FLEMINGDON HEALTH CENTRE LAUNCHES NEW SOUTH ASIAN DIABETES PREVENTION CARE
KIT

First culturally and language relevant diabetes prevention kit for South Asians in Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Today, Flemingdon Health Centre will launch Canada's first diabetes prevention kit aimed at reducing the risk and impact of diabetes in South Asian communities. 

The new South Asian Diabetes Prevention Care Kit is a new resource that complements Flemingdon Health Centre's successful South Asian Diabetes Prevention Program (SADPP), which offers culturally relevant services in the community around early detection and prevention of diabetes. 

The South Asian Diabetes Prevention Care Kit provides South Asians seniors at risk of diabetes with a practical set of tools to take control over their personal health and the health of their communities.

Diabetes disproportionately affects South Asian communities as a result of socio-economic, genetic and lifestyle factors. This program reduces inequities faced by different populations in Toronto by offering an accessible program tailored to meet the needs seniors in South Asian communities.

The kit was created with support from the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network and funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's Aging at Home Strategy, which assists seniors to live independently at home and in the community. 

The kit includes:

• Booklet in English, Tamil and Urdu
• DVD in English, Tamil and Urdu
• Measuring spoons
• Pedometers
• Stress ball
• Measuring tape

Quotes:

Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care

Congratulations to Flemingdon Community Health Centre for taking the initiative to develop this important care kit and thanks to the Toronto Central LHIN for recognizing the value of this program. With culturally-relevant educational videos, great tip sheets and guides on everything from managing stress to portion control, the care kits are going to help South Asian seniors live healthier lives and prevent diabetes.

Heba Sadek, Program Manager, Flemingdon Health Centre

The South Asian communities have the right to understand what puts them at greater risk of developing diabetes after they migrate to Canada. This care kit is part of the South Asian Diabetes Prevention Program's efforts to enable families to be in control of making the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes and live happier, fuller lives.

Camille Orridge, CEO, Toronto Central LHIN

The South Asian Diabetes Prevention Program is a great example of the innovative ways organizations are supporting Toronto's diverse communities by delivering targeted, culturally meaningful programs.  The South Asian Diabetes Prevention Care Kit shows the power of communities to develop solutions to health issues. 

Quick Facts:

• Ontario Diabetes (2005) estimates that 14% of the South Asian population living in Canada is living with type 2 diabetes, compared to 5.2% of Canada's general population.
• Research shows South Asians are generally healthy when they arrive in Canada but, due to a combination of factors such as genetic predisposition, challenges around adjusting to the new lifestyle, and increased chronic stress around settlement, their risk of developing diabetes increases.
• People are more likely to be empowered to make changes in their lifestyle if they have access to resources that they find culturally relevant.
• Through the South Asian Diabetes Prevention Program approximately 1422 people have been screened for diabetes, 1144 people have participated in educational workshops and 200 people at-risk of developing diabetes have been identified.
• The success of the South Asian Diabetes Prevention Program has inspired the launch of two other programs: Live Free - Prevent Diabetes aimed at Caribbean and Latin Americans, and an Aboriginal diabetes program.

For further information:

Media Contact:
Heba Sadek, Flemingdon Health Centre            
416-429-4991 ex. 294