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November 13, 2009
VICTORIA – Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), in partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), is offering interactive diabetes information and education sessions to staff and public in support of World Diabetes Day, November 14th.
"People who exercise regularly, eat healthy, watch their weight and never smoke can reduce their chances of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes by 80 per cent", said Health Services Minister Kevin Falcon. "Focusing on preventative health not only results in better health outcomes for British Columbians, but also reduces the financial impact on our health system at a time when the sustainability of our world class health system is under pressure."
The upcoming VIHA/CDA education and information session will take place on Saturday, November 14th at Tillicum Mall. The interactive displays offer the chance to learn about diabetes risks and build awareness about warning signs, such as:
- Unusual thirst;
- Frequent urination
- Weight change (gain or loss);
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy;
- Blurred vision;
- Frequent or recurring infections;
- Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal; and,
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
“Over two million Canadians have diabetes, a serious chronic condition with potentially devastating complications. If uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, depression and amputation,” said Victoria Power, VIHA’s director of Primary Health Care & Chronic Disease Management. “VIHA’s participation in World Diabetes Day draws attention to this serious disease. This year’s slogan, ‘Understand Diabetes and Take Control’, highlights the importance of high-quality, current diabetes education, delivered by trained health professionals, such as nurses, physicians, and registered dietitians.”
For more information on diabetes, its causes and symptoms and how to better manage it, please visit http://www.viha.ca/phc_cdm/cdm/diabetes.htm and http://www.diabetes.ca/.
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Contact:
Shannon Marshall
VIHA Communications
250-370-8270 |
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