MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOUR
LOCATION: Winston-Salem, North Carolina TOTAL MILES WALKED: 8492.8
This has been a very busy and exciting month. And, that’s Busy with a capital “B”. North Carolina  continues to welcome us (Tour Managers: Shirley & Russ Barriger and me) with what I have come to appreciate as ‘southern hospitality’. This UPDATE will begin a bit differently – I will list the interviews, appearances and meetings in chronological order. Then, as I give you ‘the meat’, I will go into more detail.
Regular readers of my UPDATES know that the schedule below is fairly typical of each month’s activities. (Not shown here are the 150-200 people we [Russ, Shirley and I] meet with every week who come out to share their diabetes experiences.) And know, the publicity, appearances and meetings that I show up for are the result of a cooperative effort by a VERY dedicated Defeat Diabetes Foundation (DDF) staff. This includes COO Jerry Mandell, Public Outreach Director Dawn Swidorski, Program Director Lisa M. Rasolt and Tour Managers Russ & Shirley Barriger. And, our efforts here are only a small part of what we do 24/7 to spread the message of early identification and prevention of this insidious diabetes epidemic.
We are impacting diabetes in a way it has never before been done – AND IT IS WORKING!!! It is working so well that we are all overwhelmed with trying to keep up with all the response from the awareness DDF has generated.
So, it is time to step up and get involved. Do NOT be fooled into the belief “A CURE IS AROUND THE CORNER”!!! It IS NOT coming for 20-30 years-AT LEAST!!! I have met with some of the world’s top diabetes researchers and they all concur!
The “conventional wisdom” is not working. The current system has failed us all, diabetics and non-diabetics, MISERABLY!! It is time to change direction. We (DDF and MR. DIABETES®) are willing to do the hard work and take on this failed system, but we need your support. And it will cost a whole lot less and get better results than to keep buying into this failed system. Think about this- there are currently 22 million American diabetics - by 2025 that number is expected to rise to 48 – 66 million. The newly released annual dollars that diabetes costs in America is $225 BILLION!!! One in every three children born in 2000, and after, is expected to develop diabetes in their lifetime.
If you like what you see and believe that Defeat Diabetes Foundation has the best practical approach to “fixing” this epidemic, which also has the potential of bankrupting the entire Health Care System in the U.S. in the next 20 years (or sooner), please support our efforts. We have a number of Programs needing your support. If you designate a specific Program to support with your donation, 100% (less processing fees) will go directly to that Program. All donations are tax deductible – check with your financial advisor.
The ONLY way we can beat diabetes is to take responsibility for ourselves:
AWARENESS + ACTION = PREVENTION®
Next is my 'media, appearances and meetings' schedule for the past month. This is in addition to the miles I walked and the 600-800 people we met and talked with (one-on-one) along the way.
