Seeking a good cause and some exercise?

Take in the Korner Lions Third Annual Strides Walk, set for 10 a.m. Sept. 13 at Spring Lake Park.

“Strides is a Lions International Walk intended to raise diabetes awareness,” said Becky Rhodes, second vice president of the Korner Lions. She serves on the Korner Lions Strides Committee. “The activity is meant to inform the public about diabetes being the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults,” Rhodes said.

About 25 walkers participated in the walk and a total of 50 contributed to the cause for the 2007 event. The organizers, who hope for more participants in the upcoming walk, said they raised about $900 last year.

The event starts by the Lions Pavilion. “We will try to have some diabetes educators there with handouts for people,” Rhodes said. She urges people to either obtain sponsors or simply pay a $25 fee to participate in the walk which encircles Spring Lake. One lap is 1.11 miles. Ideally, it is hoped walkers complete three laps, but are encouraged to participate in the fundraiser at their comfort level. “It is a non-competitive walk or run,” Rhodes said.

Funds raised help with diabetes prevention education and supports area Lions claubs causes related to diabetes.

The area club is responsible for raising funds toward enlargers for those with visual problems, assisting in the purchase of insulin devices, blood sugar screenings, clinics for diabetics who are financially challenged and other causes to help those with visual challenges.

“This event is done all over the world,” Rhodes said.

Lions Clubs International is committed to helping communities become aware of diabetes and its serious complications.

Rhodes said many people do not realize they have diabetes, and therefore, may not understand the serious threats this disease poses to their health.

Information obtained from the Lions International Web site states that Type 2 diabetes accounts for the vast majority of cases of people with it. Also, it reports that more than 170 million people suffer from diabetes globally. The international health community expects this number to double by 2030.

Studies have shown that lifestyle changes including regular physical activity and a healthy body weight can reduce the risks of diabetic retinopathy and foot amputations.

“We want to raise money for diabetes prevention and education,” she commented.

For more information about the Strides event, call Rhodes at 572-3930 or Sandy Hampton at 572-1974