NEW YORK, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As part of its commitment to serving the Hispanic community, Colgate-Palmolive is promoting diabetes awareness and the importance of proper oral care during November’s American Diabetes Month. With approximately 2.5 million Hispanic Americans suffering from diabetes or insulin resistance syndrome (pre-diabetes), proper oral care and oral health education have become increasingly important among this at-risk community.
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The U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health describes the connection between good oral health and good overall health. Seeking proper dental care and maintaining good oral health are specifically vital to living well with diabetes. Emerging research supports a two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontitis (serious gum disease). Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but if left untreated, serious gum disease may affect their ability to control blood glucose levels and potentially increase their risk of other complications of diabetes.
“As the global oral care leader in the Hispanic market, Colgate-Palmolive is dedicated providing oral health education to Hispanics managing diabetes and health professionals,” said David Cardona, Marketing Director, U.S. Multicultural Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive. “Living with high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body, including your teeth and gums. During American Diabetes Month, Colgate-Palmolive will continue to promote the association between oral health and diabetes, as well as the practical steps to help improve oral and possibly overall health.”
As part of their multi-year educational collaboration, Colgate-Palmolive will continue to partner with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to help educate medical professionals and diabetes patients about the association between oral health and diabetes. As part of this year’s outreach, Colgate-Palmolive will be targeting Hispanic Americans via in-store activities, educational materials and participation in the American Diabetes Association’s 3rd Annual “Feria de Salud Por Tu Familia” (“Health Fair For Your Family”). This national, outdoor festival provides health screenings, cooking demonstrations and diabetes education.
Journalist and Colgate Total(R) spokesperson Myrka Dellanos, is supporting this educational initiative by publicly sharing her own experience living with diabetes and the importance of brushing daily with an anti-bacterial toothpaste, such as Colgate Total(R) toothpaste — the brand most recommended by dentists.
“Diabetics don’t have to take a step back; they can live life to the fullest,” said Myrka. “Understanding the connection between oral health and diabetes and other health conditions is an important part of managing the condition. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and good blood glucose control are the best defenses against the oral complications of diabetes.”
On behalf of Colgate Total(R), Myrka will be telling her story alongside Dr. R. Ivan Lugo, former President of the Hispanic Dental Association and a leading dental health advocate in the Hispanic community.
“The Latino population has the lowest incidence of dental visits when compared to any other ethnicity. This fact reinforces the importance of regular dental check-ups,” Dr. Lugo said. “It is vital for diabetics to maintain good oral hygiene, floss regularly and brush twice a day with a toothpaste that has antibacterial benefits, like Colgate Total(R).”
About Colgate Total(R) Toothpaste
The unique formula of Colgate Total(R) toothpaste is clinically proven to actively fight germs for 12 hours. Colgate Total(R) toothpaste has an antibacterial formula and is the first and only toothpaste both approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and accepted by the American Dental Association to fight gingivitis. Using Colgate Total(R) toothpaste can promote better oral health and better oral health may help improve overall health. Colgate Total(R) is approved by the FDA to aid in the prevention of cavities, plaque and gingivitis. It has not been approved for the prevention or treatment of periodontitis or other diseases. Colgate Total is the number one toothpaste recommended most by dentists and hygienists. For more information about Colgate Total(R) toothpaste, visit www.ColgateTotal.com.
About Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate-Palmolive sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, Elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. For more information about Colgate-Palmolive’s global business, visit the Company’s web site at www.Colgate.com.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier 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. The Association’s commitment to research is reflected through its scientific meetings; education and provider recognition programs; and its Research Foundation and Nationwide Research Program, which fund breakthrough studies looking into the cure, prevention, and treatment of diabetes and its complications. For more information, visit diabetes.org or call 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).
SOURCE Colgate-Palmolive
