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	For Immediate Release July 16, 2009	Contact: Felicia Phillips 215-967-4580
	A1c Your Way to Health A1c Your Way to Health Simple Test Keeps Diabetic Glucose Levels under Control Philadelphia, PA – Health Partners provided free diabetes A1c and blood pressure tests, disease management counseling and literature to over 100 of its members at Celebrate the Red White and Blue with a Healthier YOU, a pre-independence day good health celebration for the entire family. The family friendly event, which took place at the Fresh Grocer in West Philadelphia, also included fitness demonstrations by the YMCA West, appearances by the Health Partners mascot, Ms. Roo, and a visit from the Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels. “This fun-filled, family event allowed us to educate our members with diabetes about the importance of managing their diabetes and high blood pressure. So often one medical condition impacts another,” says Merleen Harris-Williams, MD, medical director, Health Partners. “It is vital that our members, especially those with diabetes, learn practical ways to avoid the many serious complications associated with the disease.” Nearly 25 percent of people with diabetes in the United States are unaware they have the disease. That’s almost six million people. According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million Americans have diabetes and another 57 million have pre-diabetes. If not detected and properly treated, diabetes can lead to a host of medical complications including high blood pressure, kidney disease, stroke and even blindness. People with diabetes are unable to either make or properly use insulin. When insulin levels are low or if insulin is not effective, the body does not get the energy it needs, and blood glucose (sugar) builds up in the bloodstream, causing damage to the body and its systems. Monitoring and keeping blood sugar levels under control is the best way to keep diabetes complications at bay. In addition to daily home testing, individuals with diabetes should see their doctor at least twice a year for an A1c test. The A1c measures average blood sugar over the past three months and can help doctors design the most effective treatment plan for each unique patient. Below are some tips to help keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range: • Lose weight. Even a few pounds can make a difference. • Be active. Exercise increases blood flow, burns fat and lowers glucose levels. • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy products. • Avoid saturated fat found in foods such as fried chicken and French fries. • Stay away from “junk food” like chips, sugary desserts. • Monitor your blood sugar level each day. • Never skip a dose of your diabetes medication. • If you ever have a question about your treatment plan, call your doctor. Photo 1: Health Partners’ mascot, Ms, Roo, participates in a belly dancing demonstration, courtesy of the YMCA West; just one of many activities that took place at Health Partners recent Celebrate the Red, White and Blue with a Healthier You event at the Fresh Grocer store in West Philadelphia. (Photography Credit: K.S.N. Images) Photo 2: Health Partners and Fresh Grocer recently united to bring health and wellness to the community. (L-r): Judy Harrington, senior vice president, business development, Health Partners; Broadcast veteran and host of Philly What’s Up Trudy Haynes, and Grant McLoughlin, vice president, Fresh Grocer. (Photography Credit: K.S.N. Images) About Health Partners: Health Partners is the result of a unique collaboration among seven area hospitals to create a not-for-profit health plan for residents of Philadelphia. Since 1985, the company has advanced innovations in managed care. It currently serves 152,000 members in southeastern Pennsylvania and consistently ranks number one in member satisfaction in the area. For more information about Health Partners, please visit www.healthpart.com. # # # ###

HealthChoices plan awarded highest accreditation: Excellent