According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Every 19 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes and recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes by 2050. One in 11 Americans has diabetes now, says the ADA. Even more frightening, the ADA estimates that 1 in 3 adults is at risk of developing it. This May the NC Tour de Cure presented by Quintiles will start its one and two-day rides from Cary, NC, in an effort to raise money to fight this disease. Endurance Magazine caught up with 49-year-old Ivan Gobern, captain of the NC Tour de Cure Team Block Islanders to talk about diabetes and how it has motivated him to take a stand.
EM: According to the ADA, diabetes is one of the most serious health problems that the African American community faces today. How have you and your family been affected by diabetes?
IG: A jaw-dropping 1 in 7 African Americans here have this deadly and sometimes preventable disease. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Minority Health shared in 2010 that we are 2.2 times more likely than Non-Hispanic Whites to die from diabetes. This is a huge family, health, cultural and economic problem. Personally, I have one sibling recently diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Seven of my 8 uncles and aunts have diabetes. Three of my grandparents passed with diabetes as well as my great grandparents. I have lost one parent to the disease while my other is holding on to the end of his life with diabetes.
EM: At what point did you make a conscious decision to lead a healthy lifestyle?
IG: Healthy living and fitness have been my hobby, interest or occupation since I was 20 years old. The alarm of seeing my sweet grandmother lose her legs before losing her life, then both my mother and father having diabetes and high blood pressure related strokes that landed them in nursing care and paralyzed was a huge wake up call.
EM: What are some things you do or have done to stay healthy?
IG: Moderation, meal planning, being mindful when eating out, choosing healthy snacks, making creative salads, keeping the fruit bowl stocked, avoiding sugary soft drinks, baking versus frying foods and going light on red meat, alcohol, carbohydrates and starches is normal eating for us. Also important is that I don’t smoke and enjoy sleep. In terms of activity, I celebrate movement! Exercise for me has equal effect on my spiritual and emotional fitness as it does physically. I have always been active and chose cycling so I can follow a passion that will take me far beyond retirement age. I like feeling connected to and caring for my body as a gift. Diabetes has shown that we are not all entitled to legs, arms and mobility.
EM: What are some ways you have helped others lead healthier lives?
IG: I have spent 30 years in a number of remarkable human service roles. Today I support employee wellness around the globe as a Health Coach with Workplace Options. Other fun health experiences include my sports and pain management practice in California, private personal training and group exercise instruction, creating and leading a family and friends cycling team to raise diabetes awareness, helping almost any friend who asks find a quality pre-owned bike, and volunteering with the ADA.
EM: What inspired you to get involved with the Tour de Cure and how long have you been involved with it?
IG: I moved back home from the West Coast in 2011 to be closer to my siblings and mother in the Triangle area. It seemed to me there were few African Americans on the bike trails and roads at that time. It was difficult to find communities or groups of color where eating well and exercise were a given, or at least a conscious daily goal. So, I asked my twin and sister if we could make a difference in our family and beyond by setting an example of eating well and exercising. They agreed and Team Block Islanders was born.
EM: Tell us about the inspiration for your team name.
IG: My father, his mother and her parents all with diabetes are from a small island off the Rhode Island coast. We are the descendants of Block Island’s Manisses Indians.
EM: What do you like most about the Tour de Cure?
IG: With 25 year’s of non-profit experience I have never supported a cause with a more passionate, effective and talented organizational staff. At the ADA when passion meets purpose lives are changed, improved, and connected. I choose to be part of the solution.
EM: What do you like most about cycling?
IG: I get to explore some very special places. Outdoors has become my moving meditation in nature. Cycling offers a high cardiovascular benefit and zero weight bearing impact on the body, knees, low back, etc. It’s also both exciting and addictive. Almost anyone can do it and you can start at any level. It is also a low cost, easy-maintenance and safe sport.
EM: Where are your favorite places to ride in North Carolina and why?
IG: The Neuse River Greenway Trail provides miles and miles of first-class trail and is surrounded by undisturbed nature alongside a beautiful river. I also enjoy riding on the American Tobacco Trail and the many beautiful North Carolina country roads like Old U.S. 1 South.
EM: You have a very cool tattoo on your arm. Tell us about the tattoo and why you chose to get it.
IG: Life is a journey lived in different stages on different paths or in different directions. I have learned that the daily practice of 12 basic spiritual principals brings me joy, freedom, peace and balance. So I very thoughtfully and intentionally placed the spiritual principals I live by on the inside of my bicep.
EM: How can someone make a donation to your team?
IG: Visit NCTourdeCure.org and click “Donate”, then “Find” Team Block Islander or Ivan Gobern. You can also follow our Team on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TourDeCureTeamBlockIslanders