May 25, 2007 - 11:00 am - Meeting with Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines –
Proclamation: ANDREW MANDELL DAY
May 24, 2007 – Interview WXII-TV (NBC) – Winston-Salem, NC –
Chief Photographer: Larry Rehrig
May 24, 2007 Article - Kernersville News – Kernersville, NC – Lifestyle Editor: Melissa Marvin
May 22, 2007 - Interview WSJS - AM (600) Winston-Salem, NC - Host: Ed Skurka
May 19, 2007 - Article – News & Record – Greensboro, NC – Reporter: Dioni Wise
Photographer: Molly Bartels
May 18, 2007 - Interview WFMY-TV (CBS2) Greensboro, NC – Photojournalist: George Harrison
May 18, 2007 - Interview WGHP-TV (FOX8) - Greensboro, NC – Photojournalist:David Weatherly
May 16, 2007 - Article Times-News - Burlington NC–Reporter:James Moffat and
Chief Photog: Peter Schumacher
May14, 2007- Introduced Defeat Diabetes Foundation to recently recognized (North
Carolina) Native American Tribe: Occaneechi Band of The Saponi
Nation – native people of Alamance, Orange & Caswell Counties – met
With Administrative Assistant: Margie Watkins
May 11, 2007 - 11:15am - Meeting with Mayor Keith Holliday, Greensboro, NC
May 10, 2007 - 12N-1:00pm Presentation: Duke University Diet & Fitness Center–Durham,NC–
Director. Howard J. Eisenson, MD; Client Relations Manager: Dina Lumia;
Director of Nutrition: Elizabetta Poletti
May 9, 2007 - Article Mebane Enterprise – Mebane, NC – Reporter: Keri Sprenger
May 8, 2007 - Article Herald-Sun – Durham, NC – Photojournalist: Kevin Siefert
May 8, 2007 - 1:30pm - Meeting with Mayor Kevin Foy, Chapel Hill -
Proclamation: MR. DIABETES® DAY
May 7, 2007 - Article The News of Orange County - Reporter: Keri Sprenger
May 7, 2007 - 7:35 - Interview with Jack Boston on WPTF-AM (680) Raleigh – Durham
Morning News Show
May 1, 2007 - 1:00pm-Raleigh City Council/Mayor Charles Meeker-
Proclamation: DEFEAT DIABETES FOUNDATION DAY
May 1, 2007 - Interview WRAL-TV CH 5 (CBS) News Reporter/Photographer: Rick Armstrong
May 1, 2007 - Interview WNCN-TV CH 17 (NBC) – Reporter: Frank Graff
May 1, 2007 - Interview WTVD-TV Ch 11 (ABC) – Reporter Tim Nelson
May 1, 2007 - Article News & Observer – Raleigh, NC (Article by Travis Long/Photojournalist
and Michael Biesecker)
May 1, 2007 - Article Revolution Health - Internet
April 28, 2007 - Article News & Observer - Raleigh, NC (Article by Frank Norton)
April 27, 2007 -Article Eastern Wake News - Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon, NC –
Managing Editor: Johnny Whitfield
April 25, 2007- Article Spring Hope Enterprise - Spring Hope, NC –
Reporter: Ken “Murk” Murchison; Photographer: Rose Cushing
Generally speaking, the walking in North Carolina has me with mixed emotions. On the positive side I have very much enjoyed the beautiful countryside, great Spring weather (although, it has been a tad warm some days {reaching 90 degrees at times]) and the wonderful people who continue to come out to greet us and share their diabetes experiences and enthusiasm for THE WALK™.
[NOTE: Always make sure you are properly hydrated before doing, and while
doing. ANY exercise program – especially, in the seasonal heat. Also, if you
are thinking about beginning an exercise program, which I encourage everyone
“who is breathing” to do, be sure to get a medical clearance from your doctor.]
But, the roads I walk on continue to be hazardous. There is a lot of heavy traffic traveling down two lane roads (one lane in each direction) and rarely a breakdown lane in which to walk. Also, the shoulders on the side(s) of the roads are highly angled and slope off into ditches and deep gullies. I only get to walk on sidewalks when I reach the cities and towns. I’m not complaining - just making an observation.  Now, every State has cities and towns that have “catchy”, if not odd, names. But, I think I’ve walked through one which is worthy of mention: Lizard Lick, NC. Enough said!
On April 30, during my second interview with Raleigh’s newspaper: News & Observer the Photojournalist, Travis Long, who was interviewing me saved  me from being hit by a car. I’ll explain……………..
Although I have had many hundreds of interviews, on and off the roadways, only a handful of reporters have taken the leap to walk THE WALK™ with me, thus getting the ‘feel’ firsthand for what I’m experiencing. Well, in this instance, Travis walked with me for 2 ˝ hours as he carried 10-15 lbs. of photographic equipment and took hundreds of pictures from all conceivable angles. And, we talked all the while.
