'Changing diabetes' through games

Employees in the United States met the call to "Change Diabetes" by presenting the "Changing Diabetes" game to school children around the country during Diabetes Awareness Month. The program was directed at children ages 10 to 13 years and it's purpose was to help children learn how to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes incidence among children and adolescents in the United States is rising at such an alarming rate that many are worried about a public health crisis in the coming years. Children at most risk for developing type 2 diabetes are over the age of 10 years, overweight, or have a family history of diabetes. African American, Latino, or Native American children are even more at risk. Audiences included schools, youth groups, religious groups, and other community groups.

The "Changing Diabetes" game was developed to help children learn, in an interactive way, basic information about type 2 diabetes and how they can take action to reduce their risk for developing the disease.

Programs were presented in South Carolina, California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois, and Michigan. Employees involved included: Linda Laborte, Nancy Kennedy, Kevin Hunter, Erin McCarthy, Karyn Brown, Lisa Kazlauskas, Nicole Santora, Kathy Flynn, Jim McCarthy, Nkechi Ngumezi, Wendy Fairchild, and Susan Rago. This program reached more than a 1,000 school aged children. A Spanish version of the game will be given for employees to use in Puerto Rico.

Here are some of the comments from employees who participated:

Linda Laborte, DCS in North Jersey shared these comments regarding her presentation of the TakeAction! School Challenge:

"I just wanted to touch base with you and let you know what a wonderful program the School Program was. I spent 1 hour with the kids in my daughter’s 5th grade class and we had a blast! Everyone was interested in learning and commenting as we went along. (You know how 10 year olds can be!) One girl's brother has diabetes as well as her mom, dad, grandmother, grandfather, etc……..The game was great and they got all except 2 correct. Thanks again for the great materials!"

Nancy Kennedy, Executive DCS in Colombia, SC shared this about her experience with the TakeAction! School Challenge:

"Just finished up with 5th and 6th graders. The program was a huge success. The 5th graders actually beat the 6th graders! They were so thrilled....really enjoyed presenting. The game was so fun and very educational...great job to whoever developed it."

Kevin Hunter, DCS from the Santa Rosa Territory shared this feedback regarding his presentation of the TakeAction! School Challenge:

"What a great experience!!! We talk to providers and educators all day long but talking to kids... what a difference! I had the great experience of presenting the TakeAction! School Challenge program to 200 kids at Creekside Middle School on Tuesday November 22nd. The kids loved the information, in fact they were hungry for information. They were shocked at some of the statistics and they absolutely loved the game. The teacher and principal were so impressed with the presentation and game they want the rest of the school to participate... During lunch time kids were wearing their pedometers and seeing how many steps they had taken so far. Thanks again for providing this format to help us give back to the community. It was extremely well received by all and everybody looks forward to more programs."

From Lisa Kazlauskas, Executive Assistant, who presented the program along with Nicole Santora, Sr. Admin and Karyn Brown, Customer Care Admin at Sharon Elementary School in Robbinsville, NJ:

The kids were great...! I cannot believe how smart they were, and how much they knew about diabetes! I was skeptical going in about how much interest a group of 8-9 year olds would have in diabetes, but I was overwhelmed by their response. They were so into it! The pedometers where a hit ,too! Kids were stopping us in the halls to tell us how many steps they were at for the day....This is a great program. It was a great experience. I hope that the option is there to continue past November."