Each year, the Ironton Lions Club hosts a special event in the lobby of the Ironton City Center, marking Diabetes Awareness Day.

This is part of a national effort by the Lions, which dates back several decades.

High school and adult students from Collins Career Technical Center’s nursing school were on hand, offering blood pressure checks and blood sugar tests, while a number of booths were set up to provide information.

The event is of particular importance in that it spreads the message that a person may not even know that they have diabetes, as is the case with many Americans.

By encouraging people to get tested, this can lead to conversations on management and prevention and improving things like diet and exercise, which are key.

We commend the Lions Club and those they partner with for putting on these event each year.

Their efforts not only promote good health, but they could be saving lives.