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Don’t Be A Turkey Walk tomorrow
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Posted on Nov 18 2004
A collaboration of various agencies has set a walk event scheduled to take place tomorrow from 6am to 10am, citing the need to promote the practices of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as address the number of individuals with diabetes in the Commonwealth.
Dubbed the 4th Annual Don’t Be A Turkey Walk for Diabetes Prevention, the event provides a venue for residents to begin or continue practicing healthy lifestyles in hopes of preventing and lowering the number of diabetics on the islands.
According to the Commonwealth Diabetes Coalition, about 30,000 individuals are registered as diabetics; however, the number does not include individuals seeking medical assistance from private clinics.
The coalition said that roughly around $28 million is spent on treatment for complications relating to diabetes.
“We’re trying to prevent diabetes, and this event that we’re doing, we’re trying to get people to exercise…and the other part is eating healthy,” said Konrad S. Reyes, executive director for the AYUDA Network Inc., which is part of the coalition.
Two distances—5K and 10K—are featured in the event, with the 5K turnaround marker set at the World War II tank across the Quartermaster intersection, and the 10K turnaround at the intersection by Microl Corp. in San Jose. Walkers and runners will begin their course at the Garapan Basketball Court and trek along the Beach Road Pathway.
A $10 fee will be charged. Participants must register between 6-7am.
Several water and aid stations will also be provided between the starting point and the two turnarounds.
Organizers also disclosed that free T-shirts will be given to the first 200 registrants, as well as free blood and cholesterol screening conducted by the Department of Public Health.
Funds generated from the event will go toward community and public awareness programs conducted by the coalition.
Meanwhile, the DPS is advising all motorists to give utmost courtesy to participants of the walk.
Last year, over 200 participants graced the event.
Aside from the AYUDA Network and DPH, other agencies involved in the event include the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Saipan Walking Association Inc., and the Department of Public Safety.
