November is American Diabetes Month. Almost 24 million children and adults in the United States live with diabetes and an additional 57 million Americans are at risk for developing it. Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death among Hispanics and African-Americans.
Because South Florida has a large Hispanic population, Humana is sponsoring an event this Wednesday (November 3rd) to promote health and wellness with a focus on diabetes. The health company is partnering with the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to host former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona at the 16th Annual Sunshine Awards.
Growing up in an impoverished Hispanic family and dropping out of high school, Dr. Carmona experienced health disparities firsthand. He went on to become a decorated Green Beret in Vietnam, a police officer, and a SWAT team member. Eventually he graduated from college and medical school at the top of his class. His medical career includes serving as an EMT, a nurse, a trauma surgeon, and a community physician before being unanimously voted into Office of Surgeon General.
Dr. Carmona served as Surgeon General for one term, leaving in 2006. At a July, 2007 senate hearing, he told a congressional panel that top Bush administration officials repeatedly tried to weaken or suppress important public health reports because of political considerations. He now serves as Vice Chairman of Canyon Ranch, the 27 year old life enhancement company, CEO of their health division and is President of the Canyon Ranch Institute.
Wednesday’s event will take from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida
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