Lions Club International has chosen diabetes as the organization’s primary fundraising cause. Aiming to combat the growing risk of diabetes, the Zionsville Lions Club is sponsoring a Community “Heart for Diabetes” 5K walk/run at 9 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Zionsville Lions Clubhouse, 115 S. Elm St., Zionsville.
Diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death worldwide and the seventh-leading cause of death in Indiana. Approximately 750,000 people in Indiana have diabetes, and 1.9 million — or one in three — Hoosiers have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
“The Zionsville Lions Club has a number of members, several who are dedicated health professionals or who are living with diabetes, that are passionate about enhancing the awareness and educating the public on the risks of diabetes and the importance of a healthy diet and exercise,” said Dr. Mel Prince, leader of the ZLC Diabetes Group and Lions Club International Foundation Diabetes Advisor for the U.S.
Diabetes and healthy lifestyle information, along with Diabetes Risk Assessment forms, will be available in the clubhouse before and after the race.
Prince encourages everyone to take a Diabetes Risk Assessment test; to see their physician if the test indicates a risk for diabetes; and to urge friends and family to take the assessment test. The Diabetes Risk Assessment test can be found online at diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/.
To learn more about the Heart for Diabetes 5K Walk/Run, contact Prince at [email protected]. Participants can pre-register online at getmeregistered.com/ZLCHeartForDiabetes5K or run2race.com/heart-for-diabetes-5k. In-person registration is available at the Zionsville Lions Clubhouse from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 and 7 to 8:45 a.m. Feb. 16.
