ADI Famous People Jan 2006

Dick Clark turned 76 years old this past November 30. He is called “the
oldest teenager” because of his time as the host of the hit show, “American
Bandstand” from 1956-1987. He also hid the fact that he was diagnosed with
Type 2 diabetes in 1994. When he had some health issues in April of 2004, it
was announced by the media that Clark had diabetes. He only came public
because of the media break.

Since that time, Dick Clark has linked up with the American Association of
Diabetes Educators and their financial backer of a project, Merck & Co. The
project is called, “Diabetes: Know the Heart Part.” It is about the link
between diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. He has toured with this project
around the United States.

Dick Clark treats his diabetes with medications, diet by controlling his
portions and by getting at least 20 minutes of exercise a day. He finds
adding exercise to his daily routine very hard because of his hectic
schedule. When he travels, he tries to remember to exercise. He likes to
take the stairs instead of the elevator and by walking more to places that are
close by.

When he is at home, he like to take his dogs for a walk at the beach by his
home. When he gets back he does more work at his in-home gym. The
machines he has is a treadmill, a stair climber, a rowing machine and a weight
bench. He also finds it vital to have a tv in his workout room in order to make
sure he stays interested. If it wasn’t for the tv, he probably wouldn’t go into
the gym at all.

Dick Clark wants all diabetics to follow their own instructions for their
diabetes. Since everyone is different, nobody should follow his routine or
try to do things exactly like him. Work with your health care professional to
get the best care that you can.

Having diabetes hasn’t slowed Dick Clark at all. He still produces to award
shows like the “Golden Globes”, the “Daytime Emmy’s”, and the “American
Music Awards.” He was also the Executive Producer of the show, “American
Dreams”, which used footage of “American Bandstand.” Dick Clark would like
to see a comeback of “American Bandstand” which would focus on dancing
competitions, much like the loved hit “American Idol.” He has also done many
other shows in his career either by hosting them and/or by producing them.

I guess what bothers me most about Mr. Clark and his diabetes, is that he felt
the need to hide it until the media made it public.