MEDIA ADVISORY: Ironman Competitor with Diabetes Encourages Others to Live Without Limits; Inspiring Triathlete Participates in Wellness Fair at KTA Puainako Store, Hilo Saturday, March 27, 2010, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

HILO, Hawaii, March 25 /PRNewswire/ --

WHO/WHAT:  As part of an inspirational nationwide tour, "Iron Andy" Holder, a triathlete who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 36, will be at the KTA Puainako Store in Hilo on Saturday, March 27 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

After his diagnosis in 2005, Andy was determined not to let the disease hold him back and decided to become an Ironman competitor -- an extraordinary test of strength, will and endurance.  The Ironman competition requires Andy to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run a full marathon of 26.2 miles.  Andy does this while testing his blood sugar a dozen times a day. Yet, he has persevered and has now completed five full Ironman competitions. He will also be participating in the March 28th Lavaman in Waikoloa.

When he is not competing, Andy discusses what it's like to be a triathlete with diabetes and how having a chronic condition does not have to limit what a person can do with his or her life. Andy has traveled around the country since 2006, encouraging others in "Living Without Limits" -- a national campaign to motivate those with chronic conditions to manage their health and strive for their dreams.  His uplifting journey has inspired so many to better manage their health or to even compete in triathlons, just like Andy.

WHEN/WHERE:

Iron Andy will appear at the Wellness Fair and talk to patients at:  

The KTA Puainako Store in Hilo

Saturday, March 27th, 10:00 am-1:00 pm

50 E. Puainako Street

Hilo, Hawaii  96720

To schedule an interview, contact Iris Raylesberg, Kapnek Communications, 215-830-9890 or e-mail [email protected].

WHY:  Iron Andy travels around the country bringing his inspiring message to hundreds of people, including many living with chronic conditions.  With the Good Neighbor Pharmacy network of community pharmacists, Andy is spreading the message of "Managing Diabetes: Living Without Limits."

In Hawaii, nearly 8 percent of the adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes, up from 6 percent five years earlier, and 5 percent a decade ago, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The disease also has a disproportionate impact on Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Asians.

Not everyone with diabetes can become an Ironman competitor, but by following Andy's example of closely monitoring his condition and working with health professionals, people with diabetes or other chronic conditions can lead healthy, productive lives -- and live without limits.

For more information about Iron Andy, visit http://livingwithoutlimits.diabetes-shoppe.com.  

SOURCE Good Neighbor Pharmacy