Free event will feature live music, dancing, special guests, and more.
The largest health and music-inspired festival of the year, Feria de Salud, hosted by the American Diabetes Association, is returning to the Bronx on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feria is a free community event intended to educate the neighboring Hispanic community about the importance of adopting and managing a healthier lifestyle for the entire family through music, food, and advocacy. This event will take place at Hostos Community College (500 Grand Concourse) in the Bronx, NY.
Feria de Salud will offer an array of life-saving and life-altering complimentary health screenings, educational workshops, healthy cooking demonstrations and exercise classes. Screenings include, but are not limited to: blood pressure, glucose, foot screenings, cholesterol, vision, dental, hepatitis C, BMI and HIV.
“The American Diabetes Association’s Feria de Salud continues to positively impact thousands of people in the Latino community, which is disproportionately affected by diabetes,” said Helene Velazquez, director of community health strategies for the Association. “One of the most critical components of successful treatment and an improved quality of life, is education. We provide individuals with easy-to-understand health and wellness information to help them prevent diabetes or live better with it.”
Nearly 15% of Latinos in New York City have diabetes, and may more have prediabetes. In fact, studies show that by 2050, 1 in 2 Latino and African Americans will have diabetes if more preventive measures are not taken. Many lives are saved by these free screenings and services, and when life-threatening health concerns are detected on site, the American Diabetes Association provides a free ambulance service to emergency rooms.
For additional information on Feria and the American Diabetes Association, visit diabetes.org/newyork.
Feria de Salud is sponsored by Aetna, Novo Nordisk, Merck, Univision, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, AARP, MetroPlus and Affinity Health Plan.
