ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - golfer Notah Begay III is combat the growing problem of diabetes among American Indian youth, saying that the disease could ultimately cost tribes their future leaders if nothing is done.
Begay took his message of well-being to the airwaves Friday in the radio show National Native America calling, and in television broadcast via satellite to students in about 200 schools across Indian country.
Part Navajo and part Indian pueblo, the golfer in 38 years, said diabetes has become an epidemic among his people, but he wants people to know that it is a disease that can be prevented.
"We are in a fight, literally, to save the lives of our children," he told Associated Press in an interview. "The reassuring thing about this whole thing is that it is a battle we can win, but it is not coming without some monumental changes."
The Amerindians are more than twice as likely to have diabetes compared with other groups, and they are three times more likely to die of the disease, according to the Indian Health Service.
Another troubling statistic is the percentage of young Indians who have the disease has increased by more than two-thirds in a decade, according to the Agency.
Begay knows statistics, and it doesn't have to look far to see that they are real.
His mother gives itself shots every morning, and one of his cousins lost his foot to the complications of the disease.
"It is not if a beautiful result when you contract this", he said during the broadcast of radio. "so the thing that drives me most is that it is avoidable." I cannot tell you how to prevent cancer. I cannot tell you how to prevent leukemia. Type 2 diabetes, I guarantee you I can help you prevent that. ?
A four times winner of the PGA Tour, Begay issues a challenge to Indian youth to follow his example by the daily exercise and eating healthy.
The challenge is part of the work of the charity of the golfer, CB3 Foundation, which is designed to combat obesity and diabetes among American Indian youth. The Foundation develops programs specifically assisting Aboriginal youth and to encourage more tribal leaders lead by example.
Begay, a graduate of Stanford and an all-American three times, is also obtain the support of some of his friends in the world of sport.
PGA Tour star Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler will tee alongside the NFL quarterbacks Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys and Sam Bradford of Rams St. Louis in the Notah Begay challenge this summer in New York.
The best-ball shooting is the head of the Foundation fundraising. The event triggered more $ 1 million in each of the past two years.
The efforts of the Begay are known throughout the Indian country, as evidenced by calls from the radio station Friday morning. He heard listeners of the New-Mexico in South Dakota.
Golfer said one of the keys of the fight against diabetes and get the most active of the Amerindians is sensitizer, celebrities and major events such as the golf tournament.
"We are trying not to win a popularity contest", he acknowledged. "We try to save lives." When our children are dying at a younger age, we are losing our future leaders and we are also losing the bearers of tradition and culture who are supposed to push forward, which for us. ?
Begay think his 1-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. Their reality, he said, is more vegetables, salads, virtually no sugar and no sodas.
"This is indeed what we are trying to do – create a new reality for our young children, a reality of hope,"he says."
For Begay, his schedule of interviews, meetings, golf clinics and practice persist on the path to find half an hour of yoga and exercise. Sometimes, that exercise takes the form of walking 5 miles to finish a game of 18 holes.
A radio caller suggested Begay "step up" and carrying his own clubs. Begay smiled and told him that he had probably just do it.
Begay are preparing for a tournament held at the Canada schedule. Its purpose is to return to status full-time on the PGA Tour next year.
"I believe that I have a few good years of golf left in me," he said.
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