10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 1/14

Skip to Main Content

Find a Job GO

Select Price Go!

Cars GO

Search Listings Go

e Edition

Homepage

Local News

Features

Multimedia

Obituaries

Opinion

Sports

--------------Advertising

ClassifiedsSubscribe

Forms--------------

Buy PhotosNiagara Falls Tourist Info

Weather--------------

About UsContact Us

News Tipse-Edition

Bizfinder

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 2/14

Local News

Search

Article search... Go

Culinary SchoolsCulinary-School.org

Start Earning Your CulinaryDegree at a School in YourArea. Get Info!

Related Photos

James Neiss/staff photographer HEALTHY TALK: NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins discusses his

diabetes during an event at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. In addition to the talk from Wilkins, students from

the institute competed to turn one of his favorite Southern-style dinners into a healthy option. --

James Neiss/staff photographer HEALTHY OPTIONS: ingredients for the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

student competition. --

James Neiss/staff photographer IN THE STANDS: Former NBA all star Dominique Wilkins drew a crowd to

the culinary institute. --

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 3/14

James Neiss/staff photographer HEALTHY TALK: Dominique Wilkins talks about his struggle with diabetesafter his playing career during Tuesday's event. --

Discussion

October 15, 2013

NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls CulinaryInstitute

NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

By MIchele DeLuca Niagara Gazette

Niagara Gazette — Sugar is not sweet.

That's the message from former NBA basketball player Dominique Wilson who was at the Niagara Falls CulinaryInstitute Tuesday to hype good health as a way to beat diabetes.

Wilkins, 53, a former Atlanta Hawks Hall of Famer whose play on the courts has been likened to a "human highlight

reel," is now president of basketball for the Hawks. He is also an ambassador for Novo Nordisk, a manufactuerer of

diabetes medication.

Speaking in the culinary auditorium of the Niagara County Community College's culinary institute, at an event sponsored

by the Independent Health Foundation, Wilkins told about 100 students, community leaders, and area residents, about

the changes in his life since he was surprised by a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a disease that crippled his father and

grandfather.

Facebook social plugin

CommentPosting as Jon

Steinberg (Not

you?)

Add a comment...

Post to Facebook

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 4/14

"When you are a world-class athlete you think nothing bad can ever happen to you," he said. "It's only when life slows

down when you find out you're like everyone else. "

Wilkson said he had stopped training completely after retirement and gained some weight. Then he started feeling tired.But he was taken completely by surprise when he went for his annual checkup and the doctor made him wait two hours

for the results of his tests.

"The doctor came back and said 'I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're not dying yet. The bad

news is you are a diabetic,' " he said.

Since that diagnosis, the nine-time NBA all star has lost 47 pounds. He eats healthy and stays on his medication. He

drinks more than a gallon of water a day.

"The body cannot function properly without water. You drink diet soda and at the end of the day, it still turns into sugar.

I drink nothing but water," he noted, adding a good-natured aside that he does allow himself an occasional cocktail

because a little cheating helps him stay on his healthy diet.

He said that his meals are now is mostly chicken and turkey, and that he avoids fats, sugars and salt. He hasn't had

orange juice in over 14 years, due to its high sugar content, he said. In addition, exercise is imperative, he said, but

noted people don't need fancy equipment. "Your gym is right outside these doors," he told the audience. "Find a way to

get yourself out there."

While some people are frightened by a diagnosis of diabetes, he noted that the disease is relatively easy to manage.

"Change your diet, exercise and take your medication. It's not that difficult," he said.

His battle against the illness is simply another life challenge that draws out his competitive nature.

"I could not let this disease do to me what it did to my father and grandfather, who died of diabetes," he said. "Diabetes

is an opponent I compete with and I can actually say right now I am winning the battle."

Wilkins was later treated to a student cooking demonstration with the theme "Turning Soulful Delights into Healthy

Bites." City administrator Donna Owens and Councilman Charles Walker joined Wilkins and a handful of students in thecooking demonstration. Four Southern dishes were prepared with a healthy twist, including Creole Jambalaya, Home

Style Green Bean Casserole, Baked Smokin' Macaroni and Cheese and Pecan Peach Cobbler.

Prior to the event, Mayor Paul Dyster, who admitted the last time he slam-dunked was during the Carter administration,

gave Wilkins the key to the city.

Afterward, Wilkins joined the students in the school's spacious lobby to share the dishes with those who attended the

event and other students and those just passing by. While he was seen graciously signing autographs and taking pictures

with all who requested them, he managed to finish every bit of his jambalaya.

He admitted later that while it was the first time he'd ever had jambalaya without salt and oil, the re-invented dish had all

the flavors familiar to someone who favored that classic Southern dish. He declared with convincing enthusiasm, "It wasgreat."

Copies of the healthier versions of the student-made Southern favorites can be obtained by calling the Niagara

Falls Culinary Institute at 210-2525.

Text Only | Photo ReprintsShareThis Facebook Tweet LinkedIn Email

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 5/14

Local News

Council funds allow Isaiah 61 to expand its housing rehab efforts A housing nonprofit that is restoring a

vacant house on Whitney Avenue will now be working to take houses apart as well.

October 16, 2013

NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute Sugar

is not sweet. That's the message from former NBA basketball player Dominique Wilson who was at theNiagara Falls Culinary Institute Tuesday to hype good health as a way to beat diabetes.

October 15, 2013 4 Photos

Canadian chopper makes emergency landing in Wilson

A Canadian Royal Air Force search and rescue helicopter made an emergency landing Sunday in the

Town of Wilson, the Niagara County Sheriff's Office said.