One of the topics of conversation was me telling him about one of the most consistent and predictable hazards that has been a part of THE WALK™ from the beginning. Actually, I’ve mentioned it before and, no doubt, will again. When walking facing traffic it is imperative to watch for any traffic entering the roadway from the left side. These are drivers coming out of driveways, shopping malls, side streets, etc. Typically, these drivers are so occupied with looking for the opportunity to enter the flow of traffic, that  when that moment comes they are looking to their left side and NOT to the right side from where I’m coming. Well, it wasn’t more than fifteen minutes from when I was mentioning this to him that I got a phone call and became focused on it and not the roads. That can be fatal. And, it almost was. As I talked on the phone, I proceeded to walk across the exit of a shopping mall. I had given no thought to my own words of caution. As is my requirement for anybody walking with me, when walking facing traffic I insist I lead (for safety reasons). Well, I wasn’t aware of a driver leaving the mall and stomping on the gas pedal to create her break into the flow of traffic. At that point I was at her right front fender/wheel. I was lucky that Travis was paying attention and he, from the angle he was positioned behind me could see the situation and pulled me back at that critical moment. You should all learn a lesson(s) from my mistake – I did!! Thanks, Travis……………
Later, Reporter: Michael Beisecker, walked with me for another couple of miles as he further interviewed me for the same article. The net result – great job, guys.
 Another hard working newsman/camera man is Rick Armstrong of WRAL-TV CH 5 (NBC). After my appearance with the City Council and Mayor Charles Meeker at which time I was presented a Proclamation (above) to a standing room only public attendance, he conducted an interview outside of City Hall. That interview lasted the better part of an hour. Then, he said he wanted to get a feel for THE WALK™ and asked to walk the route through Raleigh with me. So, the next day we did. Shirley walked with me this day, too. Rick’s interview was aired many times during the next several days and WRAL-TV’s signal reaches across the State. Great exposure!!
In the meantime, we decided to elevate the level of safety for Shirley, Russ and me. We needed to  increase our visibility of the support vehicle and add signage to Russ & Shirley’s trailer. Russ shopped around and located the best sign people in the region – SIGNS by Tomorrow – 527 Hillsborough St. – Raleigh, NC 27603 – Phone: 919.833.8988 – www.signsbytomorrow.com/raleighdowntown These folks catered to our every need in quality of work, timely delivery and with that ‘southern hospitality’ typical of North Carolina. Tell Manager Shawn Webb that Russ Barriger and MR.DIABETES® sent you.
May 7 I did an interview with Keri Sprenger of The News of Orange County located in Hillsborough. Keri came out to the road I was walking – Route 70 West. It was a bonus, because Keri was also able to get us published in the Mebane Enterprise (next city). That kept the momentum going. Another good article. Lots of fanfare from the readership.
 Another high point came on May 10. Our Program Director, Lisa Rasolt, is also responsible for putting out this newsletter. Regular readers of E-Lerts™ know that from time-to-time Lisa will publish a recipe from the diet & health program of the world-renowned Duke University Diet & Fitness Center. Well, on this day I had the privilege of addressing the current class of enrollees. They come from all over the U.S. (and, probably, the world) to save their own lives by getting on track with a customized diet and fitness program that has enjoyed unparalleled success. I didn’t meet with the Director, Howard J. Eisenson,M.D. because of a schedule conflict, but I did get an autographed copy of his just published book, THE DUKE DIET. This book is co-authored by Martin Binks, Ph.D. I did, however, meet Client Relations Manager Dina Lumia and Director of Nutrition Elisabetta Poletti.
During our hour together we shared information about diabetes and the best way(s) of prevention and good health. And, without exception, everyone there touted how the incredible benefits of this program. For information about enrolling in this program: call 919.688.3079 (Dina Lumia) and tell her MR. DIABETES® sent you. But, if you can’t commit to this program, I urge you to get THE DUKE DIET. I am just now able to crack the cover of the book, but I have been assured by Dina Lumia and Elizabetta Poletti that it replicates the program offered at Duke University.
