Enrique 'Henry' Oliu, Verizon and Vision Loss Groups to Host Event on Nov. 12 to Help Seniors Manage Diabetes and Vision Loss

CLEARWATER, Fla., Nov 09, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In honor of American Diabetes Month, the Verizon Foundation, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the Lighthouse of Pinellas will host an event on Nov. 12 to help area seniors manage diabetes and vision loss -- a common side effect of advanced stages of the disease. Attendees will learn how to stay active, eat sensibly, and independently manage medications, despite low vision. Resources will be available in English and Spanish through the AFB Senior Site(R) (www.afb.org/seniorsite/diabetes), an award-winning Web site from the AFB and the Verizon Foundation that helps older Americans with low vision lead more independent, comfortable lives.

WHO: Enrique "Henry" Oliu, Spanish-language commentator for the Tampa Bay Rays Donna Wiggins, a Florida resident with diabetes and Vision loss Carl Augusto, president & CEO, American Foundation for the Blind Dan Mann, president & CEO, Lighthouse of Pinellas Patrick Gaston, president, Verizon Foundation Michelle Robinson, Verizon Southeast region president WHAT: Seniors Event on Managing Diabetes and Vision Loss WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12 WHERE: Ruth Eckerd Hall, Margaret Heye Great Room 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road Clearwater BACKGROUND: There are 3.2 million Americans who have diabetes and vision loss. Successful management of diabetes requires great discipline, specific knowledge, skills and tools for self-care. With vision loss, there's yet another level of complication and risk added to a treatment regimen.

SOURCE Verizon URL: http://www.verizon.com www.prnewswire.com Copyright (C) 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved -0- KEYWORD: Florida INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEA

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