, make healthy food choices and work with their healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Jackson, Daniel W. Jones, M.D., immediate-past president of the American Heart Association, and noted local chef Delilah Winder will host a free cooking demonstration to show how lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, can help individuals improve their management of type 2 diabetes.

Date: January 8, 2009

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST

Location: The Shops at Liberty Place

To attend the cooking demonstration and arrange an interview with Randy Jackson and Daniel W. Jones, M.D., please contact Amy Losak at 646-935-3917.

The Heart of Diabetes campaign aims to educate the public about the connection between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for those with type 2 diabetes. With only 7.3 percent of those living with type 2 diabetes achieving blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol treatment goals, the campaign provides educational information and tools that can help individuals get one step closer towards better managing their disease.

The campaign’s Web site — IKnowDiabetes.org — features questions to ask healthcare providers, patients’ success stories, educational information and a variety of tips to help people with type 2 diabetes stay in the know about proper disease management.

The American Heart Association’s The Heart of Diabetes campaign is supported by an educational grant from Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc.

About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

SOURCE American Heart Association