Comic strip delivers message on diabetes health

WASHINGTON The National Alliance for Hispanic Health and syndicated comic strip are teaming up to address diabetes health, prevention and treatment.

In a series of comic strips that begin June 30, and run in over 200 newspapers, Baldo, a Hispanic teen, will learn that his father has diabetes. Baldo, who thought he brought on his father's ill-health by worrying him with his antics, comes to his father's aid with support to help him exercise more, and his sister, Gracie, encourages the family to eat healthier.

"The key to taking charge of diabetes in our community is awareness, diagnosis and treatment. That's why we are so proud to partner with the Alliance to get the word out on diabetes and what we can all do for good health," said Baldo co-creator Hector Cantu.

Cantu and co-creator Carlos Castellanos hope the comic, published in both English and Spanish, will encourage readers to call the NAHH's toll-free Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline (866-783-2645 or 866-SU-FAMILIA). Callers can speak to a health promotion adviser in Spanish or English to get a free bilingual booklet on diabetes and answers to their questions, including referral to diabetes services in their community. The toll-free Su Familia helpline will be featured prominently in the last daily strip of the multipart story, which ends July 10.

The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is the nation's foremost source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States, according to the organization. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year. For more information, call the Alliance's Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at (866) 783-2645 or visit www.hispanichealth.org.