Are you ready to ‘Grow Healthy, Live Healthy’?

Local diabetes specialist receives grant, launches new health initiative

By the Times News Staff

news@theeveningtimes.com

Dr. Nykkia Sellers, NP, owner of Diabetes Care & Wellness, recently received the inaugural Honeyland Festival grant in conjunction with IMG endeavor network. IMG endeavor network is a global entertainment and sports management company. The Honeyland festival brings together the country’s top creatives and artists to celebrate culture, music, and cuisine. Dr. Sellers’ newest initiative, Grow Healthy, Live Healthy, brings awareness and practical solutions to combat diabetes and promote holistic health through healthy living. This project will bring together growers, experts, and community leaders to leverage the power of knowledge and access to address the growing healthcare disparities in diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that has serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, amputations, kidney disease, blindness, and death.

Over 300,000 adults in Arkansas have diabetes. In addition to this number, 75,000 adults are unaware of their diabetes diagnosis. The rate of diabetes in Crittenden County is 12.7%. In 2022, Arkansas had one of the highest rates (16.6%) of food insecurity in the nation. Food insecurity exists when people do not have access to enough nutritious food to support a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that food insecurity significantly increases the prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

Our Grow Healthy, Live Healthy: Diabetes Awareness Event is open to everyone, not just people with diabetes. We are promoting healthy eating and physical activity to improve the lives of people in our community while promoting diabetes awareness. We will have free health screenings including blood pressure and blood glucose screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations, and a fitness demonstration. The event will feature local farmers to display fresh produce. We will also have experts to demonstrate how to prepare healthier meals and tips on home gardening. Our event will be hosted by radio personality Stan Bell. We will also have an Easter egg hunt, gaming tent, and other activities for all ages. We are excited to have companies such as Aetna/CVS company, Baptist Memorial Hospital- Crittenden, Vascular Institute, Mator Farms, and Novo Nordisk, to name a few, to participate. Diabetes Care & Wellness is located at 700 N.

Missouri and will be soon relocating to 512 Graham Street in West Memphis. Dr. Sellers, who has been a nurse practitioner for over 17 years, specializes in diabetes management and is board certified in advanced diabetes management. She is also a certified diabetes care and education specialist. She currently serves on the national Women’s Interprofessional Network Advisory Group for the American Diabetes Association which is comprised of leading women scientists, clinicians, and educators in diabetes. Dr. Sellers is proud to bring this initiative to West Memphis and the Mid-South area. She wants to be able to provide information and resources for people in the community. The Grow Healthy, Live Healthy: Diabetes Awareness Event will take place on Saturday, March 30, at Tilden-Rodgers Park in West Memphis, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SELLERS