UPDATE - The Florida Orange Festival

[Judy Dean]

For nearly 8 years, and over 10,000 miles Andy Mandell – Mr. Diabetes® has been a fixture on highways, byways, state and county roads and the occasional sidewalk. The Executive Director of Defeat Diabetes Foundation has been the sole walker for the Wake Up and Walk® Tour a 10,000+ mile walk of the U.S. perimeter creating awareness about diabetes, a disease that nearly cost him his life.

Learn more at www.POPSExtras.org

You may have seen him walking locally on highway 41 in his brightly colored safety vest and walking pole that he uses for balance. His journey has taken him through 34 states; he’s crossed 150 major rivers, gone through 25 pairs of walking shoes, 4 Tour Managers and walked through 4 time zones (twice!).

Mandell is in the area for a month, visiting with elected officials, health officials, and participating in several Veterans’ Events.

He is the honoree at the First Annual Florida Orange Festival, an event for the entire family to benefit Defeat Diabetes Foundation at PAL Sailor Circus on December 14, 2008. The event will focus – in a fun and entertaining day-long festival – on promoting HEALTHY ACTIVE FAMILIES. Music, food and beverages, demonstrations ranging from Martial Arts to Belly Dancing (and everything in between), free health screenings by Walgreens’ TAKE CARE HEALTH TOUR MOBILE UNIT, a Healthy Orange Recipe Contest, exhibitors and much more! Recording artist Robbie Hazen from Hollywood will be a featured entertainer, as well as the hottest new band in the area – The Arch!

Admission is only $3 per person or $10 for a family of up to five! Full details are available at www.POPSExtras.org and advance tickets may be purchased at www.SRQBoxOffice.com .

You can even march in a short parade as Mandell enters the PAL Sailor Circus arena! Call [phone] to see how individuals or walking, jogging, cycling or stroller moms can join in the parade!

The incidence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Over 24 million people have the disease and 57 million people are at risk of developing the diabetes if they don’t make a few simple lifestyle changes. The complications from diabetes can be severe. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness and kidney disease in the United States and can also lead to amputations, heart attacks, strokes.

Now a mere 80 miles from the completion of THE WALK™, 63 year old Andy Mandell, Mr. Diabetes®, an, insulin dependent diabetic, is still as energized about his one man mission as he was the day he started.

“The key to breaking this disease cycle is awareness, prevention and, when it’s too late for that, early detection and proper management to avoid the costly complications associated with this disease.” said Mandell. “Obesity and diabetes are inextricably linked. Losing even 5% of your body weight can reduce your risk by 20%. Start slowly by cutting out fast food, snack foods and soda. Substitute water, tea and fruits and vegetables. Institute a family dinner hour and gradually add legumes and whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice or barley to your diet each day,” he added.

Mr. Diabetes® recommends pursuing a more active lifestyle. “Unless you are severely disabled, walking is something that everyone can do. Start out with ten minutes a day and increase the time gradually. 30 minutes of activity 5 times a week can reduce your risk of developing diabetes by 20%,” says Mandell.