October 15, 2013 1 Photo

Families celebrate as switch is flipped on new Pine Avenue traffic signal A much-debated and

long-awaited Pine Avenue traffic signal finally made its debut this week to the delight of two prominent

Niagara Falls families who pushed for its installation.

October 15, 2013 4 Photos

Toohey in line for reduced sentence in embezzlement case Federal prosecutors say they will ask for a

reduced sentence for disbarred Lewiston lawyer Timothy Toohey in connection with the Hickory Stick

embezzlement case.

October 14, 2013

Volunteer fire company grappling with EMT shortage Declining enrollment of volunteer EMTs has caused

South Lockport Volunteer Fire Co. to take a in-depth look at its emergency medical service.

October 14, 2013

Gas prices drop dramatically -- but watch for spike Despite a drop in case prices during the last month,

the uncertainty over the continued shutdown of the federal government could lead to a spike, according to

industry experts.

October 14, 2013

Niagara Falls cab driver robbed at gunpoint

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 6/14

Niagara Falls police are investigating the Sunday night robbery of a cab driver.

October 14, 2013 1 Photo

Sheriff's office investigates pair of Wheatfield break-ins

A garage break-in and a car break-in right down the street are being looked into by Niagara County

Sheriff's investigators.

October 14, 2013 1 Photo

NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins coming to Falls — to cook

Students from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute will compete to turn Hall of Fame basketball legend

Dominique Wilkins’ favorite Southern-style dinner into a healthy option during a special event Tuesday.

October 14, 2013 1 Photo

More Local News Headlines

Featured Ads

Seasonal Content

House Ads

AP Video

Sheriff Calls Filner 'Black Eye' for San Diego

House GOP Plan Unclear As Debt Deadline Nears

Arrest in LA Airport Ice Explosions

Kangaroo Discovered Hopping Around in Airport

Opinion

IN THE SPOTLIGHTAdvertise Here Call 716-282-2311 *2229

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 7/14

BRADBERRY: So, who ARE the American people, anyway? You've seen them

standing at the podium, politicians taking turns claiming to be speaking for the American people, dividing us

by political party, race, religion, philosophy, some even by the food we eat.

October 16, 2013 1 Photo

CONFER: Proposition 1 is a losing bet

CITY BEAT: In memory of 'Yo'

HIGGS: Beech Avenue School and city integration

House Ads

Night & Day

CALLERI: When an amusement park is no longer amusing Randy Moore, a native ofthe suburban Chicago village of Lake Bluff, graduated from a Florida college and set out to work in the

motion picture business. Moore's dream, which is the dream of many who head to Los Angeles, was to

write and direct movies.

October 15, 2013 1 Photo

SLIDESHOW: Oktoberfest takes over downtown Niagara Falls

Fourth annual Oktoberfest set for Old Falls Street on Saturday

Hyperlocal Search

niagara falls, ny

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 8/14

Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...

Popular Searches

Restaurants

Tires

Telecommunications

Pizza Restaurants

Beauty Salons

Government

Click for More

Front page

Poll

Do you think cigarette sales to non-Native American customersshould be taxed on reservations?

Yes. Items should be taxed like they are everywhere

else.

No, the indian reservations are sovereign land and

they are selling them on their land.

Not up to me. Native Americans decide the rules ontheir land.

Don't care. Smoking isn't good for you.

Vote View Results

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 9/14

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 10/14

Niagara Falls, NY

61°FCLICK FOR MORE WEATHER

ADVERTISERS

David Chevrolet /BuickDaVita HealthcarePartners Inc.Eco CentersMetro MattressMom's FamilyRestaurantNewfane LumberNiagara CommunityAction Program Inc.

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 11/14

Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons,

and more...

Find a business

Location

niagara falls, ny

Popular SearchesRestaurants in niagara falls

T ires in niagara falls

Telecommunications in niagara

falls

Pizza Restaurants in niagara falls

Beauty Salons in niagara falls

Government in niagara falls

Click for More

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 12/14

Site Map

NEWS

Local News

• Crime

• Communities

• Police Reports

• Opinion

• Editorials

• Columnists

• Features

• Night & Day

• Obituaries

• Local Sports

ADVERTISING

Advertising Avenue

• Coupons

CLASSIFIEDS

Classified Ads

• Buy a Classified

• Classic Car Search

• Find a Home

• Monster Jobs• Wheels

• Yard Sales

SUBSCRIBE

Home Delivery

• Subscriber Services

• Address Change

• Delivery Feedback

• Easy Pay

• Renew

• Vacation Stop

SPECIALS

Buy Photos

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 13/14

• Forms

• News Tips

• Weather

TOURIST INFORMATION

Niagara Falls Tourist Information

• Tourism News

INFO

About the Niagara Gazette

• Contact Us

WNY NEWSPAPERS

Lockport Union Sun & Journal

• Journal-Register (Medina)

• Niagara Gazette

• Tonawanda News

Contact Us

Phone:

(716) 282-2311

Fax:

(716) 286-3895

News Tips:(716) 282-2311 x2259

© 2013 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. · CNHI Classified Advertising Network · CNHI News Service Associated Press content © 2013. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or

redistributed.

Our site is powered by Zope. Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.

Privacy Policy | AP News Registry privacy policy

Terms and Conditions

Advertiser Index

10/16/13 NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins highlights event at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute » Local News » Niagara Gazette

niagara-gazette.com/local/x1909741603/NBA-Hall-of-Famer-Dominique-Wilkins-highlights-event-at-Niagara-Falls-Culinary-Institute 14/14

+Add Event

All Movies Dining Tickets

S M T W T F S

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Events by eviesays.comBack to top

Niagara Gazette 310 Niagara Street Niagara Falls, NY 14302