Wilson Intermediate School Makes a Difference With Step Out Walk for Diabetes

---

[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]S[/dropcap]tudents, staff and community members at Wilson Intermediate School got active this fall. The campus recently focused on diabetes awareness for its Makes a Difference Day project.

Diabetes affects 382 million affected all over the world. It is a global epidemic. If the situation doesn’t improve, there could be up to 592 million afflicted with the disease by 2035.

The disease also presents a heavy (but avoidable) burden to the global economy. The economic burden of diabetes in America continues to climb. It exceeded more than $322 billion in excess medical costs and lost productivity in 2012. This highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention.

[icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Wilson Intermediate School set out to raise awareness. The campus recently hosted a Step Out-Walk to Stop Diabetes. The initiative took place through physical and health education classes.

Diabetes Facts

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Individuals can inherit a predisposition for diabetes.[/li] [li]The disease severely affects minority groups in particular. Racial and ethnic minorities have a higher burden of diabetes, worse diabetes control and are more likely to experience complications. [/li][/ul]

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]The economic burden of diabetes in America continues to climb. It exceeded more than $322 billion in excess medical costs and lost productivity in 2012. The increased costs associated with prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes highlight the growing importance of prevention and early intervention.[/li][/ul]

The campus is an [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]International Baccalaureate World School. Wilson offers both the Primary Years Program for fifth graders. And it provides the Middle Years Program for sixth grade students. As such, the students did a bit more than hearing about diabetes. Aside from the walk, students explored spreading the message. They looked at how effectively communicate with the community to drive awareness.  The unit of study focused on key information about risk factors and disease management. It also centered on the effects of diet and physical activity.

Students created products to inform and influence the community. The projects showed how lifestyle changes can positively impact diabetes. The awareness project fulfilled an IB program known as CAS. The acronym stands for creativity, activity and service.

The students carried their message into the community. And the walk was a success. Parents, staff and community members turned out in mass. They joined to emphasize the importance of physical activity on health.

Wilson twittered throughout their event. The American Diabetes Association followed the school’s progress. Wilson was also linked to the Diabetes Hands Foundation. Students have until November 30 to complete a survey called the Big Blue Test. Each completed survey triggers a donation on Wilson’s behalf to nonprofit groups. The organizations provide life-saving supplies, services and education to people with diabetes in need.

The campus set out to raise awareness. The students had no idea it would also lead to raising money for a good cause.

Nice job everyone!