Lalonni Hagerman, who grew up in the Southern Sector of Dallas, was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 41. "I was hit by the disease at young age and unfortunately, I know others from my community that were diagnosed at an even younger age." She says it has to do with diet. "What's lacking here are grocery stores. What's lacking is education about nutrition." Lalonni says the Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute at Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center is desperately needed to bring change to this community. "As a diabetic, I know how much of an impact simple things like cooking classes, fresh foods and affordable diabetes supplies can make."
Reuben Tatum's doctor told him to lose weight, so he started an exercise routine. But he slacked off. Later, when hospitalized for breathing problems, he was diagnosed with diabetes. "I was shocked," he says. The news made him depressed. "I didn't know what to do, what to think. I didn't want to do anything," he says. Reuben believes the educational programs at the new Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute will help him and his neighbors learn how to live healthfully with this disease. "It will help all of us."
Rev. Henry Green says, "I knew something was wrong. I was tired and listless. My resistance was low." Then one day he went to the doctor for a cold and found out he was diabetic. Despite his family history of the disease and his weight problems, he says he never suspected the diagnosis. "It was the farthest thing from my mind," he says. "I didn't want to die." Rev. Green believes the new Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute will promote better awareness of the disease with other residents of the neighborhood. He knows first hand that with the right tools, diabetes does not have to be a death sentence. "When they told me what to do, I did it. My doctor says I'm now the poster child for diabetes."
# # #
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White is empowering customers to live well by reimagining traditional healthcare — creating more convenient, personalized and informed experiences. It serves more than three million customers through 55 hospitals, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple; the Baylor Scott & White Research Institute; 1,300+ access points; 59,000+ team members; and its leading digital platform — MyBSWHealth. The system's award-winning employer solutions include Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and Levanto — a company offering digitally enabled health products. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White's mission is to promote the health and well-being of all individuals, families and communities. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com