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Comic Strip Delivers Message on Diabetes Health

Posted on: Tuesday, 30 June 2009, 11:08 CDT

Nationally syndicated "Baldo" comic uses humor and a family's story to encourage individuals to call 1-866-SU-FAMILIA for diabetes information and referral to services in their community

WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Baldo and his family announced today they are joining with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance) to get the word out on diabetes health, prevention and treatment. In a series of comic strips that begin today, June 30th, and run in over 200 newspapers, Baldo, a Hispanic teen, will learn that his father has diabetes. Baldo, who thought he brought on his father's ill-health by worrying him with his antics, comes to his father's aid with support to help him exercise more, and his sister, Gracie, encourages the family to eat healthier.

"The key to taking charge of diabetes in our community is awareness, diagnosis and treatment. That's why we are so proud to partner with the Alliance to get the word out on diabetes and what we can all do for good health," says Baldo co-creator Hector Cantu.

Cantu and co-creator Carlos Castellanos hope the comic, published in both English and Spanish, will encourage readers to call the Alliance's toll-free Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline (1-866-783-2645 or 1-866-SU-FAMILIA). Callers can speak to a health promotion advisor in Spanish or English to get a free bilingual booklet on diabetes and answers to their questions, including referral to diabetes services in their community. The toll-free Su Familia helpline will be prominently featured in the last daily strip of the multi-part story, which ends July 10th.

"It is an inspiration to work with Mr. Cantu and Mr. Castellanos, two talented young men who are putting their artistic and creative gifts behind an effort to help all families achieve better health," says Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the Alliance. "Their work is an example of how we can each use our gifts to help our neighbors and communities build a healthier America," concluded Dr. Delgado.

Note: A downloadable graphic and more information available here: http://pitch.pe/16861.

About Baldo

Baldo is the first nationally syndicated comic strip featuring a Hispanic family. Baldo is seen in more than 200 U.S. newspapers, including The Washington Post, the Miami Herald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Dallas Morning News, and the San Jose Mercury News. The main character of the daily strip is 15-year-old Baldo Bermudez. He is joined by his caring father Sergio, his eight-year-old sister Gracie, and his great aunt (Tia) Carmen. Sample artwork and images from the series are available at http://BaldoComics.com/blog.

Baldo is the creation of Hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos. Mr. Cantu is Editorial Director at Heritage Auction Galleries, and previously was an editor at the Dallas Morning News. Mr. Castellanos is an illustrator living in West Palm Beach, Fla. In the past five years, they have used Baldo's popularity to support community causes including voter registration, health and the environment.

About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year, making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities and families. For more information, call the Alliance's Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645 or visit www.hispanichealth.org.

Source: National Alliance for Hispanic Health, http://www.hispanichealth.org/diabetes/

CONTACT: Adam J. Segal National Alliance for Hispanic Health (202) 422-4673 media@hispanichealth.org

SOURCE National Alliance for Hispanic Health

Source: PR Newswire

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