Nationwide Contest Seeks to Inspire Better Diabetes Management

    MILPITAS, Calif., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- With the goal of inspiring the
 18.2 million Americans with diabetes to better manage their disease, blues
 legend B.B. King is helping to launch a nationwide lyric writing contest.  The
 "Give the King Something to Sing Contest," sponsored by LifeScan, Inc., a
 Johnson & Johnson company and makers of OneTouch(R) blood glucose monitoring
 products, offers the public an opportunity to compose song lyrics to encourage
 successful diabetes management.
     The contest, which officially launches November 1 (the beginning of
 National Diabetes Awareness Month) and ends December 31, 2004, invites anyone
 whose life has been affected by diabetes -- patient, caregiver or loved one --
 to compose song lyrics that inspire, motivate and demonstrate the importance
 of diabetes management.  In 50 words or less, contest entrants are asked to
 submit original Blues style song lyrics, containing the word "touch," to
 illustrate how diabetes has "touched" the entrant's life, or that of a loved
 one.  The winning entry will be judged among 50 chosen at random.
     One grand-prize winner will receive a two-day trip for two to Las Vegas
 where they will attend a session to hear King record the winning lyrics as a
 song.  The first 5,000 entrants will receive a B.B. King CD.
     King, a nine-time Grammy Award-winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
 member was diagnosed with diabetes over 12 years ago, and remains one of the
 most influential and busiest blues guitarists in the world today.  Through his
 music, King has inspired musicians of all ages.  He has also recently been
 reaching a whole new audience through his dedication to diabetes management,
 which allows him to have an active healthy lifestyle with the disease.
     Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in this country, and more than
 200,000 Americans with the disease are expected to die from its complications
 each year.  If diabetes is not controlled, it can ultimately lead to long-term
 complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, blindness, and
 amputation.  The good news is that diabetes can be controlled -- and a first
 step in taking control is to maintain a positive outlook.
     "Sponsoring this contest is an example of our dedication to create
 awareness about the importance of diabetes self management," said John
 Bradford, Senior Marketing Manager, OneTouch(R) Systems.  "We are very honored
 to partner with B.B. King to encourage people to share their motivational
 messages through music, which will hopefully educate and inspire others with
 diabetes, or those who care for them, to take control of diabetes and not let
 the disease stand in the way of living life to the fullest."
     For complete information about the contest rules or to submit lyrics,
 visit http://www.LifeScan.com and click on the "Give the King Something to
 Sing Contest" link.
 
     LifeScan, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, and a leading maker of blood
 glucose monitoring products, is dedicated to creating a world without limits
 for people with diabetes. For healthcare professional resources, and
 information on diabetes care and LifeScan products and services, visit
 http://www.LifeScan.com.
 
 

SOURCE  LifeScan, Inc.