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At one point, there was a whole group of kids on their bicycles that came by for some snacks and some drawing time at the Children’s Corner. They were part of a day care group that takes kids on daily outings around the city, and keeps them active and engaged while their parents are hard at work.
Few of the many kids that came to our tent knew about diabetes. “Is that the disease where you can’t eat sugar?” some would ask, happily licking away at their sugar-free frozen yogurt. How do you simplify something as complex as diabetes and its causes for a five-year old? “Yes,” I say, “diabetes has to do with sugar. It is when your body can’t use the sugar you eat, so it builds up inside you and makes you sick. Does anybody know what you can do so you won’t get diabetes?” I ask.
“I know!” a little boy with crayon in one hand says enthusiastically, “eat good and run a lot.” I smile at the kids and encourage them to continue to stay healthy, and stay active. It is exciting that we have had some many young children come to visit the bus; in order to set them up for a lifetime of healthiness; good habits need to start early.
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