One of the objectives of local health authorities in 2016 is to reduce deaths caused by diabetes, a disease that in recent years kills 40 people on average.
To do this, Mayor Pete Sáenz promotes a special initiative for the community to be more active, exercise and modify lifestyle for a healthier one.
"The bad news is that we have 40 annual deaths for diabetes but the good is that you can prevent if people take care of, health exams are performed and have a healthier life," said Dr. Héctor González.
The director of the Department of Health in Laredo stressed that diabetes is aggravated due to the high index of problem and obesity problems in the community, where more than 40 percent of the population is at risk.
The sedentary lifestyle, the food that Hispanics used as well as the genetic factor, are the main factors that make diabetes a serious "epidemic" of chronic diseases in Laredo.
"It is worrying to know that many people do not know that they are diabetic, logically do not take care of themselves and when they realize and want to react, the disease already caused severe ravages in their organisms," he said.
A late diagnosis and the lack of adequate treatment lead people to die prematurely of a heart attack, a stroke or a failure of their kidneys, the official said.
"Many others do not die fast, but they suffer amputations from their limbs or are blind," he said.
Laredo's mortal statistics indicate that in the last five years about 40 people die as a result of diabetes complications, a figure considered among the main causes of death in the city.
González stressed that to combat these problems, the “living better” program is available, focused on modifying the lifestyle of people promoting exercise and adequate food.
For more information on the prevention programs available in the Department of Health, people can call (956) 721-4994.
