Stand Up To Diabetes Community Tour
McGuinty Government Educating Ontarians On Diabetes Strategy
TORONTO, Aug. 4 /CNW/ -
NEWS
Some of Ontario's diabetes experts are hitting the road to help people in communities across the province learn about the valuable diabetes supports and resources located close to home.
In partnership with local Diabetes Education Programs, a service that Ontarians living with diabetes can access through their health care provider or by self-referral, the Stand up to Diabetes community tour will visit 10 Ontario communities over the next four weeks. Each visit will also feature local experts who can help those who are living with the diabetes - or those at risk - learn how to prevent and manage the disease.
Each community visit will feature:
- A diabetes nurse educator, who will discuss valuable resources and the three key tests that are an important part of managing diabetes; blood sugar (HbA1C), cholesterol and a retinal eye exam; - A local chef who will provide healthy recipes, cooking demonstrations and insights on meal planning; - An EatRight Ontario Registered Dietitian to advise on the importance of healthy eating and nutrition information on how to prevent and manage diabetes; - The Canadian Diabetes Association with information on diabetes and how to live well while managing the disease; and - A local fitness expert, who will share fitness tips and explain why physical exercise is key to preventing and managing diabetes.
QUOTES
"We're getting out to talk to Ontarians about diabetes and equip them with tools to manage the disease. Anyone living with or at risk of diabetes should know that they are not alone. This community tour is a great way to connect Ontarians with the supports they need to stand up to diabetes."
- Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
"Reaching people in community settings is an effective way to provide information and advice. Type 2 diabetes is a significant threat to the health of many Ontarians. Eatright Ontario is a useful resource in the fight against type 2 diabetes.
- Margarett Best, Minister of Health Promotion
QUICK FACTS - There are approximately 960,000 Ontarians aged 18 and over with diabetes. This is a 72 per cent increase over the last decade. - Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness and end-stage renal disease and an important factor in cardiovascular complications. - The Ontario Diabetes Strategy was launched in 2008 with a $741 million investment to prevent, manage and treat diabetes.
LEARN MORE
Learn more about Ontario's Diabetes Strategy (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/ms/diabetes/en/about_diabetes_strategy.html)
For further information: or to arrange an interview with any of the Stand up to Diabetes spokespeople, please contact: Julia Alter or Marsha Knoll, 416-979-1120, [email protected], [email protected]
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