Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes

Cigna Healthcare of Arizona Teams Up With The American Diabetes Association to “Step Out” In The Fight Against Diabetes on Saturday, September 27th

Phoenix – For the second consecutive year, CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are teaming up to combat diabetes.  “Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes” is the ADA’s premier walking event to raise funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy.

Kurt Weimer, president and general manager of CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, will once again serve as this year’s corporate chairman.  Weimer helped kick off a breakfast for corporate leaders in May, where community and business leaders had the opportunity to learn more about the diabetes epidemic and the steps that can be taken to fight the disease.

“CIGNA HealthCare is proud to once again be the Presenting Sponsor of the American Diabetes Association’s ‘Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes’ campaign to help prevent this disease and raise funds for a cure as we recognize the long-term impact this disease has on individuals, our members and customers,” said Weimer.  “Each year more than 300,000 Arizonans are impacted by diabetes.  The long-term effects of this disease can have devastating consequences on families, businesses and the health care system.”

CIGNA Medical Group (CMG), the medical group practice division of CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, has had a continuous relationship with the ADA since 1989.  CMG’s Diabetes Self-Management Training program was the first in the state to be awarded ADA recognition.  On-site educational services with certified diabetes educators are offered at eleven CMG sites throughout the Valley. This local award-winning program provides patients with the tools, motivation, and continuity of care to optimize their health outcomes.   In addition, the national CIGNA Well Aware for Better Health® diabetes program was developed using clinically recognized resources, such as the ADA. CIGNA Well Aware for Better Health® offers a telephonic support and educational system to help patients manage their diabetes, make daily care easier and enjoy a healthier quality of life.

On Saturday, September 27, CIGNA HealthCare employees will join more than 2,000 area residents to participate in two “Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes” events taking place in the Valley. The morning walk, themed “On the Trail to a Cure,” will take place at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler.  Later that evening, Midwestern University will host one of the few twilight walks in the country set to the theme “Lighting the Way to a Cure.”  Both walks will include entertainment and family-friendly activities.

 ”Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes is such a poignant way to get the message across of the true devastation of this disease, how critical it is that we all do our part to help find a cure, AND take the steps for diabetes prevention” said ADA volunteer Bruce Cuddy.   Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the United States.  If present trends continue, one in three Americans, and one in two minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.  To date, the American Diabetes Association has raised and donated more than $300 million for diabetes research.

More information about the corporate community breakfast on May 14 or registering a team for one of the upcoming “Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes” walks is available by calling the American Diabetes Association at 1-888-DIABETES (342-2383) Ext. 7098 or visit www.diabetes.org/stepout.

About American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy.  Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities.    For more information, please visit www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).  Information is available in English and Spanish.

About CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona
With more than 35 years of history, CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, Inc. is one of the oldest and largest health plans in the state. CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona provides health care coverage and employee benefit services to nearly 350,000 individuals throughout the state. CIGNA Medical Group, the medical group practice division of CIGNA HealthCare of Arizona, is one of the Valley’s largest multi-specialty group practices with 21 offices located throughout metropolitan Phoenix. “CIGNA HealthCare” refers to various operating subsidiaries of CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI).  Products and services are provided by these operating subsidiaries and not by CIGNA Corporation.

Editor’s Note:  See also Let’s Prevent One in Three.