When walking through Mebane I spotted the Headquarters for the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation. This small, but now recognized by North Carolina Native American tribe has a very proud tradition. They can trace their roots back many hundreds of years. I spoke at length with Administrative Assistant Margie Watkins. She was careful to tell me that she is not of the Tribe, but that her husband is. And, her husband is also diabetic. I offered our support by pledging Defeat Diabetes® Screening Tests for the entire Saponi Nation, as well as anything else we can do for them in the future. Native Americans face an increased risk of diabetes, and Margie was quite clear that no other organization had reached out to offer assistance in this area. It just reaffirms the value of THE WALK™ and the importance of Defeat Diabetes Foundation.
May 15 found me out on the highway with Times-News photojournalist James Moffat, who videotaped our interview, which was later published on their website, as well as the interview appearing in the next day’s newspaper. Peter Schumacher, Chief Photographer, was there for the still shots. And, Peter gave me his TAR HEELS basketball cap to wear as I walked through North Carolina. I wore it for the day and then retired it to my collection of caps. Thank you, Peter. The reaction to the printed article from the Burlington citizenry was fantastic!!
 May 22 I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Lifestyle Editor, Melissa Marvin. Russ went scouting ahead to find the best/safest route for me to walk. As he was going through Kernersville, he spotted the newspaper office, went in – they both came back to where I was walking, Triad Park. I had a good feeling about this article because of the type questions she asked, pertinent and probing. Also, the photos she took told the story all by themselves. I was right, she did a great job.
A spot of aggravating news: when walking I take pictures from a great SONY camera. Typically, I take 250–500 pictures every walk. Additionally, Russ/Shirley will take 100-200 pictures on the Canon camera from the vantage point of the support vehicle. Also, the camcorder is going all the time. Well, when I went to download the Sony pics to my hard drive, I pressed the wrong command and deleted 306 pics. At least, I have the pics and film from what Russ took that day.
May 23 was special for Shirley & Russ. Daughter Faith flew in from Michigan to spend a couple of weeks together. Faith is the youngest of their five children. They are also Grandparents to eight. The last time I saw Faith was when she came to Boston when THE WALK™ was going through there. That was 1000 miles ago and Summer was well under way. Nice to see you again, Faith.
May 24 was another special and fun day. The walking was pretty much standard, but I had an interview with WXII-TV CH 12 (NBC). Just prior to that interview I was stopped by a couple of ladies who asked what I was doing. They had seen the support vehicle earlier in the day and me walking. I explained what I was doing and invited them to share the upcoming interview.
 Larry Rehrig was the Photojournalist and couldn’t have been nicer about working with us. Oh, I neglected to say that one of the ladies is Sandra J. and Grandmother to the other lady, Hailey J. Hailey is 14 years old and is at risk for developing diabetes. You could never tell by looking at her and watching her, as she is beautiful, toned, athletic (she did some handstands and cartwheels for us) and very well mannered. But, she has a very strong family history of diabetes. So, it’s important for her to get on a preventive medicine program to prevent her from getting diabetes. We shared information that is valuable to that end. Now it’s up to Hailey to get smart about it and stay smart about it. 1) See an endocrinologist for the proper medical oversight, at least once every year; 2) get 5-9 servings of fruits & vegetables every day (visit: www.5aday.com); and, 3) continue to get plenty of exercise. Also, regularly go to the DDF website: www.DefeatDiabetes.org and take the Defeat Diabetes® Screening Test. If the score is marginal or high, get the A1C Test to determine if the diabetes condition exists.
May 25 found me with Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. We traded information and I received a Proclamation. From me he received our White Paper, which addresses various issues common to most communities and suggestions on how to remedy those issues. I also gave him a MR. DIABETES® WAKE UP AND WALK® TOUR cap.
Other Mayoral meetings were: They, too, each got the White Paper and a cap.
May 8 – Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy May 11- Greensboro Mayor Keith A. Holliday
Diabetes is a devastating disease, which will not go away by itself. I urge you, once again, to get involved. Please consider helping us help you and your families. Together we can make miracles happen!
Good Health.
Andy Mandell
MR. DIABETES®
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