Initiative Promotes Education

The US Department of Health and HumanServices'National Diabetes Education Program(NDEP) recently launched a campaign targetedat American Indians and Alaska Natives. "TakeCare of Your Heart: Manage Your Diabetes forFuture Generations"is adapted from NDEP'snationwide "Be Smart About Your Heart"campaignmaterials.

The campaign's goal is to inform AmericanIndians and Alaska Natives with diabetes thatthey can lower their risk of heart attack andstroke if they take care of their heart and managetheir diabetes. Research has shown that AmericanIndians and Alaska Natives are >2 times aslikely to have diabetes, compared with non-HispanicCaucasians of similar age. Campaignmaterials include a motivational tip sheet to helpindividuals in the target populations keep track oftheir blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.For more information, visit the NDEP Website at www.ndep.nih.gov, or call 800-438-5383for free copies of the materials.