by NYCNews | 2025-11-19 15:08:05+00:00
By Dr. Edwin Torres, Nurse Practitioner and Diabetes Specialist, Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism at Montefiore Medical Center Bronx Voice November 19, 2025

BRONX LOCAL NEWS - American Diabetes Month is underway, and Montefiore Einstein is helping families across the Bronx and Lower Hudson Valley learn simple ways to protect their health. Each year, the American Diabetes Association leads a national campaign, and this year’s national theme is “It All Matters,” a message that honors everyone affected by diabetes and every effort made to prevent and manage the condition.

At Montefiore Einstein, our system is rallying around an additional local theme, Fueling Healthy Change, which highlights the importance of education, prevention, and community support. While the national theme recognizes a shared fight across the country, our local theme centers on the specific needs of the communities we serve. Together, these messages reinforce the same goal. Every choice matters, every action matters, and every effort to support healthier living matters.

A Full Month of Community Focused Programming

Planning for this year’s activities began months ago and involved clinicians, educators, medical students, wellness teams, and community organizations. More than 40 events are taking place across the Montefiore Einstein system, including at Moses, Wakefield, Einstein, Mount Vernon, and Nyack. These events give residents a chance to learn about diabetes prevention and management through activities designed to be friendly, clear, and easy to apply.

Kickoff Celebration Set the Tone for the Month

The campaign began on October 30 with a festive kickoff in the Grand Hall at the Moses Campus. Despite the cool weather outside, the indoor space created a warm environment for patients, families, and staff. Educational tables, interactive demonstrations, and helpful volunteers made it easy for visitors to explore topics such as nutrition, early warning signs, and ways to prevent complications.

Montefiore Einstein was also honored to welcome US Congressman Adriano Espaillat and New York State Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia. Both leaders spoke about the importance of diabetes awareness in the Bronx and the need for continued community education and support. Their presence reinforced the shared commitment to improving health outcomes for families across the region.

Candy Exchange Events Helped Children Make Healthy Choices

Soon after Halloween, the health system hosted two family friendly Candy Exchange events aimed at helping children make balanced choices during a season filled with sweets. On November 1, the Nyack Library held a playful Candy Exchange where kids could trade their Halloween candy for teddy bears. Families also learned simple ways to make healthier food choices. The relaxed setting encouraged children to explore nutrition in a hands-on way.

On November 4, the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore hosted the Montefiore Candy Exchange in the Grand Hall at the Moses Campus. Children came in costume, traded their candy for toys and prizes, and enjoyed games, diabetes friendly snacks, and educational activities. Families were able to meet specialists, ask questions and learn how to support children living with diabetes. Both events offered a supportive and fun approach to healthier habits.

Education for Seniors and Caregivers

Improving senior health remains a major part of this year’s programming. Many older adults live with diabetes or are at risk without realizing it. To meet this need, Montefiore Einstein is offering presentations across the senior center network on the connection between diabetes and dental health, as well as the role of mental health in daily management. These sessions offer practical and realistic steps older adults can take right away.

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