Written by | Ray Cornelius
The Atlanta Diabetes Expo was held on Saturday from 9 am. to 3 p.m. at The Cobb Galleria just a few minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. The free event featured health screenings, cooking demonstrations, exhibitors, and a Kids Zone. It was presented by the American Diabetes Association as part of Diabetes Awareness Month. There was also an active living area that included Zumba, Salsa lessons from Clahvay Dancers and contemporary ballroom dancing by Ken and Karen Kicks. In addition, this year’s Expo featured insurance agencies and leading experts discussing the latest in diabetes management, research and prevention.
Dominique took pictures with fans at the booth for his “Diabetes Dream Team” initiative
The highlight of this year’s Expo was celebrity appearances by former Atlanta Hawks star and philanthropist, Dominique Wilkins; “Top Five” actor Cedric “The Entertainer” and Grammy winning-music legend, author, and actress, Patti LaBelle. Wilkins was there promoting his nationwide initiative, Diabetes Dream Team which encourages adults to take a full-court approach to managing their diabetes. Cedric was there promoting StepOnUp.com. It’s part of a new national PSA campaign bringing awareness to diabetic nerve pain. Cedric’s father suffers from it and he appears in a new video for the pharmaceutical company.
Patti Labelle talking to the audience about her new line of spices and sauces
LaBelle joined celebrity chef and author Lauren Candace Von Der Pool for a live cooking demonstration using her new spice and sauce line, “The Good Life with Patti LaBelle.” The ladies cooked healthy seafood and turkey burgers and shared samples with the audience. LaBelle revealed that she did her own cooking while traveling on the road and always took her spices with her. She also said that she has lost 20 lbs. over the last month and has a personal trainer to help her exercise. Afterward the demonstration, LaBelle gave away some signature cookware and spices to a lucky audience member and rocked the mic with an A cappella version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Check out photos below:
Dominique Wilkins is a spokesperson for Victoza
Clahvay Dancers offered free Salsa lesson to the attendees
Couldn’t resist getting a photo of this guy with his giant Yellow Burmese Python
Cedric “The Entertainer” was signing posters for his new “Step On Up” Campaign
Ken Hicks offered participants ballroom dance lessons
FitDefenders.com were in the house to show youth how to eat healthy and stay fit
WSB News Anchor Jovita Moore hosted the main stage and introduced Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle waving to the audience as she arrives on stage
Patti LaBelle wasted no time and jumped right into cooking with Chef Lauren Candace Von Der Pool
Chef Lauren Candace Von Dor Pool is also the author of the book, Eat Yourself Sexy
Patti LaBelle congratulating the winner of the free cookwear and spices
Patti LaBelle thanking Chef Lauren Candace Von Der Pool for cooking with her
Patti LaBelle singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com
