Kentuckians need to get healthier. That's according to Kentucky Public Health Commissioner Dr Steven Stack. As part of the “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative, for the month of January, officials are focusing on diabetes in the commonwealth.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Dr. Stack said diabetes is becoming a serious problem among Kentuckians.
“Almost 14% of Kentucky adults, that's more than 480,000 people have diabetes and another 14% of adults have pre-diabetes, which increases their risk of becoming diabetic as well as for cardiovascular disease and even strokes.”
Dr. Stack said many Kentuckians struggle with paying for the medication and care needed for diabetes.
“If you are a diabetic and having a hard time affording your medications, the Kentucky Prescriptions Assistance Program or KPAP may be able to help. KPAP helps qualifying individuals identify sources of free or low cost medications. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call the KPAP hotline or visit the Our Healthy Kentucky Home website.”
Dr. Stack said Kentucky has the 9th highest diabetes related death rate in the country. He says all is not lost though, diet changes and an increase in exercise can help manage, prevent and even stop diabetes.
The Our Healthy Kentucky Home website can be found here.
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